Actor-observer
People account for their own behavior differently from how they account for the behavior
of others. When observing the behavior of others, we tend to attribute their
actions to their character or their personality rather than to external factors. In contrast,
we tend to explain our own behavior in terms of situational factors beyond
our own control rather than attributing it to our own character. One explanation for
this difference is that people are aware of the situational forces affecting them but
not of situational forces affecting other people. Thus when evaluating someone
else’s behavior, we focus on the person rather than the situation.
Professor
So, we encounter this in life all the time, but many of us are unaware that we do this .
. . even psychologists who study it . . . like me. For example, the other day I was at the
store and I was getting in line to buy something. But just before I was actually in line,
some guy comes out of nowhere and cuts right in front of me. Well, I was really annoyed
and thought, “that was rude!” I assumed he was just a selfish, inconsiderate
person when, in fact, I had no idea why he cut in line in front of me or whether he
even realized he was doing it. Maybe he didn’t think I was actually in line yet . . . But
my immediate reaction was to assume he was a selfish or rude person.
OK so a few days after that, I was at the store again. Only this time I was in a real
hurry—I was late for an important meeting—and I was frustrated that everything was
taking so long. And what’s worse, all the check-out lines were long, and it seemed like
everyone was moving so slowly. But then I saw a slightly shorter line! But some
woman with a lot of stuff to buy was walking toward it, so I basically ran to get there
first, before her, and, well, I did. Now I didn’t think of myself as a bad or rude person
for doing this. I had an important meeting to get to—I was in a hurry, so, you know, I
had done nothing wrong.
Question--> Explain how the two examples discussed by the professor illustrate differences in the
ways people explain behavior.
Post dates | Users | rates | Contents |
---|---|---|---|
2013-10-02 | smartaquarius10 | 77.14 | Check this speaking |
2014-01-03 | Pinky123 | 93.33 | Check this speaking |
- The students discuss two possible solutions to the woman's problem. Describe the problem. Then state which of the two solutions you prefer and explain why. 95
- The Hierarchy of Needs Abraham Maslow developed the theory of the human being s Hierarchy of Needs He created a pyramid of basic human needs At the lowest level are basic survival needs such as food and shelter If a person satisfies that level then the in 90
- ...Hacking: Crime or Service to Society?...In the world of computers, the term “hacker” gets two different responses. One hacker can be productively designing games, programs, and ways to improve security of information, while the other hacker tries to br 90
- Good News for Movie Fans The Student Association has just purchased a new sound system for the Old Lincoln Hall auditorium, the place where movies on campus are currently shown. By installing the new sound system, the Student Association hopes to attract 73
- Question: Briefly summarize the problem the speakers are discussing. Then state which solution you would recommend. Explain the reasons for your recommendation. 90
28 in 30
Great!