- Casual observation does little by itself to establish a strong base of knowledge. 
- Can lead people to erroneous conclusions. 

Disadvantages of Unsystematic Observation 

Unsystematic observation allows us to develop hypotheses that can eventually be tested more systematically. 

Syracuse University

The most basic and pervasive of all research methods is observation.  Experimental, case study, and naturalistic approaches all involve making observations of what someone is doing or has done. 

- Unsystematic Observation
- Naturalistic Observation
- Controlled Observation 


Observation in Psychology 

Trull , T. J., &amp; Prinstein , M. J. (2013). Research Methods in Clinical Psychology . In Clinical Psychology (Eighth, pp. 93–124). Textbook, Wadsworth Cengage Learning . 

Clinical Psychology Eighth Edition 

Unsystematic Observation 

Naturalistic Observation is carefully planned in advance to serve as a rich source of hypotheses that can be subjected to careful scrutiny later.

Naturalistic Observation 

Case studies involve the intensive study of a client or patient who is in treatment.

Case studies

- The investigators exerts some degree of control over the events carried out in the field or relatively natural settings. 
- It provides more authentic insight into the nature of clients' emotions and behaviors. 
- It can be used to assess communication patterns between couples or spouses.

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