Naturalistic observation is a research tool in a subject is observed in its natural habitat without any manipulation from the observer. Some advantages of naturalistic observations are: seeing the subject in its natural environment, it provides better data than lab research, and he observer is able to go experience different opportunities. There are a good amount of advantages when discussing naturalistic observation, but there are some disadvantages too. If the subject knows it is being observed, it may act different. So it is the job of the observer to be as careful as possible to not be seen to make the situation as realistic as possible. Another disadvantage is that different observers viewing the same thing may have differing opinions. The natural environment causes the subject to be more free leading to more observational opportunities, which may cause bias because we have no control of what happens, but when in a lab, the subject may be controlled and results will be similar from different observers. Overall, i believe that naturalistic observation is the strongest form of observation if the subject is completely unaware that someone is watching. It can provide you answers that aren't manipulated which can be more useful when relating things to the real world and when doing studies on topics that rely on natural observational studies to be affective.
Naturalistic Observation
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I also agree with your statement when you said it is the most powerful form of observation. Like you said, it is the only form of observation where you can truly observe what you are studying and not have any impact on the behavior of the subject. I know from experience in the rep studies that although we (as subjects) try to answer questions as honest as possible, it still doesn't compare to what we would say and how we would act if someone would have been following us and observing without our knowledge.
When I was reading this, I immediately thought of people-watching (hope that doesn't make me sound like a creep, haha)! People react so differently when they have no idea you're watching them - people staring oddly at others, or dancing around awkwardly, or sniffing their armpits, or just generally being goofy! But, if they notice that your watching them they immediately will act in a more socially acceptable manner. Interesting topic, for sure.
When I read this, it made me think of candid camera. It is completely true that people always act so differently when they know that they are being watch. I know that I do! I agree with one of the people who commented on this. I, along with many people, tend to catch myself people-watching. It is so interesting because people do such odd things, things that they do on a normal, daily basis, but not in front of people. It's crazy, really.
Awesome topic. Loved the post!
When Reading this i really enjoyed how you pointed out the advantages and disadvantages, it clearly laid out the best and not so great aspects of naturalistic obervation. I thought it was interesting how you talked about how you have to be careful because once someone knows their being observed it will skew their actions and your data