When a researcher pretends to be a customer in the cosmetics section of a department store in order to observe the product knowledge of a salesperson, he or she is employing a type of:
A) mechanical observation.
B) hidden observation.
C) indirect observation.
D) visible observation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The researcher is using hidden observation, as they are not revealing their true purpose or identity to the salesperson. They are pretending to be a customer to get a more realistic view of the salesperson's behavior and product knowledge. Mechanical observation involves the use of instruments or sensors to collect data, indirect observation involves interpreting or inferring behavior through other clues, and visible observation is when the researcher makes their presence known and observes openly.

When a Researcher Pretends to Be a Customer in the Cosmetics