Attribution Errors

In his discussion on perception, Floyd describes the three most common attribution errors. The author describes these habits as “mental shortcuts” we take when attempting to explain the actions of others.

The first attribution error that Floyd describes is the self-serving bias. The self-serving bias is our tendency to attribute our success to “stable internal causes” and our failure to “unstable external causes” (145). Even though this tendency seems to reflect our need to stay positive it is still a misconception in judgment. If we base our future judgments on these misconceptions we are sure to reach inaccurate conclusions. We are much better off judging our successes and failures as they are and learning from our correct assessment of them.

Floyd goes on to describe the fundamental attribution error, which is our tendency to blame other’s behavior on internal causes rather than external ones. It is interesting that we have a natural tendency to attribute our own flaws to external factors but other’s flaws to internal ones. It seems that we would extend the same courtesy to others that we do to ourselves. In committing this attribution error we create problems that would otherwise not exist.

The third and final of the most common attribution errors that Floyd describes is overatribution. In overatribution we choose one characteristic about an individual and attribute all of their actions to that trait. In doing this we overlook the real reasons for peoples actions. Our misconceptions can cause problems in our communications and overall relationships with these individuals.

In general, the attribution errors are ways in which we think that make it easier for us to understand the actions of others and the things that happen to us. In committing these misconceptions we come to incorrect conclusions and delude the reality of the situation.