Final answer:
A limitation of observational data collection is altered behavior due to awareness of being observed, which can affect the data's authenticity. Such methods can be time-consuming and may not reveal participants' thoughts or beliefs. Surveys also have drawbacks, such as inaccurate self-reporting and potential for observer bias in observational studies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Limitations of Research Methods One significant limitation of observational methods of data collection is that people may behave differently if they know they are being watched. This awareness can lead to altered behavior, compromising the naturalness of their actions and the authenticity of the data collected. Another drawback is that these methods can be time-consuming, as researchers may need to wait for specific behaviors to occur, or invest time in building trust before even initiating observation. Moreover, capturing behavioral data does not necessarily reveal what people think or believe, which is critical for understanding the motives behind actions. Surveys, while beneficial for collecting data from larger samples, also face the problem of respondents not providing accurate answers, whether due to misremembering events or presenting themselves in a more favorable light. Lastly, observational research can be prone to observer bias, where the observer may unconsciously interpret behaviors to fit preconceived hypotheses. To mitigate this, it's crucial to have clear criteria for recording behaviors and utilize inter-rater reliability testing where multiple observers assess the same events.