Unit 2 - Part 2

Question 1

What is the definition of correspondence bias?

Answer 1

The tendency to explain other’s actions as stemming from their dispositions, even in the presence of clear situational causes

Question 2

What is the fundamental attribution error in correspondence bias?

Answer 2

actions reflect who they are so we think: they are that kind of person
-> predictions are based off their supposed traits while overlooking potential external causes

Question 3

What can we say about salience in correspondence bias?

Answer 3

if the cause is not perceived (not salient) it fades into the background

Question 4

What is the self-serving bias?

Answer 4

The tendency to attribute our own positive outcomes to internal causes but negative outcomes to external factors
-> e.g.: good grade - internal; bad grade - external

Question 5

What can we obtain from the attribution theory of Kurt Lewin?

Answer 5

• practical use
• explanations for social behavior
• further research

Question 6

What are 2 examples for the application of attribution theory?

Answer 6

• Depression
• Terrorism

Question 7

How common is the psychological disorder depression?

Answer 7

affects/has affected almost half of all human beings
-> most common psychological disorder

Question 8

What do depressive people tend to do?

Answer 8

applicate self-defeating pattern of negative attributions
e.g.: I failed this test because I am stupid
-> positive attributions are rare, temporary and due to good lock

Question 9

What are depressions related to?

Answer 9

long-lasting internal causes

Question 10

How do terrorist explain their behavior?

Answer 10

External causes: Revenge
Internal causes: do good