what is an observation

Observation is the act or instance of noticing or perceiving something. In living beings, observation employs the senses, while in science, observation can also involve the perception and recording of data via the use of scientific instruments. Observations can be qualitative, where only the absence or presence of a property is noted, or quantitative if a numerical value is attached to the observed phenomenon by counting or measuring. Observations play a role in the second and fifth steps of the scientific method, and they inspire, lend support to, and help refute scientific hypotheses and theories. Scientists analyze and interpret data obtained from observations to figure out how those data inform their hypotheses and theories.