Darlene has generally had good grades in university, until she enrolls in Professor Jameson's course. After studying for days and then failing the midterm test she gets discouraged and decides against studying for the final exam, believing that it will not make any difference in her grade. Consequently, she fails the final exam. Which sociological concept best explains Darlene's situation?
A) the deduction theorem
B) a self-fulfilling prophecy
C) the hidden curriculum
D) gender discrimination

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Darlene's situation is an example of a self-fulfilling prophecy, where her belief that studying would not improve her grade led her to not study, which in turn resulted in her failing the exam, thus confirming her original expectation.

Darlene Has Generally Had Good Grades in University, Until She