In social psychology, which of the following best defines naturalistic observation?

• A. A research method in which behavior is observed and recorded in its natural environment without interference or manipulation by the researcher
• B. A process in which researchers conduct in-depth interviews to explore participants' thoughts and feelings
• C. A method involving the use of surveys and questionnaires to collect self-reported data from participants
• D. A technique where participants are assigned to groups randomly to test the effects of an independent variable

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that naturalistic observation is a research method used in social psychology to study behavior as it naturally occurs.
2. Step 2: Recognize that this method involves observing and recording behavior in the subject's natural environment without any interference or manipulation by the researcher.
3. Step 3: Differentiate naturalistic observation from other methods such as in-depth interviews, surveys, and experimental techniques that involve manipulation or self-reporting.
4. Step 4: Note that naturalistic observation aims to provide an authentic and unbiased view of behavior by avoiding artificial settings or experimental controls.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best definition of naturalistic observation is the one describing it as observing and recording behavior in its natural environment without researcher interference.