Ilhan is not upset that his girlfriend forgot his birthday because he believes that she forgot because she was worried about her upcoming finals and her father's health.Ilhan's explanation for his girlfriend's forgetfulness is an example of

A) an attribution.
B) an attitude.
C) cognitive dissonance.
D) the fundamental attribution error.

Attribution

A concept in psychology referring to how people explain the causes of their own and others' behaviors and outcomes, often as internal dispositions or external situations.

Cognitive Dissonance

The mental discomfort experienced by a person who holds two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values at the same time.

Fundamental Attribution Error

The fundamental attribution error is a bias in social psychology where individuals tend to attribute others' actions to their character or personality, while underestimating situational influences.