An intervention in an office setting leads employees to be pleased that the management is interested in their welfare.If the employees' performance improves in this situation,the researcher should be concerned about potential
A)contamination effects.
B)lack of discontinuity in the time series.
C)selection threats to internal validity.
D)Hawthorne effects.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Hawthorne effect refers to the phenomenon where individuals modify their behavior simply because they know they are being observed, and this can result in improved performance. In an office setting, an intervention that shows management is interested in the welfare of employees may lead to the Hawthorne effect. Therefore, if there is an improvement in employee performance, the researcher should consider the possible influence of the Hawthorne effect. Option A (contamination effects) and Option C (selection threats to internal validity) could also be potential concerns in this scenario, but the Hawthorne effect is the most likely explanation for improved performance in response to an intervention aimed at showing concern for employee welfare. Option B (lack of discontinuity in the time series) is not relevant to this scenario.

An Intervention in an Office Setting Leads Employees to Be