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In simple terms, the technique here is that of "hanging-around" the group, observing behaviour,  asking questions about that behaviour (when appropriate) and recording what is happening.Doing whatever's necessary to blend-in...

The researcher is involved, to some extent, with the group itself (although not necessarily as a full participating member) and experiences things as group members experience them.

In basic terms, therefore, the group being studied is observed in its "natural setting" (rather than from the "second-hand" reporting about "what goes on" that is received from questionnaires and interviews).