Experimenter Expectancy Effect Flashcards

Study Notes

Experimenter Expectancy Effect

Refers to the unintended bias in study outcomes due to researchers' expectations.
Double-blind studies help mitigate this bias by keeping both researchers and participants unaware of group assignments.

Double-Blind

A research design where neither the participants nor researchers know who is assigned to the experimental or control group.
Reduces bias and enhances the validity of the research findings.

Wilhelm von Osten and Clever Hans

Osten owned Clever Hans, an Arabian Stallion believed to count by tapping its hooves.
Psychologist Oscar Pfungst investigated and found no fraud; the horse was responding to subtle cues from the questioners.
When Clever Hans could not see the questioner, its performance was no better than random chance, highlighting the importance of unintended cues in research.

Demand Characteristics

Cues within a study that influence participant behavior, leading them to guess the study’s purpose.
For example, if a test induces math anxiety, participants may respond based on perceived expectations rather than their true abilities.

Avoiding Demand Characteristics

Implement strategies to disguise the study's purpose, such as using cover stories.
Introduce filler items to obscure the actual objectives of the research.

Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment

Conducted from 1932 to 1972, involving 600 African American sharecroppers in Alabama.
Participants were tested for syphilis, but those with positive results were not informed or treated, raising significant ethical concerns.
Resulted in legislative reforms to protect human subjects' rights and enforce informed consent in research.

Description

Explore the concept of experimenter expectancy effect with these flashcards. Learn about its implications in research and the importance of double-blind studies. Test your knowledge on key terms related to this psychological phenomenon.