CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist) Practice Exam 2026 - Free Health Education Specialist Practice Questions and Study Guide

Unobtrusive observation is characterized by the fact that participants are not aware they are being assessed, which is crucial for reducing potential biases that can occur when individuals know they are being observed. When individuals are unaware of being observed, their behaviors can be recorded more naturally and authentically, reflecting their true actions or reactions, rather than those influenced by the presence of an observer. This method is particularly valuable in research where the goal is to gather genuine behavioral data without the subjects altering their actions due to observation.

In contrast, if participants are aware they are being observed, it can lead to changes in their behavior due to the Hawthorne effect, where people modify their behavior in response to being studied. Other options, such as direct questioning or conducting observations in a public setting, do not encapsulate the essence of unobtrusive observation. The focus is primarily on ensuring that assessment occurs without the participants’ knowledge to maintain the authenticity of the data collected.