Quick question because I know you guys and gals are smart

[DemocratSinceBirth]

What is the name of the phenomenon that suggests something changes just by the mere fact it's being observed.


Thank you in advance.

[Spazito]

1. The observer effect? The Hawthorne effect?

Observer effect:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Observer_effect_%28physics%29

Hawthorne effect:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawthorne_effect

[MannyGoldstein]

2. In physics it follows from the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle. nt

[DemocratSinceBirth]

3. Manny, you are smart...That's it...

As soon as you mentioned it I recognized it.

I am going to bookmark this thread so I can research it later.

Thank you.

[Takket]

4. just reference Schrodinger's cat... this thought experiment explains the "observing phenomenon"

it should be noted that this effect exists at the quantum level. at the macroscopic level things do not change because you observe them.

[Jackpine Radical]

6. That's a silly thing to say.

People's behavior changes all the time as a result of being observed. That's why they put those damn little cameras everywhere.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

5. So many great answers. Thank you all./NT

[Octafish]

7. Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle?

That one? The Wave. The Particle. All points Snotcicles.

[salin]

8. Heisenburg principle? (name may be wrong - but it was a physicist)