The Fundamental Attribution Error

Subconsciously, most people tend to over attribute their own behavior externally while over attributing others behavior internally. This is known is the fundamental attribution error. For example, if a stranger is extremely friendly in a store, don't you usually assume that the person is just generally a friendly person? But if you are having a wonderful day and smile and say hello to everyone who walks by, don't you usually credit external factors such as receiving a promotion at work or the kind way others treated you that day?
The fundamental attribution error is found in both negative and positive situations.
I was once at a theme park and observed a woman pushing people out of her way while she was walking and overheard them commenting on what a rude person she was. Later, I found out that her daughter was lost in the park and needed asthma medication. While it is completely understandable why the guests being shoved were irritated, one should question how an ordinary person would act given the external factors. If you drive recklessly and aggressively, you will probably blame a bad day at work, your kids fighting, or some other external factor because you are aware of your situation. You are not as completely aware of other people's environments.
This happens because most of us have a strong desire to believe that we are in control of our behavior and future and not influenced by the environment. Also, individuals have the most knowledge of their life while others who are judging them do not have adequate information to do so. One reason for under estimating the power of the situation when watching others is that we usually only observe very briefly and are unaware of the person's life experiences, personal problems, their subculture, their relationships, etc.
Of course, there are times when it is perfectly fair and right to hold individuals accountable for their own actions, but it is important to remember that situations do influence people - some more than others. If we stop and consider all of the facts before determining that someone's behavior is completely internal, we will make more accurate judgements, be able to understand others better, we can make new friends easier because less inaccurate judgements will be made.