Observation method

A general method of collecting data from respondents in which the respondent’s behavior is recorded. This includes such techniques as overt behavior and physiological reaction measurement, in which the procedures are based on observing the behavior of the subject. The observer does not question or communicate with the people being observed. Information may be recorded as the events occur or from records of past events. Observational methods may be structured or unstructured, direct or indirect. Furthermore, observation may be conducted from natural or contrived (artificial) environment.