Research question:
- What is the effect of the unknown on human behavior?
- How do people react in the situations without instructions?
In this experiment, participants were asked to spend time in a room without receiving any specific instructions. They were not informed about what they were supposed to do or how long the experiment would last. The session ended after 2 minutes, and participants were notified when the time was finished.
The intention was to observe behavior in a situation structured by uncertainty and lack of guidance.
Observation (interview)
| Lisanne | Amina | Tian | Allium |
| 1- thought it’s about waiting | 1- she was confused at the beginning 2- she felt like she was standing for a long time doing nothing 3- she was waiting for us to tell her what to do | 1- was afraid something sudden happens 2- appeared to her like an Escape rooms, 3- Scary 4- She said that she noticed a camera and thought she should perform. Fact: she asked to leave earlier | 1- 1.5 half, 2- She had to look for things to look at 3- I don’t think that it makes scene to do the second round with them because they will notice the difference |
Results
The absence of instruction created different emotions: revealed that unknown can influence perception, control, and comfort.
