A physician behavior researcher is curious about how frequently primary care providers check patients' sexual histories during clinic visits. Patients who visit a primary care clinic are invited to complete a questionnaire immediately following their consultation with their doctor as part of the research. Which of the following is most likely to be a possible concern if the physicians become aware that their own conduct is being observed?

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Eductional Objective: The Hawthorne effect (observer effect) refers to the tendency of research subjects to alter their behavior as a result of their knowledge that they are being watched. This can have an effect on the observed outcomes, jeopardizing the study's validity. The Hawthorne effect is frequently observed in investigations including behavioral outcomes or outcomes impacted by behavioral changes. In this case, physicians (rather than patients) are the subjects of the study; physicians who are aware that they are being examined may change their conduct and begin taking sexual histories. To reduce the Hawthorne effect, research volunteers might be kept ignorant that they are being watched, however this can often cause ethical issues.

A Physician Behavior Researcher Is Curious About How Frequently Primary