What psychological error can arise when people attribute behaviors more to personality than to situational influences?

The Fundamental Attribution Error is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when individuals overemphasize personality traits and underestimate situational factors when evaluating the behavior of others. This bias leads people to assume that a person's actions are primarily the result of their character or disposition rather than considering the external circumstances that may have influenced their behavior.

For instance, if someone is rude in a particular situation, observers might quickly conclude that the person is inherently unfriendly, ignoring variables like stress or exhaustion that could be affecting their reactions. Understanding this error is crucial in management and organizational behavior, as it can impact interpersonal relationships and decision-making within teams.

In contrast, other options do not specifically address the tendency to overlook situational influences in favor of personality assessment. Attribution Theory in general addresses how people explain the causes of behavior, but it does not specify the bias toward personality. The Pygmalion Effect pertains to higher expectations leading to improved performance, and Locus of Control involves an individual's belief about the extent to which they can control events affecting them. Therefore, the Fundamental Attribution Error accurately identifies the cognitive bias described in the question.