Question

Who is the 20th century sociologist who identified the "Hawthorne Effect", which suggests that human beings frequently modify their behavior because they are aware that they are being observed in a social science experimental setting?

Answer 1

The Hawthorne Effect is named after research conducted at the Hawthorne Works facility and indicates that people change their behavior because they know they are being observed. It was described through research, notably the work done by researchers like Elton Mayo and was not identified by a single sociologist.

Step-by-step explanation:

The 20th century sociologist who identified what is known as the Hawthorne Effect was not a single individual but rather a phenomenon named after research conducted at the Hawthorne Works plant of the Western Electric Company. This effect suggests that individuals modify their behavior simply because they are aware that they are being observed. The term 'Hawthorne Effect' was coined from the interpretation of studies which took place in the late 1920s and early 1930s, particularly the work by researchers like Elton Mayo, Roethlisberge . The Hawthorne Experiments initially aimed to study the effects of physical conditions on productivity, such as lighting levels. However, it was found that productivity improved not just with the improved lighting conditions but also when the lighting was dimmed. It was concluded that employees performed better when they received attention from the researchers or supervisors observing them. This concept of altered behavior due to the awareness of being watched is a key consideration in social science research.