What technique might be used to study how behaviors change in response to different situations without manipulating any variables?

The technique that is most appropriate for studying how behaviors change in response to different situations without manipulating any variables is the observational study. This type of research allows scientists to observe and record behaviors in real-time and in their natural context, enabling them to analyze how these behaviors vary across different situations.

In an observational study, researchers can take detailed notes on how individuals behave in specific environments or scenarios, providing valuable insights into the natural variations of behavior without influencing participants or the setting. This method is particularly useful for understanding complex human behaviors where manipulation could lead to ethical concerns or unintended consequences.

Unlike experimental designs, which involve actively manipulating variables to determine cause and effect, observational studies focus purely on the measurement of behavior as it occurs, making them valuable for exploratory research and generating hypotheses for further investigation.