On the Phenomenology of Innocence: The Role of Belief in a Just World

This research empirically tested belief in a just world (BJW) as an explanation for the phenomenology of innocence. Two studies tested the impact of BJW on innocent suspect behaviour and lie detection judgements. In Study 1, BJW was measured as a trait and experimentally primed in innocent mock crime suspects. Suspects with stronger BJW trait scores reported lower levels of nervousness in relation to the interview and higher confidence in being judged innocent. Suspects primed to have a strong BJW (compared with a weak BJW) were more likely to believe they would be found innocent. In Study 2, observers assessed the suspects from Study 1 via videotaped interviews. Observers were more likely to judge those primed to have a strong BJW as innocent. The results support the hypothesis that BJW plays a role in the reasoning and behaviour of innocent suspects.