“Discuss the classical experimental design and its relationship to causality.”

Drawing the Parallel

The classical experimental design consists of a researcher, a topic of research, an environment, independent, and dependent variables. Causality is a cause-and-effect relationship. A researcher or research experiment having an effect on the outcome is known as the “Hawthorne Effect”.

The “Hawthorne Effect” Explained

The term “Hawthorne Effect” is taken from an experiment done at the Hawthorne works facility of Western Electric during 1924, to 1927. The researchers experimented with light illumination levels, and attempted to determine the proper amount of illumination necessary to achieve the greatest worker productivity.

The general consensus in the scientific community is that the Hawthorne Experiment not only failed to produce results, but in fact was an example of what researchers should not do when conducting experiments. This consensus was arrived at because the results of the Hawthorne Experiment showed an equal level of increased work productivity no matter what illumination levels were set at. The mere knowledge that an experiment was being conducted and that the workers were being evaluated caused increased productivity.

Parsons (1974) characterized the Hawthorne Effect, “Generalizing from the particular situation at Hawthorne, I would define the Hawthorne Effect as the confounding that occurs if experimenters fail to realize how the consequences of subjects’ performance affect what subjects do.” Parson’s characterization give us a clue as why the experiment at Hawthorne is important knowledge for any researcher.

Avoiding the “Hawthorne Effect”

Generally speaking avoiding the Hawthorne Effect should be the goal of an experimenter. When designing the experiment the scientist may want to be a “complete observer” that, is to observe the activities of subject(s) without interacting with the subjects using a method such as a “two way mirror” or hidden cameras.

A slightly more risky approach would be to participate as a “secret observer” which involves the experimenter interacting with the subjects while withholding her identity. This approach always carries the risk of being discovered which would surely have a unwanted effect on the outcome. Additionally, anytime an experimenter participates, they risk contaminating the experiment by projecting their agenda using non-verbal and unintended communication, and in some cases even more blatant verbal communication such as outright asking a subject how they feel about the research topic.

An experimenter might also use alternative methods such as a survey, or questionnaire, to obtain the desired results. Often however, participants in a survey may feel lead to respond a certain way, or may have an agenda of their own that may distort the results.

My own Hawthorne Experience

I can remember vividly taking part in an experiment when I was around 9 or 10 years old. I went with a friend, and his family to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. In the museum at the time, there was an exhibit on food and nutrition. In the middle of the exhibit there was a temporary shelter, a lab, and a researcher who was taking willing children aside for an experiment.

I was in the age group she was looking for, and was called to participate. The researcher was dressed in a white lab coat and invited me inside the lab. I was taken inside alone and was asked to sample a variety of different candies. I can clearly remember being intimidated, first because children are taught, as was I not to accept candy from strangers. I did however understand this was professional. I do however remember feeling trapped, and told the researcher I liked everything I tried. I also felt I had to eat all the samples I was provided entirely. I think that children, as subjects, are probably often eager to please adults and that the results of this experiment were likely flawed for much of the same reasons the experiment at Hawthorne was flawed. The workers as Hawthorne probably had the same feeling of wanting the please their employer.

Conclusion

A researcher must carefully evaluate the methodology and techniques they plan to use in their experiments. The planning phase or design of an experiment can make or break the entire experiment. The Hawthorne Experiment, and my own personal experience at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, are prime examples of classic experimental design and the dangers that a researcher can themselves cause an unintended result.

References

Fitzgerald, Jack., Cox, Steven. (2002). Research Methods and Statistics in Criminal Justice. Thomson Wadsworth.

Parsons, H.M. (1974). What happened at Hawthorne. Science 183, 922-932

APA Citation:
Smith, Nathan. M. (2006). Classical Experimental Design: Avoiding the Hawthorne Effect.
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