What type of research involves observing variables without direct manipulation?

Observational studies are designed specifically to observe and analyze variables as they naturally occur, without any intervention or manipulation by the researcher. This type of research allows scientists to gather data on behaviors, events, or phenomena in their natural contexts, which can be particularly valuable in settings where controlled experiments are not possible or ethical.

In observational studies, researchers may use different methods such as tallying, recording behavior, or monitoring changes over time, but they do not alter conditions or apply treatments. This approach helps in understanding correlations and patterns that might emerge from real-world interactions and conditions, providing insights into relationships between variables.

This technique is different from experimental studies, where the researcher actively manipulates one or more variables to determine their effect on other variables, and also differs from case studies, which focus on a detailed examination of a single subject or a small group to understand complex issues. Qualitative studies, while they may involve observation, are more concerned with understanding human behavior and the reasoning behind it through non-numeric data.