A 1967 Study Demonstrating the Fundamental Attribution Error Assigned Participants

question 128

Multiple Choice

A 1967 study demonstrating the fundamental attribution error assigned participants to read an essay that was either in favor of or against Fidel Castro. Participants were also randomly assigned to be told that the author of the essay either freely chose to write it or was forced to write it on that particular theme. What were the results of the study?

• A) Participants had no opinions about the author's attitude toward Fidel Castro, regardless of which essay they read.
• B) Participants believed the author's attitude toward Fidel Castro corresponded to the essay that was written only when they believed the person freely chose to write the essay.
• C) Participants believed the author's attitude toward Fidel Castro corresponded to the essay that was written only when they believed the person was forced to write the essay.
• D) Participants believed the author's attitude toward Fidel Castro corresponded to the essay that was written, regardless of whether the person was forced to write the essay or had chosen to do so.

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Definitions:

Comparison

The act of examining two or more items to evaluate their similarities and differences, often used to make informed decisions or understand concepts better.

Indirect Format

A communication approach that presents secondary information or reasoning before getting to the main point or request.

Analytical Report

is a document that provides data analysis, interpretations, and possible strategies based on the data's findings.

Sampling Bias

A statistical bias that occurs when a sample is not representative of the population from which it's drawn, affecting the validity of results.