The art of observation: bridging science and art to see the unexpected.

Observation is the heart of research, but it can be challenging to observe deeply and go beyond expected observations. Here, we describe activities designed for scientists to enhance their observational skills by engaging with art. In collaboration with an art gallery at our university, our lab practiced observing representational paintings in a systematic way, separating the act of observation from interpretation. Applying this skill to our microscopy images allowed us to access information in the data that may otherwise have been overlooked. In addition, these activities highlighted the power of collecting observations from multiple observers before generating interpretations, as well as the value of discussing the creative and emotional aspects of data collection and interpretation. We provide concrete examples of how we will incorporate these skills into our research processes, as well as details that other groups can use to engage in similar art-based training activities to enhance their own observational skills.

Looking Is Not Seeing and Listening Is Not Hearing: A Replication Study With Accelerated BSN Students.

Development of perceptual aptitude is a critical yet complex skill that requires the effective organization and interpretation of data using visual and auditory clinical observation. Educators face challenges in creating pedagogy that consistently demonstrates reliability and validity in fostering clinical skills. We have dependably used the arts as a means to improve students' auditory and visual skills, and this article will describe replication of our work with accelerated nursing students in a bachelor's program in their last semester of nursing school (n=23). Our results reveal that auscultative and observational abilities of soon-to-be registered nurses are in need of improvement. The use of art in a museum improves observational and assessment abilities, and music training increases auscultative interpretive skills significantly.

Looking is not seeing: using art to improve observational skills.

This project evaluated the effects of an art museum experience on the observational skills of nursing students. Half of a class of non-nurse college graduates entering an accelerated master's degree program (n = 34) were assigned to a museum experience, whereas the other half (n = 32) received traditional teaching methods. Using original works of art, students participated in focused observational experiences to visually itemize everything noted in the art piece, discriminate visual qualities, recognize patterns, and cluster observations. After organizing observed information, they drew conclusions to construct the object's meaning. Participants visiting the museum subsequently wrote more about what they saw, resulting in significantly more objective clinical findings when viewing patient photographs. In addition, participants demonstrated significantly more fluidity in their differential diagnosis by offering more alternative diagnoses than did the control group. The study supports the notion that focused viewing of works of art enhances observational skills.