observation skills

OBSERVATION SKILLS

Presented By : -Rubina Isidore(Training and Development)

ACTIVITY

Observation is getting information about objects, events, moves, attitudes and phenomena using one or more senses…

Give an Example

What is Observation?

TYPES OF OBSERVATION• Scientific observation• Natural Observation• Subjective and Objective observation• Direct and Indirect observation• Participant and Non Participant observation• Structured and Unstructured observation• Controlled and Non Controlled observation

ObservationsAdvantages• Most direct

measure of behavior• Provides 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 analyze

Recording your observations

It is not good enough to just observe, you need to record your observations. You might use: • Observation guide• Recording sheet• Checklist• Field note• Picture• Combination of the above

Video• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dheBW_4lpag

What do you observe in this room ?

What do you observe in people ?

Who observes you ?• Observation of parents/spouse at home• Teachers in college• Observation by your boss/colleagues/subordinates• Friends at parties• People in your environment

What are you observing?Self and Client• In yourself-• Physical sensation• Your internal monologue• Body language• Congruity/genuineness• Emotions

In your clientNonverbal communication

1. Facial expression2. Body language: posture, position changes, hand gestures, head

nodding, rigidity/looseness3. Proxemics-use of space4. Paralanguage-tone of voice, volume, pitch, intensity, non word

utterances, patterns of speechWatch dvd-observe for specific examples

Verbal communication1. Selective attention-what are you predisposed to hear and focus on?2. Key words

a. Noticing repetitionb. Noticing emphasized words

3. Concrete vs. abstract4. “I” vs. “other” statements

Conflict, incongruity and discrepancy-1381. Use of confrontation or challenge can be useful.2. Is client open to self reflection?3. Does the client trust you?

Encouraging, Paraphrasing, SummarizingMajor functions: 1. To convey you have heard and understood

what the client said.2. To convey you understand the client’s

perspective, their worldview.Secondary functions:3. Clarify what was said for the client.4. Clarify what was said for counselor.5. Helping client elaborate on the story.6. To help a rambling client focus.

VIDEOCLIP• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KnaU65nLr8

TEST YOUR OBSERVATION• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAFfYLR_IRY

• Observation and Concentration/attention• Observation and Perception• Observation and Memory/Retention• Observation and Behavior

Eye accessing cues• Watching eye movements allows you to discover how

someone is processing information.

• If you know how someone is processing information means you can adjust your questions and what you are doing to suit their processing. This helps create greater rapport.

• Visual Remembered• What colour is your front door?• What colour was your first car?• What was the brightest colour clothing you wore recently?

• Visual Constructed• What would an orange square with purple stripes look like?• What colour hair will you have in 20 years from now?• What would an elephant with pink polka dots look like?

• Kinaesthetic• What is eating a lemon like?• What does it feel like to float in the water?• How does it feel to put your hand in a bucket of water?

• Auditory Remembered• What does a dog barking sound like?• Listen to your favourite song in your mind• Tune into the sound of the ocean

Auditory Constructed What would it sound like if I was speaking underwaterWhat would it sound like if a lion yodelled?What would a whistle sound like in space? Auditory Digital Say the first lines of the national anthem to yourselfRecite a nursery rhyme to yourselfWhat do you say to yourself to psyche yourself up?

Improving Your Observation• Look at every day life in a clear manner• Trying to judge people and their perceptions• Curiosity• Always trying to ask questions to people or in your mind• Being open to new experiences

• Self-knowledge – accurate• Willingness to seek the inputs of others.• Being open to new ideas• Practicing good listening skills

OBSERVATION TESTS