What type of observation is when the observer does not hide their presence from the child?

The type of observation where the observer does not hide their presence from the child is known as overt observation. In this method, the observer is visible and aware that their presence may influence the child's behavior. This transparency can provide a more naturalistic view of the child's reactions and interactions since the child knows they are being observed, potentially leading to more genuine behaviors in some cases.

Overt observation contrasts with covert observation, where the observer remains hidden to avoid influencing the subject's behavior. It also differs from participant observation, where the observer might engage and interact with the subject, becoming part of the environment being studied, and non-participant observation, where the observer observes without engaging but may or may not be hidden. Overt observation is particularly valuable in settings like educational assessments or developmental screenings, where understanding the child's behavior in response to a known observer can be critical for analysis.