Observational research is a method used to gather data by watching subjects in their natural environment without interference. This approach allows researchers to collect information about behaviors, interactions, and events as they occur, providing insights that might not be captured through surveys or experiments. This type of research can be either structured, where specific behaviors are recorded, or unstructured, where the observer takes detailed notes on everything happening. It is commonly used in fields like psychology, sociology, and anthropology to understand complex social dynamics and human behavior in real-world settings.