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 Hawthorn effect refers to the phenomenon where individuals alter their behavior when they are aware of being observed, leading to a change in their performance or attitudes.
Related terms
Social desirability bias: This term refers to people altering their responses or behavior in a way that portrays themselves favorably.
Demand characteristics: This term refers to cues in an experiment that lead participants to guess the researcher's hypothesis and adjust their behavior accordingly.
Observer bias: This term refers to distortions in observation due to an observer's expectations or preconceived notions affecting how they interpret behaviors.