Laboratory supervisor Sasha, is attempting to use the Pygmalion effect when she says to her group,
A) "We will soon be implementing a bonus system."
B) "Who in this lab is not smart enough to do his or her job?"
C) "We may not have the best lab group in the company, but we do try."
D) "I know that we will exceed our quota of useful ideas this year."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Pygmalion effect is the phenomenon where high expectations lead to improved performance, while low expectations lead to decreased performance. Of the options given, only D conveys a positive and optimistic message, suggesting that the lab will exceed its quota of useful ideas. This communicates a high expectation for performance, and may lead to improved results. The other options either convey low expectations (such as B, which suggests that some individuals may not be smart enough) or are neutral at best (such as A, which mentions a bonus system but does not necessarily promote a culture of high achievement).

Laboratory Supervisor Sasha, Is Attempting to Use the Pygmalion Effect