CORRESPONDENCE BIAS Meaning and
Definition
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Correspondence bias, also known as the fundamental attribution error, is a cognitive bias that refers to the tendency of individuals to attribute a person's behavior to their internal characteristics, such as personality traits or disposition, rather than taking into account the situational factors that may have influenced their actions. In other words, it is the inclination to overemphasize an individual's personality or beliefs as the cause of their behavior, while neglecting the influence of the surrounding context.
This bias arises from the innate human tendency to make quick judgments and inferences about others based on limited information. People often rely on stereotypes or preconceived notions to make sense of the world, and this can lead to the correspondence bias. For instance, if someone sees a person being rude to a stranger, they may assume that the person is inherently rude or unfriendly, without considering the possibility that the individual could be having a bad day or facing external pressures.
The correspondence bias tends to occur because internal attributes are more perceivable and salient compared to external influences. It can have significant implications in various social contexts, including interpersonal relationships, judgment of others, and even legal settings. The correspondence bias can lead to misunderstandings, misjudgments, and conflicts between individuals, as it often overlooks the contextual factors that can greatly influence behavior. Thus, being aware of this bias can help individuals become more open-minded and accurate in their interpretations of others' behavior.
Etymology of CORRESPONDENCE BIAS
The word "correspondence bias" is a psychological term used to describe the tendency to attribute others' behavior to their underlying personality traits, rather than considering situational factors that may have influenced their actions. The etymology of this term can be broken down as follows:
1. Correspondence: The word "correspondence" originates from the Latin word "correspondentia", which means "a relation of agreement or similarity". It is derived from the Latin verb "correspondēre", which combines "cor-" (meaning "together" or "with") and "respondēre" (meaning "to respond" or "to answer"). Thus, "correspondence" refers to the quality of being in agreement or accordance.
2. Bias: The word "bias" comes from the Old French word "biais", which means "slant" or "oblique".
