Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The Hawthorne Effect refers to the alteration of behavior by the subjects of a study due to their awareness of being observed.
Related terms
Observer Bias: This is when the person conducting an experiment unconsciously influences it because they expect certain results.
Demand Characteristics: These are subtle cues that make participants aware of what the experimenter expects to find, which may influence their responses.
Social Desirability Bias: This is when people respond in ways they believe are socially acceptable or desirable, rather than how they truly feel or behave.