What is the process of obtaining information by using the senses called?

The process of obtaining information by using the senses is known as observation. This involves using sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell to gather data about the environment or phenomena being studied. Observation is a fundamental part of scientific inquiry, as it lays the groundwork for forming hypotheses, which are testable predictions based on the information collected through direct sensory experiences.

While experimentation refers to conducting tests to explore hypotheses, and data collection encompasses the broader process of gathering various types of information, observation specifically highlights the initial step of using sensory perception to notice details or changes in the surroundings. This foundational skill is essential for all further scientific processes, as it influences how researchers formulate questions, design experiments, and interpret results.