The Observer Effect

The Observer Effect refers to changes that occur in a system simply because it is being observed or measured. In various fields, such as physics and psychology, the act of observation can influence the behavior or state of what is being observed. For example, in quantum mechanics, particles can behave differently when measured. Similarly, in social sciences, people's behaviors may change when they know they are being watched. The concept highlights the idea that observation is not passive; it can alter the very dynamics of the subject being studied.