Final answer:
In disguised observation, people are unaware that they are being observed, allowing researchers to witness authentic, natural behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
A disguised observation is when people don't know they're being watched. This research method is used to observe natural behaviors without the presence of the observer influencing those behaviors. A classic example of the impact of observation on behavior is the Hawthorne effect, where individuals modify their actions simply because they are aware of being observed. In social research, gaining access to a group's natural dynamics without altering them is critical, thus sometimes covert participant observation is employed, wherein the researcher blends into the environment to avoid detection. The objective here is to observe genuine, unaltered behavior, which can provide insight into the social dynamics and interactions of a group.