How did the observations and experiences arise?
Are the observations random, or were they made in a purposeful, methodically controlled, and systematical way? Ideally, you will have documented your observations and reflected on your experiences in writing. Including these written records, for instance in the appendix, helps the reader understand why you have reached these conclusions.
It is important that you always cite the source of the information here as well.
If, for example, you refer to files or internal concepts and work aids from the institution in field reports, you must also clearly indicate your sources. Make your sources explicit with wording such as “I observed …”, “This information comes from the case file …”.
How do I integrate observations and experiences?
You can use observations and experiences e.g. to illustrate. In this case, it is often sufficient to present only the relevant content – without background information and possibly even without providing written proof. Alternatively, you can use your own experiences to develop a question or thesis.
Your own observations and experiences are always subjective and therefore limited in their validity, because you observe only parts of individual cases, which makes generalization extremely difficult.
Not like this: In practice, clients regularly arrive late for consultation appointments.
Better like this: In my experience, clients frequently arrived late for consultation appointments.
Never leave your reports or observations uncommented, but explain what they represent. Your own interpretation does not automatically arise from the presentation of your experience.
An example of the relevance of own observations
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to cite my own experiences in my work?
You must always indicate the source of your information – in the case of your own observations and experiences, this is made clear by explicit wording such as “I observed …”.
What else should I consider regarding my own observations and experiences?
Be aware that these are subjective, thus less representative, excerpts. Make sure never to leave your reports uncommented and avoid making distorting generalizations.
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This article was published in August 2025 and last updated in March 2025.