What effect does expectancy-bias behavior have on high and low expectancy athletes?

Expectancy-bias behavior refers to the influence that an individual's expectations can have on their performance and experiences in sports. This phenomenon suggests that athletes who are expected to succeed, often termed high expectancy athletes, may indeed perform better due to increased confidence and motivation that comes from positive expectations. Conversely, low expectancy athletes, those believed to be less likely to succeed, may experience a self-fulfilling prophecy where negative expectations lead to anxiety or decreased motivation, ultimately affecting their performance negatively.

Both types of athletes are impacted by the expectancy bias in different but significant ways. High expectancy athletes might receive more encouragement, opportunities, and support, reinforcing their performance and leading to a cycle of success. Meanwhile, low expectancy athletes might struggle with lower levels of support and encouragement, resulting in a negative impact on their self-esteem and performance.

The dual effect—where both groups experience different outcomes based on expectancy—validates the answer that both high and low expectancy athletes are affected. This understanding is crucial in sports psychology as it emphasizes the importance of fostering positive expectations and belief in all athletes to optimize performance and well-being.