|
Correct Answer: hawthorne effect
the hawthorne effect, named after a series of studies conducted at the hawthorne works in cicero, illinois, refers to the alteration of behavior by the subjects of a study due to their awareness of being observed. this effect can significantly impact the validity of research findings, as participants may modify their behavior, consciously or unconsciously, simply because they know they are being watched.
in the context of observing children at play, the hawthorne effect implies that the children might not behave as they normally would if they were not aware of the observer's presence. for example, they might try to cooperate more with each other, follow rules more strictly, or engage in activities they believe the observer expects to see. this change in behavior can skew the research results, leading to conclusions that do not accurately reflect the children's typical play behavior.
understanding the hawthorne effect is crucial for researchers because it highlights the need for methods that minimize the impact of observation on the subjects' behavior. techniques such as unobtrusive observation, where the observer is hidden or less noticeable, or longitudinal studies, where the presence of the observer becomes a normal part of the environment over time, can help reduce the influence of the hawthorne effect. additionally, being aware of this phenomenon allows researchers to interpret their findings more critically, considering how much of the observed behavior might be influenced by the subjects' awareness of the study.
|
