Exploiting the Pygmalion Effect: Modeling Stereotyping in Education as Positive Feedback System
Year: 2025
Type: preprint
Abstract: This paper proposes a novel framework of persistence and amplification understanding for academic stereotypes by modeling cognitive process as a Closed-Loop Positive Feedback Control System, based on Control Systems Engineering. We explore the analysis of how the unconscious application of stereotypes can generate an anti-inhibitory feedback signal, that reinforces the initial bias, leading to the well-known Pygmalion Effect. We demonstrate the social phenomena of the Do-Gooder Derogation and Crab Mentality which function as powerful external regulators, actively inhibit the corrective efforts being made, guaranteeing the systemic stability and growth of bias. This mathematical model concludes that the only mechanism for stereotype decay is the consistent introduction of a very strong and corrective inhibitory counteractive signal (negative feedback).
Source: OSF Preprints (OSF Preprints)
Author: Rashwan, Sherif
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7106525307