Chapter 12.1, Problem 1ETE

Summary Introduction

Correct answer:

In this case the correct answer is Option (A), moral weakness or an addictive personality.

Explanation of Solution

Reasons for the correct statement:

The use of fundamental attribution error implies that any observer overestimates the impact of a person’s disposition (i.e., an addictive personality) on their behavior and underestimates the impact of the situation. Therefore, one is more likely to blame drug use on the person’s personality and not on other factors.

Reasons for the incorrect statements

Option (B) refers to peer pressure, which is a contextual factor. So, option (B) is incorrect.

Option (C) refers to the easy availability of drugs on city streets, which is another contextual factor. So, option (C) is incorrect

Option (D) refers to society’s acceptance of drug use, which does not relate to the individual’s personality but on societal factors. So, option (D) is incorrect.

Therefore, the options (B), (C), and (D) are incorrect.

Conclusion

The tendency to place more emphasis on personality and less on situation is known as the fundamental attribution error.