Final answer:
The main drawback of using naturally occurring events as quasi-independent variables is the lack of control over when these events will occur.
Step-by-step explanation:
When using naturally occurring events as quasi-independent variables in research, one of the drawbacks is that one has no control over when or how the event will occur. This can be challenging as it may result in long waiting periods for an event to happen, and when it does, the researcher must be prepared to capture the data quickly and accurately. For example, economic events like good weather affecting supply demonstrate how researchers must work with naturally occurring variables that are beyond their control. Due to the lack of manipulation possibility, this type of design is often categorized as quasi-experimental, acknowledging the limitations in making causal claims. When using naturally occurring events as quasi-independent variables in research, a drawback is that researchers often have limited or no control over when these events will happen. This lack of control can introduce challenges in establishing causation and isolating the specific impact of the variable of interest, as it may be confounded by other factors. The other options (a) and (c) are not accurate representations of the drawbacks associated with using naturally occurring events in research