Final answer:
Observation is the process of using the senses to collect information systematically and is a foundational element of the scientific method, typically leading to inductive reasoning.
Step-by-step explanation:
Observation involves using one or more of the senses to gather information in a careful, orderly way. Examples of observation include a biologist observing wildlife behavior, a chemist noting the color change during a chemical reaction, or an astronomer studying the movement of stars. The process of making an observation is fundamental to the scientific method and forms the basis upon which hypotheses are built and tested. Through observation, qualitative or quantitative data may be collected, which can later be analyzed to formulate generalizations using inductive reasoning.
On the other hand, deductive reasoning involves starting with a general theory and applying it to reach a specific conclusion about a particular instance. This type of reasoning moves from the general to the specific.