Learn Before
Example

Example of the Fundamental Attribution Error

Imagine Jamie comes home from work and, in response to a cheerful greeting from their spouse Morgan, yells, 'Leave me alone!' Someone committing the fundamental attribution error would likely conclude that Jamie is a mean or unfriendly person. This is a dispositional (trait-based) explanation. However, a situational explanation would consider external factors. For instance, if Jamie had just been laid off, the yelling could be attributed to a temporary state of frustration and disappointment rather than an inherent personality trait.

0

1

Updated 2025-10-05

Tags

Psychology

Social Science

Empirical Science

Science

Ch.12 Social Psychology - Psychology @ OpenStax

OpenStax

Psychology @ OpenStax

Introduction to Psychology @ OpenStax Course

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook