What does the actor-observer bias help to retain in social contexts?

The actor-observer bias is a cognitive phenomenon that refers to the tendency for people to attribute their own actions to situational factors while attributing others' actions to their personal characteristics. This bias helps maintain consistency in personal evaluations because individuals often view their own behavior through the lens of external circumstances, which can justify their actions, while simultaneously viewing the behavior of others through a lens of internal traits or motives.

In social contexts, this bias supports a framework for individuals to evaluate their own actions more leniently, considering specific contextual influences that led to those actions. Consequently, this selective attribution allows a person to maintain a consistent evaluation of their own behavior, as they account for external factors that may not apply to others, thereby reinforcing their self-image and perceived moral standing.

This understanding manifests in social interactions, where a person can justify their behavior while being critical or judgmental of similar behaviors demonstrated by others. It highlights a natural human tendency toward self-defense in social evaluations, ensuring that one's self-assessment aligns with perceived societal norms and standards.