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Sources of Biases> Hostile Attribution Bias

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Estimated time: 12 minutes

Meaning
Definition: Hostile Attribution Bias
HAB and Aggression
Connection to Projection
Real-Life Application
Key Points: Hostile Attribution Bias

CISCE: Class 12

Meaning

Hostile Attribution means that when someone's actions or intentions are unclear, a person with this bias automatically assumes that the other person is acting against them.
It is a type of cognitive bias that distorts social perception — making neutral situations appear threatening.

CISCE: Class 12

Definition: Hostile Attribution Bias

Hostile Attribution Bias is defined as an interpretive bias where people demonstrate a tendency to interpret others’ ambiguous behaviours as hostile as against friendly ones.

CISCE: Class 12

HAB and Aggression

Research shows a direct link between hostile attribution bias and aggression.
People who interpret others' behaviour as hostile are more likely to behave aggressively.
This may be because they feel the need to defend themselves or retaliate.

CISCE: Class 12

Connection to Projection

This bias may be a case of projection.
Projection is a defence mechanism where a person attributes their own negative feelings to others.
A person with hostile tendencies may believe others are hostile toward them — reflecting their own feelings outward.

CISCE: Class 12

Real-Life Application

A child or adult sees two people whispering and thinks they are talking against him/her. In reality, the two people may be discussing something completely unrelated.
This kind of misinterpretation is commonly seen in day-to-day life, particularly at kitty parties, marriage ceremonies, and bathing ghats.

CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Hostile Attribution Bias

Hostile Attribution is interpreting others’ unclear or ambiguous actions as hostile or against oneself.
It is a cognitive bias that makes neutral situations seem threatening.
People with this bias are more likely to react aggressively.
It may occur due to projection, where individuals attribute their own negative feelings to others.
Example: Thinking that two people whispering are talking negatively about you.