What type of observation involves a researcher watching actions without engaging or interacting with participants?

Non-participant observation is a research method where the researcher observes subjects without becoming involved in the group's activities. This observational approach allows the researcher to gather data while maintaining a neutral and objective perspective, which can help prevent any biases that might arise from personal interaction with participants. By remaining an observer only, the researcher can document behaviors, interactions, and phenomena as they naturally occur, thus providing a clearer picture of the subject matter.

In the context of social research, non-participant observation is particularly valuable because it can reveal insights that might not be accessible through direct engagement. This method underscores the importance of the researcher's role in merely observing, enabling the collection of genuine behavioral data in various settings.