The reply to Sharpe et al.: Hawthorne effect in the YourCall trial suggested by participants qualitative responses

Reductions in self-reported drinking in control groups in alcohol trials have been consistently reported for more than 40  years [1,2]. The qualitative data reported here by Sharpe et al [3] from approximately half the trial participants identify interesting sources of such reductions. Their observations provide new evidence for previously suggested explanations [4], and add to a qualitative literature on research pa rticipation effects which is in its infancy [5,6]. Sharpe et al discuss various causes of change, although omit here the effects of social desirability considerations on reporting on one's own behavior [7].

Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology - June 4, 2019 Category: Epidemiology Authors: Jim McCambridge, Amanda Wilson, John Attia, Natasha Weaver, Kypros Kypri Tags: Letter to the Editor Source Type: research