Pygmalion effect expectations – UGC NET Question

The Pygmalion effect,also called the self-fulfilling prophecy,occurs when higher expectations from teachers lead to improved performance in students. Research has shown that when teachers believe certain students can excel,they often provide more support and opportunities,which enhances outcomes. Similarly,low expectations can depress performance. Hence,the effect described in the stem is the Pygmalion effect.

Option A:
The Pygmalion effect illustrates how interpersonal expectations become a powerful influence on learning behaviour. It highlights the ethical responsibility of teachers to hold positive yet realistic beliefs about all learners. Because the stem refers specifically to performance aligning with communicated expectations,Pygmalion is the correct term.

Option B:
The Hawthorne effect refers to changes in behaviour simply because individuals know they are being observed or studied,not necessarily because of teacher expectations.

Option C:
The Placebo effect is used mainly in medical research to describe improvements due to belief in treatment,not to interpersonal academic expectations.

Option D:
Contrast effect relates to judgments being influenced by comparisons,for example rating one student differently after seeing another. It does not fully capture the self-fulfilling prophecy described.