Obserbasyon

Obserbasyon is the act of observing or noting phenomena, events, or behavior with attention and record-keeping. In Tagalog, it denotes the disciplined process of watching and documenting what is seen, heard, or experienced, often as a step toward understanding or evaluation. The term has roots in the same family of words found in many languages, reflecting a shared concept of careful perception and recording.

Obserbasyon can be casual or systematic. Casual obserbasyon involves everyday noticing without formal procedures, while systematic obserbasyon follows defined methods, criteria, and timing to minimize bias and improve reliability. In scientific and academic contexts, obserbasyon is a data-gathering activity that may use instruments, checklists, logs, or recordings to capture observable facts. Qualitative observations describe qualities and patterns, whereas quantitative observations focus on measurable data such as counts, durations, or frequencies.

Important considerations include observer bias and the potential influence of observation on subjects (the Hawthorne effect). To enhance accuracy, observers may use multiple observers, standardized protocols, and clear definitions of what counts as a relevant observation. Ethical guidelines emphasize consent, privacy, and non-intrusive practices when observing people or sensitive settings.

Obserbasyon is foundational across disciplines, supporting hypothesis formation, learning, clinical assessment, and policy development. By documenting what is observed, it provides a basis for interpretation, comparison, and future inquiry.