Watching-eye effect

[2] Empirical psychological research has continually shown that the visible presence of images depicting eyes nudges people towards slightly, but measurably more honest and more pro-social behavior.

Under controlled groups without images of eyes present people were more likely to behave anti-socially and lie for the benefit of others.

[3] People lean toward honesty rather than acting generously to keep a good image in these situations in order to avoid violating norms.

The findings of this study added to the idea that watching eyes reduce anti-social behavior and increase people to behave more pro-socially.

Each week the sign over the box that usually read "Donations would be appreciated" changed to primarily images of eyes or other inanimate objects such as chairs or noses with some wording with it.

[8] Other studies in relation to the watching-eye-effect show that people are more cooperative and aware of themselves when their identity is exposed as opposed to when they are acting anonymously.

[citation needed][9] Even in some studies that insisted to their participants that their actions were anonymous they were still more generous because they felt identified by the eyes.