How do you behave when you are being watched?
Constant surveillance can prompt more honest behaviour, claims Newcastle University
Scientists at Newcastle University have discovered that people are less selfish and behave more honestly when they feel they are being watched. Thier findings could provide answers on how to cure antisocial behaviour.
In one experiment, staff at the University were asked to place money in a collection box, paying for the drinks from a vending machine. Customers payed 2.76 times more when posters of eyes were put up around the room, compared to posters of flowers.
The 'honesty box' technique is thought to improve co-operation and pro-social behaviour when used in conjunction with the feeling of being watched.
The box had been used as a mehod of payment in the staff room for many years, so the users had no suspicions that an experiment may have beeen taking place.
Researchers believe that people subconsciously reacted to the eyes, as the brain naturally associated these posters with the feeling of being watched, producing socially desirable behaviour. In the future, their findings can be applied to everyday life.
In one experiment, staff at the University were asked to place money in a collection box, paying for the drinks from a vending machine. Customers payed 2.76 times more when posters of eyes were put up around the room, compared to posters of flowers.
The 'honesty box' technique is thought to improve co-operation and pro-social behaviour when used in conjunction with the feeling of being watched.
The box had been used as a mehod of payment in the staff room for many years, so the users had no suspicions that an experiment may have beeen taking place.
Researchers believe that people subconsciously reacted to the eyes, as the brain naturally associated these posters with the feeling of being watched, producing socially desirable behaviour. In the future, their findings can be applied to everyday life.