Rhonda has just learned that her neighbor Patricia was involved in an automobile accident at a nearby intersection.The tendency to make the fundamental attribution error may lead Rhonda to conclude

A) "Patricia's brakes must have failed."
B) "Patricia's recklessness has finally gotten her into trouble."
C) "Patricia's children probably distracted her."
D) "The road must have been wet and slippery."

The fundamental attribution error is the tendency to attribute a person's behavior to their internal characteristics (such as personality, motivation, or ability) rather than external influences (such as situational factors or luck). In this case, Rhonda may be quick to assume that Patricia's driving behavior caused the accident (rather than considering other possible factors such as bad weather or road conditions). Choice B reflects this internal attribution, making it the best choice.