Which term is best defined as changes in behavior due to an awareness of being observed?

The correct answer is the observer effect, which refers to the changes in an individual's behavior that occur when they are aware that they are being observed. This concept is significant in both psychological research and everyday settings, as it highlights how awareness can influence behaviors. For example, individuals may alter their actions to conform to perceived expectations or to appear more favorable when they know they are under observation.

Understanding the observer effect is crucial in research design, particularly in studies involving human subjects, as it can lead to biased results if participants modify their behavior simply because they are aware of being watched. This phenomenon emphasizes the importance of minimizing observational influences to get an accurate reading of natural behavior.

The other terms relate to different phenomena. Demand characteristics describe cues in an experiment that may inform participants about the purpose of the study, potentially leading them to alter their behavior. Social approval bias involves individuals changing their responses or behaviors to be viewed more favorably by others, while skepticism bias refers to a tendency to question the validity of information or claims. Each of these concepts addresses various influences on behavior but does not specifically capture the notion of changes due to the awareness of observation as effectively as the observer effect does.