[ThinkBetter](https://thinkbetter.app/) → [Cognitive Biases](https://thinkbetter.app/cognitive-biases.md) → Fundamental Attribution Error

# Fundamental Attribution Error

People often attribute someone's behavior to their character rather than to external factors.

![Fundamental Attribution Error illustration](https://assets.thinkbetter.app/images/fundamental_attribution_error.png)

The Fundamental Attribution Error is a common pitfall in our thinking process where we tend to underestimate the influence of external factors and overestimate the role of personal characteristics when explaining other people's behavior. This is similar to one of our first mental models: The Hanlon’s Razor! This bias leans on the easier, more accessible explanation related to someone's personality or a personal trait we know of someone rather than considering the complex interplay of situational factors that could be at play. Historically, this concept gained traction in the 1960s and 70s through the work of social psychologists like Lee Ross, who helped illuminate how this bias can skew our understanding of social interactions. It's a fascinating reminder of the human tendency to simplify the complex social world into more manageable, albeit sometimes inaccurate, judgments.

## Example

**Workplace Performance**

An employee misses a deadline and is immediately thought to be lazy or disorganized. Why? Reflecting on external factors like increased workload or personal issues can provide a more accurate picture and foster a supportive work environment.

## In your professional life

**Holistic Performance Evaluation**

When evaluating team performance, take time to understand the full picture. For example, if a salesperson misses their targets, instead of assuming they're lazy or unskilled, consider factors like changes in the market, personal challenges they might be facing, or if they need more training. By looking at both the person and their situation, you can find better ways to help and improve results.

## Go deeper in ThinkBetter

The ThinkBetter app has the full Fundamental Attribution Error deep-dive: more examples, a quiz to test yourself, audio narration, and a weekly path that builds these ideas into a habit.

- iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6459831884
- Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.ventureship.braintricks

### Related concepts

- [Empathy Gap](https://thinkbetter.app/cognitive-biases/empathy-gap.md)
- [Hanlon's Razor (Mental model)](https://thinkbetter.app/mental-models/hanlons-razor.md)
- [All mental models](https://thinkbetter.app/mental-models.md)

Page: https://thinkbetter.app/cognitive-biases/fundamental-attribution-error