We explain what observation is, what types exist and what its function is in research. Also, its importance and examples from science.
What is observation?
Observation is the process by which information is obtained about a phenomenon of reality through the senses. It is an activity common to humans and many other animals equipped with different vision mechanisms, which consist of capturing various types of electromagnetic radiation (what we call light).
On the other hand, This is one of the first stages of any investigationespecially those governed by the scientific method. In this sense, it consists of the direct collection of data from nature through field or laboratory work, in which different measuring instruments are used.
The observation is a descriptive task. That is, it records the way in which phenomena occur in nature before the intervention of the researcher, and serves to understand the state of the matter that is going to be studied. At the same time, it implies an active process of mental selection and classification, that is, a way of ordering what is perceived.
Throughout the history of human beings, observation stopped depending so much on their senses and passed into the hands of technology. Thus, where the eye cannot reach, the spyglass or microscope can do so, expanding the idea of observation beyond the empirical immediacy of the body.
Other names for observation
The observation stage usually has a specific name in each discipline. For example, in clinical medicine and psychology, it is called “triage”, and it consists of observing and recording the patient's symptoms in order to reach the appropriate diagnosis. Other possible names are: “measurement”, “examination”, “record”, “monitoring”, among others.
- See also: Scientific observation
Observation types
There are different ways to classify the observation, depending on the criteria used.
Direct and indirect observation
Firstly, one can distinguish between forms of observation according to the degree of proximity to the phenomenon studied.
- direct observation. It is one that occurs when the researcher is in contact with the observed phenomenon without intermediaries, that is, when his or her senses or measuring devices can record the behavior of the object of study. For example: observing a bacteria under a microscope.
- indirect observation. It is one in which it is impossible to be in direct contact with the phenomenon studied, but its behavior can be recorded through the observation of other nearby elements or through its context. For example: the observation of a black hole in space through the deformation that its gravity causes on light.
Active and passive observation
Secondly, it is possible to distinguish between forms of observation taking into account the researcher's degree of interference in what he observes.
- Passive or non-participant observation. It is one that takes place when the researcher does not intervene in the observed phenomenon, that is, when its presence does not need to be taken into consideration in the analysis of the information obtained. For example: observing a bird in the distance through binoculars.
- Active or participant observation. It is one in which the researcher intervenes in the phenomenon studied and therefore forms part of what is observed, since its presence alters to some extent the information collected and therefore must be taken into account in the analysis. For example: the observation of a popular tradition through the researcher's own participation in it.
Systemic, semi-systemic and non-systemic observation
Thirdly, it is possible to classify the observation according to the protocols that the researcher follows and the level of systematicity they present.
- Systemic observation. It is one in which the researcher is governed by specific methods and protocols, which are part of an organized system. That is, in which an attempt is made to group the information obtained using established criteria a prioriwith a horizon of expected results. For example: the observation of the effectiveness of a medication through a control group with placebos and another with the real substance.
- Semisystemic observation. It is one in which certain elements of the investigation are fixed a prioribut the data obtained in this regard is not categorized or organized through a system or method, but is freely recorded. For example: the observation of public opinion on a topic through the application of a free response survey.
- Non-systemic observation. It is one that does not follow any protocol or method to record the information, but is based on the free appreciation of the phenomenon by the researcher. For example: the observation of nocturnal animals in a wild habitat.
Field and laboratory observation
Lastly, one can distinguish between the types of observation based on the place where it occurs.
- Field or naturalistic observation. It is one that takes place directly in nature, that is, in the context of the phenomenon being studied. For example: the observation of underwater life on the ocean floor.
- Laboratory or controlled observation. It is one that is carried out in the controlled environment of a laboratory, where the variables involved in the phenomenon are known in advance and can be modified at the will of the researcher. For example: the observation of a nuclear reaction using a particle accelerator in an atomic physics laboratory.
Observation in research
The observation constitutes the first step of all research methods in which the process necessarily begins by collecting information about what you want to study. The nature of this data collection will vary depending on whether it is quantitative or qualitative research.
- In quantitative research. Observation focuses on obtaining data that objectively describes the observed phenomenon, generally expressed in figures and logical-formal relationships. To do this, it uses numerical or statistical analysis methods, or systematic measurement methods. For example: observing the survival rate of individuals treated with a new drug against a disease.
- In qualitative research. Observation is carried out through methods more prone to the subjectivity of the researcher, if not to sensitive experience, since the nature of the analysis aspires to discover trends, senses and meanings, rather than realities expressible numerically. For example: the observation of the recurrence of the representation of the feathered serpent Quetzalcoátl in pre-Columbian art.
- Qualitative and quantitative research
Importance of observation
Observation is a key process in the understanding of reality by human beingswhich has been applied since the very beginnings of civilization. That is why it constitutes the starting point of the different research methods, scientific or not: the first step to understanding the environment always involves perceiving it with the senses.
On the other hand, the observation of reality can occur in more or less objective termsthat is, with a greater or lesser margin of bias. The fidelity of the results obtained and, therefore, the validity of the conclusions of a study will depend on this. In this sense, the correct collection of data and the correct understanding of the observation method used are essential to get closer to the truth of a phenomenon.
For example, in certain contexts of quantum physics, the simple observation of the subatomic particles studied exerts a certain amount of alteration on them, since the only way to register them is to make them interact with some type of emissions, such as electromagnetic rays of light. or other similar ones.
- See also: Reliability
Observation Examples
Scientific observation is that which is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the scientific method, so it must be rigorous, objective, controlled and systemic. Some examples of observation are the following:
- The counting of white blood cells, red blood cells and other biochemical elements in a blood sample from a hospital patient.
- The recording of the behavior of a distant star through its observation with radio telescopes.
- The measurement of public opinion at a given time and a given community, using surveys and statistical tools.
- The record of the effectiveness rate of a medication in the treatment of a disease in a voluntary group of patients.
References
- Anguera Argilaga, MT (1999). Observation at school: applications. Editions of the University of Barcelona.
- Peña Acuña, B. (2015). Observation as a scientific tool. Ibero-American Cultural and Scientific Association.
