Sources of Bias in Research

These flashcards cover key concepts about biases in research, including effects that impact both researchers and participants.

What is the definition of bias in research?

Bias refers to any systematic deviation from true results in research due to either the researchers' or participants' influences.

What is the Hawthorne effect?

The Hawthorne effect is the phenomenon where individuals alter their behavior due to the awareness of being observed.

How did the Hawthorne Works experiment illustrate bias?

The productivity increases noted in the Hawthorne Works experiment were due to workers knowing they were being observed, rather than the changes in working conditions.

What are demand characteristics in an experiment?

Demand characteristics are unintentional clues provided in an experimental design that participants may use to guess the purpose of the experiment.

Give an example of a demand characteristic in an experiment.

If a maze experiment participant is led through by previously left muddy footprints, they do not have to rely on their spatial navigation, which skews results.

What was the Clever Hans effect?

The Clever Hans effect refers to the phenomenon where a horse appeared to perform math by picking up cues from its handler and audience rather than understanding math.

How did Oscar Funst demonstrate the Clever Hans effect?

Oscar Funst found that when Clever Hans could not see the questioner or when questioners did not know the answers, Hans answered incorrectly, indicating he relied on non-verbal cues.

What is social desirability responding?

Social desirability responding is when participants answer survey questions in a manner they believe will be viewed favorably by others.

What can combat social desirability responding in surveys?

Assuring participants that their responses are anonymous and confidential can improve the honesty of their answers.

What is observer expectancy?

Observer expectancy occurs when a researcher's expectations about the outcome of an experiment influence the participants' behavior.

What effect can teacher expectations have on student performance?

Teachers' expectations can lead to improved performance in students labeled as having high potential, regardless of their actual abilities.

What is the placebo effect?

The placebo effect is a phenomenon where a patient experiences a measurable improvement in symptoms after receiving a treatment that is inactive or has no therapeutic effect.

What is the nocebo effect?

The nocebo effect is when negative expectations of a treatment lead to experiencing adverse effects or side effects.

How can color influence placebo effects?

Colors associated with particular effects (like red for stimulation and blue for calming) can influence how patients perceive the effectiveness of a placebo.