We explain what scientific observation is, why it is so important and its characteristics. Also, its classification and examples.
What is scientific observation?
When we talk about scientific observation We refer to the process of detailing any phenomenon of nature with analytical intent and the purpose of collecting the greatest amount of objective information possible.
This is one of the initial steps of the so-called scientific method, which consists of a series of steps that They guarantee the objectivity and demonstrability of scientific studies.
scientific observation aspires to contemplate and understand nature in its purest statethat is, without interference from man, just as the naturalists of the 19th century attempted. However, today we know that there is a paradox in this regard, since the presence of an observer in many cases modifies what is observed.
In any case, scientific observation confronts natural phenomena taking into account as much context as possibleseeking a comprehensive understanding of the conditions that influence the phenomenon that, generally, will then be replicated in a laboratory (experimentation) or controlled environment. Often the contemplation of what happens in specific experiments is also considered a method of observation.
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 directly observed), depending on the nature of the object observed and the scientific perspective itself.
Importance of scientific observation
scientific observation has yielded the largest amount of data throughout history of those that 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 the Universe.
Therefore, the observation It is fundamental 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 observedthat is, understanding what exactly is going to be observed in a natural phenomenon. This limitation of interests is essential to choose between which data to record and which not.
On the other hand, one must know what exactly the observed thing is (or is presumed to be). So the observation is not given blank, but scientists have a prior hypothesis regarding what is observed.
In the same way, observation will establish categories for what is observed and will try to explain it with the previous knowledge acquired. The observation will also be repeated to verify the results, which will then be attempted to be reproduced experimentally.
Types of scientific observation
There are two basic types of observation, which are:
- Direct. That in which the fact or phenomenon being pursued can be detailed.
- Hint. That in which the pursued phenomenon is not observable, but its presence can be deduced from parallel observations or other phenomena. It also applies to observations that are based on previous data collected by other scientists.
The observation can also be classified according to its location, into:
- 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 had 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 their purpose was to look at biodiversity from a specific hypothetical perspective.
While there, Darwin observed the behavior and anatomy of the local species, comparing them with the species found on land, and was able to notice 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 for 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 the study of biology have many more tools to verify at a genetic and anatomical level the brilliant observations made by Darwin.
