Hawthorne Effect
Definition
The Hawthorne Effect refers to the alteration of behavior by the subjects of a study due to their awareness of being observed.
Analogy
Imagine you're playing a video game and you know your friends are watching. You might play more carefully or show off your skills more than when you're alone. That's like the Hawthorne Effect - knowing you're being watched can change how you behave.
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.
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