Explain what the fundamental attribution error is, and give an example of how it might affect
a relationship.
What will be an ideal response?
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.
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What will be an ideal response?
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