| Skill: | Observation Skills |
| Definition: | According to the Oxford online dictionary, “observation is the action or process of observing something or someone in order to gain information”. Our observation skills inform us about objects, events, attitudes and phenomena using one or more senses. Additionally, being able to observe and gather information about the world is important because it’s the basis of communicating well. |
| Purpose: | Improving your observation skills allows you to “listen” with more than just your ears and make better decisions. It also enhances your ability to interact with others and to respond in an appropriate manner. Both are keys to success at work and at home. In the workplace, a good employee not only listens well, but is also aware of what is happening around them. |
| Description: | Observation is the active acquisition of information from a primary source. In living beings, observation employs the senses. In science, observation can also involve the perception and recording of data via the use of scientific instruments. The term may also refer to any data collected during the scientific activity. Observations can be qualitative, that is, only the absence or presence of a property is noted, or quantitative if a numerical value is attached to the observed phenomenon by counting or measuring. |
| Knowledge: | “We value our sight above almost everything else. The reason for this is that of all the senses sight makes knowledge most possible for us and shows us the many differences between things.” Aristotle, “Metaphysics”, Book I “You see but you do not observe.” Sherlock Holmes to Dr. Watson in “A scandal in Bohemia” Though human senses are limited in range and are easily deceived, observation remains at the heart of science and is the final arbiter in constructing and testing scientific ideas. |
| Abilities: | The ability to ‘see’ rather than just look, may need to be taught when operating in the unfamiliar environment, and observing changes and noting details are skills which must be developed in most people. To understand why things are seen, it must be explained that several factors are involved which aid this process, they are: Shape – regular shapes do not occur in nature; Shine – rarely do natural things shine; Shadow – unusual shadows will often reveal what may appear to be hidden; Movement – immediately attracts the eye; Colour – differences to the natural background are obvious to the trained eye; Spacing – regular spacing does not occur in nature. |
| Tips for teachers: | Observations have advantages and disadvantages: Advantages: Most direct measure of behavior, provide direct information, easy to complete, saves time, can be used in natural or experimental settings Disadvantages: May require training, observer’s presence may create artificial situation, potential for bias, potential to overlook meaningful aspects, potential for misinterpretation, difficult to analyse |
| Sources / resources | https://ccmit.mit.edu/observation/ http://yparhub.berkeley.edu/investigate/basic-skills-of-observation/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGQmdoK_ZfY https://bit.ly/3dvEyNB https://www.ericdigests.org/2004-1/skills.htm |
Observation Skills