What is the significance of the Golem effect in selection strategies?

The significance of the Golem effect is rooted in its demonstration of how expectations can influence performance, particularly in negative ways. This phenomenon reveals that when individuals are perceived to have lower potential or are subjected to low expectations, their performance can suffer as a direct result. In selection strategies, this effect highlights the importance of maintaining positive expectations for candidates, as lower expectations from evaluators can create a self-fulfilling prophecy where individuals underperform due to the lack of belief in their abilities.

This concept is vital for understanding the psychological dynamics in educational and workplace settings. Recognizing the Golem effect encourages evaluators and decision-makers to be mindful of their attitudes and perceptions towards individuals, promoting an environment that fosters higher performance through belief in potential capabilities. In contrast to the other options, which pertain to different aspects of feedback, motivation, or performance, the Golem effect specifically addresses the detrimental impact of low expectations on performance outcomes.