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Pros and cons of Naturalistic observation

A study technique called naturalistic observation includes watching participants in their natural settings. May psychologists and other social scientists employ this strategy. It is an approach to qualitative research that emphasizes gathering, analyzing, and describing nonnumerical data. Let us read more and learn about the 8 pros and cons of naturalistic observation in detail here.

Pros of Naturalistic observation

Natural behaviors

The data gathered is substantially more accurate when the subject’s actions are unaffected. When they are not being observed or scrutinized, people reveal their actual emotions, attitudes, and behaviors.

Puts things in real world view

tests may be performed in a real-world environment. Due to this, the acquired responses are far more pertinent to how the hypothesis would play out in actuality, everyday situations. With other alternative sorts of tests and observations, it is far more challenging or practically impossible to arrive at this kind of viewpoint.

Research validation support

Naturalistic observation is frequently used to confirm the finding of earlier investigations. They support or refute this data because it provides an incredibly accurate assessment of the outcomes.

Real reactions

naturalistic observation is a technique that researchers use to acquire more accurate and realistic responses from their participants. Since the subjects whether they are people or animals are not aware that they are being monitored, they act and move in a way that is natural to them. Additionally, since no external factor influences their feelings, the outcomes are genuine rather than predetermined

Cons of Naturalistic observation

Differing points of view

Even scientists and researchers have diverse perspectives on things. Even when two persons see the same subject perform the exact same action, they may come to totally different judgments about the behaviors or actions. The main point of contention for opponents of naturalistic observations is this bias.

Lack of control

The inability of the researcher to account for external factors is another drawback.

Observer bias

When individuals watch natural activities, their biases may affect how experimenters perceive what they see.

Lack of validity

Even if the aim of naturalistic observation is to gain a better understanding of how it takes place in reality, experimental effects might still affect how individuals react. People may change their behavior only because they are aware that they are being watched, which may be caused by the Hawthorne effect and other demand features.

Thank you for reading this article. If you have any queries regarding our article on the Pros and cons of naturalistic observation then do comment in the comment section below.

 

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Divya Chauhan
Divya Chauhan is an expert writer with 10+ years of experience as a content writer. They specialize in making complex topics like IT, Health, and general topic easy to understand. Divya has written over thousands of articles to help people with their content. Prior to joining Way2benefits’s editorial team in 2020, Divya worked as a Professor of BCA college and freelancer blogger.