Final answer:
Naturalistic observation involves observing behavior in its natural context to collect valid and realistic information that can be generalized to real-world situations. It attempts to avoid problems associated with reactivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Naturalistic observation involves observing behavior in its natural context, such as observing children at a playground or animals in their own environments. The goal of naturalistic observation is to collect valid and realistic information that can be generalized to real-world situations. This research approach attempts to avoid problems associated with reactivity, where people or animals modify their behavior because they are being observed.