Which concept explains why people might feel others' actions are linked to their character rather than the context?

The Fundamental Attribution Error (FAE) refers to the tendency of individuals to overemphasize personal characteristics and ignore situational factors when explaining others' behaviors. This cognitive bias leads people to attribute someone else's actions to their personality or character traits, rather than considering the situational context that might have influenced those actions. For instance, if someone cuts you off in traffic, you might assume they are a rude or aggressive person, rather than considering that they could be in a hurry due to an emergency.

FAE highlights a common psychological phenomenon where observers focus on the intrinsic qualities of individuals while underappreciating external circumstances, even when those circumstances could significantly affect behavior. It underscores the importance of recognizing how context can shape actions, prompting a more compassionate and nuanced understanding of others.

In contrast, other concepts like attributions in general encompass a broader range of explanations behind behaviors, while self-serving bias relates specifically to how individuals perceive their own actions, often attributing successes to personal traits and failures to external circumstances. Recency does not directly pertain to judgments about character or behavior attribution, but rather relates to the impact of recent events on perception or memory. Thus, recognizing the Fundamental Attribution Error can lead to better interpersonal understanding and communication.