observation

Observation is the act of carefully watching, noticing, and recording phenomena as they occur, using the senses or instruments. It encompasses both the use of direct perception and the collection of data through measurement devices. In everyday language, observation refers to the awareness of events or details through careful attention; in science, it is a foundational method for gathering empirical evidence.

In scientific practice, observation involves systematic, repeatable note-taking about objects, events, or behaviors. Observations can be qualitative, describing qualities such as color or texture, or quantitative, measuring attributes such as length or frequency. Observations may be direct (watching a phenomenon as it occurs) or indirect (recording evidence from experiments or sensors). Field studies often distinguish between non-participant observation, where the researcher observes without engaging, and participant observation, where the researcher becomes part of the observed setting. Naturalistic observation aims to study subjects in their natural environment, while structured or laboratory observation uses predefined procedures to increase reliability.

Limitations include observer bias, where expectations influence interpretation, and the observer effect, where the act of observation changes behavior. Proper methodology, calibration, blinding, and replication help mitigate these issues. Documentation and transparency in recording methods are essential for reproducibility.

Observation supports hypothesis formation, classification, and description across sciences, arts, and daily life. It underpins disciplines from astronomy and meteorology to anthropology and psychology, serving as one of the earliest and most universal methods for acquiring knowledge about the world.