Class differences in achievement: Self-fulfilling Prophecy

Class differences in achievement: Self-fulfilling Prophecy

1. A predicition that comes true simply by the virtue of it having been made

2. Interactionists argue that labelling can result in a self-fulfilling prophecy

3. STEP 1: Teacher labels a pupil (intelligent) and makes predictions about them (outstanding progress)

   • STEP 2: Teacher treats pupil accordingly as if prediction is already true (pays more attention and expects higher standard)
     • STEP 3: Pupil internalises expectation, becoming part of their self-belief concept/image and becomes the kind of pupil the teacher believed them to be

4. Rosenthal and Jacobson (1968) told school thye had a new test specially designed to identify those who would 'spurt' ahead. They tested all pupils but picked 20% at random as 'spurters'. On return 1 year later, they found almost half (47%) had indeed made significant progress.