What scientific approach involves observing and describing phenomena?

The approach that primarily focuses on observing and describing phenomena is discovery science. This method emphasizes gathering data through direct observation, exploration, and description of natural events, processes, or structures, often without the initial goal of testing a specific hypothesis. In discovery science, researchers seek to collect and catalog observations about the natural world, which can lead to the formulation of hypotheses or theories later on.

This approach contrasts with experimental science, which involves conducting experiments to test specific hypotheses, and theoretical science, which involves using mathematical models and abstract concepts to explain and predict phenomena. Applied science, while it may use observations from discovery science, has a primary goal of solving practical problems through the application of scientific knowledge. The essence of discovery science lies in its observational nature, aiding scientists in building a foundational understanding of various scientific phenomena.