- What is scientific observation?
- Importance of scientific observation
- Characteristics of scientific observation
- Types of scientific observation
- Examples of scientific observation
We explain what scientific observation is, why it is so important and its characteristics. Also, their classification and examples.
What is scientific observation?
When we speak of scientific observation we refer to process to detail any phenomenon of the nature with analytical intent and the purpose of collecting the greatest amount of information objective possible.
It is one of the initial steps of the so-called scientific method, which consists of a series of steps that guarantee the objectivity and demonstrability of scientific studies.
Scientific observation aspires to contemplate and understand nature in its purest state, that is, without interference from man, as the naturalists of the 19th century tried. However, today it is known that there is a paradox in this regard, since the presence of an observer in many cases modifies what is observed.
Still, scientific observation faces the natural phenomena taking into account as much context as possible, seeking an exhaustive understanding of the conditions that influence the phenomenon that, in general, will be later replicated in a laboratory (experimentation) or controlled environment. Often the contemplation of what happens in concrete experiments is also considered a method observational.
Often these information gathering processes are supported by tools such as surveys, specific instruments (microscopes, stethoscopes, telescopes, etc.) or parallel processes (when the phenomenon cannot be observed directly), depending on the nature of the observed object and the scientific perspective itself.
Importance of scientific observation
Scientific observation has yielded the greatest amount of data throughout the history of those who make up our world encyclopedia.
This means that by observing nature and drawing conclusions from these observations, we have been able to deduce and then experimentally verify many of the laws that govern nature. Universe.
Therefore, observation is essential in the systematic and orderly approach proposed by the scientific method, so that the results are as reliable as possible.
Characteristics of scientific observation
Scientific observation requires a very specific delimitation of what is observed, that is, understanding what exactly is going to be observed of a phenomenon of nature. This limitation of interests is essential to choose between which data to record and which not.
On the other hand, it is necessary to know what exactly is (or what is presumed to be) what is observed. So the observation is not given in blank, but scientists have a hypothesis prior to what was observed.
In the same way, the observation will establish categories for what is observed and will try to explain it with the knowledge previous acquired. The observation will also be repeated to verify the results, which will then be tried to reproduce experimentally.
Types of scientific observation
There are two basic types of observation, which are:
- Direct The one in which the fact or phenomenon that is being pursued can be detailed.
- Hint. One in which the phenomenon pursued is not observable, but its presence can be deduced from parallel observations or other phenomena. It also applies to observations that are supported by previous data collected by other scientists.
The observation can also be classified according to its place of realization, in:
- Field observation. When the scientist is in nature itself or his instruments allow him to observe the phenomenon directly in his place in it.
- Laboratory observation. When the observed phenomenon occurs in the controlled environment of the laboratory, that is, when it is replicated experimentally.
Examples of scientific observation
A perfect example of scientific observation is the trip of the English scientist Charles Darwin to the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador.
Darwin already possessed theories about the origin of species (which he later published in a book of the same title) and which he had accumulated throughout his other travels and observations. So his purpose was to observe the biodiversity from a specific hypothetical perspective.
While there, Darwin observed the conduct and the anatomy of the local species, comparing them with the species found on the mainland, and he could see how there were fundamental similarities between the two, even though they were not the same at all.
This allowed him to deduce that by being away so long, each species had adapted to a different environment, thus giving rise to a different species.
Darwin used mostly a notebook and pencil for his notes, but those who have succeeded him in studying the biology They have many more tools to test the brilliant observations made by Darwin at the genetic and anatomical level.