various types of naturalistic research conducted in real-life settings, not in a laboratory or controlled environment. In field research, researchers observe but do not manipulate the study subjects. See: laboratory research.
Behavioral, social, or anthropological research involving the study of people or groups in their own environment and without manipulation for research purposes. Research conducted in natural, real-life settings, outside the laboratory. This involves observation and, in many cases, interactions with the people being studied (see Ethnographic Research).