Influence of the Fundamental Attribution Error on Perceptions of Blame and Negligence

2021 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 175-188
Author(s):  
Cassandra Flick ◽  
Kimberly Schweitzer
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Fundamental Attribution Error ◽  
Automobile Accidents ◽  
Blame Attributions ◽  
Initial Support ◽  
Hypothetical Accident ◽  
Attribution Error ◽  
Situational Demands ◽  
Additional Support ◽  
Civil Trial

Abstract. Automobile accidents are a frequent occurrence in the United States and commonly result in legal ramifications. Through a fundamental attribution error (FAE) framework ( Ross, 1977 ), the current research examined how individuals perceive blame and negligence in these cases. In Study 1 ( N = 360), we manipulated the driver (you vs. stranger) of a hypothetical accident scenario and the situational circumstances surrounding the accident (favorable vs. unfavorable). Supporting the FAE, individuals' situational blame attributions only varied as a function of situational circumstances when they themselves were hypothetically driving. However, neither the driver nor the situation significantly predicted dispositional blame attributions. Yet, Study 1 provided initial support for the importance of an individual's trait tendency to neglect situational constraints when making dispositional blame attributions. In Study 2 ( N = 212), we again manipulated situational circumstances surrounding the hypothetical accident, but within the context of a mock civil trial. Results provided additional support for the importance of this trait tendency and expanded our findings of dispositional blame attributions to perceptions of negligence. Implications include the importance of considering trait individual differences in the likelihood to ignore situational demands when individuals are making legally relevant judgments about automobile accidents.

Control charts: Minimizing fundamental attribution error in appraisal decisions

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas H. Stone ◽  
I. M. Jawahar ◽  
Ken Eastman ◽  
Gabi Eissa
Keyword(s):  
Control Charts ◽  
Fundamental Attribution Error ◽  
Attribution Error

The perception of drinking roles by recovering problem drinkers

1981 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 747-754 ◽  
Author(s):  
John McCartney ◽  
Patrick J. O'Donnell
Keyword(s):  
Role Conflict ◽  
Drinking Patterns ◽  
Problem Drinkers ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Fundamental Attribution Error ◽  
Controlled Drinking ◽  
Attribution Error ◽  
Different Characteristics

SynopsisThe perception of and attitude to drinking patterns in recovering problem drinkers (N= 29) is analysed, utilizing a similar methodology to that of Richard & Burley (1978). Fault is found, however, in the latter study both in a failure to define variables and in the authors' statistical handling of the results. In the present study, it was found that controlled drinking is only seen as close to the problem drinker's concept of himself when it entails reasonably high levels of consumption. The importance of this finding for therapy is outlined. The possible negative effects of role conflict are mentioned. It is also found that problem drinkers perceive themselves as having quite different characteristics from those they themselves attribute to alcoholics. This finding is interpreted in terms of the fundamental attribution error (Jones & Nisbett, 1972).

This Is a Different Patient Population: Opioid Prescribing Challenges for Patients With Cancer-Related Pain

2021 ◽  
pp. OP.20.01041
Author(s):  
Yael Schenker ◽  
Megan Hamm ◽  
Hailey W. Bulls ◽  
Jessica S. Merlin ◽  
Rachel Wasilko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Treatment ◽  
The United States ◽  
Opioid Epidemic ◽  
Educational Materials ◽  
Opioid Prescribing ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Qualitative Interview Study ◽  
Interview Guide ◽  
Additional Support ◽  
Noncancer Pain

PURPOSE: Responses to the opioid epidemic in the United States, including efforts to monitor and limit prescriptions for noncancer pain, may be affecting patients with cancer. Oncologists' views on how the opioid epidemic may be influencing treatment of cancer-related pain are not well understood. METHODS: We conducted a multisite qualitative interview study with 26 oncologists from a mix of urban and rural practices in Western Pennsylvania. The interview guide asked about oncologists' views of and experiences in treating cancer-related pain in the context of the opioid epidemic. A multidisciplinary team conducted thematic analysis of interview transcripts to identify and refine themes related to challenges to safe and effective opioid prescribing for cancer-related pain and recommendations for improvement. RESULTS: Oncologists described three main challenges: (1) patients who receive opioids for cancer-related pain feel stigmatized by clinicians, pharmacists, and society; (2) patients with cancer-related pain fear becoming addicted, which affects their willingness to accept prescription opioids; and (3) guidelines for safe and effective opioid prescribing are often misinterpreted, leading to access issues. Suggested improvements included educational materials for patients and families, efforts to better inform prescribers and the public about safe and appropriate uses of opioids for cancer-related pain, and additional support from pain and/or palliative care specialists. CONCLUSION: Challenges to safe and effective opioid prescribing for cancer-related pain include opioid stigma and access barriers. Interventions that address opioid stigma and provide additional resources for clinicians navigating complex opioid prescribing guidelines may help to optimize cancer pain treatment.

scholarly journals “It’s Not Just a Simple Meal. It’s So Much More”: Interactions Between Meals on Wheels Clients and Drivers

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kali S. Thomas ◽  
Emily A. Gadbois ◽  
Renee R. Shield ◽  
Ucheoma Akobundu ◽  
Andrea M. Morris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Case Managers ◽  
Qualitative Research Study ◽  
Personal Benefit ◽  
Meals On Wheels ◽  
Clear Insight ◽  
Additional Support ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Made In ◽  
Meal Delivery

Background and Objectives: Meals on Wheels (MOW) programs provide home-delivered meals to over 1.5 million older adults; yet, very little is known about the drivers who make meal deliveries possible. Specifically, we do not have clear insight into their interaction with clients or the benefits that they may receive through their service. The objective of this article is to describe the characteristics of MOW drivers, the interactions among drivers and clients, and the benefits of the program to both. Research Design and Method: This qualitative research study reports on interviews with 84 MOW staff (leadership, case managers/client assessors, volunteer coordinators) and drivers at six geographically and operationally distinct programs across the United States. Results: Qualitative analysis of the interviews with MOW staff and drivers revealed the following key themes: (a) clients have multiple vulnerabilities; (b) clients appear to derive social, as well as nutritional benefit from receiving meals; (c) drivers report they provide additional support to their clients beyond delivering the meal; (d) social bonds between drivers and clients were reported to strengthen over time; (e) drivers claim that they, too, derive validation and personal benefit through their meal delivery. Discussion and Implications: This research highlights the significant contributions that meal delivery drivers made in the lives of MOW clients beyond the actual meal itself. This research also spotlights the perceived benefits experienced by the drivers and points to the importance of conducting further research to determine the effects of meal delivery on client and drivers’ outcomes, more broadly.

scholarly journals 'Do You see what I'm Dealing with here?' Vicious circles in conflict

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-38
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Biases ◽  
The Self ◽  
Fundamental Attribution Error ◽  
Attribution Error ◽  
Biases And Heuristics ◽  
Bullying And Harassment

We know that our thinking is affected by conflict; this applies to groups and nations as much as to individuals. Mediators are at the sharp end of this phenomenon, and those we work with often find each other’s behaviour at best inexplicable and at worst malicious. This article considers how biases and heuristics (mental shortcuts) can exacerbate disputes. Two cognitive biases in particular can contribute to the growth of conflict: the fundamental attribution error and the self-serving bias. Using a workplace mediation case study the article traces the step-by-step mechanics of conflict in people’s thinking and its tendency to set in motion vicious circles of suspicion and defence. It goes on to provide a critique of bullying and harassment policies before proposing that they begin with a mediation stage in order to combat attribution errors by bringing more data into play.

The Pediatrician's Role in Family Support Programs

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 95 (5) ◽  
pp. 781-783
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Family Life ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Divorce Rate ◽  
The United States ◽  
Growing Up ◽  
Quarter Century ◽  
Parental Obligations ◽  
Natural Support ◽  
Socially Isolated ◽  
Additional Support

The health and welfare of children depend on the ability of families, alone or with the assistance of others, to meet their needs. This task has become increasingly difficult for many families. Pediatricians need to be able to recognize situations in which families may have difficulty fulfilling parental obligations and assist the family in finding available additional support. CHANGES IN FAMILIES The structure of families and patterns of family life in the United States have undergone some profound changes during the past quarter century. The proportion of births to unmarried women increased between 1960 to 1985 from 5.3% to 22% and has continued in the same direction.1-3 Since 1960 the divorce rate has more than doubled,1-3 and it is estimated that 25% of children growing up in this decade will experience a divorce.4 Although remarriage rates are high, over a third again end in divorce.5 As a consequence, 8% fewer children are living with two parents (74.8% in 1989 versus 83.1% in 1971),6,7 and only 61% live with both biologic parents.8 Further evidence of change in family life is that almost 60% of all mothers with preschool-aged children are in the labor force, reflecting a twofold increase since 1970.9 A decline in the purchasing power of family income, the lack of comparable wages for women, and significant rates of homelessness have all stressed families and contributed to the continuing escalation of the percentage of children who live in poverty. Finally, internal migration within the country has separated many families from the natural support systems provided by their extended families, leaving parents socially isolated and interrupting the intergenerational transmission of advice and support.

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