Final answer:
The advantage of laboratory observation over naturalistic observation lies in the better control of extraneous influences, allowing for more accurate causal inferences. However, this can impact external validity, making it less reflective of real-world situations compared to the genuine behavior captured in naturalistic observation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Advantages of Laboratory Observation
Observation in a laboratory setting has certain advantages over naturalistic observation. The most significant of these is the better control of extraneous influences. Experiments within a lab environment allow for significant manipulation of the independent variable and control over other variables that may affect the outcome. This enables researchers to make causal statements and ensure that the findings are due to the manipulated variable. Thus, the correct answer to the student's question is c. better control of extraneous influences.
In contrast to natural settings, where behaviors are observed in their real-life context, laboratory settings can limit the occurrence of unexpected variables. However, this control can sometimes come at the expense of external validity, as the artificial setting may not accurately reflect real-world scenarios. Therefore, while a lab experiment provides a more controlled environment, it is essential to consider the trade-offs between the internal validity provided by the control of variables and the ecological validity that comes from studying behaviors in their natural setting.
For naturalistic observation, the primary advantage is the validity of information collected without intervention, thereby offering a more genuine representation of behavior. However, this method has its downsides, such as the potential lack of control over when and what behavior occurs, making data collection more challenging and potentially less reliable. Researchers need to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each method based on the goals and context of their study.