Question

In a controlled experiment, Rosenthal and Jacobson (1968) informed grade school teachers that some of their students (called "bloomers") would show great academic improvement in the upcoming year. In reality, the "bloomers" were chosen randomly by the researchers, and were no smarter than any of the other students. Which of the following best describes the results of this study? At the end of the year,
A. bloomers and non-bloomers performed equally well on an IQ test.
B. bloomers improved more on an IQ test than did non-bloomers.
C. non-bloomers improved more on an IQ test than did bloomers.
D. there were no IQ differences between bloomers and non-bloomers, but the bloomers were more interested in school.

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is B, bloomers improved more on an IQ test than did non-bloomers.

Explanation:

The theory behind this experiment is that the treatment you give each individual affects their performance. Once labeled as bloomers those students became more confident and interested in class. The teachers were also affected, for they became more interested and paid closer attention to those individuals. Rosenthal and Jacobson would call that a self-fulfilling prophecy. At the end of the experience, it was noted that the IQ coefficiency of those students randomly labeled as bloomers had increased. The special subconscious treatment they had received by their teacher played an important role in those results.