Rosenthal Effect
The Rosenthal Effect, also known as the Pygmalion Effect, refers to the phenomenon where higher expectations lead to an increase in performance. This concept was named after psychologist Robert Rosenthal, who conducted studies showing that teachers' expectations of their students could significantly influence their academic achievements. When teachers believed certain students would excel, those students often did perform better.
This effect highlights the power of belief and expectation in educational settings and beyond. It suggests that positive reinforcement and encouragement can enhance individuals' abilities, while negative expectations may hinder performance. Understanding this effect can help improve teaching methods and foster a more supportive learning environment.