What is the difference between observing and seeing or watching

On the two types of observation as found in The Art of Scientific Investigation :. Claude Bernard distinguished two types of observation: a spontaneous or passive observations which are unexpected; and b induced or active observations which are deliberately sought, usually on account of an hypothesis.

The thing noticed will only become significant if the mind of the observer either consciously or unconsciously relates it to some relevant knowledge or past experience, or if in pondering on it subsequently he arrives at some hypothesis. In the last section attention was called to the fact that the mind is particularly sensitive to changes or differences. This is of use in scientific observation, but what is more important and more difficult is to observe in this instance mainly a mental process resemblances or correlations between things that on the surface appeared quite unrelated.

The role of the observer is to discriminate. One cannot observe everything closely, therefore one must discriminate and try to select the significant.

To develop the powers of observation you need to watch with an active mind as found in The Art of Scientific Investigation :. Powers of observation can be developed by cultivating the habit of watching things with an active, enquiring mind. It is no exaggeration to say that well developed habits of observation are more important in research than large accumulations of academic learning.

Learning to observe as found in The Art of Scientific Investigation :. Training in observation follows the same principles as training in any activity. At first one must do things consciously and laboriously, but with practice the activities gradually become automatic and unconscious and a habit is established.

What's the difference between observation and watching? Observation Definition: n. The act or the faculty of observing or taking notice; the act of seeing, or of fixing the mind upon, anything.

The result of an act, or of acts, of observing; view; reflection; conclusion; judgment. Observe, witness imply paying strict attention to what one sees or perceives. To observe is to mark or be attentive to something seen, heard, etc. To witness, formerly to be present when something was happening, has added the idea of having observed with sufficient care to be able to give an account as evidence: to witness an accident. Words nearby observe observation , observational , observation car , observation post , observatory , observe , observer , obsess , obsessed , obsession , obsessive.

Words related to observe detect , discover , examine , inspect , mark , monitor , note , recognize , regard , scrutinize , study , view , watch , witness , declare , say , hold , honor , remember , respect. How to use observe in a sentence We paddled out to where a knot of other kayakers were observing a humpback and her calf, which occasionally poked its head above water.

Children's Ways James Sully. Elster's Folly Mrs. Henry Wood.