What is a potential consequence of the observer effect in behavioral studies?

In behavioral studies, the observer effect refers to the changes in a participant's behavior that can occur when they are aware that they are being observed. This awareness can lead to a distortion of the study's results, as the observed behavior may not accurately reflect the participant's typical actions or reactions in a natural setting. For instance, participants may alter their behavior to conform to perceived expectations or to present themselves in a favorable light, thereby introducing bias into the data collected.

This effect highlights the challenges researchers face in obtaining genuine data when participants know they are being watched. As a result, the validity of the findings can be compromised, making it difficult to draw accurate conclusions about the behavior being studied. In contrast, the other options do not directly relate to the consequences of the observer effect. Decreased participant motivation, increased comfort, and enhanced data accuracy are not implicated in the distortion that arises from participants modifying their behavior due to observation.