Investigator Effects

Investigator effects can occur when researchers unintentionally influence experimental results in some manner. These unwanted effects can occur when the researcher un-deliberately conveys information to participants that influences the results. It can happen if the researcher unconsciously directs participants to behave or respond in a particular manner. Researchers sometimes unintentionally convey information to participants about what the experiment is about the the 'right' way to respond. Investigator effects can influence results in an experiment and hide what true effects should emerge.