Demand characteristics

/dɪˈmænd ˌkæɹ.ɪk.tɚˈɪs.tɪks/ noun

Definition

Cues in an experiment that convey the experimenter's hypothesis to participants, potentially influencing their behavior to conform to expectations.

Etymology

From Latin 'demandare' (to entrust) + Greek 'kharakteristikos' (distinctive). Features that signal what is demanded.

Kelly Says

Demand characteristics are the clues in an experiment that tell participants what the researcher expects — and people naturally try to be 'good subjects' and confirm it!

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