Which attribution tends to be made more by individuals observing others' behaviors?

The tendency for observers to make internal attributions when assessing others' behaviors is rooted in the concept of the fundamental attribution error, which refers to the inclination to overemphasize personal characteristics and underestimate situational factors in explaining someone else's actions. When people observe others, they often attribute their behavior to their personality traits, intentions, or dispositions rather than considering the influence of external or situational factors that may be at play. This cognitive bias leads to the perception that an observed person's actions are a reflection of who they are, rather than a response to particular circumstances.

For instance, if someone is late to a meeting, an observer might conclude that this person is irresponsible or disorganized (an internal attribution) rather than considering potential external factors such as traffic issues or personal emergencies. This preference for internal attribution helps to simplify the complex nature of social interactions, yet it can also contribute to misunderstandings and misjudgments about others' behaviors.

In contrast, self-attributions are typically influenced by a person’s own experiences and circumstances rather than by how they perceive others. External attribution involves recognizing that outside factors influence behavior; this perspective may be more often applied to oneself than to others. Collective attribution emphasizes group dynamics and characteristics, which may not be as relevant when observing