What are demand characteristics?

Answer 1

Demand characteristics are cues or signals in an experimental setting that can influence participants' behavior or responses, often leading them to guess the study's purpose or expected outcomes. These characteristics can arise from aspects of the environment, instructions given, or the behavior of researchers. As a result, they may compromise the internal validity of a study, as participants might alter their responses to align with perceived expectations. Researchers often try to minimize these effects through techniques like deception or using control groups.