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Naturalistic Observation
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Naturalistic observation
by:Salamat Ibrahim
Background
Naturalistic Observation is a method of research in which the researcher observes the subject of interest in their natural habitat without manipulating any variables.
Background
Advantages
Naturalistic Observation allows researchers to perform experiments they would not be able to perform in a lab due to ethical reasons. An example of this being the Stanford Prison Experiment, this experiment would've been more ethical and widely accepted if Zimbardo had gone to an actual prison and observed prisoners and guards in their natural habitats rather than conducting the students himself.
Advantages
Naturalistic Observation ensures the researcher a higher chance of receiving results that are much accurate than those that would be observed in a lab. During naturalistic observations there are no manipulated variables and the subjects are unaware that they're being watched and as a result will provide more genuine reactions throughout the duration.
Advantages pt.2
Advantages pt.2
Naturalistic observation is considered safer for the observer/researcher as they don't have to interact with the test subjects during the experiment and can observe from a safe distance. This is mainly useful when studying animals as their behavior is highly unpredictable
Advantages pt.2
Naturalistic Observation also allows us to view situations that would normally be impossible to replicate in a normal lab setting, such as how animals interact within their different "tribes" and families or how students react during tests.
How is this
happening?
Disadvantages
Naturalistic Observation is extremely hard to replicate as there are no manipulated or controlled variables etc. Due to not being able to easily replicate it Naturalistic Observation may be seen as less reliable if it's not confirming an already performed experiment that was done in a lab.
Disadvantages
Disadvantages
If the test subject ever becomes aware that they're being watched and observed, it could cause in change in behaviour as they try to fit the results the researcher would want. If the researcher is not aware this could cause multiple flaws within the experiment as change in behaviour could cause immense differences in observations made and make the experiment unreliable.
Disadvantages pt.2
Disadvantages pt.2
Naturalistic Observation requires an immense amount of dedication as it requires a large amount of time. When conducting these experiments researchers are looking for specific behaviours, these certain behaviours could take weeks, months and even years to present themselves. Jane Goodall is an excellent example of this, spending an astounding 50 years with the chimpanzees she was studying.
Disadvantages
The information gained from Naturalistic Observations may be interpreted in many different ways that the researcher may have no control over. The information presented at times can be extremely subjective and while two researchers may be presented with the same data, they could use that information to prove different hypotheses they've developed.
Disadvantages
Bibliography
https://www.facebook.com/thoughtcodotcom. “What Is Naturalistic Observation? Definition and Examples.” ThoughtCo, 2019, www.thoughtco.com/naturalistic-observation-4777754#:~:text=Naturalistic%20observation%20is%20a%20research%20method%20in%20which%20people%20or,prisons%2C%20bars%2C%20and%20hospitals.. Accessed 5 Feb. 2021.
https://www.facebook.com/verywell. “The Pros and Cons of Naturalistic Observation.” Verywell Mind, 2021, www.verywellmind.com/what-is-naturalistic-observation-2795391. Accessed 5 Feb. 2021.
Miller, Brandon. “16 Advantages and Disadvantages of Naturalistic Observation Research in Psychology.” Green Garage, 17 Mar. 2019, greengarageblog.org/16-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-naturalistic-observation-research-in-psychology. Accessed 5 Feb. 2021.
---. “16 Advantages and Disadvantages of Naturalistic Observation Research in Psychology.” Green Garage, 17 Mar. 2019, greengarageblog.org/16-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-naturalistic-observation-research-in-psychology. Accessed 5 Feb. 2021.