The Hawthorne effect: Is it a help or hindrance in social science research?

This article is set within the field of social science research, and takes the action research paradigm as its theoretical perspective. Its original contribution is the reconceptualisation of the Hawthorne effect upon social science research. This was the first time that the epistemological assumptions of the original Hawthorne effect had been politically challenged in its 70 year history. The article provides a new interpretation of the original Hawthorne research experiment which validates social improvement through participatory action research and provides a new methodological framework for achieving this. It is significant in its relevance for all field researchers that seek both social engagement and impact evidence from within social settings. Its rigour lies in its critical engagement with the literature on the Hawthorne effect. Change is an international peer reviewed journal originating from the University of Sydney.