unobtrusive measure

a measure obtained without disturbing the participant or alerting him or her that a measurement is being made. For example, a researcher may observe passersby in a public park from a nearby café and document their activities. The behavior or responses of such participants are thus assumed to be unaffected by the investigative process or the surrounding environment. Also called concealed measure; nonreactive measure. Compare reactive measure.

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Psychology term of the day

February 23rd 2025

majority influence

social pressure exerted by the greater part of a group on individual members and smaller factions within the group. The majority tends to push for conformity and stability, and members usually respond to this either by accepting the majority’s position as their own (conversion) or by conforming publicly but retaining their own position privately (compliance). Compare minority influence.