观察性研究为流行病学及统计学中的一种研究方法，又称非实验性研究或对比研究。该研究通过对研究对象在自然状态下根据特定的特征分组后进行观察、记录，并对结果进行描述和对比分析而得出结论。与试验及随机对照试验等研究方发不同，此类研究方法的研究者没有（或未能）人为设置处理因素。

In fields such as epidemiology, social sciences, psychology and statistics, an observational study draws inferences from a sample to a population where the independent variable is not under the control of the researcher because of ethical concerns or logistical constraints. One common observational study is about the possible effect of a treatment on subjects, where the assignment of subjects into a treated group versus a control group is outside the control of the investigator. This is in contrast with experiments, such as randomized controlled trials, where each subject is randomly assigned to a treated group or a control group.