Answer to Question 1
The actorobserver effect is based on our tendency to attribute our own behavior to situational causes (causes that are external to the individual) and on our tendency to attribute other people's behavior to internal (dispositional) causes. The result is that if two people engage in the same behavior, each will see the reason for his or her own behavior as being something in the environment, but see the other person's behavior as reflecting something within the self.
Answer to Question 2
Consensual validation is evidence that another person shares our views. No one likes being wrong, and we turn to others to get validation of our attitudes. When you learn that someone else holds the same attitudes and beliefs that you do, it suggests that you have sound judgment, and are in contact with reality.
