Difference Between Active Observation And Passive Observation

Knowledge production through passive observation and active experiment are used in all areas of knowledge and has been crucial in creating knowledge for humankind. But, are passive observation and active experiment the only two ways of producing knowledge? To fully explore this knowledge issue it is essential that “passive observation” and “active experiment” are defined. Passive observation can be defined as gaining knowledge from noticing how something works, without directly affecting the process of outcome. On the other hand, active experiment can be seen as gaining knowledge through interfering and manipulation until eventually affecting the outcome of what they are studying. In other words, active experiment is observation plus the altercation

Passive observation is often used in science when something is newly discovered or that scientists are unable to experiment on the subject. For example, in astronomy, it is very difficult to actually experiment on the stars and planets since they are so far away. Because of this, scientists are only able to observe them through microscopes to gain knowledge. Active experiment is used within the natural sciences whenever scientists manipulate and interfere with natural processes to determine an outcome. Scientist often use this active experiment as a process to further explore what they already know from passive observation. These are seen as the basic ways of producing knowledge in all natural sciences but there are other methods, specific to certain sections within natural sciences. Creating and developing theories often included passive observation and active experiment but requires further reasoning as well as logical assumption to form reasonable theory. Scientific theories can be seen as a form of knowledge as it describes natural processes in a generic way but cannot be developed entirely through passive observation or active experiment. It also requires reason and logic from what was originally observed to come up with the theory. An example of this could be seen from Darwin’s theory of evolution. He observed and experimented on different species of animals and realized that many had similar characteristics and features. After observing countless pieces of evidence, he came with the theory that certain species had evolved from a common ancestor, giving the similar characteristic but also slight variation. Darwin’s theory did not come solely from passive observation or active experimentation on animal species but also involved critical reason and logic. This demonstrates how some