One of the major advantages of the scientific method is that it allows investigation in natural surroundings

Psychologists and other social scientists commonly use naturalistic observation as their research method. In this technique, the subjects are observed while they are in their natural environment. This technique is utilized in different situations that hinder the scientists in doing their tests in their laboratories. These situations are those unrealistic, cost prohibitive or would unduly affect the subject's behavior. This technique lets the scientists observe the natural behavior of people who are unaware of observation. The researchers in this technique will be able to study things that cannot be manipulated in a lab due to ethical concerns. The external validity of research is supported in this method. There is a clear line between saying that the findings of a lab study will generalize to a larger population and to actually observe those findings happening in a natural setting.