What term describes information acquired through the use of the senses?

The term that describes information acquired through the use of the senses is observation. Observations are the results of actively monitoring and recording the characteristics or behaviors of a phenomenon using sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. This process is fundamental to scientific inquiry because it allows scientists to gather empirical data about the natural world.

When scientists observe, they collect data that can be analyzed and interpreted to form conclusions or to generate further questions. For example, observing the color of a flower or the sound a bird makes involves direct interaction with the environment, leading to an understanding of specific traits or patterns.

Other terms in the choices relate to different aspects of the scientific method. A theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of evidence. A hypothesis is a testable statement made in advance of an experiment, designed to be investigated. An inference is a logical interpretation or conclusion based on observations and existing knowledge, rather than direct sensory input.

Thus, observation stands out as the correct term for information gathered through direct sensory experience, forming the foundation for further investigation and scientific understanding.