Stereotype threat vs. self-fulfilling prophecy
Women told before a math test that men usually outperform women score lower than women who are not told this. This effect is:
Answer B: explanation for every choice
A
A self-fulfilling prophecy is an expectation causing behavior that makes it come true, typically through how others treat the target.
B
Correct. Concern about confirming a negative stereotype about one's own group impairs performance.
C
Social facilitation is an audience improving performance on well-learned tasks.
D
Learned helplessness is giving up after repeated uncontrollable failure.
TakeawayStereotype threat: fear of confirming a group stereotype hurts performance.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID ps80.