When we have unwittingly caused our stereotypic expectations to be confirmed by an out-group member's behavior, we have actually created a(n) __________.
A) self-fulfilling prophecy
B) fundamental attribution error
C) minimal group bias
D) expectations relapse

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A self-fulfilling prophecy occurs when our beliefs and expectations about a situation lead us to behave in ways that cause those beliefs and expectations to come true. In this case, our stereotypic expectations lead us to interpret an out-group member's behavior in a certain way, and then our behavior toward that individual based on that interpretation creates a situation in which the behavior outcome is likely to conform to our initial stereotype.

When We Have Unwittingly Caused Our Stereotypic Expectations to Be