What Does it Take to Reduce Observer Bias?

Abstract

The strength of the observer bias in the attribution of attitudes is further demonstrated. Observers read an essay purportedly written by another student. Some were told that the writer freely chose the position taken in the essay, some were told that the writer was assigned the position taken, and some were told that the writer was required to write a counterattitudinal essay. Although perceived freedom for the essay writer was less and confidence in their judgements was less, observers still judged the writer's attitude to be congruent with the position taken in the essay even when told that the behavior was the opposite of the writer's true beliefs. The reasons for such an apparently illogical judgement are discussed.