Researchers have known about the Hawthorne Effect for decades. According to this principle, ...
The Hawthorne Effect has a positive effect on the subjects being studied, but a negative effect on the research itself. It can give a false positive to the value of the research.
In some ways, this Hawthorne Effect is like a self-fulfilling prophecy. The researchers are expecting the subjects under study to do better - so they do indeed succeed. Does this mean that there has been long-lasting change? Does this mean that there is a benefit to being a subject in a study?
Our groups benefit from the same Hawthorne Effect. The subscribers get attention and positive reinforcement for their changes in attitude and thought. This attention nelps people improve. That is the ultimate goal of our self-help groups.
That's right: The same Hawthorne effect that is problematic in research studies seems to be an advantage in our groups – especially the self-help groups.
What about our professional groups? Well, the Hawthorne Effect is less of an issue, but there's a different benefit. Professionals don't always receive the credit they deserve for their efforts. The groups help some of them recover from problems of burnout or lack of concern.
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