Which form of observation raises ethical concerns due to the participants' unawareness?

Covert observation raises ethical concerns because it involves observing individuals without their knowledge or consent. This lack of awareness can violate the participants' rights to privacy and autonomy, making it ethically questionable. Ethical guidelines in research emphasize the importance of informed consent, meaning participants should be aware of and agree to being observed, particularly in contexts that might affect their behavior or choices.

When participants are unaware that they are being observed, it raises significant ethical dilemmas related to trust and deception. In many fields, including sociology and psychology, maintaining the integrity of the participant's informed consent is vital for ethical research practices. This concern is not as pronounced in other forms of observation, such as participant observation or focus groups, where participants are generally aware of their role in the research process and can make informed decisions regarding their participation.