Final answer:
The scenario with Jean is an example of a self-fulfilling prophecy, where the professor's negative prediction affected Jean's behavior, resulting in her dropout from law school. This incident aligns with sociological findings and literature that show how expectations can shape individuals' actions and realities. The correct option is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
After Jean was told by one of her professors that she would never succeed in law school, she stopped reading and completing her assignments, eventually dropping out. This scenario is an example of a self-fulfilling prophecy. A self-fulfilling prophecy occurs when an expectation about a person, whether true or false, affects a person's behavior in such a way that those expectations are more likely to be realized.
Jean's professor's negative expectation likely influenced Jean's motivation and actions, leading to the outcome that was initially predicted, regardless of Jean's actual capability or potential. This concept is epitomized in Merton's example of a bank run, where a false belief can lead to real-world consequences that affirm the initial false belief.
Literature offers many instances of self-fulfilling prophecies, such as the tragic tale of Oedipus, who unknowingly fulfills a dire prophecy by trying to avoid it. The power of belief and expectation in shaping reality is not only a motif in stories but also a psychological phenomenon observed and documented in sociological and educational settings.
Rosenthal and Jacobson's research, as well as anecdotal evidence from works like Jeremy Iversen's 'High School Confidential', suggests that authority figures' beliefs can significantly influence individuals' actions and self-concepts.