Objective Language
Also called: objective versus subjective, observable description, MOO
Definition
Describing what was observed — actions, words, counts, times — rather than interpretations, motives or judgments. "Threw the pencil and said no, twice" is objective; "was defiant" is subjective. Notes and reports written objectively can be checked, compared and used in decisions; subjective ones cannot and can expose the writer and the client to harm.
In plain language
Writing down what you saw and heard, not what you think it meant. "Threw the pencil twice," not "was being difficult."
Example
"Cried for 4 minutes after the tablet was removed" instead of "had a meltdown over the tablet."
Not objective language
"He was manipulative all session." An interpretation, with nothing anyone could measure or check.
See also
Written from
- bacb-rbt-ethics-code-2 — Documentation responsibilities
Written from general documentation practice and the technician ethics code, in our own words.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.