Final answer:
Observational research can often provide data more quickly and efficiently than other methods, combining with qualitative or quantitative methods for richer or more robust findings. It's usually cheaper, easier, and ethical for certain research topics, though it faces challenges like observer bias which can be mitigated with careful methodology.
Step-by-step explanation:
Advantages of Observational Research
More pros of observational research include the fact that certain data can be obtained more quickly and efficiently. Observation methods can be combined with either qualitative methods to create rich situations, or quantitative to provide robust evidence. The benefit of naturalistic observation studies is the honesty of the data that is collected in a realistic setting. An observational study is generally cheaper and easier to conduct than an experimental study and can study more subjects to obtain a larger set of data.
However, challenges such as observer bias can be mitigated by setting clear criteria for recorded behaviors and ensuring inter-rater reliability. Surveys can also be used in conjunction with observations to triangulate data and validate findings.