Which best describes the act of using senses or tools to gather information?

The act of using senses or tools to gather information is called "observation." in scientific method, it is very essential to have this one. through observation, we are able to get what we wanted to get using our senses and other tools. this process is very tedious if the field that you are studying is quite complicated.

According to the scientific method the use of any of our senses and tools such as ph meters, measuring tapes, weight balance etc are all included in observations in which all data is recorded often in a systematic manner for later review and analysis.