- Reference:
Explanations and Implications of the Fundamental Attribution Error: A review and Proposal by Zachary Berry and Joel Frederickson.
- Write out the article’s outline.
This article seeks to give an in depth understanding of what Fundamental Attribution Error (FAE) is, and as well gives an explanation as to the reasons for its existence. Further, the article also gives the most likely outcomes and consequences for committing a Fundamental attribution error, and sends by giving a possible solution to this problem.
- Describe the key points that the article is making. Do not simply list a bunch of facts. In every article there are only 2 to 5 major points (not facts) that the authors are trying to compel the reader to believe.
The authors have pointed out in great detail that social scientists ( and almost everyone else) commit the errors of FAE due to some reasons, most of which are intrinsic. They argue that social scientists must mainly be keen to avoid these errors, and they must be proactive to understand how these errors may hamper their understanding and explanations of social interaction theories.
The article also explains why FAE occurs, and discusses in great detail a number of these reasons, such as; the correlation between attribution and comfort, and even how people make judgments when faced with certain situations. The authors as identify that in most instances, people remain more salient than their circumstances.
The article also offers and discusses a new way of approach to the problems of fundamental attribution error. They argue that to understand the issue correctly; there must be a new way of looking at it, such that there is a better and enhanced understanding of what it is, and how to avoid it.
- List a sufficient number of relevant empirical findings that the author cited to argue their case for the above points.
- a) Gilovich et al., (2013) explain the conditions which are necessary to produce an error of this type.
- b) Robinson & McArthur (1978) explains in details why people appear to be more salient than their situations which describe the Fundamental Attribution Error.
- c) Walster (1966) offers a rational explanation in the form of a hypothesis while explaining why social scientists commit the error of FAE
- d) Gilbert (2002) attempts to outline the process through which one eventually ends up judging others, aiding in the commission of FAE\
- e) Lungdridge and Butt (2204) explain in details why there is a need for attempting to explain FAE in a newer approach that is more consistent with current conditions, and in the light of new scientific evidence.
- Identify and explain the overarching single thesis that every sentence and paragraph supports.
The authors have attempted in some considerable detail to further the idea that there is a need to understand what FAE is, especially by social scientists. Closely linked to this is the need to develop a newer and better way of looking at FAE, given the evidence presented by different authors.