What is defined as using the senses to collect information about a behavior?

Observation is defined as using the senses to collect information about behavior because it entails watching and listening to participants, as well as noting their actions and responses in a natural setting. This method allows researchers to gather qualitative data directly from the environment, helping them understand various aspects of behavior without interference.

In this context, the other terms do not align with the definition. A hypothesis refers to a testable prediction or educated guess about the relationship between variables. Experimentation involves creating a controlled environment to test hypotheses, often manipulating one or more independent variables to observe their effect on dependent variables. Analysis, on the other hand, is focused on interpreting the data collected, whether through observation or experimentation, to draw conclusions or identify patterns. Each of these processes is essential in research, but they do not represent the direct act of using the senses to gather information, which is the core of observation.