Is the Hawthorne Effect a Myth?

This video describes the Hawthorne Effect. The Hawthorne Effect was an interpretation of research conducted at the Western Electric Hawthorne Works in Cicero, IL in the 1920’s. The Hawthorne Effect states that if participants are observed or changes in the work environment are made, productivity will increase. The Hawthorne Effect has been confused with Demand Characteristics. Demand Characteristics occurs when participants work in a way to please the experimenters. The Hawthorne Effect myth occurred because of poor research methodology and poor interpretation of the analysis from the experiments.

[@JamieB]

This is a thorough explanation. It’s good that studies done by previous researchers can be scrutinized for accuracy and possible miscalculations.

[@remygooch1393]

The research could've been more valid if the observers were not present by staying hidden and analyzing the quantitative output of the workers. The presence of the observers will produce faster/better work from the workers just as a police officer following a car will make the followed driver more law abiding.

[@ericahammond9901]

It was interesting to hear how researchers collect data and how participants can effect data by their perceptions of what the researcher is looking for. Prior to watching this video I was unaware of what the Hawthorne effect was. However, after watching this video I understand how the first researchers who conducted this study came to the conclusion that the changes that they made within the workplace increase productivity. Despite the incongruity within the first experiment researchers have obtained a great deal of knowledge that has lead them to gain a better understanding of effects on productivity as well as other reasons for skewed findings within data.

[@johnfruits3544]

It is understood that subjects will do what they can to please the experimenters. People are curiously inclined in general and if they think that something is going on, then the research results will definitely be skewed (demand characteristic). I do agree with Jamie Bailey in that it is good that we can review research and scrutinize it for accuracy. Its how researchers become better and have positive effect on what it is they are studying, to perhaps make a difference in the lives of people, environments etc.

[@wandamixon5360]

I appreciate your elaboration on the subject. Neuman (2012) does explain the meaning of the term as well as the history, but only states that the Hawthorne Effect is subject to doubt.

[@joseliz8762]

thank you for sharing this. concepts of validity and reliability come to mind to ensure reliability of experiments. Additionally, the concept inter-researcher reliability comes to mind. Can the study and its results remain reliable and valid throughout different reserachers

[@spread5262]

Thank you for this video!