Final answer:
First impressions are generally influenced by recent behaviors and are linked to the concept of the actor-observer bias in social psychology. The tendency to focus on information that confirms existing beliefs is known as confirmation bias. Personality traits are long-term, stable characteristics that dictate consistent behaviors, distinct from situational influences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding First Impressions and Behavior Influences
First impressions are influenced by recent behaviors rather than reflecting long-term traits. In the field of social psychology, this is related to the actor-observer bias, where we tend to attribute our own actions to situational factors but others' actions to their dispositions. The tendency to focus on one particular piece of information when making decisions is known as the confirmation bias, which can lead us to ignore evidence that contradicts our preconceived notions. Similarly, the hindsight bias has us believe that an event just experienced was predictable after the fact, even if it wasn't.
The fundamental attribution error involves attributing others' behaviors to their personality rather than situational factors, which can mislead our understanding of their actions. The long-standing traits and patterns that propel individuals to consistently think, feel, and behave in specific ways are known as their personality traits. These personality traits are long term, stable, and not easily changed, contrasted with the more variable situational factors that can influence behavior.