This type of observation involves gathering data using the senses: sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing. The focus is on describing characteristics or qualities of an object or event, rather than measuring or counting. For instance, noting the color of a chemical solution as deep blue, describing the texture of a rock as rough, or documenting the scent of a flower as sweet are examples. The data collected are descriptive and non-numerical.
This approach is crucial in scientific inquiry, particularly in the initial stages of research or when exploring phenomena that are difficult to quantify. It provides rich, descriptive information that can generate hypotheses and guide subsequent quantitative investigations. Historically, this method played a vital role in the development of various scientific disciplines, allowing early scientists to meticulously document and classify natural phenomena before advanced measurement tools were available.