What term describes the tendency to overemphasize internal factors in others’ failures?

The correct term for the tendency to overemphasize internal factors in others’ failures is the Fundamental Attribution Error. This concept refers to the cognitive bias where people tend to attribute others' negative outcomes to their character or personality rather than considering external situational factors that may have played a role. For instance, if a colleague fails to complete a project on time, one might think they are lazy or careless instead of considering potential external pressures or obstacles they faced.

This bias highlights a common human tendency to seek out stable dispositions in people’s behavior, particularly when evaluating actions that lead to negative consequences. It’s important to understand this bias as it can affect relationships and teamwork within organizations, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts.

In contrast, the self-serving bias refers to the tendency of individuals to attribute their own successes to internal factors while blaming external factors for their failures. Recency and contrast typically relate to how recent information or contrasting stimuli affect perception and judgment but do not specifically address the attribution of others' failures. Understanding these distinctions can help in navigating interpersonal dynamics more effectively.