The "fundamental attribution error" refers to our tendency to _______.

• A. overemphasize dispositional factors and underestimate situational factors when explaining others' behavior
• B. focus equally on both situational and dispositional explanations for behavior
• C. attribute our own successes to internal factors and failures to external factors
• D. assume that people's actions are always justified by external circumstances

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of the fundamental attribution error, which is a common cognitive bias in social psychology.
2. Recognize that this error involves how people explain the causes of others' behavior, specifically the tendency to focus on internal characteristics rather than external situations.
3. Recall that dispositional factors refer to internal traits, such as personality or intentions, while situational factors refer to external circumstances or environmental influences.
4. Identify that the fundamental attribution error means overemphasizing dispositional factors and underestimating situational factors when interpreting others' actions.
5. Compare the given answer choices to this understanding and select the one that states the tendency to overemphasize dispositional factors and underestimate situational factors.