The role of applicability in the emergence of the overattribution bias

Leyens, Jacques-Philippe [UCL] Yzerbyt, Vincent [UCL] Corneille, Olivier [UCL]

Study 1 assessed participants' theories regarding various issues previously used in overattribution bias studies. Results suggest that personality plays an important role in explaining positions on these issues. Studies 2, 3, and 4 indicated that the overattribution bias is contingent on the explanatory applicability of accessible concepts for a particular issue. Study 2 used an issue associated with personality; an overattribution bias emerged only when personality was stressed in the instructions. Study 3 used an issue associated with a sociological theory; this time, an overattribution bias appeared only when a socioeconomic concept was emphasized. Essays were not circulated in Studies 2 and 3, but were in Study 4. Again, the bias appeared only when an applicable (personality) concept was activated. These results, which extend the range of applicability, are discussed within the framework of the social judgability approach.