Bayot, Julia Reineth R.

BSN – 3E

Portfolio No. 2
Improving Observation Skills

Instructions
Observe a social activity and/or interaction (involving people) that takes place in a familiar
environment, something that you encounter almost every day of your life. Describe what you have
observed. Do not analyze or interpret your observation.
I have observed a group of public commuters consisting of students, workers, and construction
workers, waiting for their specific public transport routes to pass by. Some of them are standing
while leaning to one side, some are tapping their foot while waiting, some have one hand placed
on their waist, and some are on their phones. The commuters look exhausted and are sweating
from the heat of the scorching sun. A pair of students walk by to move to a better spot to wait for
a jeepney while some workers try to outrun each other when a 06B jeepney passes by. Later on,
some students are able to go inside and sit down while two men are standing at the back, holding
the jeepney’s pole while it runs.

Answer the following questions:

1. Describe the importance of setting aside preconceptions, personal judgment, and
personal biases when observing in terms of conducting research.
It is important to set aside preconceptions, personal judgment, and personal biases when
observing in terms of conducting research as this may greatly affect the reality and accuracy of
the outcome of a study. Preconceptions and personal biases may cloud a researcher’s judgment
in making a justified decision and analysis. Although some studies may be subjective because of
the nature of their study, the researchers must still observe objectivity in making a rational and
accurate study. Setting aside these preconceived thoughts also allows researchers to think more
critically and independently without any influences from others. Having an objective perspective
in conducting research is essential to be able to produce a quality and evidence-based output.

2. Describe the importance of observing body language such as eye contact, posture, and
gesture.
Observing body language is important as these are nonverbal cues that help us decode a
person’s unspoken feelings. These nonverbal cues are considered as behavioral indicators. In
addition, these nonverbal cues provide information regarding a person’s present state of mind,
mood, and emotions. At the same time, we are also able to compare whether the person’s verbal
cues match with the nonverbal cues that was presented. These factors often send off strong
messages as they give the receiving party a signal of trust, confusion, or offense. During
interviews, these nonverbal cues often give us an idea whether an informant is warming up to the
interviewer or whether an informant is still uncomfortable. As researchers, these cues are
important because they give us a signal to intervene and make adjustments as needed to help
our informants at ease. As a result, we are able to build rapport which leads to earning an
informant’s trust.

3. Describe the effect of observing on how it can change behavior to those being observed
(when they know they are being observed).
When people are aware that they are being observed, they may alter their current behavior to
a more presentable behavior as deemed by society. They may also feel conscious and nervous
since attention is being placed onto them. As a result, the outcome of their behavior may differ
compared to when they were not aware of being observed.

4. The importance of observation skills when doing research.

When conducting research, it is critical to have good observation skills because research
involves a lot of details and information. Observing can help us gain new knowledge by collecting
and recording data and discovering various insights about a specific topic or phenomenon.
Furthermore, observing aids in detecting nonverbal behavior and cues that an informant exhibits
during an interview. As researchers, we must be meticulous in checking all relevant details in both
our process and final work.