But you knew this already, part II: Thinking you’re being watched (even by a poster) makes you act more honestly

June 29, 2006

And it makes sense, when you think about it…

In an interesting experiment a team from Newcastle University found people put nearly three times as much money into a canteen ‘honesty box’ when buying a drink, when they were being watched by a pair of eyes on a poster.

…The eyes it seems were more effective than a poster that featured an image of flowers and raises the possibility that people are encouraged to behave more co-operatively or pro-socially by putting up pictures of eyes.

…Although the eye pictures varied in the sex and head orientation all were chosen so that the eyes were looking directly at the observer.

And now I’m starting to wonder if pictures that aren’t staring at you are stolen more frequently than ones that are.

…It’s too early in the day for this kind of thing. I think I need more tea.

Technorati Tags: Newcastle University, eyes, honesty, psychology