Madon et al. (2003)

Question 1

When do self fulfilling prophecies occur?

Answer 1

When beliefs for which there is no evidence or expectations about behaviour come true when the beliefs are fulfilled.

Question 2

What does this study suggest about a mother’s false expectations about her child’s future drinking?

Answer 2

It suggests that a mother’s false expectations about her child’s future drinking of alcohol may result in her expectations coming true.

Question 3

What did Rosenthal and Jacobson’s 1968 study show?

Answer 3

It showed that teacher expectations could lead to a self fulfilling prophecy of a child’s academic ability.

Question 4

Why was the Rosenthal and Jacobson 1968 study unnatural?

Answer 4

Because the independent variable (whether a child was about to bloom) was set up.

Question 5

How do expectations occur in naturalistic studies?

Answer 5

In naturalistic studies expectations develop naturally.

Question 6

Why is the natural development of expectations important?

Answer 6

Because they can affect achievement and occupational opportunities as well as personal development.

Question 7

What are factors that could affect whether a self fulfilling prophecy occurs?

Answer 7

Child self esteem, family social class and parental expectations.

Question 8

Give an example of the sort of issues that are considered in this study.

Answer 8

The idea that children with low self esteem are more likely to be affected by persuasive messages, and so are more affected by false expectations.

Question 9

What is Madon et al.’s 2003 study about?

Answer 9

The self fulfilling influence of mother expectations on children’s underage drinking.