Read the passage given below and answer the question given below: The term ‘skill’ may be defined as proficiency, facility or dexterity that is acquired or developed through training and experience. The Webster dictionary defines it as “possession of the qualities required to do something or get something done”. It is important to know about the conditions and competencies that are necessary besides research skills for a psychologist. The basic skills or competencies which psychologists have identified for becoming an effective psychologist fall into many broad sections. The first shows that skills are generic in nature and are needed by all psychologists irrespective of their field of specialisation. These skills are essential for all professional psychologists, whether they are working in the field of clinical and health psychology, industrial/ organisational, social, educational, environmental settings, or are acting as consultants. It is expected that it will not be proper to provide any form of professional training (in clinical or organisational fields) to students who do not possess these skills. Second skill shows us that there is a need to deal of what psychologists as researchers and practitioners do in the field is to pay attention, watch and listen carefully. They use all the senses, noticing what is seen, heard, smelt, tasted, or touched. A psychologist, thus, is like an instrument that absorbs all sources of information from the environment. Third skill is core/basic to the field of psychological service. For example, psychologists working in clinical settings need to be trained in various techniques of therapeutic interventions, psychological assessment, and counselling. Similarly, organisational psychologists working in the organisational context need to have skills in assessment, facilitation and consultation, behavioural skills to bring about individual, group, team and organisational development besides research skills, etc. Fourth skill is the next set of competencies which psychologists require is concerned with the knowledge base of the discipline of psychology. They involve assessment, evaluation and problem solving with individuals and groups, organisation, and the community. Fifth skill is a purposeful conversation between two or more people that follows a basic question and answer format. Last skill is learning about the competencies of a counsellor, it is important to know that the client-counsellor relationship is built on ethical practice. The American Psychological Association (APA) has developed a code of ethical conduct for behaviour and decision-making in actual clinical settings.

In this skill, the psychologist should use all the senses, noticing what is seen, heard, smelt, tasted, or touched. Which of the following is this?

General skills Specific skills Observational skills Communication skills

Observational skills

Observational skills: A great deal of what psychologists as researchers and practitioners do in the field is to pay attention, watch and listen carefully. They use all the senses, noticing what is seen, heard, smelt, tasted, or touched.