An integration of hindsight bias and counterfactual thinking: Decision- making and drug courier profiles

Jennifer K. Robbennolt, Mark S. Sobus

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Counterfactual thinking and hindsight bias have each generated separate, substantial bodies of research and provided insight into some areas of legal decision-making. An investigation of the relationship between counterfactual thinking and hindsight bias in a situation in which both are implicated is presented in a legal decision-making context utilizing drug courier profiles and illegal search and seizure. The findings, which demonstrate each of these cognitive processes and show a pattern of results that supports an integrative relationship between them, are discussed in the contexts of social cognition and of legal decision-making. A suggested causal model of decision-making in this context is also presented. Specific implications of these findings for civil actions to remedy illegal searches are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)539-560
Number of pages22
JournalLaw and Human Behavior
Volume21
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 1997
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
  • General Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Law

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