University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Stereotypes can trigger a self-fulfilling prophecy through a distinct causal process. When an individual holds a stereotypic belief about another person, it creates an expectation. This expectation influences the individual's behavior toward the other person, which in turn elicits a response from that person that confirms the original stereotype. This cycle not only reinforces the biased belief but can also lead to acts of prejudice and discrimination.

Stereotypes and Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

Confirmation bias is the cognitive tendency to selectively focus on cases that validate our pre-existing intuitive beliefs while actively disregarding or forgetting cases that disconfirm them. This mental shortcut leads individuals to reinforce incorrect assumptions by ignoring contradictory evidence.

Confirmation Bias

How can stereotypes lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy?

Which scenario best illustrates a self-fulfilling prophecy influenced by stereotypes?

Which of the following is an example of a self-fulfilling prophecy caused by stereotypes?

A scenario illustrating a self-fulfilling prophecy involves an employer who believes a gay job applicant will be incompetent. During the interview, the employer acts coldly and is less engaged. In response to this negative treatment, the applicant becomes withdrawn and gives short answers. The employer then interprets the applicant's poor interview performance as confirmation of the initial stereotype that the applicant is incompetent, thereby reinforcing the prejudice.

Example of a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: Employer and Job Applicant

In a study by Rosenthal and Jacobson (1968), researchers found that disadvantaged students whose teachers were led to expect them to perform well achieved higher grades than disadvantaged students whose teachers expected them to do poorly. This illustrates a self-fulfilling prophecy, where a teacher's stereotypic expectation alters their behavior toward a student, ultimately influencing the student to perform in a way that confirms those expectations.

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