![]() ![]() This in turn enables them to make predictions about how the dependent variable will act in the future.įor a general introduction to the key features of experiments and the experimental method (including key terms such as hypothesis and dependent and independent variables) and some of their advantages please see this post: experiments in sociology: an introduction. The logic of the experimental method is that it is a controlled environment which enables the scientist to measure precisely the effects of independent variables on dependent variables, thus establishing cause and effect relationships. There are numerous experiments which have been designed to test numerous scientific theories about the temperatures at which various substances freeze or melt, or how different chemicals react when they are combined under certain conditions. Laboratory experiments take place in controlled environments and are the main method used in the natural sciences such as Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The findings of the Hawthorne Studies prompted companies to seriously consider the idea of grouping their employees into effective work teams and to this day they are still as important.This post focuses on the practical, theoretical and ethical and strengths and limitations of laboratory experiment, applied mainly to sociology… What are laboratory Experiments? – The group developed a sense of confidence and frankness – Before any changes were made, the team was consulted and decisions made as a team – The group did not feel they were being compelled to change. – The team took pride in its own successes and had the satisfaction of outsiders showing interest in what they did. – He always posted the opinions on performance. – He assisted the group to work together to set its own conditions of work ![]() – The manager or team leader took an interest in each person’s successes Certain critical conditions were identified for developing an effective work team. The study was only expected to last one year but lasted for 5 years.Īfter some intense discussions the researchers agreed that the most significant factor, to come out of the study, was the building of a feeling of group identity, a feeling of social support and unity that came with increased worker interaction. One rational conclusion is that the workers were pleased to receive attention from the researchers who expressed an interest in them and their work. The chief discovery of the study was that nearly regardless of the experimental manoeuvers used, the production of the workers seemed to improve. These studies involved a series of research activities, or team building activities, calculated to examine what happened to a group of workers under numerous conditions, leading to what is now known as the Hawthorne Effect. THE HAWTHORNE EFFECT – an increase in worker productivity produced by the psychological stimulus of being singled out and made to feel important.īelieve it or not, the beginning of the team building activities idea can be traced back to the late 1920s and early 1930s with the now classic Hawthorne Studies.
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