explaining others
how people explain other peoples behavior
attribution theory
Self conscious individuals view themselves in the same manner as outside observers do. They are more likely to attribute their behavior to an internal state rather than situational variables.
Degree of self awareness
strongly influence how we interpret and remember events
preconceptions
current attitudes influence how past attitudes are remembered
past attitudes
knowing without analyses or reason
intuition
behavior is attributed to either:
dispositional vs situational attributions
internal or external causes
enduring vs transient factors
collectivist cultures more likely to attribute behavior to situational causes.
cultural difference
can influence our processing of information
expectation
incorporating misinformation into ones memory after witnessing an event and receiving false information about it
misinformation effect
tendency to overestimate the accuracy of ones beliefs
*the more ignorant you are of a subject the more confident you are of your beliefs*
overconfidence phenomenon
the tendency for others to overestimate dispositional influences over situational influences.
viewpoint, who is doing the action.
An observer will discount the situation, the subject will pay attention to the situation
perspective
persistence in ones initial conceptions, when the basis for ones belief is discredited
ex: wet hair on a cold day will cause sickness
belief perseverance
perception of a relationship where none exists or perception of a stronger relationship than actually exists
illusory correlation
search for info that confirms ones preconceptions
confirmation bias
What role does FAE play in everyday life?
same behavior is viewed differently according to FAE
how do you correct belief perseverance
explain the opposite of your belief
perception of uncontrollable events as controllable
ex: gambling
illusion of control
prompt feedback and critical attempt to disconfirm their own beliefs
remedy for overconfidence