is a type of study in which the researcher unobtrusively observes and records behavior in the real world.

The type of study you are referring to is known as naturalistic observation. In this research method, the researcher observes subjects in their natural environment without any manipulation or interference. The goal of naturalistic observation is to gain a better understanding of behavior as it occurs in real-world settings.

Naturalistic observation can be particularly useful in fields such as psychology, sociology, and anthropology, where understanding real-life behaviors is essential. Researchers employing this method often take detailed notes or use video recordings to document the behaviors they observe. This approach can provide rich qualitative data but may not always allow for controlling variables, making it less suitable for making causal inferences compared to experimental methods.

Naturalistic observation emphasizes the importance of context and can reveal insights that might not be captured through controlled studies or surveys. However, ethical considerations regarding privacy and consent must also be addressed when observing individuals in their natural settings.