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The benefit of naturalistic observation studies

is ________.
a. the honesty of the data that is collected in a
realistic setting
b. how quick and easy these studies are to
perform
c. the researcher's capacity to make sure that
data is collected as efficiently as possible
d. the ability to determine cause and effect in
this particular approach

User Axxis
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2 Answers

4 votes

Final answer:

The main benefit of naturalistic observation studies is that they provide honest and valid data by observing subjects in their natural environments, which can be generalized to real-life settings.

Step-by-step explanation:

The benefit of naturalistic observation studies is the honesty of the data that is collected in a realistic setting. Naturalistic observation studies provide validity because participants behave as they would normally, enhancing ecological validity and allowing for greater generalization of results to real-life contexts. However, while providing the opportunity for the collection of valid, true-to-life information from realistic situations, these studies are characterized by a lack of control over environmental variables, making them difficult to set up and control.

It is important to note that naturalistic observation does not typically permit researchers to establish cause-and-effect relationships because of the inability to control variables and the observational nature of the research. Therefore, answer 'd' is incorrect as cause and effect determination is not a benefit of this approach.

User Zlatomir
by
8.9k points
4 votes

Final answer:

The main benefit of naturalistic observation studies is the honest and valid data collected in real-life settings, increasing ecological validity and the potential to generalize findings, despite challenges like lack of control and difficulty in establishing causality.

Step-by-step explanation:

The benefit of naturalistic observation studies is a. the honesty of the data that is collected in a realistic setting. These studies are prized for their ecological validity, as they allow behaviors to be observed in their natural contexts, thus enhancing the ability to generalize the findings to real-world scenarios. However, naturalistic observations are not without their challenges. They can be expensive and time-consuming to conduct and do not allow researchers to have much control over when or if certain behaviors will be observed. Moreover, determining cause and effect can be difficult due to the lack of control over variables.

User Kiran Chenna
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