Wenger-Gardner Effect
The Wenger-Gardner effect is a psychological phenomenon that explains how the power of suggestion influences our perception of the world around us. It is named after American psychologist Stanley Wenger and British psychologist George Gardner, who discovered its implications in the late 1950s. The effect describes how individuals can become “conditioned” to expect certain outcomes when presented with similar information. This means that, in certain situations, our beliefs and assumptions are influenced by the opinions or expectations of others.
This phenomenon is most often used in the context of cultural bias and prejudice. For instance, a person may be more likely to pre-judge minority groups due to cultural stereotypes they have been exposed to in the media, or heard from peers or family members. As such, they may “expect” certain behaviours from members of these groups, thus influencing how they view and interact with them.
At the same time, daily experiences can also contribute to this effect, as people become increasingly “conditioned” to expect certain outcomes in similar situations. These expectations may be shaped by experiences such as the response of a doctor to a patient’s symptoms, or the duration of wait times in a particular type of restaurant. As such, individuals may continually encounter experiences or stimuli that reinforce their idea of how the world works and what expectations to set for various situations.
The impact of the Wenger-Gardner effect can often lead to biased judgements and prejudices, which may ultimately harm relationships between different individuals and groups. Thus, it is important that we are aware of our preconceptions and strive to think more objectively, instead of relying on assumptions shaped by cultural conditioning or daily experiences. By doing so, we can introduce strategies and perspectives that reflect the nuances and complexities of human life, ultimately encouraging better interactions and more meaningful connections.
