Defining Observational Competence

In the article “Defining Observational Competence” by Stephen P. Norris the idea of the three proficiencies within observational competence are explained. The three proficiencies include proficiency in making observations well, proficiency in reporting the observations well, and proficiency in correctly evaluating the accounts of observations. The article also included tables defining characteristics one must have to be observationally competent. For example, to assess reports of an observation correctly the observer must first be proficient in observing and reporting their observations.

The difference between making an observation and an inference is also mentioned in this article. To say that there are trees in a field is an observation,