Which statement best defines covert observation?

Which statement best defines covert observation?

• A. The researcher reveals their role and seeks consent.
• B. The researcher’s status is not made clear to the group and no consent is obtained.
• C. The researcher records all behaviours in great detail.
• D. The observer participates openly and informs participants after the session.

Answer: (B)

Covert observation involves the researcher staying hidden and participants being unaware that they are being studied. The statement that best defines this is that the researcher’s status is not made clear to the group and no consent is obtained. This captures the essential idea: there is no disclosure of the observer or request for permission, so behavior is more natural and not influenced by being watched. The other descriptions describe different approaches: openly revealing your role and seeking consent refers to overt observation, where participants know they’re being observed and have agreed to it. Simply recording all behaviours in great detail doesn’t specify whether participants know they’re observed or consent to it. Participating openly and informing participants after the session describes overt observation with debriefing.

Covert observation involves the researcher staying hidden and participants being unaware that they are being studied. The statement that best defines this is that the researcher’s status is not made clear to the group and no consent is obtained. This captures the essential idea: there is no disclosure of the observer or request for permission, so behavior is more natural and not influenced by being watched.

The other descriptions describe different approaches: openly revealing your role and seeking consent refers to overt observation, where participants know they’re being observed and have agreed to it. Simply recording all behaviours in great detail doesn’t specify whether participants know they’re observed or consent to it. Participating openly and informing participants after the session describes overt observation with debriefing.