What is actor observer bias?

The actor-observer bias is a psychological phenomenon where individuals attribute their own behavior to external factors (the situation or circumstances) while attributing the behavior of others to internal factors (such as personality or character).

For example, if someone is late to a meeting, they may blame it on traffic or a busy schedule (external factors) while if someone else is late, they may attribute it to laziness or irresponsibility (internal factors).

This bias can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts in relationships as individuals may perceive others' behavior in a negative light while excusing their own behavior. It can also affect how we interpret events and make judgments about others.

The actor-observer bias is believed to occur because individuals have more information about their own internal states and intentions, making it easier to attribute their own behavior to external factors. Additionally, people may have a tendency to protect their own self-esteem by attributing negative behavior to external factors and positive behavior to internal factors.

Cognitive biases like the actor-observer bias can influence how we understand and interact with the world around us, so being aware of these biases can help us make more accurate judgments and communicate more effectively with others.