However, there are certain obvious disadvantages to observation too. For example,
o it may be quite time-consuming
o the observer may have to wait for some time to see something happen, which could lead to a waste of the researcher's time
o sometimes it may be difficult to record events, particularly at busy periods
o the person being observed may deviate from his or her normal behaviour
o record-keeping may be inconsistent
o some of the events may not be familiar to the researcher, and therefore they may not understand what is happening
o if more than one observer is involved, the results may be skewed
o the constant attention and involvement of the researcher is needed.