- What is observation?
- Observation types
- Observation in research
- Observation in philosophy
- Examples of scientific observation
We explain what observation is, what types exist and their role in research and philosophy. Also, examples in science.
What is observation?
Commonly, we call observation the act of using sight to obtain information from a phenomenon of the reality. It is a common activity of the human being and many others animals equipped with different mechanisms of view, which consist of capturing various types of electromagnetic radiation (what we call light).
On the other hand, an observation is also called one of the first steps of any research governed by the empirical-analytical method, which is a possible model of the scientific method, widely used in natural Sciences And in the social Sciences. In this sense, observation consists of the direct collection of data from the nature through field work or laboratory work.
Generally speaking, observation is a descriptive task. That is to say, it indicates how things are and serves to understand the state of affairs before intervening in any way. However, observation is also understood as an active process of mental selection and classification, that is, as a way of ordering what is perceived.
Furthermore, in certain and very specific areas of nature, such as quantum physics, the very observation of certain natural phenomena It is equivalent to intervening on them.
The observation stage usually has a specific name in each discipline. For example, in medicine it is known as diagnosis, and consists of observing the patient's symptoms in order to be able to conclude what disease is afflicting them. On the other hand, in the psychology and clinical medicine is known as triage.
Observation types
There are many possible classifications for observation. First of all, one can distinguish between:
- Direct observation. That occurs when the researcher is in contact without intermediaries with the observed phenomenon;
- Indirect observation. In which it is impossible to be in contact with the phenomenon, but it can be observed through other nearby elements or through its context.
On the other hand, depending on the degree of interference of the researcher in what he observes, we can differentiate:
- Non-participant observation. In which the researcher does not intervene in what is observed, and his presence does not need to be taken into consideration in the analysis of the information obtained;
- Participant observation. In which the researcher does intervene and is part of what is observed, altering the information collected and must be taken into account in the analysis.
It is also possible to classify the observation according to the protocols that govern it and the level of systematicity that governs it, as follows:
- Asystemic observation. On the one hand, it does not follow any system or method, but is based on the free appreciation of the phenomenon by the researcher.
- Semi-systemic observation. It already involves a certain level of predetermination in what is observed, that is, certain elements are fixed a priori, and it is known what one seeks to observe; but the data obtained are not yet categorized, but remain free.
- Systemic observation. Finally, it is one that tries to group the information obtained through observation according to criteria set a priori, applying a methodology and with a horizon of expected results.
Finally, other possible types of observation are those that distinguish where the observation occurs:
- Field observation or naturalist. First of all, it occurs directly in nature, or in the context given the phenomenon that is observed;
- Laboratory or controlled observation. Instead, it takes place in a controlled environment in which variables that intervene in the phenomenon are known in advance and can be modified at will, that is, a laboratory.
Observation in research
As we said at the beginning, observation is the first step of all research methodologies, in which it necessarily begins by collecting information about what you want to study. This data collection process will vary depending on the type of research to which they belong:
- On the research quantitative. Observation focuses on obtaining data that objectively describe the observed phenomenon, generally expressing it in figures and logical-formal relationships. To do this, it uses numerical, statistical analysis methods or methods of measurement systematic.
- On the research qualitative. Instead, observation is carried out through methods that are more prone to the researcher's subjectivity, if not to sensible experience, since the nature of the analysis aspires to discover trends, meanings and meanings, rather than numerically expressible realities.
Observation in philosophy
From a philosophical point of view, observation is an input process (input) at thought, which allows the entry of information from outside the individual, that is, from sensible reality, through the senses (vision, smell, hearing, taste, touch). In that sense, it is a bridge of connection between being and reality, which allows the individual to form a judgment regarding what is observed.
This notion was key in the emergence of the different philosophical methods, and especially in the tradition empirical that he valued the sensible world over the intelligible or rational world.
Throughout human history, however, observation ceased to depend so much on their senses, and passed into the hands of the technology that he was able to create to complement or even replace them. Thus, where the eye did not reach, the spyglass or the microscope yes, expanding the idea of observation beyond the empirical immediacy of the body.
Examples of scientific observation
Scientific observation, as its name indicates, is one that is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the scientific method, being rigorous, objective, controlled and systemic. Some examples of it are the following:
- Counting of white blood cells. Reds and other biochemical elements in a blood sample from a hospital patient.
- Registration through telescopes. Of the behavior of a star distant in the sky.
- The measurement of public opinion. At a given time and in a given community, regarding an electoral campaign, using surveys and statistical tools.