Observations

Definitions  Observation: what we perceive using our 5 senses (hear, touch, taste, smell, see)  Perception: interpreting information received from the senses

Point out some of the details in this photo.

Our Brain:  Filters out information  Fills in gaps in information  Applies previous knowledge to new situations

What assumptions can you make about this scene? How might those assumptions be wrong?

Eyewitness Accounts  Provides direct evidence to crime scenes  Perceptions can be faulty  Observations affected by: emotional state level of interest stress concentration amount/kind of distraction prejudice personal beliefs motives

How To Be a Good Observer 1. Make a conscious effort to examine environment systematically. 2. Observe everything. Pay attention to details. Turn off filters. 3. Gather information first before starting to analyze or interpret it. 4. Write down and photograph as much as possible. Document! Document! Document!