Attribution bias is a cognitive bias that leads to systematic errors in evaluating or explaining the behaviors of oneself and others. This bias manifests through perceptual distortions and inaccurate assessments, where judgments may not accurately reflect the underlying reality of a situation. People often blame inherent personality traits instead of considering situational factors when interpreting behaviors.
For instance, when someone is cut off in traffic, they might think, "That driver is rude and incompetent," rather than considering that the driver could be in a desperate situation, such as being late for an important meeting.
To overcome attribution bias, one can practice empathy and consider situational factors before arriving at conclusions about others' behaviors. This can be aided by reflecting on one's own experiences and recognizing similar circumstances that can affect decisions and actions.