observer effect
[/əbˈzɜrvər ɪˈfɛkt/]
nounpl: observer effects
efeito do observador
1. In quantum mechanics, the phenomenon where the act of observing or measuring a system causes it to change or affects its outcome
The observer effect demonstrates that particles behave differently when measured than when unobserved.
O efeito do observador demonstra que as partículas se comportam diferentemente quando medidas do que quando não observadas.
2. More broadly, any situation where the act of observation or measurement influences the phenomenon being observed
The observer effect in social research means that subjects may alter their behavior when they know they are being studied.
O efeito do observador na pesquisa social significa que os sujeitos podem alterar seu comportamento quando sabem que estão sendo estudados.
3. The bias introduced into research or data collection by the presence or awareness of an observer
Researchers must account for the observer effect when designing psychological experiments.
Os pesquisadores devem levar em conta o efeito do observador ao desenhar experimentos psicológicos.
This term is primarily used in scientific and academic contexts in both Brazil and the USA. It originated from quantum physics but has become widely applied in social sciences, psychology, and research methodology. In Brazil, the concept is well-known in university physics and psychology programs. The term reflects a fundamental principle in modern science that objectivity in observation is more complex than previously understood.
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