Observation Study - GCSE Psychology Definition

An observation study is a way of collecting information by watching people in their natural environment or a controlled environment. In GCSE Psychology, a naturalistic observation is important because it helps researchers understand how people behave in real-life situations without interfering or changing anything.

Unlike experiments, where scientists might control different factors, observation studies simply involve watching and recording what happens. This method can be used to gather data on things like social interactions, communication styles, and everyday activities. It provides valuable insights, although it doesn't always explain why certain behaviours happen.