If participants alter their behavior simply because they know they are being observed, this is an example of which issue?

If participants alter their behavior simply because they know they are being observed, this is an example of which issue?

• A. Reactivity effects
• B. Order effects
• C. Baseline measure
• D. Placebo group

Answer: (A)

Reactivity effects occur when participants change their behavior simply because they know they are being observed. This awareness can lead them to act in ways they think researchers expect or to present themselves more favorably, which biases the data. This is distinct from order effects (changes due to the sequence of conditions), a baseline measure (an initial reference point before any manipulation), or a placebo group (a control condition for expectancy effects, not about being watched). The situation described fits reactivity effects because the key element is behavior changing under observation.

Reactivity effects occur when participants change their behavior simply because they know they are being observed. This awareness can lead them to act in ways they think researchers expect or to present themselves more favorably, which biases the data. This is distinct from order effects (changes due to the sequence of conditions), a baseline measure (an initial reference point before any manipulation), or a placebo group (a control condition for expectancy effects, not about being watched). The situation described fits reactivity effects because the key element is behavior changing under observation.