observacional

Observacional refers to a method of study or data collection that relies on observing phenomena as they occur naturally, without direct intervention or manipulation by the researcher. This approach is common in fields such as astronomy, sociology, psychology, and biology, where controlled experiments may be impractical, unethical, or impossible. In observational studies, researchers act as passive observers, meticulously recording details of events, behaviors, or characteristics. Data is gathered through techniques like direct observation, interviews, surveys, or the analysis of existing records. The primary goal is to describe and understand existing patterns and relationships within a population or system. While observational methods can identify correlations, they cannot definitively establish causation because confounding variables may be present. Therefore, findings from observational studies often serve as a basis for generating hypotheses that can then be tested through experimental research. Examples include observing animal behavior in its natural habitat to understand social structures or surveying public opinion on a political issue.