Written Assignment 6

Psychology Assignment six

Question #1 (A)

Fundamental attribution error is the tendency for people to blame other people rather than a situational factor when searching for the cause of some behavior or outcome. According to the authors, “it often takes a bit or research to discover the situational roots of behavior. Situational forces are often invisible.” (pg 511) The authors further point out that a negative outlook regarding the situation is probably not a good idea; rather the person should take a step back and try to see the situation in question as situation instead of the credit of the person in question. I know in my life for example I usually associate problems with the person and want to blame the person. I could for sure be better at thinking about it in a situational perspective. When reading this chapter I actually reflected on a past topic of discussion which was about optimistic and pessimistic attitudes. I liked how it brought to light the difference between the two attitudes. The difference between the ways of looking at things had to do with if the person felt like they could or could not be successful based on outside influences that affected the outcome. If the person felt like what they did had an affect the outcome they were more likely to press forward and do better. If they on the other hand felt like no matter what there was going to be some outside force holding them back or affecting things then they were more likely to pull back and not be successful. I think that talking about (FAE) we can see that our attitude or ability to almost I guess humble ourselves in situation will help determine the outcome or how we perceive what goes on around us and in society.

Question #1 (B)

Cognitive dissonance “is the state of conflict someone experiences after making a decision, taking an action or being exposed to information that is contrary to prior or beliefs, feeling, or values.” (pg 526) We all do a “self-perception” reflection y...