Social Biases

Actor-observer bias

Explaining your actions by context and others' actions by personality.

What Is Actor-observer bias?

Actor-observer bias is a thinking trap where explaining your actions by context and others' actions by personality.

How It Tricks You

It can turn partial social evidence into a confident judgment about people, motives, or groups.

Real-World Example

You were late because of traffic; they were late because they are careless.

Seen Online As

• The fast interpretation is doing more work than the evidence.
• The claim feels obvious before the check question is asked.
• A shortcut is making the judgment feel more certain than it is.

What To Ask Instead

Would I explain myself this harshly?

Related Thinking Traps

• Anchoring bias
• Confirmation bias
• Framing effect
• Loss aversion

Common Situations

• Thinking Traps in Relationships
• Thinking Traps at Work
• Thinking Traps in Politics

Quick FAQ

What is Actor-observer bias?

Explaining your actions by context and others' actions by personality.

What is an example of Actor-observer bias?

You were late because of traffic; they were late because they are careless.

How do I spot Actor-observer bias?

Would I explain myself this harshly?