What is Reactivity?
Reactivity in psychology refers to the phenomenon where individuals modify their behavior or performance when they know they are being observed or measured. This concept is crucial in research settings, as it can significantly impact the validity of study results.
Reactivity occurs because people tend to become more self-aware when they know they’re under scrutiny. This heightened awareness can lead to changes in behavior, either consciously or unconsciously. For example, participants in a study might try to perform better, act more socially desirable, or behave in ways they think the researchers expect.
The effects of reactivity can be both positive and negative. In some cases, it might lead to improved performance or behavior. In others, it might cause anxiety or stress that negatively affects outcomes. Researchers must be aware of reactivity and design studies that minimize its impact to ensure more accurate and reliable results.
Common examples of reactivity include:
The Hawthorne Effect: Workers increasing productivity when they know they’re being observed.
Social Desirability Bias: Participants answering questions in a way they think is more socially acceptable.
Demand Characteristics: Participants trying to guess the study’s purpose and behave accordingly.
To mitigate reactivity, researchers may use techniques such as naturalistic observation, unobtrusive measures, or habituation periods to allow participants to become accustomed to being observed.