29.4.1: Objective vs. Subjective
- Page ID
- 142510
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Two Important Terms to Know
Intentional caregivers must understand the importance of objective and not subjective observation. The dictionary defines objective as: not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts, contrasted with the definition of subjective: based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions (Dictionary.com, retrieved 2022). Scientists use objective evidence over subjective evidence to reach sound and logical conclusions, just as infants are born scientists (Babies are Born Scientists, 2012), observing caregivers are scientists as well.
Objective observation is without personal bias and the same by all individuals. Humans are biased by nature, so they cannot be completely objective; the goal is to be as unbiased as possible. A subjective observation is based on a person's feelings and beliefs and is unique to that individual.[1]
Observing objectively means writing down all you see and hear and recording only those behaviors directly observed. For most, this is much more difficult than the simple definition implies. It takes practice for caregivers to become skilled in separating the facts they observe from their opinions, biases, or reflections during the observation.
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Objective Observations |
Subjective Observations |
|---|---|
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Objective observations are based on what we observed using our senses; we record what we see, hear, taste, touch, and smell. |
Subjective observations are often influenced by our past events, personal experiences, and opinions and can be biased based on our cultural backgrounds |
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Objective information is based on the facts we gather. If we don't see it, we don't report it. We write only details and provide vivid descriptions |
Subjective information is based on our opinions, assumptions, personal beliefs, prejudiced feelings or can be based on suspicions, rumors, and guesses |
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Results are more likely to be valid and reliable from child to child |
Results are often inconsistent and vary from child to child |
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Objective Terms to use: Seems to be; Appears to |
Subjective Words to Avoid: Just; because; but; always, never; can't; I think; happy, intelligent, helpful, pretty, angry, shy, likes, loves, hates, sad |
Additional Resources:
Clearing Your View: Staying Objective in Observation | ECLKC (hhs.gov)
[1] Johnson, Chris, & Affolter, M. (2017). Understanding Science is licensed CC BY-NC-SA