One drawback of structured observations is that
A) the artificial nature of the setting may distort the behavior of interest.
B) they cannot be used to study behaviors that occur naturally only rarely.
C) they can only be used to study behaviors that occur in public settings.
D) they cannot be performed in a laboratory.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Structured observations involve creating an artificial setting or situation in which the behavior of interest can be observed and recorded. However, this artificiality may distort the behavior and not reflect what would occur in a natural setting. Therefore, this is a drawback of structured observations. Options B and C are not true as structured observations can be used to study both common and rare behaviors and can be conducted in public or private settings. Option D is also incorrect as structured observations are often performed in laboratory settings.

One Drawback of Structured Observations Is That