Changes in Attributions Over Time: The Ephemeral Fundamental Attribution Error

Two experiments examined how attributions for another person's behavior change over time. Experiment 1 subjects who watched a persuasive speech tended to believe the speaker's real position on the issue was the one he advocated, even when told the speaker had no choice, thus replicating past research. However, this effect virtually disappeared when attributions were taken a week later. Experiment 2 subjects were randomly assigned to questioner and contestant roles for a quiz game. Contestants rated their general level of knowledgeability as less than their partners' when ratings were given immediately after the game, again replicating earlier findings. However, when attributions were given several days later, this effect also disappeared. Some of the variables and conditions that affect how attributions change over time are discussed.