A college instructor's schedule has her teaching an honors section of psychology.Halfway through the semester,she is told that her class was NOT an honors section after all.She responds,"This is the best class I have ever taught and the grades prove it." What concept might a social psychologist use to explain the high grades this class obtained and the teacher's high opinion of the class?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The concept of self-fulfilling prophecy could be used to explain the high grades obtained in the class and the teacher's high opinion of the class. The instructor believed that her class was an honors section and likely conveyed that expectation to her students. This belief may have caused her to treat the students as if they were high-achieving and capable of excelling in the course, which in turn may have influenced their performance and ultimately led to the high grades. This cycle of beliefs influencing behavior and outcomes is a classic example of a self-fulfilling prophecy.

A College Instructor's Schedule Has Her Teaching an Honors Section