Each of the questions or incomplete statements below is followed by five suggested answers or completions. Select the one that is best in each case. Which statement best describes the Hawthorne effect? a. Giving workers rest periods seems like it should decrease productivity, but it actually increases productivity. b. Social relations among workers have a greater effect on productivity than physical environment. c. Changes in light levels improve working conditions and therefore increase productivity. d. The attention of researchers on subjects causes the effect the experimenter is looking for.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The best statement that describes the Hawthorne effect is option D: The attention of researchers on subjects causes the effect the experimenter is looking for.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Hawthorne Effect

First, it's crucial to know the definition of the Hawthorne effect. It's a psychological phenomenon that indicates that people change their behavior or perform better when they are aware that they're being observed. It comes from a series of studies done at the Western Electric Hawthorne Works in Chicago.
02

Evaluate the options

Now, let's take a look at the options given. Option A is incorrect because the Hawthorne effect is not about the relationship of rest periods and productivity. Option B is also incorrect as the Hawthorne effect doesn't primarily deal with social relations among workers and productivity. Option C is incorrect as well because the Hawthorne effect is not about changes in light levels improving productivity.
03

Choose the best option

Looking at option D, it matches the definition and understanding of the Hawthorne effect. It states that the attention of researchers on subjects causes the effect the experimenter is looking for, which is a key aspect of the Hawthorne effect.

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