The Pygmalion effect, also known as Rosenthal effect, is a psychological phenomenon in which higher expectations lead to an increase in performance.
The concept is based on the ancient Greek myth of Pygmalion, in which a sculptor falls in love with his own creation, a statue of a woman, and the statue comes to life.
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In the context of psychology and education, the Pygmalion effect was popularized by Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobson in the 1968 book "Pygmalion in the Classroom."
In their study, teachers were told that certain students had been identified as "growth spurters" or having the potential for significant intellectual growth, based on a test. In reality, these students were chosen at random.
The researchers found that students who were labeled as "growth spurters" showed greater intellectual development over the course of the school year compared to their peers.
The only difference was the teachers' expectation that these students would excel.
The study suggested that the expectations and attitudes of teachers influenced the performance and development of their students.
Examples to illustrate the Pygmalion effect:
Workplace Performance: Imagine a manager who holds high expectations for a particular employee, believing they have great potential and skills. The manager may provide more opportunities, support, and positive feedback to that employee. As a result, the employee may feel motivated and empowered to meet those expectations, ultimately leading to improved performance and career advancement.
Sports Coaching: In sports, coaches who have high expectations for their athletes often witness improved performance. If a coach believes in an athlete's abilities and communicates this belief, the athlete may be more likely to push themselves harder, leading to better results on the field or court.
Parental Expectations: Parents who have high expectations for their children's academic success may inadvertently influence their children's performance. If children perceive that their parents believe in their capabilities, they may be more motivated to excel in their studies and achieve higher grades.
Customer Service: In a customer service scenario, if a manager expresses confidence in an employee's ability to handle challenging customer interactions, that employee may feel more capable and motivated to provide excellent service. The positive expectations can contribute to improved customer satisfaction and the employee's overall job performance.
The Pygmalion effect highlights the impact of positive expectations and beliefs on individual performance. When others believe in an individual's abilities, it can create a self-fulfilling prophecy where the individual strives to meet those expectations.
