What is attribution error?

• A. A bias toward attributing outcomes to external causes rather than internal factors.
• B. A tendency to be judgmental and blame the patient for their illness or condition.
• C. A tendency to use medical jargon when speaking with patients.
• D. A belief that gender is a determining factor in health outcomes.

Answer: (B)

Attribution error is a bias in how we assign causes for events or outcomes. In a clinical context, it often shows up as judging and blaming the patient for their illness or condition—assuming it stems from the patient’s choices or behaviors rather than considering a broader mix of factors like genetics, biology, environmental influences, access to care, and social determinants. This mindset can damage trust and hinder care because it places responsibility on the patient and overlooks the real complexity of health. The other options don’t capture this tendency: attributing outcomes to external causes is a different pattern, using medical jargon is about communication style, and believing gender determines health outcomes reflects stereotyping rather than how we attribute illness.