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Pygmalion effect

created by semprini

(idea) by semprini (2.6 d) (print)   ?   (I like it!) 1 C! Tue Dec 05 2000 at 20:07:24

The name used to describe a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Conceptualized in 1957 by Robert Merton, a professor of sociology at Columbia University, who said the phenomenon occurs when "A false definition of the situation evokes a new behavior which makes the original false conception come true."

In other words when provided with certainty, the brain will produce results consistent with expectation. This can be a useful tool in understanding and motivating individuals and groups of people.

Erroneous information need not be presented. What is important is the sense of certainty perceived by the individual.


printable version
chaos

Rosenthal effect Pygmalion Self-fulfilling prophecy Law of Fives
If we define things as real, they are real in their consequences Borsuk-Ulam Theorem It only hurts when I breathe If we define things as unreal, they may still be real in their consequences
fresnel Certainty cyberspace control
C.S. Lewis Beauty expectation
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