Understanding the Law of Assumption Through a Scientific Lens

The Law of Assumption, popularized by mystic Neville Goddard, posits that deeply held assumptions about oneself and the world manifest as reality. While rooted in spirituality, contemporary research from leading universities reveals striking parallels in psychology and neuroscience. Scientists are uncovering how beliefs and expectations—much like assumptions—can influence behavior, perception, and even physiology, echoing the core idea that what we assume tends to become true.

In higher education, these findings hold profound implications for students, faculty, and administrators. Teacher expectations can shape student outcomes, mindsets affect academic performance, and understanding these dynamics empowers better learning environments. This exploration draws from rigorous studies at institutions like Columbia, Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and Rutgers to bridge ancient wisdom with empirical evidence.

Robert Merton's Foundational Concept at Columbia University

Sociologist Robert K. Merton, a professor at Columbia University, introduced the term "self-fulfilling prophecy" (SFP) in 1948. He defined it as "a false definition of the situation evoking a new behavior which makes the originally false conception come true." Classic examples include a bank run, where depositors' panic withdraws cause insolvency, or racial prejudices leading to discriminatory practices that reinforce stereotypes.

Merton's work laid the groundwork for understanding how collective assumptions drive social realities. In academia today, this manifests in how institutional biases can perpetuate inequality, prompting universities to train faculty on unbiased expectations.

Harvard's Ellen Langer: Mindfulness and the Power of Questioning Assumptions

Ellen J. Langer, Harvard University's first tenured female psychology professor, has spent decades studying mindfulness—defined as actively noticing new things about the familiar and embracing uncertainty. Her research shows that rigid assumptions lead to mindlessness, distorting reality, while mindful awareness reveals variability and context.

In her famous Counterclockwise Study, elderly men lived as if in 1959 for a week, adopting 1959-era attitudes and behaviors. Results were remarkable: improved physical strength, dexterity, posture, and even eyesight, suggesting assumptions about aging directly impact health. Langer's over 200 publications demonstrate that reframing assumptions—e.g., viewing symptoms as variable—enhances outcomes for conditions like Parkinson's and diabetes. This aligns with the Law of Assumption by showing how shifting inner narratives alters external reality.

Stanford's Carol Dweck and the Growth Mindset Paradigm

At Stanford, psychologist Carol S. Dweck distinguishes fixed mindsets (talents are innate) from growth mindsets (abilities develop through effort). Her longitudinal studies reveal growth mindset students outperform peers in math and science, persisting through challenges.

Dweck's interventions, like 45-minute online modules, boost grades and reduce dropouts among underperformers. In higher education, fostering growth mindsets helps students navigate rigorous coursework, with applications extending to faculty development and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Alia Crum's Mindset Research: Physiology Follows Belief

Stanford's Alia Crum directs the Mind & Body Lab, proving mindsets alter biological responses. In one study, hotel workers viewing their work as exercise lost weight and body fat, despite no activity change. Another found labeling milkshakes "indulgent" increased satiety hormones more than "healthy" labels.

Crum's work on stress mindsets shows viewing stress as enhancing (vs. debilitating) improves cognition and resilience. Recent 2025 research links mindset shifts to reduced depression post-catastrophe, like COVID-19. For university students, this means assuming challenges build strength enhances performance.

MIT Neuroscience: Expectations Warp Perception

MIT neuroscientists, led by Mehrdad Jazayeri, found expectations bias time perception via frontal cortex activity. In tasks, animals adjusted intervals toward expected ranges, with neural populations "warping" representations accordingly.

This Bayesian integration—blending priors with sensory data—demonstrates how assumptions filter reality at the neural level, supporting the idea that what we assume shapes what we experience. MIT's full study highlights implications for learning and decision-making in academia.

Accumulation of Effects: Rutgers' Stereotype Research

Rutgers psychologists, including Lee Jussim, showed stereotype-based SFPs accumulate across perceivers. In experiments, targets confirmed expectations (e.g., overweight stereotypes via more candy choice) more with two biased perceivers than one, with effect sizes escalating synergistically (d=1.69 total).

• Overweight: Synergistic increase in confirmation.
• Sex stereotypes: Targets selected sex-typed articles more under dual influence.
• Downstream: New perceivers inferred traits, perpetuating cycles despite awareness.

In universities, multiple faculty biases could compound, affecting underrepresented students' trajectories.

Classroom Dynamics: Teacher Expectations Drive Achievement

A University of Chicago-published study by Montana State and Pittsburgh researchers analyzed North Carolina data, finding higher teacher expectations boost test scores in grades 4-8, especially in self-contained classes. This SFP underscores why diversity training and expectation calibration are higher ed priorities.

Stanford's James Doty: Manifestation's Neural Basis

Neurosurgeon James Doty, Stanford's Center for Compassion and Altruism director, links manifestation to neuroplasticity. Focused intentions strengthen gray matter, shift to parasympathetic states, and prime subconscious opportunity detection. His 6-week program builds these pathways, proving assumptions reprogram the brain.

Applications and Implications for Higher Education

These findings inform student success programs: growth mindset workshops reduce attrition; mindfulness training aids faculty well-being; SFP awareness combats bias in hiring and advising. Stanford's overview of mindsets shaping health, pain, intelligence, and belonging offers actionable strategies.

Criticisms, Limitations, and Balanced Perspectives

Not all effects are robust; some SFP studies show small or context-dependent impacts. Langer's work faces replication debates. Ethical concerns arise in manipulation, emphasizing informed interventions. Multi-perspective views stress combining mindsets with effort.

Future Outlook: Emerging Trends in University Research

2026 sees AI-driven SFPs and neurotech exploring belief plasticity. Top universities forecast integrated curricula blending psychology, neuroscience, and education to harness assumption's power ethically, promising empowered academic communities.

Photo by Lilian Do Khac on Unsplash