Essay

Based on the concepts of reactivity and the Hawthorne effect, recall and explain how an individual's behavior changes when they are aware of being monitored in a social setting, such as a bar. What is the consequence of this behavioral change on the validity of an observational study?

Question: Based on the concepts of reactivity and the Hawthorne effect, recall and explain how an individual's behavior changes when they are aware of being monitored in a social setting, such as a bar. What is the consequence of this behavioral change on the validity of an observational study?

Sample answer: When an individual in a social setting like a bar knows they are being monitored, they alter their behavior and act differently than they usually would. This awareness of observation is an example of reactivity, also known as the Hawthorne effect. The consequence of this behavior change is that it invalidates the observational study, as the collected data no longer reflects their natural behavior.

Key points:

  • Awareness of being monitored causes individuals to alter their behavior.
  • This phenomenon is a prime example of reactivity and the Hawthorne effect.
  • The resulting behavioral change invalidates the observational study.

Rubric: The response must recall that awareness of monitoring in a social setting (like a bar) causes individuals to act differently (reactivity/Hawthorne effect), and explicitly state that this change in behavior invalidates the observational study.

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Updated 2026-05-27

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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

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