The Fundamental Attribution Error: Don't be a Jerk

Whenever I find myself being a big jerk, it is almost always because I am making the fundamental attribution error. What I find amazing is the fact that it was one of the first things I learned when studying psychology but I still struggle with it today. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was sitting in Dr. Burn’s social psychology class at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. The reason I remember it so well is because it was so simple yet profound. The fundamental attribution error states that people mistakenly attribute negative actions to internal characteristics rather than external factors. That is to say when we observe someone do something not cool then we assume that person is a jerk rather than assume something bad happened to that person. The example Dr. Burn gave was the late student. If a student is late for class people usually assume he/she is irresponsible, rude, and inconsiderate. People assume that the tardiness is a habit. However, the student’s alarm could have not gone off, there could have been an accident on the way to class or he/she could have had a fierce battle with IBS in the morning. Assuming this would engender feelings of compassion and understanding (especially if it was IBS) but we don't do that do we. Instead we assume the worst and feel annoyed and even angry. And so whenever I act like a jerk it is because of this attribution error. Even if I don't act on those thoughts and emotions, they are still going on in my mind. Wouldn't it be great if we could all have compassion and understanding for one another rather than judgement? Of course it would be great you jerk!

P.S.  Although you will probably never read this, thanks for the life lesson Dr. Burn. I actually learned something!