The Hidden Trap: We Blame What’s Most Obvious, Even When It’s Not the Cause

People often make the mistake of blaming the most obvious person or factor in a situation, even when something invisible is at play. Longstanding research in psychology shows we default to the 'what's focal is causal' bias. When observers watch videotaped confessions, if the camera focuses on the suspect, viewers (including judges and police) tend to assume the suspect is more guilty—even if that’s not the case. Reverse the camera to the interrogator and suddenly the blame shifts.

This effect even shows up in business. CEOs get credit or blame for results that may have more to do with market forces or team performance, merely because they are the most visible person in the company. In everyday life, we focus on what’s right in front of us—a crying child, a malfunctioning device, an outspoken coworker—without considering less obvious factors such as stress at home, underlying processes, or broader systemic causes.

A tragic real-life example: in criminal confessions, police sometimes extract false admissions from innocent people during grueling interrogations. Later, when juries view taped confessions, the suspect is often seen as the main agent—less because of evidence, more because of camera focus. Legal research has shown that changing the angle to include both suspect and interrogator actually reduces this unfair bias.

Understanding and correcting for this cognitive shortcut can reshape both how you see problems and how you lead others to fairer, smarter decisions.

Whenever you feel sure about the cause of someone’s actions or a group’s decision, pause. Ask yourself if you’re just noticing the most obvious factor—like who’s talking loudest, sitting up front, or featured on the screen. List other possible causes, even if they're not immediately visible. If you're making an important call—like in a meeting or during a tough conversation—switch chairs or get another person to share what they noticed. Small shifts in viewpoint can save you and others from a big mistake. Try it today, even in a simple disagreement.