AAMC FL Practice Exam

What type of bias can lead a person to attribute their successes to themselves?

1. Confirmation bias

2. Fundamental attribution error

3. Self-serving bias

4. Optimism bias

The correct answer is: Self-serving bias

Self-serving bias is a cognitive phenomenon where individuals tend to attribute their successes to internal factors, such as their own abilities, efforts, or intelligence, while attributing their failures to external factors, like luck or other uncontrollable circumstances. This bias serves to bolster one’s self-esteem and maintain a positive self-image. In this context, when someone achieves success, they are inclined to recognize their own contributions and qualities as the key drivers of that success. This reinforces their sense of capability and can influence their future behaviors and decisions. Self-serving bias is a common human tendency and is frequently observed in various situations, such as in academic performance, workplace achievements, and even in everyday activities. The other options highlight different phenomena that do not specifically align with the tendency to attribute successes to oneself. For instance, confirmation bias involves seeking information that confirms pre-existing beliefs, while fundamental attribution error focuses on the tendency to overemphasize personal characteristics in explaining others' behavior. Optimism bias relates to the belief that positive outcomes are more likely than negative ones, rather than the attribution of success to oneself.