Editing Observer bias (section)

== Hawthorne effect (observer effect) ==
Observer bias is commonly only identified in the observers, however, there also exists a bias for those being studied. Named after a series of experiments conducted by [[Elton Mayo]] between 1924 and 1932, at the Western Electric factory in Hawthorne, Chicago, the Hawthorne effect symbolises where the participants in a study change their behaviour due to the fact that they are being observed.

Within the [[Hawthorne effect|Hawthorne studies]], it was found that the departmental outputs increased each time a change was made, even when the changes made were reverting to the original unfavourable conditions. The subjects in the experiment were told that better lighting would result in improved productivity, and as such, their beliefs about the impact of good lighting had a more significant effect on their behaviour and output than what the actual lighting levels were.<ref name=":0" /> Researchers formed the conclusion that the workers were in fact responding to the attention of the supervisors, not the changes in the experimental variables.

To prevent the Hawthorne effect, studies using hidden observation can be useful. However, knowledge of participation in the study would be required by law and is thought to still have the potential to cause the induction of the Hawthorne effect.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Persell |first1=Stephen D. |last2=Doctor |first2=Jason N. |last3=Friedberg |first3=Mark W. |last4=Meeker |first4=Daniella |last5=Friesema |first5=Elisha |last6=Cooper |first6=Andrew |last7=Haryani |first7=Ajay |last8=Gregory |first8=Dyanna L. |last9=Fox |first9=Craig R. |last10=Goldstein |first10=Noah J. |last11=Linder |first11=Jeffrey A. |date=2016-08-05 |title=Behavioral interventions to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing: a randomized pilot trial |journal=BMC Infectious Diseases |volume=16 |issue=1 |pages=373 |doi=10.1186/s12879-016-1715-8 |issn=1471-2334 |pmc=4975897 |pmid=27495917 |doi-access=free }}</ref> Further, making responses or study data completely anonymous will result in reducing the likelihood of participants altering their behaviour as a result of being observed as they take part in an experiment or study. Furthermore, conducting research prior to the studies to establish a baseline measure could assist in mitigating the Hawthorne effect from biasing the studies results significantly. With a baseline established, any potential participant bias that arises as a result of being observed can be evaluated. Furthermore, establishing a follow-up period could be of benefit to enable the examination of whether a behaviour or change continues and is sustained beyond the observation period.<ref name="West 16–17"/>