What type of research involves observing subjects in their natural environment?

Naturalistic observation is a research method that involves watching subjects in their natural environment without any manipulation or interference from the researcher. This approach allows for the collection of data about behaviors as they naturally occur, providing insights into participants' real-world interactions and experiences.

This method is particularly valuable in fields like developmental psychology because it can reveal how individuals, such as children, behave in various contexts, which might not be observable in a controlled experimental setting. It emphasizes ecological validity, making findings more applicable to real-life scenarios. Researchers using this method typically strive to remain unobtrusive to avoid influencing the behavior of those being observed, thus ensuring that the data collected reflects genuine actions and reactions.