Which of the following is an example of the fundamental attribution error?

• A. Recognizing that someone is angry because they are having a stressful day at work.
• B. Believing your own poor exam performance was due to the test being unfair rather than your lack of preparation.
• C. Attributing your friend's success on a project to their hard work, even though they had significant help from others.
• D. Assuming a classmate is late to a meeting because they are irresponsible, without considering that they might have been stuck in traffic.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the fundamental attribution error refers to the tendency to overemphasize personal characteristics (dispositional factors) and underestimate situational factors when explaining others' behavior.
2. Identify examples where a person's behavior is explained mainly by their personality or disposition, ignoring external circumstances that could have influenced their actions.
3. Analyze each option to see if the explanation focuses on internal traits rather than external situations.
4. Recognize that assuming a classmate is late because they are irresponsible (an internal trait) without considering traffic (an external situation) exemplifies the fundamental attribution error.
5. Conclude that this example fits the definition because it attributes behavior to disposition while neglecting situational causes.