Fundamental Attribution Error
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-28
CORE DEFINITION
The Fundamental Attribution Error, also known as misattribution, refers to the tendency for people to overemphasize internal or personal factors (e.g., personality) when evaluating others' behavior, even when there is sufficient evidence to support situational factors (e.g., circumstances or hidden rules).
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
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The Fundamental Attribution Error, also known as misattribution, refers to the tendency for people to overemphasize internal or personal factors (e.g., personality) when evaluating others' behavior, even when there is sufficient evidence to support situational factors (e.g., circumstances or hidden rules).
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When explaining others' behavior, people instinctively lean toward internal traits (character, ability) and underestimate situational forces, because traits are more salient while situations are more hidden. The mechanism is 'visibility bias'—observers focus on the actor and ignore the environment.
MINIMUM ACTION
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Source support: Explicit
- zh.wikipedia.orghttps://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%9F%BA%E6%9C%AC%E6%AD%B8%E5%9B%A0%E8%AC%AC%E8%AA%A4verified
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