Investigator effects and Demand characteristics

Question 1

Investigator Effects

Answer 1

When a researcher unintentionally or unconsciously influences the outcome of research they’re conducting.

Question 2

Non-verbal Communication

Answer 2

Can communicate feelings without realizing it, like raising eyebrows which may alter how the participant responds and the validity of the data.

Question 3

Physical Characteristics

Answer 3

The appearance of the researcher may influence behavioural response. Has an increased effect in an interview over an observation.

Question 4

Bias in the Interpretation of results

Answer 4

A researcher may not realize they’re interpreting data in a biased way. This depends on data collected as it won’t happen as much with objective methods of measurements.

Question 5

Demand Characteristics

Answer 5

Often involved direct interaction between researcher and participant. Behaviour of participant may change in a research setting. Might be aware they’re being observed or assessed. Might find clues about research.

Question 6

Reducing Demand characteristics/Investigator Effects

Answer 6

Standardized instructions between researcher and participant. Single-blind or Double-blind scenarios.

Question 7

Single-blind and Double-blind

Answer 7

Single-blind keeping participant blind about aims of the study. Double-blind also keeps researchers collecting data blind about the aims of research. Reduces investigator effects drastically.