FAQ

1. Can you give an everyday example of the fundamental attribution error?
In the fundamental attribution error, observers overestimate the importance of traits and underestimate the importance of situations when they seek to explain an actor's behavior. An everyday example of this is when an individual observes someone bumping into someone else and describes the person as a rude individual (trait) rather than accidentally tripping and falling into the person (situation).

2. How can I improve my empathy? Under what circumstances is helping likely to occur?
One good strategy for improving your empathy is to engage in perspective taking more often. This involves thinking about how other people are experiencing their lives. By trying to see life through the eyes of others, you are more likely to show empathy. Helping is most likely to occur in contexts in which we feel competent to help. For example, if you feel confident about nurturing young children, you are more likely to help them when they need it. If you feel confident about your computer skills, you are more likely to help someone who needs help with a computer problem.

3. What are some good strategies for improving relationships with individuals from different ethnic groups and cultures?
These include participating in cooperative tasks, having intimate contact (sharing one's personal worries, for example), engaging in perspective taking, and thinking critically about what you want to be like as a person and what your values are.