Not long ago we talked about the Pygmalion effect in an episode of Do You Really Know? Well today’s subject is pretty much the exact opposite! The Golem effect is the idea that negative words or assumptions can influence behaviours and transform those assumptions into reality. It’s another type of self-fulfilling prophecy, which sees lower expectations lead to poorer performance and behaviour in individuals.

And just like the Pygmalion effect, the term was also coined by Robert Rosenthal, this time in a 1982 paper after having conducted research along with Elisha Babad and Jacob Inbar. The name comes from Jewish folklore, and more specifically the tale of the Golem of Prague.

What are the main areas in which the Golem effect can be observed ? What about in relationships?How can we overcome the Golem effect? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions !

To listen to the last episodes, you can click here :

⁠Are women really more emotional than men?⁠

⁠Why are celebrities dissolving their facial fillers?⁠

⁠What is the Smurfette Principle?⁠

A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

First Broadcast: 27/8/2023

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