Intentionality bias

Causal attribution biases biases

Intentionality bias is when we assume that other people's actions are intentional rather than accidental. Harmful or surprising behavior is especially likely to be explained as deliberate. We underuse the possibility that someone made a mistake, didn't see us, or was influenced by circumstances.

Examples

  • When someone bumps into you in a crowd, you assume they did it on purpose, rather than that they lost balance or didn't see you.

  • A colleague forgets to pass on a message and you interpret it as a slight, instead of considering forgetfulness or overload.

  • A driver honks and you assume they are aggressive, when they may have been warning you of a hazard you didn't see.

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