The fundamental attribution error, also known as correspondence bias, describes observers’ propensity to attribute others behaviour to internal causes (dispositions), rather than to external (situational) causes (Spencer & Myers, 2006). These snap judgements influence how we then feel and react to an individual or situation (Spencer & Myers, 2006).
An example of fundamental attribution error.
In the example above one girl is finding an exam difficult, while the other two think it is easy. When the girl leaves the others attribute her behaviour (having difficulty with the exam) to an internal disposition factor (not intelligent). In reality the girl's grandmother passed away the night before and she cannot focus on the exam - a situational factor.
Fundamental Attribution Error
Myers, D. G. & Spencer, S. J. (2006). Social Psychology, Third Canadian Edition. Toronto, Canada: McGraw-Hill Ryerson.
Social Beliefs and Judgments