Actor-Observer Bias
We attribute others' actions to their character, but our own to external circumstances.
This bias occurs when we judge others' behavior as caused by their personality, while explaining our own behavior by situational factors. It happens because we have more information about our own context but less about others'. For example, if someone cuts you off in traffic, you might think they're a bad driver, but if you do it, you'd blame being late for an important meeting.
Recognising a definition is not the same skill as spotting it.
Two scenarios from the app, with distractors drawn from the same family of biases — which is what makes them hard.
Her friend gains weight, and she thinks, 'She really lacks self-control and discipline.' After gaining a few pounds herself, she thinks, 'The holidays are so stressful, and all the food at work events makes it impossible.'
When his brother gets a DUI, he thinks, 'He's irresponsible and makes terrible choices.' When he gets a speeding ticket, he thinks, 'The road design was confusing and the officer was being overly strict.'
Biases rarely arrive alone.
Understand more. Assume less.
188 biases, 18,869 scenarios, and a record of how you actually decide.
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