Observing a child in a natural setting highlights many aspects of their development. "Assessing involves systematically identifying, gathering and interpreting information about children's learning" (Briggs & Potter, 1999, p339). However, in some instances, children lose this control over environmental factors. They are unable to control the play and cannot assert their own rules. Wardle presented an idea of environmental press "the forces at work in a setting which shape the behavior of people in that setting" (1999, p. 245). One fundamental principle of this ideology refers to that of progressive conformity. As per progressive conformity, it is the behavior of individuals operating in that environment which becomes harmonious to the press of the environment.
¶ … Psychological scientists are levying great stress on using naturalistic observations methods for gaining understanding of human behavior as it is fundamental for development of new theories and methods of treatments of psychological patients. The naturalistic observation is a type of study classified under the broader category of field studies; no experimental approaches used in the field or in real-life settings. In the naturalistic observation method the researcher very carefully observes and records some behavior or phenomenon, sometimes over a prolonged period, in its natural setting. Its simple application to real life makes it easier to be used by Psychologists and becomes a preferred option as compared to experimental studies.
Naturalistic observation can be preferred over other experimental methodologies applied in assessment of child's behavior mainly because of its advantages. This method of assessment allows the observer to perform assessment of the behavior exactly as it takes place in the reality. Hence, the element of ecological validity is duly retained. The situation being studied exists in the natural settings. Furthermore, it helps to establish the external validity of the research findings. Since the behavior occurs in real life, the results can be extended and applied to the general population. Hence, the results of the sample can be applied to the whole population. Thirdly, no variables in the experiment can be manipulated e.g. reaction to traumatic stress. Lastly, artificial settings and human limitations can be easily avoided. On the other hand, systematic observation takes place in clinical settings which evoke the participants to exhibit reactivity rather than natural reaction.
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