What does the Pygmalion effect suggest regarding expectations and performance?

The Pygmalion effect refers to the phenomenon where higher expectations from leaders, teachers, or peers can lead to improved performance in individuals. This concept is based on the idea that if individuals believe they are capable of achieving more due to the expectations placed upon them, they are more likely to strive for and attain those higher levels of performance.

When expectations are elevated, it often fosters a supportive environment that encourages individuals to meet those expectations, leading to increased motivation and effort. As a result, performance tends to improve as individuals rise to the occasion. This effect highlights the powerful role that belief and expectation play in both personal and professional development.

In contrast, the other options explore different views that don’t align with the established understanding of the Pygmalion effect. Low expectations, for instance, typically do not precipitate better performance; rather, they can create a self-fulfilling prophecy where individuals underperform due to the lack of belief in their capabilities. A claim of no relationship between expectations and performance disregards the substantial evidence supporting the correlation and effect of expectations on outcomes. Lastly, implying that expectations only affect team dynamics overlooks the broader individual impact that expectations can have on personal performance and motivation, extending well beyond just team interactions.