It is generally understood that sociologists employing observation in their research always maintain the confidentiality of subjects in the studyneed to fully disclose the purpose of the observation prior to data collectionshould remain out of sight while observingare obligated to show participants any data collected before conducting analyses

Sociologists employing observation in their research NEED TO FULLY DISCLOSE THE PURPOSE OF THE OBSERVATION PRIOR TO DATA COLLECTION. This is necessary in order to obtain the informed consent of those people who are to be observed. The sociologist have to explain the purpose of the observation to them and let them know what it going to cost them in term of participation.