What is one risk associated with observer bias in structured observation?

Observer bias in structured observation can significantly affect the integrity of research findings. This risk arises when a researcher's expectations, beliefs, or preferences influence how they observe and record behaviors. When an observer allows their subjective views to color their understanding of the data, it can lead to distortions in the information collected. For instance, if an observer expects a particular outcome, they may overemphasize or selectively note behaviors that confirm their expectations while ignoring those that do not. This distortion can compromise the validity of the findings and lead to incorrect conclusions about the behavior being studied.

The other options do not accurately reflect the implications of observer bias. It does not enhance reliability; in fact, it can reduce it. Observer bias also does not guarantee higher participant authenticity, as it may prevent a true representation of participants' behaviors. Lastly, random sampling addresses selection bias rather than observer bias, and does not eliminate the subjectivity from the observers themselves. Thus, the correct answer highlights a fundamental risk inherent in structured observation that can impact the quality and credibility of research outcomes.