Which bias describes the actor-observer discrepancy?

• A. Self-serving bias
• B. Actor / Observer Effects
• C. Confirmation bias
• D. Halo effect

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is how people explain causes of behavior differently depending on who is describing it—this is the actor-observer discrepancy. When you’re the one performing an action, you tend to blame external, situational factors (the situation, stress, circumstances) for your behavior. When you’re watching someone else do the same thing, you’re more likely to attribute it to their internal characteristics (their personality or disposition) rather than the situation. This happens because you have more access to the actor’s context and intentions, while you only see the outward action and have less information about the surrounding factors. In relationships, this can show up as you blaming a partner’s outburst on who they are, while you justify your own similar outburst by citing the situation you were in.

Other biases aren’t about this perspective-based split in attribution. Self-serving bias relates to taking credit for successes and blaming failures on external factors. Confirmation bias is about seeking information that supports what you already believe. The halo effect is when a general impression influences judgments about unrelated traits.