Trait ascription bias is the tendency for individuals to perceive themselves as more variable in their personality, behavior, and mood while viewing others as more predictable regarding their traits across different situations. This bias leads people to attribute their behavior to situational factors, while they tend to ascribe fixed personality traits to others, which may arise from the greater accessibility of their own internal states compared to those of others.
For instance, a student may rationalize their low exam score by citing a lack of preparation due to personal issues, while characterizing a classmate who performed poorly as simply lazy or incompetent.
To counteract trait ascription bias, individuals can consciously reflect on the situational factors influencing others' behaviors, thereby fostering empathy and a more nuanced understanding of personality.