Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
The Thomas Theorem posits that if people perceive situations as real, they are real in their consequences. This means individuals' responses or behaviors are influenced by their perceptions of a situation, regardless of the objective reality.
The theory that our understanding of reality is shaped through our social interactions and cultural norms.
Self: fulfilling prophecy - A prediction that directly or indirectly causes itself to become true due to positive feedback between belief and behavior.