Exam #2

Question 1

Acquiescence

Answer 1

(aka yea-saying)
- This occurs when people say “yes” or “strongly agree” to every item instead of thinking carefully about each one.

Question 2

Socially desirable responding

Answer 2

(aka faking good) in some rare cases (faking bad)
- The idea that respondents are embarrassed, shy, or worried about giving an unpopular opinion
- they will not tell the truth on a survey or other self-report measure
- e.g. someone answers that they exercise a lot when they do not

Question 3

Observer bias

Answer 3

Occurs when observers’ expectations influence their interpretation of the participant’s behaviors or the outcome of the study

Question 4

Observer effects

Answer 4

When participants change their behavior because they know they’re being watched

Question 5

Reactivity

Answer 5

• When participants alter their behavior simply because they know they’re being studied
• e.g. would be someone behaving more cooperatively in a group task just because they know they’re part of an experiment.

Question 6

Habituation

Answer 6

• Let participants get used to being observed so they behave normally over time.
• For example, if you’re observing children in a classroom and watching them over several days can help them get used to your presence.

Question 7

Blind Observation

Answer 7

• Don’t let participants know what exactly you’re measuring.
  e.g. if employees don’t know you’re studying their productivity, they’re less likely to change their behavior.

Question 8

Observation

Answer 8

• The researcher blends into the setting and acts as part of the group so participants behave naturally.
• e.g. in studies of social groups, the researcher might join in the activities to observe people without making them feel watched.