The fundamental attribution error refers to the tendency of: A. observers to favor external attributions in explaining the behavior of others. B. observers to favor internal attributions in explaining the behavior of others. C. actors to favor external attributions in explaining the behavior of others. D. actors to favor situational attributions in explaining the behavior of others.

Begin by defining the key terms within this question. - Fundamental attribution error: This is a psychological phenomenon where people tend to over-emphasize dispositional (internal) factors while under-emphasizing situational (external) factors when explaining the actions of others. - Observer: An individual who witnesses or learns about the behavior of others. - Actor: The person whose behavior is being observed and analyzed. - Internal attributions: These are explanations based on an individual's personal characteristics, such as personality, beliefs or motives. - External attributions: These are explanations based on situational factors, such as environmental conditions, social pressures, or random chance.

Now, analyze each potential answer to the question to determine if it accurately defines the fundamental attribution error. A. observers to favor external attributions in explaining the behavior of others. - This option suggests that observers overemphasize situational factors; however, the fundamental attribution error occurs when observers emphasize dispositional factors. Hence, this answer is incorrect. B. observers to favor internal attributions in explaining the behavior of others. - This option aligns with the definition of the fundamental attribution error, as it highlights the tendency of observers to overemphasize personal factors when explaining the behavior of others. This is the correct answer. C. actors to favor external attributions in explaining the behavior of others. - This option suggests that actors overemphasize situational factors when explaining the behavior of others. However, the fundamental attribution error pertains to the observer's perspective, not the actor's, making this answer incorrect. D. actors to favor situational attributions in explaining the behavior of others. - Situational attributions are synonymous with external factors, but this option focuses on the actor's perspective rather than the observer's. As the fundamental attribution error concerns an observer's perspective, this is not the correct answer.

Based on the analysis above, the correct answer to the question is: B. observers to favor internal attributions in explaining the behavior of others.