Observation is describing an object using your five senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell, & taste) or measurement (numbers).

HOW OBSERVANT ARE YOU?

Look at the following picture for 45 seconds.

HOW OBSERVANT ARE YOU?

Answer the questions on your notes.Be prepared to share

CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE SCENE?

Pick two people to be investigators and two people to be eyewitnesses.

The investigators can not look at the picture

The eyewitnesses will have 30 seconds to view the image.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE SCENE?

After the 30 seconds, the investigators will interview the eyewitnesses to determine what was in the picture.Each group will record the answers and share with the class.

2 Types of Observation

1. QuaLitative Observation2. QuaNtitative Observation

Qualitative vs Quantitative DataQuaLitative Data

Overview:•Deals with descriptions.

•Data can be observed but not measured.

•Colors, textures, smells, tastes, appearance, beauty, etc.

•Qualitative → Quality

QuaNtitative Data

Overview:•Deals with numbers.

•Data which can be measured.

•Length, height, area, volume, weight, speed, time, temperature, humidity, sound levels, cost, members, ages, etc.•Quantitative → Quantity

Make one qualitative observation about the picture above.Explain why this is a qualitative observation.

Make one quantitative observation about the picture above.Explain why this is a quantitative observation.

INFERENCESLogical interpretation based upon prior knowledge and experience

Based upon observations

Example: When you entered the room, you most likely inferred that the individual in the front of the room is the teacher.

NOTE THE DIFFERENCES

In laboratory exercises, record observations NOT inferences

Inferences may be used when writing the conclusion in your lab report.

Let’s test your observation skills…

WHAT DO YOU SEE?

The Landscape of Faces