Naturalistic observation

Description

type of study classified under the broader catagory of field studies

observes and records some behavior or phenomenon

Strengths

allows researchers to observe behavior in the setting in which it normally occurs

Limitations

descriptive method, not an explanatory one

take a great amount of time

difficulty of observing behavior without disrupting it

difficulty of coding results in a manner appropriate for statistical analysis

Examples

Prove that raptors capable of hunting in packs