PSYCHOLOGY PROJECT - TERM 1

STUDY ON NATURAL OBSERVATION

By Sanaya Choreria
11D

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INDEX

TOPIC PAGE
Title 1

index 2

introduction 3

Aim, Procedure 4

Observation 5

Advantages, Disadvantages 6

Bibliography 7

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INTRODUCTION

What is Natural Observation?

Naturalistic observation is a research method that involves observing subjects in

their natural environment. This approach is often used by psychologists and other
social scientists. It is a form of qualitative research, which focuses on collecting,
evaluating, and describing non-numerical data.

Why is it Important?

It is useful as conducting lab research for all our experiments is unrealistic,

cost-prohibitive, or unduly affects the subject's behavior. The goal of naturalistic
observation is to observe behavior as it occurs in a natural setting without
interference or manipulation

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AIM

● To observe using natural observation as a scientific method.

In my study I will be observing how two friends who once used to be very close,
behave on meeting after 5 years. I will be covering their behaviour over the
course of a week and how their bevaiuour changes towards the end of the week.

PROCEDURE

On day 1 the two friends meet. They interact with eachother after 5 years for the
first time. In the course of the week the friends spend time together, by living with
each other for a day, sharing activities such as going on a walk togetherestaurant
together and having a deep conversation where they finally get to understand
eachother and realise the difference in their behaviour after five years

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 OBSERVATION TABLE

DAY 1 DAY 4 DAY 7

Interaction Friend A: emotional Friend A: friendly Friend A: close
Friend B: hesistant, Friend B: friendly Friend B: close
emotinal

bonding Friend A: not as much Friend A: closer than before Friend A: closely bonded
Friend B: not as much Friend B: closer than before, Friend B: closely bonded
however not as free and frank
as before

Trust level Friend A: open to sharing Friend A: open to sharing their Friend A: trusting, open to
their opinions, thoughts, opinions, thoughts, morals, share
morals, experiences. eperiences. Friend B: trusting, open to
Friend B: hesitant, not as Friend B: developing a sense share
trusting. of trust.

I also observed that there is a vast change in the two friends’ eating habits,
dressing habits, musical preferences, opinions. However, many of their
behavioural patterns ar siimilar at the same time.

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ADVANTAGES OF NATURAL OBSERVATION

● Naturalistic observation is flexible as it is not bounded by any

experimentation, theories or any strict protocol to be followed.
● Data collected is valid as it is observed in a natural setting.
● It brings researchers closer to the real phenomena that interest them.

DISADVANTAGES OF NATURAL OBSERVATION

● There is a risk of observer bias

● There is an inabilit to control behaviours
● It varies from object to object.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-naturalistic-observation-2795391
https://www.bachelorprint.com/in/methodology/naturalistic-observation/
https://study.com/learn/lesson/naturalistic-observation-in-psychology-studies-res
earch-examples.html