Understanding the Concept
The Golem Effect, also known as the self-fulfilling prophecy of low expectations, refers to a psychological phenomenon where individuals perform poorly because they believe they are expected to fail. In other words, when people are treated as if they are incapable or incompetent, they start to believe and exhibit behaviors consistent with those low expectations.
Origins and Research
The term 'Golem Effect' was first introduced by psychologist Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobson in the 1960s. In their groundbreaking study, known as the Pygmalion Effect, teachers were falsely told that certain students showed exceptional potential for intellectual growth based on a fictitious test. As a result, these students demonstrated significant improvements in their academic performance, proving that beliefs and expectations can influence outcomes.
Impact in Various Settings
The Golem Effect can manifest in different environments, including schools, workplaces, and personal relationships. In educational settings, teachers' attitudes towards students can significantly impact their motivation and achievements. Similarly, in the workplace, when employees are not trusted or given challenging tasks, they may underperform and feel demotivated.