True or False: The impact of self-fulfilling prophecies in education is limited to the students who are perceived as having low ability, as they are the only ones affected by negative stereotypes.

The statement is false. Self‑fulfilling prophecies occur whenever a teacher’s expectation—positive or negative—affects a student’s effort and performance, and this can happen to both high‑ and low‑ability students. A teacher who expects a student to excel will give more attention and encouragement, which can boost that student’s confidence and achievement, while a teacher who doubts a student will provide less support, causing the student to perform poorly. Thus the impact is not limited to those seen as low ability; it can raise or lower outcomes for anyone whose expectations are shaped by stereotypes. For example, if a teacher believes a particular student is very capable, the teacher may give them challenging assignments and praise, which often leads the student to perform better, confirming the teacher’s initial belief.