--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Some years ago, two social psychologists…" description: "\"“Some years ago, two social psychologists, Edward Jones and Richard Nisbett, argued that when it comes to explaining people's behavior-something like a..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0bc/claude-m-steele-86828_perspective_some-years-ago-two-social-psychologists_2208127.jpg" --- # Some years ago, two social psychologists, Edward Jones and… ![“Some years ago, two social psychologists, Edward Jones and Richard Nisbett, argued that when it comes to explaining people's behavior-something like achievement problems, for example there is a big difference between the "observer's perspective"-the perspective of a person observing the…” quote by Claude M. Steele](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0bc/claude-m-steele-86828_perspective_some-years-ago-two-social-psychologists_2208127.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0bc/claude-m-steele-86828_perspective_some-years-ago-two-social-psychologists_2208127.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0bc/claude-m-steele-86828_perspective_some-years-ago-two-social-psychologists_2208127.jpg) > ““Some years ago, two social psychologists, Edward Jones and Richard Nisbett, argued that when it comes to explaining people's behavior-something like achievement problems, for example there is a big difference between the "observer's perspective"-the perspective of a person observing the behavior-and the "actor's perspective"-the perspective of a person doing the behavior. As observers, Jones and Nisbett said, we're looking at the actor, the person doing the behavior we are trying to explain. Thus the actor dominates our literal and mental visual field, which makes the circumstances to which he is responding less visible to us. In the resulting picture in our minds, the actor sticks out like a sore thumb and the circumstances to which he is responding are obscured from view. Jones and Nisbett held that this picture causes a bias when we try to explain the actor's behavior. We emphasize the things we can see. We emphasize things about the actor-characteristics, traits, and so on-that seem like plausible explanations for her behavior. And we deemphasize, as causes of her behavior, the things we can't see very well, namely, the circumstances to which she is adapting.”” Claude M. Steele ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. People focus on the actor’s traits and ignore situational factors, leading to biased explanations of behavior. **In simple terms:** We over‑attribute actions to character, under‑weighting context. Key Takeaway Consider both person and situation. Themes bias attribution context Mood analytical inquisitive Type educational psychological When to use this quote - judgment in hiring - conflict resolution - policy analysis Key Concepts social psychology cognitive bias Questions to Reflect On - What context might you be overlooking? - How can you balance trait and situation? A Different Perspective Situational analysis can be complex and time‑consuming. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [People's Behavior](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/peoples-behavior/) [Perspective](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/perspective/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) [Success](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/success/) ## Related quotes > [So from an actor's perspective, you really have no idea how you're acting.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ice-t/so-from-an-actor-s-perspective-you-really-have-no-idea-how-you-re/) [Ice T](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ice-t/) > [That's what makes a character interesting from an actor's perspective - the more screwed up, the better](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeri-ryan/that-s-what-makes-a-character-interesting-from-an-actor-s-perspective/) [Jeri Ryan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeri-ryan/) > [I have to say from an actor's perspective, to work with a director who has been an actor through most of their career is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karen-allen/i-have-to-say-from-an-actor-s-perspective-to-work-with-a-director-who/) [Karen Allen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karen-allen/) > [It is always a pleasure to be directed by an actor because they know the scene from the actor's perspective, too. 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Steele > [“The effective, identity-safe practices "avoid cues that might instantiate a sense of stereotype threat in students and are, instead, aimed at making everyone in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claude-m-steele/the-effective-identity-safe-practices-avoid-cues-that-might/) Claude M. Steele > [“The problem is that the pressure to disprove a stereotype changes what you are about in a situation. It gives you an additional task.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claude-m-steele/the-problem-is-that-the-pressure-to-disprove-a-stereotype-changes/) Claude M. Steele Explore all 3 Claude M. Steele quotes ## More Perspective quotes > [I put myself in the student's place and remember the frustrations, doubts, determination, and desires I felt when I was going through the initial…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-martinez/i-put-myself-in-the-student-s-place-and-remember-the-frustrations/) Ted Martinez > [“After the funeral, my life changed. 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