Here's what makes it different from a simple observation:
Key Features:
* Purposeful: It's written with a specific goal in mind, whether it's to understand a student's learning process, document a patient's behavior, or analyze a social interaction.
* Descriptive: It uses vivid language and sensory details to paint a picture of what happened, using specific examples and actions.
* Objective: It focuses on factual information, avoiding personal opinions or interpretations.
* Chronological: It follows the order of events, providing a clear timeline of what happened.
* Structured: It often follows a specific format, including headings, subheadings, and key points.
Example:
Imagine you're observing a child interacting with a new toy. A written narrative observation might look like this:
Observation:
Date: March 10, 2023
Time: 10:00 am
Observer: [Your Name]
Subject: Emily, age 4
Setting: Classroom play area
Description: Emily approached the new toy truck with hesitation. She carefully picked it up, turning it over in her hands. She examined the wheels, pointing at them and saying, "Look, they're round!" Emily then placed the truck on the floor and pushed it back and forth, making engine noises. As she played, she started to incorporate other toys, building a small road for the truck with blocks. Emily spent the next 15 minutes engrossed in her play, demonstrating creativity and problem-solving skills.
Analysis:
Emily's interaction with the new toy truck suggests a strong sense of curiosity and an ability to engage in imaginative play. Her actions demonstrate a developing understanding of cause and effect, as well as a growing ability to integrate different toys into a single play scenario.
Uses:
Written narrative observations are widely used in:
* Education: Teachers use them to track student progress, understand their learning styles, and tailor their instruction.
* Healthcare: Nurses and therapists use them to document patient behavior, monitor their condition, and assess their responses to treatment.
* Social Work: Social workers use them to document client interactions, assess family dynamics, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
* Research: Researchers use them to gather data on human behavior, interactions, and social dynamics.
Remember:
The specific format and content of a written narrative observation will vary depending on the purpose and context. However, the core principles of detailed description, objective reporting, and chronological order remain consistent.