Which statement about naturalistic observations is true as a limitation?

Which statement about naturalistic observations is true as a limitation?

• A. Extraneous variables can occur
• B. They have high external validity
• C. They can be easily replicated
• D. They always involve deception

Answer: (D)

Naturalistic observation studies watch behavior in real settings without interfering, so the environment brings in many uncontrolled variables that can influence what’s observed. These extraneous variables make it hard to pinpoint causes of behavior and reduce internal validity, so this is a true limitation of the method. By contrast, external validity can be high because findings come from real life, but that strength isn’t a limitation. The idea that naturalistic observations are easy to replicate isn’t accurate, since each setting is unique and conditions aren’t controlled. Deception isn’t a required feature of naturalistic observation, so it isn’t a defining limitation.

Naturalistic observation studies watch behavior in real settings without interfering, so the environment brings in many uncontrolled variables that can influence what’s observed. These extraneous variables make it hard to pinpoint causes of behavior and reduce internal validity, so this is a true limitation of the method. By contrast, external validity can be high because findings come from real life, but that strength isn’t a limitation. The idea that naturalistic observations are easy to replicate isn’t accurate, since each setting is unique and conditions aren’t controlled. Deception isn’t a required feature of naturalistic observation, so it isn’t a defining limitation.