Actor-Observer Bias in The Lion King

How did Simba interpret Scar's actions in The Lion King?

A) As a result of internal characteristics

B) As a result of external situational factors

C) As a random incident

D) As a mistake

Answer:

Simba interpreted Scar's actions as a result of internal characteristics.

Explanation:

When Simba attempted to understand why his uncle Scar murdered his father, Mufasa, he attributed Scar's actions to internal characteristics, showing the actor-observer bias. In psychology, the actor-observer bias refers to the tendency for individuals to explain other people's behavior as resulting from internal factors, while attributing their own behavior to situational forces. In this case, Simba believed that Scar's actions were a result of Scar's own internal characteristics, rather than considering any external factors that may have influenced Scar's decision to murder Mufasa.

Simba's interpretation reflects the common human tendency to attribute other people's actions to their personality traits or dispositions, overlooking the potential impact of the situation or circumstances at play. By recognizing and understanding this bias, we can gain insight into how our perceptions of others may be influenced by our own perspectives and experiences.