Naturalistic Observation
Introduction
Naturalistic observation is a research method commonly used by psychologists and social/behavioral scientists. This technique involves observing subjects in their natural environment. This type of research is often utilized in situations where conducting lab research is unrealistic, cost prohibitive, or would unduly affect the subject's behavior.
Methodology
Naturalistic observation differs from structured observation in that it involves observing behaviors as they occur naturally, without the manipulation or control of the observational conditions. The researcher simply records what they see in whatever way they can. Compared with controlled observations it is like the difference between studying wild animals in a zoo and studying them in their natural habitat.
With regard to human subjects Margaret Mead used this method to research the way of life of different tribes living on islands in the South Pacific. In this context, it is also referred to as field work.
A considerable amount of psychological research uses the observational method. An interesting example of this is the study of severe neurological disorders in children, which can be studied using the observational method, but cannot ethically be created in lab groups for research.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Naturalistic observation as a research method has both its advantages and disadvantages that impact its application. By providing a factual account of a given subject's behavior, it offers researchers valuable insights into the complexity of behaviors in their natural settings.
However, the lack of control over the environment and the inability to manipulate various factors pose significant challenges. The presence of a researcher can also influence the subject's behavior, thus affecting the authenticity of the data collected. This is known as the Hawthorne effect.
Ethical Considerations
Ethical considerations are of particular importance when researchers utilize the naturalistic observation method. Informed consent, privacy, and confidentiality must be ensured at all times to protect the rights of the subjects. In some cases, obtaining informed consent may not be feasible, and researchers must then ensure that their study does not harm the subjects in any way.
Applications
Naturalistic observation has been used in a variety of fields and settings. Examples include studying animal mating behaviors in the wild, observing classroom behaviors of children, and studying abnormal behaviors in psychiatric patients. It is a fundamental method in conducting ethnographic studies, and has been used in various branches of psychology including developmental psychology, social psychology, and clinical psychology.
Conclusion
Despite its limitations, naturalistic observation is a versatile and effective research method that allows for the study of behaviors in their natural settings. It provides a rich source of qualitative data and can lead to valuable insights that might not be discovered through other research methods.