Observations
Naturalistic observations- Naturalistic relates to an unchanged, normal environment within which the subject of the study functions. Observation stands for the requirement of watching how someone behaves in order to gather data. Naturalistic observation, therefore, is a method of observing people in their normal environment it rrefers to gathering data without interfering with the current behaviour.

Advantages-
It is all natural behavior:
When there is no effect on the behaviors of the subject, the data collected is much more honest. People show their true feelings, reactions, and behaviors when they are not being examined or observed.
It aids research validation:
Naturalistic observation is used to confirm results from experiments that have already been done. They help to check or disprove this data because it gives a truly precise account of results.
Portrays things in the view of the real world:
The tests can be directed in a real world setting. This makes the answers that are gained much more relevant to the hypothesis’s impact in true, real life settings. This is a type of view that is much more problematic, or nearly impossible, to get with other types of experiments and observations that can be done.
It allows you to study unethical topics:
It allows the researcher to gather valuable data, without intruding the emotional wellbeing of the subject

Disadvantages-
Outside influences:
When doing the observation you have no control over the effects around you subject. These interferences could easily impact the results of the test and render it useless.
Difference of opinion:
Everyone looks at things different, and this includes researchers and scientists. Two people can observe the same subject do the same exact thing, and yet they may draw two very different conclusions from the actions or behaviors.
Different to keep it natural:
The researcher would have to be at a distance when conducting the examination without the person knowing which could result in them not getting the full jist of what is going on or the behaviours that are being exhibited.
Time
This experiment has to be studied over a long period of time so will be very time consuming

Non participant observation-
Non participant observation is a research technique where the researcher watches the subjects of his or her study, with their knowledge, but without taking an active part in the situation under examination.

Advantages: * It is a simple and cheap method to use * If people are unaware they are being observed they will act as they normally do. * It can be used to analyse social interaction in a wide variety of contexts. * It can be a very valid research method given the correct circumstances.
Disadvantages:
* It relies heavily on the researchers interpretation of what is going on. * The researcher selects the actions they believe important. * The researcher may interpret things from their own ethic/gender/class point of view which can affect the validity of the research. * If people know they are being observed they will act differently than usual then the Hawthorne affect will take place.

Overt observation-
Is the researcher being open about their intentions in the field and ensuring all members of the social group are aware of what is happening.

Advantages: * It allows the researcher to be honest with the participants, as a result avoiding problematic ethical issues such as deception or lack of informed consent. * It also prevents the researcher from becoming over-familiar with the participants and ‘going native’ * Keeps the observation objective and free from bias
Disadvantage:
* The participants understand the aims of the observer and so there is likely to be possible observer effects
Covert observation-
Is a particular type of participant observation in which the identity of the researcher, the nature of the research project, and the fact that participants are being observed are hidden from those who are being studied.
Advantages:
* doesn't disturb the normal behaviour of the group so higher validity * allows the observer to dig deeper into groups' behaviour * access to certain secret behaviour of the group
Disadvantages:
* If the real identity of researcher is exposed the whole research could be ruined * ethical issues to do with false trust and lack of consent * recording changes in behaviour and general behaviour is difficult without raising suspicion * hard to sustain over a long period of time

Participant observation-
Participant observation is a type of data collection method usually done in the qualitative research theory. It is a widely used method in many disciplines, particularly cultural anthropology and European ethnology. Its aim is to gain a close and friendly familiarity with a given group of individuals (such as a religious, occupational, sub cultural group, or a particular community) and their practices through an intensive involvement with people in their cultural environment, usually over an extended period of time.
Advantages:
* High ecological validity if observation is secret. * Detailed and in-depth knowledge of the situation can be gained. * Qualitative data.
Disadvantages
* Difficult to record data. * Difficult to be objective. * Difficult to replicate. * Observers may influence participants. * Ethical problems. * Cannot gather cause and effect