Daniel R. Stalder, professor of psychology at UW-Whitewater and author of the book, The Power of Context
Daniel R. Stalder is a professor of psychology at UW-Whitewater who teaches social psychology, statistics and introductory psychology. His research is on biases, individual differences and cognitive dissonance theory. He loves teaching and research. His new book, The Power of Context, discusses several biases but focuses on the “fundamental attribution error.” Professor Stalder also writes a Psychology Today blog called Bias Fundamentals. Off the Cuff spoke to him about his book, his blog and ways to reduce bias and conflict in society by helping people to identify and reduce their biases.
What is the fundamental attribution error and why is it important?
The fundamental attribution error (FAE) is when we explain people’s behaviors by overly focusing on personal characteristics or intentions. Someone who blows stop signs or tailgates is an idiot. Someone who receives food stamps is lazy. At the same time, we tend to underestimate the power of the situation. Some tailgaters have emergencies, like my brother whose wife gave birth on their way to the hospital. And some food-stamp recipients work long hours at low-paying jobs after having been laid off from better-paying jobs. The FAE is important to know, because underestimating situational factors can lead to misunderstandings, conflict, road rage, harmful government policies and other negative treatment of each other.
Don’t get me wrong. Some bad drivers are idiots, and some poor people may be lazy—as are some rich people. But the FAE research shows that we overemphasize personal characteristics. It’s not that the person is not part of the equation. It’s just that we often overlook the context.
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How does the FAE manifest itself in everyday life?
Everywhere. At work, while driving, in our relationships, in politics. While driving, one of the most common thoughts is that another driver is incompetent. Such perceptions can trigger anger and aggressive driving. When we get hurt by someone, it’s hard in the moment not to assume the other person did it deliberately. We are misled by quoting out of context. We believe our candidates even when they lie. Many of us instinctively blame the poor, the homeless, low academic achievers and even generally unhappy people for their negative outcomes or their unhappiness.
How can people reduce the FAE in themselves?
First, I don’t automatically assume that we all commit the FAE. Most of us do, but I cannot point my finger at a particular reader and know for sure. My book asks readers to be open to the possibility that they are biased. Then, by the end, I describe 15 research-based strategies to reduce bias. Here are a few.
First: Learn about bias. Second: Slow down. Making judgments quickly or under stress reduces accuracy. Third: Justify your judgments to someone. Research shows that accountability reduces bias. Fourth: Find other ways to self-affirm; bias is often in the service of ego.
Can people reduce the FAE in others?
Yes, but that can get tricky. As parents or teachers, we can definitely help our kids not to jump to conclusions. But, if it’s your friend, spouse or coworker, trying to correct their bias carries interpersonal risks. My book makes some suggestions. At a minimum, if someone misjudges you by overlooking your situation, you can inform them of your situation. Unless it’s none of their business!
What other biases does your book discuss?
Actor-observer bias, bias blind spot, confirmation bias, conspiracy theories, hostile media bias, implicit bias, microaggressions, racism and many others.
