In sociology, what is a "self-fulfilling prophecy"?

A self-fulfilling prophecy is a concept in sociology that refers to a belief or expectation about an individual or group that influences behavior in such a way that it causes the belief to become true. This phenomenon occurs when individuals internalize the expectations placed upon them, leading them to act in ways that confirm those expectations. For instance, if a teacher expects a student to excel and communicates that belief through positive reinforcement, the student may be motivated to perform better, thereby fulfilling the teacher's prediction.

The essence of a self-fulfilling prophecy lies in the interaction between belief and behavior. When a person believes they will succeed or fail, their actions often align with those expectations, creating a cycle where the initial belief is validated by subsequent behavior. This highlights the powerful role that perceptions and social expectations play in shaping reality.

In contrast, the other choices do not encapsulate this idea. A prediction that cannot come true does not align with the concept's definition since a self-fulfilling prophecy indeed becomes reality through behavior changes. A random event that alters social dynamics describes an unpredictable circumstance rather than a belief-driven outcome. Lastly, a statement made without evidence does not relate to the dynamics of expectations and behavior; it does not account for the role beliefs