Date of Award
Spring 8-1-2005
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Virgil Sheets
Second Advisor
Veanne N. Anderson
Third Advisor
Christopher Gore
Abstract
Error Management Theory (Haselton & Buss, 2000) proposes that certain human biases evolved as an adaptation to cost differentials between certain types of errors that can be committed in social situations. This study examined whether the hostile attribution bias (Dodge, 1980), a tendency in aggressive children and adults to over-perceive aggressive intent in others, could be accounted for by Error Management Theory. In a vignette study, participants rated their perceived aggression of a potential perpetrator in a car accident. Different vignettes depicted the same situation under various conditions in terms of who accompanied the "participant". Conditions were changed in order to elicit cost differentials in regards to inclusive fitness, e.g. own children or the romantic partner accompanying the driver. Own trait aggression of participants was assessed and controlled for. Results showed that a general hostile attribution bias in the population exists, as participants rated their own aggressive intent significantly lower than perceived aggression of a perpetrator in the same situation. No facultative, situational-dependent, response was found. However, suggestive evidence was found that women (relative to men) have an accentuated bias of perceived aggression in the presence of children. It was concluded that the data constitute limited support for Error Management Theory but that alternative explanations cannot be entirely ruled out.
Recommended Citation
Thoemmes, Felix J., "Error Management Theory and The Hostile Attribution Bias" (2005). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3737.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/3737