The just world hypothesis and the attribution of agency to a victim

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Published: Jan 1, 1976
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/grsr.220
Arthur E. John Gonzalez
University of California, Riverside
Marian L. Cordoza
California State College, San Bernardino
Matthew G. Chapman
Princenton University
Abstract

A study was designed to test the just world hypothesis in
a situation where the derogation of an innocent victim was
socially proscribed. In a 3 X 2 design, experimental subjects
were asked to indicate their affect for an alleged victim of
Nazi atrocities. In one condition, the victim supposedly received
severe maltreatment. In the two remaining conditions,
the severity of the maltreatment was either moderate or low.
It was predicted that, contrary to the just world hypothesis,
increased severity of maltreatment of the innocent victim
would not result in his increased derogation. Rather, it was predicted
that the restoration of justice would be realized by the
attribution of increased agency of the victim in his suffering and
decreased attribution to him as a victim of circumstance, as
the severity of the suffering increased. The results supported
the predictions, though the increased attribution of agency
and decreased attribution of victimization by circumstance
were found only in the case of extreme severity of maltreat
ment.

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Author Biographies
Arthur E. John Gonzalez, University of California, Riverside

Dr. Arthur E. John Gonzalez is assistant professor of psychology
at the University of California, Riverside. He holds the M.A.
and doctorate in psychology from Princeton University as well
as a B.A. degree from the University of California, Riverside,
an honors B.A. from California State College, San Bernardino,
and an M.A. degree from the University of California, Davis.
His studies in cognitive balance theory have appeared in the
International Journal of Psychology, The Journal of Cross-
Cultural Psychology, and the Greek Review of Social Research.
He has also contributed a study on the arousal effects of cognitive
dissonance to the Journal of Personality and Social
Psychology. In addition to numerous other articles in psychology,
Dr. Gonzâlez has authored a number of articles dealing
with Byzantine ecclesiastical history and theological thought.

Marian L. Cordoza, California State College, San Bernardino

Marian L. Cordoza received her B.A. degree in experimental
psychology from the California State College, San Bernardino,
where she is presently pursuing graduate studies.

Matthew G. Chapman, Princenton University

Matthew G. Chapman received his B.A. degree in religion from
Princeton University. His interest in social phenomena and
psychological processes is primarily concentrated in the field
of religious experience. He is the author of several articles on
Eastern Orthodox Theology.

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