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Observation MeSH Descriptor Data 2026


MeSH Heading
Observation
Tree Number(s)
E05.581.249
Unique ID
D019370
RDF Unique Identifier
http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/D019370
Annotation
do not confuse with the Publication Type OBSERVATIONAL STUDY or with OBSERVATIONAL STUDY AS TOPIC; use only as a scientific method, as "Langerhans, a genius at observation", "the father of clinical observation"; not for "electron microscopy observations on Pleistocene tissues" or "historical observations on dental care" or "observations on difficult children" or "diagnostic observations on hypertension"
Scope Note
The act of regarding attentively and studying facts and occurrences, gathering data through analyzing, measuring, and drawing conclusions, with the purpose of applying the observed information to theoretical assumptions. Observation as a scientific method in the acquisition of knowledge began in classical antiquity; in modern science and medicine its greatest application is facilitated by modern technology. Observation is one of the components of the research process.
Public MeSH Note
97
History Note
97
Date Introduced
1997/01/01
Last Updated
2013/07/08

Allowable Qualifiers
Observation Preferred
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