Rosenthal effect over the academic career decisions of EMI students at higher education level: A case study

Abstract

Rosenthal effect, also known as expectancy effect, is a psychological phenomenon at which individual’s acts take the form of what others, very often an authority or a respected one, expects from them. It appears to be among the determinant factors for students while selecting their path to higher education. On the other hand, the previous research also found out that EMI universities rank considerably more among the primary expectations by parents in such countries as Turkey. In this vein, several factors ranging from social prestige to academic success are often given as reasons for the preference. However, there is also some doubt concerning the challenges faced in the intake of contextual knowledge. This current study aimed to investigate the tenets of Rosenthal effect exposed by students before an EMI university over their success and participation in higher education level. The data came from 30 EFL preparatory year students at an EMI university in Turkey through a standardized open-ended written interview and a questionnaire in Likert-scale. The results indicate that most of the participants agree on the existence of others’ expectancy while determining their career paths. It is also clear that the effect mostly contributed positively to their decisions as well as to their success rates while sustainability of participation and lack of enthusiasm appear to be its basic negative consequence. A considerable number of the prospective EMI students also indicated that they do not feel proficient enough to take courses successfully in another language than their mother tongue. Further studies are required to investigate students’ motivation and external factors in selecting an EMI institution.