A teacher asks the school psychologist to observe her class through the two-way mirror and determine why the class disruptions are occurring. Just as the psychologist is walking into the room off to the side of the classroom to observe, the teacher assistant tells the psychologist, "Pay close attention to Claire and Roberto over there by the maps. I think they are the real troublemakers in the class." After this encounter, the school psychologist will have to struggle with
A)the observer effect.
B)observer bias.
C)a placebo effect.
D)an anthropomorphic error.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Observer bias occurs when preconceived notions or expectations influence the observation of behavior, as the assistant's comments about Claire and Roberto could influence the psychologist's perceptions and interpretations of their actions.

A Teacher Asks the School Psychologist to Observe Her Class