To understand what it might mean, we can break down the components:
* Free: This suggests the observation is not constrained by a specific set of guidelines, questions, or categories. The observer is free to note anything they deem relevant.
* Description: This implies the focus is on recording observations as detailed and descriptive as possible.
* Observation: This refers to the act of carefully watching and noting behavior, events, or phenomena.
Possible interpretations:
1. Informal observation: It could refer to a casual observation of behavior or events without a structured format or predetermined goals.
2. Open-ended observation: It might indicate an observation where the observer is allowed to focus on any aspect of the observed phenomenon that seems important or interesting, without predetermined categories or limits.
3. Qualitative data collection: In research, this could be a method for gathering qualitative data, where the observer focuses on capturing rich, detailed descriptions of the observed phenomena, rather than quantifying them.
To better understand the intended meaning of "free description observation," you would need more context. For example:
* Where did you encounter this term? (a specific book, website, research paper, etc.)
* What is the context of the observation? (what is being observed, who is observing, what is the purpose of the observation?)
By providing more context, you can get a more accurate understanding of the term's intended meaning.