Which statement best describes the actor-observer effect?

Which statement best describes the actor-observer effect?

• A. Actors always attribute success to internal factors
• B. Observers tend to underestimate their own biases
• C. Actors and observers attribute behavior differently based on perspective
• D. Observers heavily rely on emotional assessments

Answer: (C)

The actor-observer effect refers to the phenomenon where people tend to attribute their own behavior to external factors while attributing the behavior of others to internal factors. This perspective difference emerges because actors (those who are performing actions) have knowledge of their situational context and the factors influencing their actions, leading them to emphasize these external elements. Conversely, observers (those watching the actions) may focus more on the actor's personality traits or dispositions, thus interpreting their behavior in terms of internal characteristics. Choosing the statement that actors and observers attribute behavior differently based on perspective encapsulates this difference well. It highlights that context and viewpoint are crucial in how behavior is understood, making this the best description of the actor-observer effect.

The actor-observer effect refers to the phenomenon where people tend to attribute their own behavior to external factors while attributing the behavior of others to internal factors. This perspective difference emerges because actors (those who are performing actions) have knowledge of their situational context and the factors influencing their actions, leading them to emphasize these external elements. Conversely, observers (those watching the actions) may focus more on the actor's personality traits or dispositions, thus interpreting their behavior in terms of internal characteristics.

Choosing the statement that actors and observers attribute behavior differently based on perspective encapsulates this difference well. It highlights that context and viewpoint are crucial in how behavior is understood, making this the best description of the actor-observer effect.