Psychology Attribution and Biases

Mr. Allen sees a student texting during class and thinks, “She’s so disrespectful.” Unbeknownst to him, she was messaging her younger sibling to check on their sick parent. Which term best explains Mr. Allen’s thinking?

• A) Situational Attribution

• B) Dispositional Attribution

• C) Actor-Observer Bias

• D) Mere Exposure Effect

After receiving a rejection letter from a college, Maya says, “I’ll never succeed. I’m just not good enough.” What explanatory style is Maya using?

• Optimistic

• Dispositional

• Pessimistic

• Internal Locus of Control

Jordan says he failed his test because the teacher didn’t explain things well. But when his friend fails, he says, “She probably didn’t study.” What bias is Jordan showing?

• A) Fundamental Attribution Error

• B) Actor-Observer Bias

• C) Self-Serving Bias

• D) External Locus of Control

When Cassie wins the debate competition, she says it’s because she’s a great speaker. When she loses the next one, she blames poor judging. What bias is Cassie showing?

• A) Fundamental Attribution Error

• B) Actor-Observer Bias

• C) Self-Serving Bias

• D) External Locus of Control

Elijah believes his hard work and preparation will lead to a promotion at work. Which concept is reflected in Elijah’s belief?

• Self-Serving Bias

• Internal Locus of Control

• External Locus of Control

• Situational Attribution

At first, Alia didn’t like the song playing on the radio. But after hearing it all week, she starts to sing along and enjoy it. This is an example of:

• Social Comparison

• Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

• Mere Exposure Effect

• Mirror-Image Perceptions

A teacher expects Malik to struggle, so she calls on him less and gives limited feedback. Over time, Malik disengages and fails. What concept does this illustrate?

• Attribution Theory

• Fundamental Attribution Error

• Social Comparison

• Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

Taylor gets a raise, but instead of feeling satisfied, she feels upset because a coworker received a bigger one. Which concept is Taylor experiencing?

• Optimistic Explanatory Style

• Social Comparison

• Relative Deprivation

• External Locus of Control

Kevin sees someone cut in line and thinks, “That guy is so rude,” not realizing the man is late to a job interview. Kevin is demonstrating:

• Actor-Observer Bias

• Dispositional Attribution

• Fundamental Attribution Error

• External Locus of Control

Sasha assumes her friend is being distant because she’s selfish, not knowing she’s dealing with anxiety. Which term best explains Sasha’s assumption?

• A) Situational Attribution

• B) Dispositional Attribution

• C) Relative Deprivation

• D) Self-Serving Bias