Question

In your own words, define systematic, naturalistic, and structured observations. Describe the limitations of each. Are there certain behaviors that might be difficult to observe? Why? Give an example of that behavior.

Answer 1

Systematic observation

This refers to certain behaviour which are predictable and is almost accurate.The results are based onnthe action and its solution perceived from different aspects. The observations gives an evidence of the cause and its effects

Limitations

• The researchers may make excessive claims on their products
• At times the feed back provided are not to the expectations

Naturalistic observations

It is simply observing the subject in their own environment without making any changes.Here the subjects are unaware that they are being watched or observed.These types of research is generally carried in public  places where privacy is difficult to get.

Limitations

• In undisguised nationalistic observation the reaction of the subjects can change when they are informed about their participation in the research.
• A quantitative  research at times is difficult

Structured observations

In this type of observation the participants are in a particular structured or pre planned area and their behaviour or activities are monitored.

Limitations

• Quantitative research are collected ratger than qualitative one.
• The researchers conduct the research on specific behaviour ratger than as whole

There are certain behaviour which are difficult to observe in case af a psychologically disturbed client where the observation cannot be made in any way .For example a observing the signs and symptoms in a schizophrenic patient cannot be given a structured observation or systematic observation method because of their unstable behaviour.