The reversed fair process effect: Appraisal of attribution and differences between immigrants and non-immigrants

Abstract

In general people are more satisfied when they are treated fairly. The reversed fair process effect states that, in face of a negative outcome this reverses. An inaccurate procedure provides an external attribution factor to which the failure can be attributed. This study looked into the effect of evaluative pressure and origin on the reversed fair process effect. Also the effect of suggested discrimination was examined. This study incorporated a measurement of attribution to examine its role within the reversed fair process effect. Results showed reversal indeed works through attribution, and is most likely to occur on (state) self-esteem. Furthermore important differences were found between immigrants and non-immigrants That is, whereas reversal was observed in non-immigrants this did not occur for immigrants. And also, Immigrants only attributed failure to themselves when they were evaluated based on their background and the procedure was accurate.