What are observations?

What are observations?

• A. Facts, measurements, information, data collected using the senses
• B. Opinions formed without data
• C. Hypotheses
• D. Predictions

Answer: (A)

Observations are the raw data of science—facts, measurements, and information gathered through the senses or with instruments. In geology, this means noting things you directly observe in the field or lab, such as rock color, grain size, mineral content, texture, structures, and measured properties like thickness or density. Observations form the evidence scientists use to understand Earth’s processes.

Opinions are beliefs formed without data, so they aren’t observations. A hypothesis is a proposed explanation that can be tested with further observations or experiments, and a prediction is a statement about what will happen under a certain model or condition. These rely on reasoning beyond direct observation, whereas observations themselves are the actual data collected.