In this presentation observation as research method and clinical method is scrutinised and discussed. The aim of the article is to define and separate different types of observations, mainly with reference to the degree of awareness among the subjects of being observed. This implies that ethics of research and clinical interventions, constituted by observations, will be discussed and related to different approaches. Further, I will comment on the influence that researchers or psychologists may have on the situation and on the subjects observed. It is argued that even open observations can be valid if the observer considers in what way the situation, the arrangements and the participants are influenced by the data collection.