๐Ÿง ap psychology review

Just-World Phenomenon

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 examโ€ขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated August 2025

Definition

The just-world phenomenon is a cognitive bias where people believe that life is fair โ€“ that individuals generally get what they deserve, whether it be good or bad.

AP course connection

Topic 9.5: 9.5 Bias, Prejudice, and Discrimination

Unit 9

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