Social factors: Expectancy

Question 1

THE SELF-FULFILLING PROPHECY (SFP)

Answer 1

A false definition of the situation evoking a new behaviour which makes the originally false concept come true

Question 2

THE FOUR-STEP EXPECTANCY CYCLE

BECKER & SOLOMON, 2005; HORN ET AL., 2010

Answer 2

Step 1
Expectancies formed on basis of impression cues
Step 2
Perceiver behaves in line with expectancies
Step 3
Target interprets behaviour and responds accordingly
Step 4
Perceiver believes initial expectancy is accurate

Question 3

THREE FACTS ABOUT SFPs

Answer 3

fact 1
Often termed “Behavioural Confirmation” or “The Pygmalion Effect”
fact 2
Effect can only be classified as SFP if original expectancy is INACCURATE
fact 3
Originated from research conducted in educational settings…

Question 4

THE FOUR-STEP EXPECTANCY CYCLE

example

Answer 4

Step 1
Coach forms impression (“bad body language… acting like a 12-year old”)
Step 2
Coach behaves in line with this expectancy (e.g., benches player)
Step 3
Athlete responds (e.g., “I’m not as talented as I thought…”)
Step 4
Coach’s initial expectancy is reinforced by athlete’s behaviour (e.g., poor attitude/performance)

Question 5

BEHAVIOURAL CONFIRMATION?

Answer 5

Behavioral confirmation is a type of self-fulfilling prophecy whereby people’s social expectations lead them to behave in ways that cause others to confirm their expectations