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Expectations

Definition

Expectations refer to beliefs about what will happen in the future based on past experiences, assumptions, and cultural norms.

Analogy

Expectations are like recipes we follow when cooking. We have an idea of how the dish should turn out based on previous attempts or instructions we've read. If it doesn't meet these expectations, we might feel disappointed or surprised.

Related terms

Schema: This is like your cookbook full of recipes - it's a cognitive framework that helps us organize and interpret information.

Confirmation Bias: This is akin to only using recipes you know will turn out well - it's our tendency to search for and favor information that confirms our existing beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: It’s like expecting a recipe to fail so you don’t put much effort into it – this expectation influences your behavior in such way that makes your prediction come true.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.