When an African-American athlete performs equivalently to peers, how is this performance often perceived by a Pygmalion-prone coach?

A Pygmalion-prone coach is one who holds preconceived notions or expectations about athletes based on their race, background, or other characteristics. When an African-American athlete performs equivalently to their peers, the perception of their performance can be influenced by these biases.

In this context, saying that such a performance is perceived as more effective suggests that the coach might have lower expectations for the athlete based on stereotypes. Therefore, when the athlete meets or exceeds those expectations, it may be viewed as a notable achievement, leading to a perception of their performance as superior in contrast to the coach's initial biases.

This perception may not reflect the true nature of the performance but highlights how implicit biases can shape evaluations within sports. The Pygmalion effect thus illustrates how expectations can impact performance perceptions, making the athlete's actual accomplishments seem more impressive due to the contrast with preconceived notions.