Observational Capacity

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A person who has observational capacity is able to witness a situation for him- or herself. For example, a person who experienced the effects of Hurricane Sandy or who witnessed the civil war in Syria would have more credibility than those who watched these events unfold on television. Sources with training and experience also make more credible observers. Thus, a person with expertise in child development would learn more by watching children respond to a violent video game than would a member of the general public.

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