Words / B2

obz-uh-VAYSHUN/ˌɒbzəˈveɪʃn/

Observation is careful watching, or a remarked notice: under observation, observation of behaviour, a sharp observation. Watch is everyday; surveillance is heavier and often secret; comment is the remark sense. Observe is the verb (already in the dictionary). In academic methods, observation is a data type. Do not call a guess an observation, and do not confuse it with reservation (a booking / a doubt).

Meaning

The act of watching carefully; also a remark based on what you have noticed.

Examples

• “The study was based on observation of classroom behaviour, not on a questionnaire.”
• “The child was kept under observation overnight, not sent straight home.”
• “Her observation that the control group was older changed the discussion, which is the remark sense.”

Good to know

under observation; observation of. Verb: observe. Everyday: watch. Secret/heavy: surveillance. Remark: a comment. Methods word in research.

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