Which qualitative research issue involves the observer influencing the subjects studied?

The Hawthorne effect refers to a phenomenon in research whereby individuals alter their behavior due to the awareness of being observed. This is particularly relevant in qualitative research, where the presence of an observer can lead subjects to modify their actions, opinions, or behaviors, often inadvertently, as they try to meet perceived expectations or social norms. Essentially, the act of observation itself can impact the subjects, thereby complicating the data collection process and potentially skewing the findings of the study.

The Heisenberg effect is more associated with the realm of physics, specifically quantum mechanics, where the act of measuring a system can influence its state. While it metaphorically connects to observations in social sciences, it’s not the primary framework to describe observer influence in qualitative research.

The Rashomon effect refers to contrasting interpretations of events based on different perspectives, showcasing how observers can have entirely different accounts of the same situation. This term highlights the subjectivity of perception but doesn’t specifically address the influence of an observer on the subjects being studied.

Observer bias relates to how an observer’s expectations or prior knowledge may consciously or unconsciously affect their interpretations or conclusions about the subjects being studied. While relevant, it is a discrete concept focused on the observer's perspective rather than the subjects' reactions to being