what is the name of the effect that describes a change in something purely by observing it?

Answer 1

The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (a principal is the head of a college) states that the observer has an effect on what he or she observes eg measuring the position and momentum of a particle will disturb the particle and distort the results observed as a consequence.

Answer 2

THE OBSERVER EFFECT:
Fundamental to contemporary Quantum Theory is the notion that there is no phenomenon until it is observed. This effect is known as the 'Observer Effect'.

The implications of the 'Observer Effect' are profound because, if true, it means that before anything can manifest in the physical universe it must first be observed. Presumably observation cannot occur without the pre-existence of some sort of consciousness to do the observing. The Observer Effect clearly implies that the physical Universe is the direct result of 'consciousness'.

This notion has a striking resemblance to perennial esoteric theory which asserts that all phenomena are the result of the consciousness of a single overlighting Creative Principle or the Mind of God.

There is a delicious irony in all this. Contemporary Western scientific theory postulates that human consciousness is solely a result of the workings of a physical brain, yet if the observer effect is correct, the physical matter comprising a brain cannot come into existence until it is the subject of observation by some pre-existing consciousness.

Gemba which is some-what using the observing effect ,is Japanese term meaning the place where the truth can be found. It is only at the gemba that you learn "unknown unknowns" to found out reality.

Answer 3

In addition to the ideas already presented by other answerers here, one must not forget the experiment conducted in 1935 by Erwin Schrodinger. Briefly, this experiment consisted of placing a cat inside of a closed box with a radioactive atom, a geiger counter and a vial of prussic acid. If the geiger counter detects an alpha particle, a small hammer breaks the vial which, in turn, kills the cat. The observer cannot see inside the box and therefore will not know whether the cat will be dead or alive when the box is opened. The theory is that different observers could possibly see a different result upon opening the box. This could possibly be interpreted to mean that if you wanted or expected to see the cat alive when you opened the box, then the vial would not have been broken and he would be alive. Your observation "makes" the reality.

Answer 4

Yes, it is the Observer Effect. It is most easily seen on city streets. You see an attractive woman (or man) walking down the street, smiling and carefree. As you observe this person, you smile. The person observes you and the smile vanishes and turns to scorn. As you observe this change, your smile turns to embarrasment and dismay. It happens to me all the time . . .

Answer 5

it's the effect of being in a observer participatory universe - it also requires a belief in the anthropic principle whereby the observed values of all physical and cosmological quantities are inevitable as they are the ones that have produced and sustain "observers"

ps - this isnt to be confused with intelligent design!!!! ;)

Answer 6

Observations, Boredom ?

Answer 7

Isn't the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle something to do with Quantum Mechanics and String Theory (I can't be bothered to look up wikipedia). Are you sure it isn't plain and simple telekinesis?

Answer 8

It's just called "the observer effect," and should not be confused with the Heisenberg uncertainty principle.

Answer 9

several different things in different situations with similarities- it is confused w the Heisenberg uncertainity principle-related to quantum physics- D

Answer 10

Maybe the cross-eyed effect??