Final answer:
Participant observation is a method used by researchers to explore a certain environment from the inside by immersing themselves in a group or social setting. Researchers may take on specific roles and may not fully disclose their identity or purpose if it would affect their research results.
Step-by-step explanation:
Participant observation is a method used by researchers to explore a certain environment from the inside. This involves immersing oneself in a group or social setting in order to make observations from an 'insider' perspective. The researcher might take on a specific role or blend in seamlessly with the population they study. They may not fully disclose their true identity or purpose if it would compromise the results of their research.