Naturalistic observation

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Naturalistic observation is a method of observation, commonly used by psychologists and social/behavioral scientists, that involves observing subjects in their natural habitats. Researchers take great care in avoiding making interferences with the behaviour they are observing by using unobtrusive methods. When using Naturalistic Observation, the researcher observes the studied behavior in its natural setting without attempting to influence or control it. Therefore, the studies are often conducted in places like streets, homes, and schools. Laboratory studies are rather uncommon for this method because the lab setting itself may "contaminate" the participants, who often act differently when they know they are being studied (see Bias). When a lab study can not be avoided, the researcher participates only as an observer. One advantage of this method is that the information collected is the direct response to a stimulus. However, determining the causes of the observed behavior is sometimes difficult, and special care must be taken to avoid potential Bias.