What is a defining feature of overt observation?

The defining feature of overt observation is that participants consent to being observed. In overt observation, the observers are open about the fact that they are collecting data and that participants are being monitored. This transparency allows participants to be aware of the observation process, often leading them to provide informed consent before the study begins. The ethical considerations in research require that individuals know they are being observed if it affects their behavior, which is a cornerstone of overt observation methods.

This approach differs from covert observation, where participants are unaware of being observed, potentially bringing about ethical concerns regarding privacy and consent. While data collection from pre-existing records can contribute to research in many ways, it does not align with the principles of observation, whether overt or covert. Additionally, the absence of interaction with participants describes a more passive form of observation, which is usually characteristic of certain methodologies but does not define overt observation specifically, as overt observation can include researcher interaction as part of the data-gathering process.