Psychology Information


Are Observations Objective?


On the outset all observations may seem to be objective, but in reality subjectivity tends to shape the objective observations. The observations can be categorized into three for better understanding Objective, Subjective, medley of subjective/objective observations.

Any observation that requires objective proof falls under the objective category. Ex: the observations of scientific laws. Majority of the scientific observations such as the "Brownian Motion" etc. are Objective in nature. But it is very much possible for the observer to incorporate his expectations and desires unconsciously. Given the nature of human being, it will be unfair to blame those observers. In the field of science, Objective observations are very much dominant. There is nothing called subjective observations, it is actually baseless to be purely subjective.

A medley of subjectivity over objectivity is the norm of the world. This is something that happens in our day to day life. Most part of our day we observe and make choices. Our observations differ with someone elses. Why? It is because 'People see the world with their beliefs and values', each ones perception of the world differs, adding subjectivity to the observation. Let us see an anecdote to emphasize that subjectivity prevails.

Two marketing guys from two different shoe sales company were asked to visit a under developed country. To study the market scenario and plan whether it makes sense for the company to open a branch there. The two guys visited the country and came back with their findings. The first guy said 'These people do not even wear slippers, there is no market here. It is not advisable to branch out here'. The second guy was with full vigor his report stated 'These people do not wear slippers, there is a huge market'.

This explains the power of Subjectivity.

The worldly trend is to be objective but unconsciously we tend to be subjective, it is high time we recognize that!

-Ramesh-


MORE RESOURCES:

Crafting Your Image For Your 1000 Friends On Facebook Or MySpace
Science Daily (press release) - 1 hour ago
"People can use these sites to explore who they are by posting particular images, pictures or text," said UCLA psychology graduate student Adriana Manago, ...


Anti-same-sex Marriage Amendments Spark Distress Among GLBT Adults ...
Science Daily (press release) - 4 hours ago
One quantitative and two qualitative studies on the impact of anti-GLBT legislation appear in a special issue of the Journal of Counseling Psychology, ...


The Psychology Of Deja Vu
Science Daily (press release) - 10 hours ago
ScienceDaily (Nov. 18, 2008) — All of us have experienced being in a new place and feeling certain that we have been there before. This mysterious feeling ...


New programs being tested to find hidden bias in police work
San Jose Mercury News,  USA - 1 hour ago
Stanford University scientist Jennifer Eberhardt, associate professor of psychology and a consultant in Fridell's project, has conducted studies that show ...


Psychology of Obesity
New Brunswick Home News Tribune, NJ - Nov 17, 2008
This psychology of using external excuses for detrimental behaviors is not limited to the obesity epidemic ("this job stresses me out I'm going to get a ...


Business, psychology team up for a leadership program abroad
TCU Daily Skiff, TX - Nov 17, 2008
The psychology department and Neeley School of Business are teaming up for a new study abroad program this summer. The new program, Enduring Lessons in ...


‘Negative psychology fuels economic downturn’
Arab Times, Kuwait - Nov 16, 2008
Negative psychology and a lack of stimulus are reinforcing the downward spiral of the world economy, the former president noted. He saw the crisis as having ...
Video: Obama, Clinton Discuss Top State Job AssociatedPress
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Capitol Hill Blue
The Secretary of State OpEdNews
all 3,421 news articles


Practical Psychology: Keeping communication simple can create ...
Schenectady Gazette, NY - 19 hours ago
By Lloyd Thomas The presidential election is finally history. For years prior to the election, we were bombarded with communications, sound bites, ...


Campus 'Cats: Ariel Anderson, Psychology major
Arizona Daily Wildcat, AZ - 19 hours ago
Top three dinner guests would have to be John Lennon, George Carlin and Hunter S. Thompson, because John Lennon inspired people with his music and art to ...


Business and psychology will be focus
Press & Sun-Bulletin, NY - Nov 17, 2008
“Self-Analysis for Entrepreneurs” will be the topic of the Binghamton University Small Business Development Center’s Women Business Owners Roundtable from ...

Psychology - Google News

home | site map
© 2007