Thinking for yourself: Ch. 1 Observation skills

THINKING FOR YOURSELF

CHAPTER 1: OBSERVATION SKILLS

This chapter discusses different aspects of observation such as what is observing, the observation process, barriers and rewards. When observing at first glance you notice the familiar things and start to connect the familiar to the unfamiliar. When looking longer you noticed that your first glance is different from what actually see, and you begin to find your strengths and weaknesses in your observation skills. Observing consists of watching, keeping your attention and awareness on an object in order to discover details that you may tend to over look. Sensing, perceiving, and thinking are all part of the observation process. A barrier that many people encounter while observing is speed. Rushing through an observation so you don’t lose time you lose words. You may over look details that can help you have a better understanding of an object. Taking breaks can help you overcome this barrier, keep you interested, and help you find things you might have over looked. Rewards of having good observation skills better understanding, rapture, power and wonder.

OBSERVING A CUBE

1. WHAT HAPPENS TO THE CUBE AS YOU OBSERVE IT?

At first glance the cube looked as though the front was the lower left square and went back toward the back right square. The longer I looked I begun to notice a different cube, one where the front was the upper right square that went back toward the lower left square. Once I saw both cubes my eyes kept switching from one cube to the other trying to see if I could see any other cubes. I didn’t notice any other cubes.

2. HOW DOES THE OBSERVING FEEL AS YOU DO IT?

While doing this observation I began to lose interest at the beginning. I kept staring at the cube and trying not to get distracted. When I noticed the second cube I began to pay more attention. I concentrated more and was trying to see anything that I didn’t notice. I tried turning the book looking at it from different angles but didn’t really see anything else. I felt like once I saw the two cubes I was a lot more interested in the picture trying to see things I might have over looked.