Question

Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobsen conducted a study in 1968. The researchers told grade school teachers that five students were likely to be "late bloomers"--that these students had high levels of ability that would likely emerge over time. In reality, the students had been randomly selected by the researchers. Nonetheless, a year later, the researchers found that teachers' expectations for the "late bloomers" were reflected in student performance--the academic performance of the "late bloomers" was beyond that of other students. The results from this study demonstrate which of the following concepts?

a) Confirmation Bias
b) Pygmalion Effect
c) Placebo Effect
d) Self-fulfilling Prophecy

Answer 1

The 1968 study by Rosenthal and Jacobsen illustrates the Pygmalion effect, where teachers' positive expectations for randomly selected students led to an actual improvement in those students' academic performance. The study conducted by Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobsen in 1968 demonstrated the concept of the Pygmalion effect (b).

Step-by-step explanation:

The study conducted by Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobsen in 1968 demonstrated the concept of the Pygmalion effect. In the experiment, teachers were informed that certain students were expected to be 'late bloomers', despite these students being randomly selected. Over time, the teachers' high expectations were reflected in the actual improved academic performance of these students, exemplifying how positive expectations can lead to enhanced performance. This phenomenon is not to be confused with a self-fulfilling prophecy, which refers more broadly to any belief that comes true simply because one acts as if it is true. The significant aspect of the Pygmalion effect is the role of positive expectations in influencing outcomes positively.

The results from the study conducted by Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobsen in 1968 demonstrate the concept of Self-fulfilling Prophecy. The researchers told grade school teachers that certain students were likely to be "late bloomers," even though the students had been randomly selected. A year later, the student performance of the "late bloomers" exceeded that of other students, reflecting the teachers' expectations. This study shows that when teachers have high expectations for students, it can positively influence their academic performance.