Scientist is to test subject as observer is to...

But wait, scientists are observers - of the natural world. Science is based off of what is seen, and they use their observations to help understand what we couldn't before. The different between scientists and observers, other than perhaps a Ph.D, is that scientist use test subjects, at times, to understand the cause and effect relationship between two individuals. Often you will have a control variable, which is untouched, and then various test subjects that have slightly altered variables, for comparison.

Observers don't do that. They just sit and look. With wide eyes and in some sort of crouch or even on their stomachs or backs- whatever it takes to get the best view. They look at things as they are, and do not interfere whatsoever with the natural or observed realm, for they are just visitors.

The scientist and the average observer. One is active, one is passive. One is engaged, one is an onlooker. I would say, therefore, that Scientist is to test subject as observer is to a guest or visitor. Because we have no greater privilege than to explore and investigate the realm in which we dwell, as respectful, quiet observers - as honored guests.

Prospecting Writer,

You can copy & paste Scientist is to Test Subject as Observer is to... and add your insight to make the 15 word minimum.

All I've come up with is the obvious "the observed" and had no luck fishing for a word or proper analogy for "being observed" or "to be observed" so... Foreign languages with words that have those quoted meanings are also welcome!

Many thanks in advance,

Remmy

|| another_proser ||

Scientist is to the Test Subject as Observer is to...

This is something I had to ponder for a while. I do agree with the earlier statement of Scientists also behaving as Observers, but that Observers do not behave as Scientists.

I would like to expand on and postulate possible answers from this.

The first thing one must ask himself in this dilemma is, what do Observers observe? People, things, reactions, interactions, pretty much anything that can be looked at. Perhaps a word you might be looking for is Specimen.

Maybe not. Let us dig a bit farther, shall we?

Beyond just the physical of observing people walking by or a bag blowing across the street, two dogs playing with each other, etc. Observers take note of things beyond our physical realm. Emotions, desires, speech patterns.

Observers observe the abstract. They observe what other people do not, but that is getting beyond the point of your question.

There are more definitions beyond what has been talked about:

observing a holiday, observing a moment of silence for the dead, observing a law.

In order to meet most (if not all) definitions of the word, I can think only of the following:

Scientist is to Test Subject as Observer is to things, people, or situations that deserve to be recognized.

As for a shorter version of this, I have drawn a blank.

I do hope this helps on your endeavor; it certainly was fun to think about and delve into.