2. Guard against the Fundamental Attribution Error In each of the following scenarios, an internal attribution is made. Write out an alternative explanation based on external factors that might account for the other person’s behavior.

a. The person you’ve been dating for a while is late to meet you. It is the third time this month you’ve had to wait, and you are angry that your date is so inconsiderate.

b. Your supervisor never makes time to talk with you. You are upset that he is excluding you from the network on the job.

c. You’re talking with a friend about your anxiety about what you will do after you graduate. You notice that your friend seems uninterested and texts while you are talking. You think to yourself,

“If you are so self-centered that you can’t make time for me, I don’t need you for a friend.”

In each of the following scenarios, an external attribution is made for your actions. Write out an alternative explanation based on internal factors that could influence your behavior.

a. You are running late, so when a friend stops by to chat, you don’t invite him in and don’t encourage conversation. Your friend says, “You’re being a real jerk.” You think to yourself, “This has nothing to do with me. It has to do with the fact that I’m behind schedule for getting my project done.”

b. During an argument with your roommate about who is going to do the grocery shopping, you get really angry. Without thinking, you blurt out, “With all the weight you’ve gained, you should stop thinking about groceries.” Your roommate looks hurt and leaves the room. Afterward, you think,

“Well, I wouldn’t have said that if she hadn’t been so belligerent.”

c. At work, your supervisor criticizes you for filling out forms carelessly. You dismiss the criticism because you think the supervisor requires too much senseless paperwork.