Chapter 1. Collection Inspection: Observation

To stimulate skills of observation. Participants will observe a container of items and then list the items from memory.

Approximately 20 to 30 minutes

Subgroups of three to five persons each, with a maximum of twenty-five participants

One small opaque container with lid and an assortment of twenty-five different small items for each subgroup, to include such things as buttons, poker chips, marbles, pencils, stamps, washers, pins, thumbtacks, and so on (Note: Each subgroup should have an identical set of items.)
One sheet of blank paper and a pencil for each participant
Stopwatch or clock with second hand

Process

Prior to the session, prepare one container of twenty-five items for each subgroup and close the container.
Introduce the session by asking participants why they think it is important for service providers to be able to make accurate observations. After obtaining several responses, tell the participants that they will now have the opportunity to test their own observational skills.
Form subgroups of three to five persons each.
Distribute one container to each subgroup and one sheet of blank paper and a pencil to each participant.
Tell the subgroups that when you signal, they are to remove the lids from their containers and visually observe the contents for 10 seconds without speaking. Participants are not able to touch the objects during this time.
Time the task for exactly 10 seconds and then instruct the subgroups to replace the lids on their containers.
Tell individuals to make a list of the items they observed, without speaking to other group members. Allow a few minutes for completion of the task.
Tell the subgroups that they now will work together as a team to make a comprehensive listing of all the items they observed. Allow approximately 5 minutes for completion of the task, and then ask the groups to stop.
Direct the subgroups to open their containers and to compare the composite list against the items inside. Allow a few minutes for this task to be completed, and then ask each group in turn to report how many items were correctly identified.

Facilitate a large group discussion by asking the following questions:

•	How many items in the container was your group able to identify correctly?
•	Was this an improvement over your individual performance? Why or why not?
•	Were some items harder to remember than others? Why or why not?
•	Which items were most often remembered by the majority of the groups? Why do you think that was the case?
•	How much detail did you use in describing each item (for example, “red poker chip” rather than “poker chip”)? Why?
•	What can individuals do to improve their observational skills in the workplace?

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