naturalistic observation definition psychology

Being in a laboratory, the researchers are able to control everything that is happening and can minimize any outside influences. Advantages of observations taken from a laboratory include a much more controlled setting. On the other had laboratory observations occur in a laboratory because special equipment might be needed to perform the experiment and it might be hard to provide that equipment in a natural setting. If someone knows they are being watched it can alter their behavior and change the results, which has the potential to possibly mess up the information gathered by the researchers. However a disadvantage is that when someone knows they are being observed they can change the results of the study without noticing.

Natural settings allow the patient to act natural, and have a great possibility of matching up with the real life behavior of the person. Naturalistic observation allows the patient to be very comfortable in their setting and eliminates the fear of the patient being uncomfortable. Laboratory and naturalistic observations are both successful in seeking out the information needed, however they both contain a number of advantages and disadvantages making them more appealing in certain conditions. Observations allow researchers to gather their information, and form conclusions in order to help someone out. The two different observations help researchers find out what is wrong with a specific person or animal and what could possibly be causing that. Along with laboratory observations, naturalistic observations can also be made. Today laboratory observations are very common while trying to understand the behavior of a person and even in some cases of an animal.

Naturalistic observation definition psychology