Pygmalion Effect

Questions

What is Pygmalion Effect?

The Pygmalion Effect, or Rosenthal effect, is when higher expectations lead to better performance. When someone believes we'll succeed, they give us more attention, encouragement and challenge, and we often rise to meet it, as pupils did in Rosenthal and Jacobson's classroom study.

How do you use Pygmalion Effect?

To use it, tell people what you believe they can achieve and back it with real responsibility. Speak about children with confidence, and surround yourself with people who expect the best of you. Low expectations work the same way, so watch yours.

When does Pygmalion Effect matter?

Pygmalion Effect is one of the 60 mental models for people, the situations where you ask: Why do people act as they do, and how do I work with them? Within that, it belongs to “Leading people”, alongside Carrot and Stick, Distributive Justice vs Procedural Justice and Golem Effect.

What is an example of Pygmalion Effect?

Two stories show it at work: Oak School (1964–1968) and Timpson (2010s). Both are told in full in The Mental Models Daily Almanac, which has two stories for each of its 365 models.

Which mental models are related to Pygmalion Effect?

Golem Effect, Observer-Expectancy Bias and Placebo Effect. Pygmalion Effect itself comes from human nature and judgement.