How Does Observation in the Laboratory Differ from Naturalistic Observation

question 64

Multiple Choice

How does observation in the laboratory differ from naturalistic observation?

• A) There is no difference. The two terms are synonymous.
• B) The researcher has more control over variables if they choose the natural environment carefully.
• C) The researcher in a laboratory setting has some level of control over the variables which might influence the participants' behavior.
• D) Laboratory observation is considered experimentation while naturalistic observation is a descriptive method of research.

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Definitions:

Depth of Focus

The range within which an image can be moved away from or closer to a lens without significantly affecting its sharpness.

Accommodation

Ability of electrically excitable tissues, such as nerve or muscle cells, to adjust to a constant stimulus so that the magnitude of the local potential decreases through time; also called adaptation.

Convergence

The tendency of unrelated animals and plants to evolve superficially similar characteristics under similar environmental conditions or the movement of eyes inward towards the nose.

Cone Sensitive

Refers to the responsiveness of cone cells in the retina to different wavelengths of light, enabling color vision.