You have heard that Dean X has a reputation for being very arrogant and condescending to students.One day your professor sends you to see the Dean to discuss an important educational issue.You are quite apprehensive when you enter the Dean's office and act very nervous and anxious.Since Dean X does not suffer fools, he snaps at you, thus confirming the _____ that you evoked.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The situation described is an example of expectancy confirmations, which refers to when our expectations about others lead us to behave in ways that elicit responses that confirm our initial beliefs. In this case, the student's apprehension and nervousness may have caused them to act in a way that Dean X interpreted as foolish or incompetent, which then confirmed the student's pre-existing belief about the Dean's arrogance and condescension.

You Have Heard That Dean X Has a Reputation for Being