What psychological process occurs when expectations about a group lead to actual behavior that confirms those expectations?

The concept of a self-fulfilling prophecy refers to a situation where an individual's expectations about another person or group lead to behaviors that cause those expectations to come true. This psychological process involves a cycle of expectation and behavior, where the initial belief influences actions that reinforce or produce the expected outcome.

For example, if a teacher expects certain students to excel, they may give them more attention and encouragement. This support can boost the students’ performance, thereby confirming the teacher's original expectation. This effect illustrates the powerful influence of expectations on behavior and outcomes within social contexts.

The other terms involve different social psychology concepts. Cognitive bias relates to systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment. Social loafing refers to the tendency of individuals to put forth less effort when working in a group than when working alone. Groupthink is a phenomenon where the desire for harmony or conformity within a group leads to irrational or dysfunctional decision-making. Each of these concepts emphasizes different aspects of human behavior and interaction, but the process of a self-fulfilling prophecy specifically highlights how expectations can shape reality in a reciprocal manner.