Pygmalion Effect Explained
The Pygmalion Effect, also known as the Rosenthal Effect, refers to the phenomenon where higher expectations lead to an increase in performance. This psychological principle suggests that individuals tend to perform better when they are expected to do so by others. Key Points: 1. Origins : - The term originates from the Greek myth of Pygmalion, a sculptor who fell in love with a statue he had carved, which then came to life. The modern psychological concept was popularized by Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobson in their study involving teachers and students. 2. Rosenthal and Jacobson's Study : - In their 1968 study, Rosenthal and Jacobson informed teachers that certain students were expected to show significant intellectual growth over the school year based on fictitious test results. - These "high-potential" students were selected at random, but by the end of the year, they showed greater academic improvement compared to their peers. ...