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Which of the following helps preserve self-esteem?

A. Fundamental attribution error
B. Primacy effects in impression formation
C. False consensus effect
D. Self-serving bias

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The Self-serving bias is the tendency to attribute successes to internal factors and failures to external factors, thus preserving self-esteem.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the options given, D. Self-serving bias helps preserve self-esteem. It is the tendency to attribute our successes to our own internal factors and our failures to external factors. This attribution helps maintain a positive self-view, especially in cultures that place a high value on personal achievement.

The fundamental attribution error is a cognitive bias where people tend to overemphasize personal characteristics and underestimate situational factors when explaining others' behaviors. However, while the fundamental attribution error is significant, it does not serve the purpose of preserving self-esteem. Instead, the self-serving bias directly affects how we perceive and interpret our own actions and outcomes, often in a way that enhances our self-esteem.

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