Who introduced the concept of the "self-fulfilling prophecy" in education?

The concept of the "self-fulfilling prophecy" was introduced by Robert K. Merton. He described it as a situation where a belief or expectation, whether accurate or not, affects the outcome of a situation or the behavior of individuals. In the context of education, this concept highlights how teachers’ expectations of their students can significantly influence students' performance and academic success. For example, if a teacher believes a student is capable and intelligent, the teacher may provide more support and encouragement, leading the student to perform better. Conversely, if a teacher has low expectations, this may result in less support and a lack of motivation from the student, ultimately affecting their academic achievements.

The other figures mentioned, while influential in sociology, focus on different areas. Max Weber is known for his work on social action and bureaucracy, Emile Durkheim notably contributed to functionalism and the study of social facts, and Jean Piaget is famous for his theories on child cognitive development rather than educational sociology specifically. Thus, Merton's concept uniquely applies to the dynamics of expectation and performance in education, making him the correct choice for this question.