Which of the following is an advantage of using naturalistic observation as a research method?

Unstructured method of research, Naturalistic Observation is one of the three types and is used to collect data and observe subjects in their natural habitat. It does not include altering the environment or triggering subjects to get the results needed. Moreover, the subject or subjects being observed are unaware that they are being examined. Although this is considered to be the most realistic type of research method, there are also those who are skeptical about this. Here are the opposing views of the proponents and opponents of this research type.

List of Pros of Naturalistic Observation

1. Genuine Reactions
Researchers who apply Naturalistic Observation in their studies say that this method gets more accurate and realistic reactions from subjects. Since these subjects, people or animals, are unaware that they are being watched, they show their natural behaviors since they are not conscious on how they act or move. Also, since there is no outside force that triggers their emotions, results are real and not calculated.

2. Safer
Naturalistic Observation is considered not to put the researcher at risk since there is no need to interact with the subjects as in the case of observing the natural habitat of wild animals, say, tigers. Researchers have studied how these wild animals live, prey and survive in the wild without having to go near them. Animal behavior can be unpredictable, making it safer to study them from afar using this type of research method.

3. Helpful in Validating Research
Apart from unstructured observation, supporters of Naturalistic Observation say that this method is used in comparing and validating results from studies that have been done before. This type is useful in confirming and disproving data since its results are realistic and accurate.

List of Cons of Naturalistic Observation

1. Time Consuming
Critics of this research method claim that observing a subject who is unaware of being watched will take a longer time to act or manifest expected behavior as opposed to a subject who knows that an experiment or study is going on. Although a researcher can get a natural reaction and a real one, this can take time since the subject needs to be observed over and over again to identify a pattern of behavior and this is time consuming. Moreover, if there are a number of people or animals being observed, not all will behave the same way which can also add to research time.

2. Distractions
Opponents of Naturalistic Observation say that researchers have no control of the environment and the influences that can affect the behavior of their subjects. Although the environment is not changed, there are distractions in the environment that can impact subjects and the results can be wrong.

3. Different Views
Individuals who are not for Naturalistic Observation say that results can be different if there is more than one researcher in the study. This is because different people have varied perception of things and since this method is unstructured, results might be misinterpreted by some and thus, can be inaccurate.

Natural Observation as a research method is important because it gives the researcher a chance to discover new things about the subject which will not be evident if another method is applied. However, this method is not without drawbacks. Perhaps, it is important for a researcher to analyze if this is the best method for the study or better yet, use it along side another research technique.

Author Bio
Natalie Regoli is a child of God, devoted wife, and mother of two boys. She has a Master's Degree in Law from The University of Texas. Natalie has been published in several national journals and has been practicing law for 18 years.

Naturalistic observation is a type of research method that scientists use to collect data and information about different types of things. What it means is that the subject(s) are observed, unknowingly, in their natural environment. Their behaviors and reactions to things are perceived as genuine and not manipulated, unlike many other types of research methods where the subject is aware that they are being examined. It is argued that this is the most realistic and accurate for of observation that can be used, but it certainly poses it’s own unique disadvantages.

The Advantages of Naturalistic Observation

1. Natural Behaviors
When there is no influence on the behaviors of the subject, the data collected is much more genuine. People show their true feelings, reactions, and behaviors when they are not being examined or watched.

2. Aids In Research Validation
Often times, naturalistic observation is used to validate results from experiments that have already been done. They help to confirm or disprove this data because it gives a truly accurate account of results.

3. Puts Thing In Real World View
Tests can be conducted in a real world setting. This makes the answers that are obtained much more relevant to the hypothesis’s impact in true, real life settings. This is a type of view that is much more difficult, or nearly impossible, to get with other types of experiments and observations that can be done.

4. Allows You To Study Unethical Topics
There are many things that need to be studied in depth in order for us to understand them better. However, not all circumstances are fit for throwing people into a scientific study of their behaviors or emotions. One good example of this would be the effects that school shootings have on students at the school. Naturalistic observation allows researchers to gather valuable data, without interrupting the emotional well being of the subject.

The Disadvantages of Naturalistic Observation

1. Outside Influences
When conduction a naturalistic observation you have almost no control over the influences around you subject. These interferences could easily impact the results of the test and render it useless.

2. Difference of Opinion
Everyone looks at things different, and this includes researchers and scientists. Two people can observe the same subject do the same exact thing, and yet they may draw two very different conclusions from the actions or behaviors. This bias is the biggest things that critics of naturalistic observations argue.

3. Difficult To Keep It Natural
As you would imagine, it can be difficult to conduct an examination or experiment on a person without their knowing. You would often have to be at such a distance that you may not get the full scope of what is happening or the behaviors that are being exhibited.

4. Can Take A Long Time
In order to draw true results, you have to observe the same subject doing the same thing for a long period of time. This shows you what the true data and results of the experiment are. Some naturalistic observations can last months or even years to complete.

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Important Facts About Naturalistic Observation