Which of the below is a subjective observation?

• A. Jason knocked John's tower during playtime.
• B. Jason said he was unhappy about the tower.
• C. Jason wanted John's tower to fall down.
• D. Jason smiled as he watched the tower fall.

Answer: (C)

Subjective observations reveal inner thoughts, feelings, or wishes rather than just what can be seen or heard. The statement that Jason wanted John's tower to fall down expresses a mental state—an internal desire or intention—that isn’t directly observable by someone watching. It conveys what Jason is thinking or hoping to happen, which makes it a subjective observation.

The other options describe things you can directly observe: knocking the tower is an observable action; smiling while the tower falls is a visible cue; and saying he is unhappy about the tower is reporting an emotion, which is also a subjective element, but the clearest example of a subjective mental state in this set is the expressed desire to see the tower fall.