First and foremost, let’s start by defining what the Fundamental Attribution Error is. The Fundamental Attribution Error is when you make a judgement about someone’s personality based off their behavior within a situation without considering how other factors that may have played a role. Or simply put, a false assumption.
Suppose you’re driving in a semi busy road and cuts in front of you and speeds off. Chances are, you may have shouted a few profanities here and there, followed by some name calling. Now, pause. Did you notice how easy it was for you to quickly make assumptions about the person without considering why they were speeding in the first place? Would your perspective change if you knew the driver was the husband of a pregnant wife, racing to get to the hospital to deliver their baby?
We’ve all fallen victim to the Fundamental Attribution Error one way or another, but we are all also culprits in performing it as well. It’s hard not to make an assumption if your boyfriend or girlfriend haven’t answered your text in 7 hours! However, keep in mind that false assumptions can lead to bad relationships and even change your perspective on the person. Remember this: overthinking can create problems that never existed in the first place.
Here are 2 ways that can help you avoid the curse of the Fundamental Attribution…
