Question

Ken decides to implement his intervention at one daycare. The performance of both groups improves over time, suggesting the operation of

a) The Hawthorne effect
b) Regression toward the mean
c) Placebo effect
d) Experimenter bias

Answer 1

The improvement in performance of both groups in Ken's intervention, due to awareness of being observed, is indicative of the Hawthorne effect.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ken's decision to implement his intervention at one daycare and observing both groups' performance improve over time indicates the operation of the Hawthorne effect. This effect describes a phenomenon where individuals alter their behavior in response to their awareness of being observed. The Hawthorne effect is a critical factor to consider in experimental research, as it can lead to improvements in performance regardless of the changes made—whether they are positive or negative. This outcome is exemplified in the original studies at the Hawthorne Works, where productivity increased with any change, even when conditions became worse. The concept remains relevant in various fields today and is an essential consideration in the design and interpretation of experiments.