Question

Samuel, a fifth grader, had to write an essay about how wonderful the mayor was and how much good he had done for the town. Samuel's dad was very upset with him after reading the essay because his dad didn't really like the mayor. Samuel's dad was mad that Samuel disagreed with him, even when Samuel told him he was forced to write the essay. Samuel is in a similar situation as participants in Jones and Harris (1967) study. Samuel's dad is __________.
a. overusing distinctiveness information.
b. making the fundamental attribution error.
c. making a self-serving attribution.
d. using a consensus effect.

Answer 1

Answer:

Samuel's dad is B. Making the fundamental attribution error.

Explanation:

The fundamental attribution error refers to the tendency individuals have to assume that an individual acts a certain way because of his/her personality, rather than the environment or external situations which could be of influence.

Individuals tend to assume someone is internally driven to something, not taking into account any external motives such as having to perform certain task because it was asked of them.

In this example we can see that Samuel had a school assignment; writing about the mayor and why he is good for the town. His father is not taking into account this information, automatically assuming Samuel is disagreeing with him because of his points of view on the essay. He doesn't listen when Samuel tells him he had to write it.

So, it can be concluded that Samuel's dad is making this error about his son, thinking that he really thinks this way about the mayor.

Answer 2

Answer:
B) Making the fundamental attribution error.