A Watchful Eye Influences Behaviour
posted by:Carole Lucock // 05:00 PM // June 28, 2006 //
Today, CBC reported on a study that suggests that being watched by a pair of eyes in a picture can influence behaviour. An "honesty box" for drinks received roughly three times as much money when accompanied by a picture of eyes than when the box was accompanied by a picture of flowers.
Comments
Interesting, but I would argue that being watched fosters conformity, esp. to social norms and standards that we believe others expect of us. Sometimes those norms are beneficial (handwashing in bathrooms), in other instances they can be hihgly corrosive of individuality and independence. Who chooses?
Posted by: Casual Observer at June 30, 2006 09:26 AM
