Definition Observation

In a statistical context, this term can have two similar and yet distinct meanings. When talking about databases, one can refer to single entries as observations. When talking about surveys or, more in general, in social sciences, observations are a tracking or mapping of people’s behavior with regards to a certain issue without asking them direct questions.

Please note that the definitions in our statistics encyclopedia are simplified explanations of terms. Our goal is to make the definitions accessible for a broad audience; thus it is possible that some definitions do not adhere entirely to scientific standards.