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The fundamental attribution error: a phenomenological critique.
Darren Langdridge1, Trevor Butt
1Faculty of Social Sciences, The Open University, MK7 6AA, UK. d.langdridge@open.ac.uk
The British Journal of Social Psychology
|October 14, 2004
Summary
The fundamental attribution error, a bias in explaining behavior, lacks a unified theory. Focusing on interactions rather than internal states offers a new perspective, returning to Gestalt psychology principles.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Phenomenology
Background:
- The fundamental attribution error is a well-researched phenomenon.
- Existing social cognitive explanations lack a unifying theory.
- Current theories focus on internal psychological functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing research on the fundamental attribution error.
- To critique the social cognitive approach.
- To propose an alternative framework for understanding attribution.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of social cognitive explanations.
- Phenomenological critique drawing on Merleau-Ponty.
- Revisiting Gestalt psychology principles.
Main Results:
- No single theory currently explains the fundamental attribution error comprehensively.
- Social cognitive approaches overemphasize internal factors.
- A focus on interpersonal interactions offers a more integrated understanding.
Conclusions:
- Understanding attribution requires shifting focus from internal states to interpersonal interactions.
- This interactionist perspective aligns with Gestalt psychology's original approach to attribution.
- A phenomenological approach enhances the study of the fundamental attribution error.
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