Sometimes simple observation is better suited to a situation than participant observation. In many settings we simply observe our participants while they are in action or when interactions between people occur. Many times people forget we’re around, whether we’re following them all day or just observing a 20-minute doctor’s appointment. We couldn’t ask for a better compliment as ethnographers. Of course, we follow-up with some questions to clarify what we’ve seen, validate what we’ve learned, and ensure that our understanding is holistic.