Which cognitive bias involves attributing a person's actions to their character rather than the situation?

The fundamental attribution error refers to the tendency to overemphasize personal characteristics and downplay situational factors when evaluating someone else's behavior. For example, if a colleague is late to a meeting, one might attribute their tardiness to a lack of punctuality or irresponsibility, rather than considering external factors such as traffic or an emergency. This cognitive bias often results in misjudgments about people's intentions or capabilities, as it overlooks the broader context in which actions occur.

In contrast, hindsight bias involves the inclination to see events as having been predictable after they have happened, while confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms one's preconceptions. Negativity bias refers to the greater weight given to negative experiences over neutral or positive ones. Understanding the fundamental attribution error is crucial for improving interpersonal communication and fostering empathy in team dynamics.