Explain what the fundamental attribution error is, and give an example of how it might affect a relationship
What will be an ideal response?
Answer: A fundamental attribution error occurs when a person attributes another's behavior to internal, controllable causes rather than to external, uncontrollable causes. For example, if I go to the store to return a gift that I didn't like and the clerk tells me it's not returnable, I commit a fundamental attribution error if I decide the clerk wouldn't accept my return because he is a jerk, when, in fact, he is just following company policy and doesn't really have a choice. This will affect our relationship, even though it is a transitory one, because of the way I will probably respond to the clerk as a result of my attribution of the clerk's behavior. It could lead to a heated discussion but is unlikely to be a satisfying communication in any case.
You might also like to view...
University and military researchers were the driving forces behind the early rendition of the Internet
Indicate whether this statement is true or false.
The best way to rehearse or practice your speech is _____
A. by sitting at a desk and going over the material by mumbling through the outline or notes B. writing your speech and then immediately begin practicing it in front of others C. practicing in front of a mirror but not people so that you are fresh D. doing whatever works best for you
In the __________ model, couples move both toward and away from commitment over the course of their relationship
a. turning point b. social penetration c. dialectic d. stages of relational development
Which of the following is an example of a semi-fixed feature?
a. home b. office c. desk d. room e. school