Question

How do laboratory tools improve the observations made by a scientist?

Answer 1

More precise means of measurement are available.

Explanation:

If a scientist were to only use her naked eye and no other method of observation, she wouldn't be able to gather very precise data. With fun things like microscopes and spectrometers, a scientist may both quantify data that she otherwise would not be able to (such as color) or be able to make entirely new observations she would not have made before.

This really goes back into the question of what tools are good for. They're basically essential if the human race is to make any progress.

So really, it improves the quantity and the quality of a scientist's observations.