The act of regarding attentively and studying facts and occurrences, gathering data through analyzing, measuring, and drawing conclusions, with the purpose of applying the observed information to theoretical assumptions. Observation as a scientific method in the acquisition of knowledge began in classical antiquity; in modern science and medicine its greatest application is facilitated by modern technology. Observation is one of the components of the research process.

Annotation

do not confuse with the Publication Type OBSERVATIONAL STUDY or with OBSERVATIONAL STUDY AS TOPIC; use only as a scientific method, as "Langerhans, a genius at observation", "the father of clinical observation"; not for "electron microscopy observations on Pleistocene tissues" or "historical observations on dental care" or "observations on difficult children" or "diagnostic observations on hypertension"

DUI

D019370 MeSH Browser

CUI

M0028825

History note

97

Public note

97