What does the self-fulfilling prophecy entail?

The concept of the self-fulfilling prophecy refers to the phenomenon where an individual's expectations about a situation or another person influence their behavior in a way that ultimately brings those expectations to fruition. When someone holds a belief or expectation, they might subconsciously alter their actions to align with that belief, thereby creating a reality that fulfills the original expectation.

For example, if a teacher believes that a particular student is not capable of performing well, the teacher may provide less support or attention to that student. As a result, the student may struggle and perform poorly, confirming the teacher's initial belief. This cycle demonstrates how expectations can significantly shape outcomes through behavior.

The other options do not capture this dynamic. A belief that has no impact on behavior contradicts the very idea of the self-fulfilling prophecy, as the impact on behavior is central to the concept. Testing psychological theories is a broader methodological approach and is not specifically related to the dynamics of expectations and behaviors. Lastly, enhancing group performance refers to motivational techniques or strategies rather than the psychological mechanism of expectations manifesting through behavior.