In Attributional Biases Part 1, we reviewed the Actor-Observer Bias or Actor-Observer Effect where we make attributions about BOTH ourselves and others. We attribute our own behavior to situational factors (e.g., characteristics of a task, social situation, or physical environment) and other's behaviors to dispositional factors (e.g., mood, ability, or motivation).
The Fundamental Attribution Error
We ONLY make attributions about others' behaviors. Specifically, we tend to make dispositional attributions towards others -- sometimes referred to as "blaming the victim." So the next time your colleague shows up late to work, and you think, "They're just not motivated or they're not conscientious," then you're making a Fundamental Attribution Error!
The Self-Serving Bias
This applies to only attributions we make about ourselves and it addresses BOTH successes AND failures. When things are going well, we own the success and attribute it to something we did or something about ourselves that made it happen. When we fail or experience a negative outcome, we tend to attribute it to something outside of our control, like the environment, specific circumstances etc. The Self- Serving Bias is about Self-Preservation!
