Reactivity is a problem for observation studies because:
A) It can be difficult to accurately measure reaction times in a field setting.
B) Reaction styles differ so much from person to person.
C) If a researcher's presence changes the phenomenon studied, interpretation is very difficult.
D) Not all behaviors are reactive; some are proactive.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Reactivity refers to the idea that individuals may change their behavior or responses when they know they are being observed. This can create problems for observation studies, especially in field settings where the researcher's presence may alter the phenomenon being studied. Therefore, option C is the correct choice as it highlights how reactivity can make interpretation of results difficult. Options A, B, and D are irrelevant to the problem of reactivity in observation studies.

Reactivity Is a Problem for Observation Studies Because