Which type of bias leads people to attribute their successes to internal factors and failures to external factors?

Prepare for the New CED Social Psychology Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Understand the latest concepts in social psychology and get ready for your exam!

Self-serving bias is the cognitive tendency where individuals attribute their achievements to internal factors, such as their own skills, effort, or intelligence, while attributing their failures to external factors, such as luck or other people's actions. This type of bias helps maintain self-esteem and a positive self-image, allowing individuals to view themselves favorably, especially in the face of adversity.

For instance, if someone receives a promotion at work, they might think it is due to their hard work and talent. Conversely, if they fail a test, they may blame the difficulty of the exam or lack of proper instruction, rather than acknowledging any shortcomings in their own preparation or understanding. This skewed attribution helps individuals cope with setbacks and reinforces a sense of agency in their successes.

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