Naturalistic observation is a research method used in psychology and other social sciences in which research participants are observed in their natural environments. Unlike lab experiments that involve testing hypotheses and controlling variables, naturalistic observation simply requires recording what is observed in a specific setting. Show
Kay Takeaways: Naturalistic Observation
Naturalistic Observation ApplicationsNaturalistic observation involves observing subjects of interest in their normal, everyday setting. It is sometimes referred to as field work because it requires researchers to go out into the field (the natural setting) to collect data on their participants. Naturalistic observation traces its roots back to anthropology and animal behavior research. For example, cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead used naturalistic observation to study the daily lives of different groups in the South Pacific. The approach doesn't always require researchers to observe people in such exotic environments, however. It can be conducted in any kind of social or organizational setting, including offices, schools, bars, prisons, dorm rooms, online message boards, or just about any other place where people can be observed. For example, psychologist Sylvia Scribner used naturalistic observation to investigate how people make decisions in various professions. To do so, she accompanied people—from milk men, to cashiers, to machine operators—as they went about their regular work routines. Naturalistic observation is valuable when a researcher wants to learn more about people in a specific social or cultural setting but can’t gather the information any other way. Sometimes studying people in a lab can impact their behavior, be cost prohibitive, or both. For example, if a researcher wishes to study the behavior of shoppers in the weeks leading up to the Christmas holiday, it would be impractical to construct a store in the lab. Plus, even if the researcher did so, it would be unlikely to elicit the same response from participants as shopping at a store in the real world. Naturalistic observation offers the opportunity to observe shoppers’ behavior, and based on researchers' observations of the situation, has the potential to generate new ideas for specific hypotheses or avenues of research. The method requires researchers to immerse themselves in the setting being studied. This typically involves taking copious field notes. Researchers may also interview specific people involved in the situation, collect documents from the setting, and make audio or video recordings. In her research on decision-making in different occupations, for instance, Scribner not only took detailed notes, she also gathered every scrap of written material her participants read and produced, and photographed the equipment they used. Scope of the ObservationBefore going into the field, researchers conducting naturalistic observation must define the scope of their research. While the researcher may want to study everything about the people in the chosen setting, this may not be realistic given the complexities of human behavior. As a result, the researcher must focus observations on the specific behaviors and responses they are most interested in studying. For example, the researcher might choose to collect quantitative data by counting the number of times a specific behavior occurs. So, if the researcher is interested in dog owners' interactions with their dogs, they might tally the number of times the owner talks to their dog during a walk. On the other hand, much of the data collected during naturalistic observation, including notes, audio and video recordings and interviews, are qualitative data that require the researcher to describe, analyze, and interpret what was observed. Sampling MethodsAnother way researchers can limit the scope of a study is by using a specific sampling method. This will enable them to gather a representative sample of data on the subjects’ behavior without having to observe everything the subject does at all times. Sampling methods include:
Pros and Cons of Naturalistic ObservationThere are a number of advantages to naturalistic observation. These include:
Despite its value in certain situations, naturalistic observation can have a number of drawbacks, including:
Sources
Which of the following is naturalistic observation quizlet?A study conducted in the natural setting within which behavior would be expected to occur is called: a naturalistic observation.
What is a naturalistic observation in psychology?Naturalistic observation is a qualitative research method where you record the behaviors of your research subjects in real world settings. You avoid interfering with or influencing any variables in a naturalistic observation. You can think of naturalistic observation as “people watching” with a purpose.
Which of the following is the best definition for naturalistic observation?Naturalistic observation is a method that involves observing subjects in their natural environment. The goal is to look at behavior in a natural setting without intervention.
What is naturalistic observation in child development?Naturalistic Observation
This technique involves observing involves studying the spontaneous behavior of participants in natural surroundings. The researcher simply records what they see in whatever way they can. In unstructured observations, the researcher records all relevant behavior without system.
|
