In direct observation, the observer strives to be as indiscreet as much as possible so as not to bias. The researcher is obviously watching rather than taking part. Consequently, technology can be a useful part of direct observation. The researcher is able to videotape phenomenon as it occurs in real time. Direct observation is more focused and is not as time-consuming as participant observation. The researcher is observing certain sampled situations or people based on his topic of research. A perfect topic of criminal justice would be that of disorder and crime (Broken Windows Effect) in urban neighborhoods. The researcher, in this case, can observe traffic, physical conditions, and evidence of physical disorder. The observable physical disorder
