Internal- Self Fulfilling Prophecy

Question 1

What does the theory of self-fulfilling prophecy argue?

Answer 1

Predictions by teachers as the whether they will succeed or fail tend to come true because the prediction has been made.

Question 2

Positive effects of labelling (why it helps the MC succeed)?

Answer 2

1. Teachers will push students they think are brighter harder while expecting less from those labelled as less able 2. Positive label means you’re more likely to be put into a higher band and vice versa for negative labels 3. Positively labelled students are more likely to develop a positive attitude towards studying, those labelled negatively an anti school attitude.

Question 3

How may effects of labelling be reinforced?

Answer 3

Through peer group identification.

Question 4

In labelling, is it all to do with a pupils ability?

Answer 4

Not really. To some degree, a result of the interaction between teacher and pupil effects student attainment level, not just their ability.

Question 5

How does Rosenthal and Jacobsons ‘Pygmalion in the classroom’ demonstrate self-fulfilling prophecy?

Answer 5

When some we’re predicted to spurt ahead, they did. The pupils were selected at random showing the teacher can make a pupil who they believe them to be. This illustrates important interactiniey principle- what people believe to be true has real effects even if it wasn’t originally true. SFP can produce underachievement. Low expectations may develop into a negative self concept where they feel like a failure and give up, fulfilling the original prophecy.