In a classic experiment,psychology students were assigned to work either with "bright" rats or with "dull" rats,described as such by the experimenter.In one task involving maze-running speed,students working with "bright" rats were more likely to stop timing early,as soon as the rat approached the goal box.This unintentional measurement error illustrates how:
A)expectations can influence observations.
B)observations can influence measurement.
C)expectations can influence reality.
D)observations can influence reality.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This experiment demonstrates the impact of expectations on observations. The experimenters' description of the rats influenced the students' expectations, leading them to perceive the "bright" rats as faster, and subsequently, stop timing early. The observations were influenced by the expectations set by the description of the rats, leading to a measurement error. Therefore, choice A is the best answer.

In a Classic Experiment,psychology Students Were Assigned to Work Either