달빛영어

Grade Level: 10th Grade

Age: 15-16 years old

Duration: 60 minutes

Lesson Objectives:

Understand the concept of the Hawthorne Effect and its implications for research and workplace behavior.

Learn about the Hawthorne studies and the key findings.

Discuss the importance of considering the Hawthorne Effect in research design and organizational management.

Materials:

Whiteboard or blackboard

Chalk or markers

Projector or screen for videos

Handout with discussion questions

Introduction (10 minutes):

Begin by asking students if they know what the Hawthorne Effect is and if they can provide examples of situations where people's behavior might change when they are being observed.

Define the Hawthorne Effect as a phenomenon in which individuals alter their behavior when they know they are being observed or studied.

Introduce the Hawthorne studies as a series of experiments that helped identify the Hawthorne Effect and its implications for research and organizational behavior.

Instruction (20 minutes):

Provide an overview of the Hawthorne studies, including the study's design, procedure, and participants.

Show this short video to explain the Hawthorne Effect in more detail: https://youtu.be/Y4mOOvDAsts

Discuss the main findings of the Hawthorne studies, emphasizing how the mere act of observation can lead to changes in behavior and the importance of considering this effect in research and management practices.

Practice Exercises (15 minutes):

Distribute the handout with discussion questions related to the Hawthorne Effect.

Have students work in pairs or small groups to discuss the questions, which can include:

a. Why do you think people's behavior changes when they know they are being observed?

b. Can you think of examples from your own life or popular culture where the Hawthorne Effect might have played a role?

c. How can researchers and managers account for the Hawthorne Effect in their work?

Assessment (5 minutes):

Conduct a short verbal assessment by asking students to share their thoughts on the Hawthorne Effect and its implications for research and organizational behavior.

Encourage them to reflect on the importance of considering this effect in research design and management practices.

Extensions beyond the class:

Encourage students to research other psychological concepts related to the Hawthorne Effect, such as social desirability bias or demand characteristics.

Assign students to write an essay on the role of the Hawthorne Effect in research and management, using examples from scientific studies, workplace situations, or personal experiences.

Interactive Fun Activities (10 minutes):

Observation Activity:

In small groups, have students observe one another performing a simple task (e.g., solving a puzzle, drawing a picture) and then discuss how being observed may have affected their behavior and performance.

Class Discussion:

Facilitate a class discussion about the Hawthorne Effect, focusing on its relevance in today's society, and how students can apply its lessons to their own lives. Encourage students to reflect on the importance of recognizing the potential influence of observation on behavior and the need for ethical considerations when conducting research or managing others.

Homework Assignment:

Assign students to write a one-page reflection on their experiences and thoughts about the Hawthorne Effect, including instances when they believe their behavior may have been influenced by being observed, and what factors contributed to these changes.

Class Debate (Optional Extension Activity, 20 minutes):

Organize a class debate on whether the Hawthorne Effect has more positive or negative implications for research and management practices. Divide the class into two groups, with one group arguing in favor of the positive aspects (e.g., increased productivity, improved performance) and the other supporting the negative aspects (e.g., biased results, artificial behavior).

Allow each group 5 minutes to present their arguments, followed by 2 minutes for rebuttals.

Facilitate a class discussion to help students appreciate the nuanced nature of the Hawthorne Effect and its diverse effects on research, management, and individual behavior.

Research Ethics Discussion (Optional Extension Activity, 15 minutes):

In small groups or as a class, discuss the ethical issues surrounding the Hawthorne Effect in research, such as informed consent, deception, and the potential impact on research outcomes.

Have students consider the importance of transparency in research and the responsibility of researchers to address and account for potential biases, such as the Hawthorne Effect, when designing and conducting studies.

Online Resources for Further Learning:

A TED Talk by Uri Alon on the importance of acknowledging and learning from failures in research, which can be related to the Hawthorne Effect and the challenges it poses for scientific inquiry: https://www.ted.com/talks/uri_alon_why_truly_innovative_science_demands_a_leap_into_the_unknown

A Forbes article on the Hawthorne Effect and its implications for workplace productivity and management: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2021/03/09/if-you-cant-inspire-them-make-them-afraid-instead-go-beyond-leadership/?sh=12644a7151fc 

Simply Psychology article on the Hawthorne Effect, including detailed explanations and criticisms of the concept: https://www.simplypsychology.org/hawthorne-effect.html

By incorporating these additional components, students will gain a deeper understanding of the Hawthorne Effect, its psychological underpinnings, and its impact on research and organizational behavior. Moreover, students will develop critical thinking skills and ethical awareness that can help them navigate the challenges posed by the Hawthorne Effect in their own lives and appreciate the importance of transparency and responsibility in research and management practices.