You overhear a group of people arguing about the arrest of several political activists. The first person you hear takes the position that the activists weren't doing anything wrong. A second person responds that, while admittedly not knowing the details of what happened, they feel certain 'the protesters wouldn't have been arrested if they weren't doing something wrong'. What concept is demonstrated by the statement made by the second person?
A)just world hypothesis
B)sublimation
C)confirmation bias
D)overcontrolled hostility
E)overcompensation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The statement made by the second person reflects the just world hypothesis, which is the belief that people get what they deserve, implying that if the activists were arrested, they must have done something to warrant it. This belief system assumes that the world is fair and just, leading individuals to rationalize an injustice by attributing fault to the victim.

You Overhear a Group of People Arguing About the Arrest