Final answer:
Observational methods have several cons, including the inability to observe unobservable phenomena, potential bias, time-consuming nature, observer bias, and limited behavior observation with privacy concerns.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cons of observation methods:
- Unobservable phenomena: Observational methods cannot capture phenomena such as motivations, attitudes, intentions, and feelings, as these are internal states that cannot be directly observed.
- Potential bias: Observed behavior may differ from real-world situations, as observers may unconsciously skew their observations to fit their research goals or expectations.
- Time-consuming: Observation can be a lengthy process, and researchers can only observe for a limited period of time.
- Observer bias: Observational data is often subjective, as the observer's interpretation and perspective can influence the data collected.
- Limited behavior observation: Only observable behavior can be observed, and privacy concerns may arise.