Just World Theory

Question 1

Belief

Answer 1

Melvin Lerner suggested we have a psychological need to see the world as just and fair, or that the world is a just and orderly place where things happen for a reason.
-People get what they deserve and deserve what they get.
-Human beings are motivated by fairness more so overall then any other animal.

Question 2

Why do we want to believe that the world is just?

Answer 2

1. We want to believe hard work leads to deserved outcomes
2. Keeps our social world predictable which ultimately controls anxiety

However the world can be unjust
-Sometimes were reminded that the world is not always fair
-Bad things do happen to good people

Question 3

Secondary Victimization

Answer 3

Restoring justice through blaming and derogating the victim, or distancing oneself from the victim.

Question 4

Basic Research Strategy

Answer 4

Participants are exposed to a stimulus that threatens their need to believe in a just world. Participants reaction to the victim is measured.

P are exposed to victims or certain diseases, victims of violence, or victims of poverty. Manipulate the level of innocence or responsibility, the amount suffering, and if there was a perpetrator whether their brought to justice.

Then measure a variety of different concepts pertaining to the victim (blame, responsibility, characteristics) also physical distancing.

Question 5

Just World theory and Death Thought Accessibility

Answer 5

Hypo: If a belief in a just world is part of the worldview of high PNS people, then exposure to instances of injustice should increase the accessibility of death related thoughts among such individuals.

IV: Victim portrayed positively vs negatively
DV: DTA via word fragments