What does observation in research involve?

Observation in research specifically involves watching or recording something or someone carefully to gather data. This method is essential in various fields of research, as it allows researchers to gain insights into behaviors, interactions, and processes in their natural context without interference. Observation can be either participant, where the researcher engages with the subjects, or non-participant, where the researcher observes from a distance.

This method is especially valuable because it can yield rich qualitative data that might not be captured through other methods like surveys or interviews, where respondents may not provide comprehensive or accurate reflections of their behaviors or experiences. The precision in monitoring behaviors allows researchers to develop a nuanced understanding of the phenomena being studied, supporting theories with real-world evidence.