Perception (cont. Attribution Theory (cont.) errors and biases may distort attributions fundamental attribution error-tendency to explain behavior of others by: -overestimating the influence of internal factors -underestimating the influence of external factors se-serving bias-personal success attributed to internal factors -personal failure attributed to external factors ©Prentice Hall,2002 14-26Attribution Theory (cont.) – errors and biases may distort attributions • fundamental attribution error - tendency to explain behavior of others by: – overestimating the influence of internal factors – underestimating the influence of external factors • self-serving bias - personal success attributed to internal factors – personal failure attributed to external factors Perception (cont.) © Prentice Hall, 2002 14-26