Which term describes biases that misinterpret behavior by overemphasizing personal dispositions and underestimating situational factors?

• A. Aversive racism
• B. Benevolent sexism
• C. Attribution errors
• D. Co-ethnic

Answer: (C)

This item tests how we explain others’ behavior and the bias that makes us focus on personality traits over situational factors. Attribution errors occur when people interpret actions by emphasizing internal dispositions while downplaying external circumstances. This description fits attribution errors best because it highlights that mismatch between what a behavior seems to say about a person and what the situation actually contributed. The phrase also aligns with the well-known idea that we often judge others by who we think they are, not by the context they’re in.

Aversive racism describes subtle racial bias in attitudes and behavior. Benevolent sexism refers to seemingly positive yet patronizing views toward women. Co-ethnic describes someone who shares ethnicity. None of these capture the tendency to misread behavior by overvaluing personal traits and undervaluing situational factors.