Hawthorne effect

noun

Haw·​thorne effect ˈhȯ-ˌthȯrn- How to pronounce Hawthorne effect (audio)
: the stimulation to output or accomplishment that results from the mere fact of being under observation
also : such an increase in output or accomplishment

Word History

Etymology

from the Hawthorne Works of the Western Electric Company, Cicero, Illinois, where its existence was established by experiment

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Hawthorne effect was in 1962

Dictionary Entries Near Hawthorne effect

Hawthorne

Hawthorne effect

hawthorn pattern

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Cite this Entry

“Hawthorne effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Hawthorne%20effect. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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