2.2 - SOURCES OF BIAS

What are two sources of bias in research?

Research bias: too noticeable

Subject bias: not behaving naturally

What is the hawthorne effect and what is this an example of?

Situations in which behaviour changes as a result of being observed

Bias in research

What are demand characteristics? What is an example of this?

Unintentional cues given off by the experimenter or the participant that spoils the study for the new participants

Clever Hans effect

Who was suspicious of Clever Hans the horse?

How did he test the horse?

Oscar Funk

Isolated Hans from owner and spectators
Used people other than his owner to ask
Used blinders (hans failed)
Asked questions he didn’t know the answer to (hans failed)

What is social desirability responding?

Participants respond in ways that increase the chances they will be viewed favourably

They are 2-faced

What is observer expectancy effect?
Examples

Researcher’s expectations can influence subject’s behaviour
- Such as teachers favouritism
- Bright rats vs dull rats

What is the placebo effect?

Measurable and experienced improvement in health or behaviour
Has nothing to do with medication or treatment

What is the nocebo effect?

Opposite of placebo, they manifest bad side effects to happen