The Detective Game
The Detective is a simple and active guessing game to develop and sharpen your group’s observation and focus skills.
Gather your group in a large, open space. Invite one person to act as the ‘detective’ and ask them to either leave the space so that they do not witness what’s about to happen next.
Explain that one person will soon be designated as the ‘instigator’ whose role is to initiate a series of movements which the rest of the group will copy. Explain that it is critical that the others follow the instigator’s movements exactly, and adopt any changes as soon as they become aware of them.
Advise your group to be careful not to make their glances at the instigator too obvious. The trick is – the identity of the Instigator needs to remain secret.
When ready, ask your group to start walking randomly about the area. At the same time, ask the instigator to start making specific and deliberate moves, inviting the rest of your group to mimic their moves as quickly and accurately as possible.
Encourage the Instigator to alter their moves or actions frequently, ie every 10 seconds or so.
At this point, ask the detective to return to the space and begin to observe the group. Over the course of the next minute or two, challenge the detective to identify the Instigator within 4 attempts.
Once the instigator has been identified, choose a new instigator and detective to play a new round.
Continue play for many rounds. Play as many rounds as your group has enthusiasm for moving and guessing.
Moment of Reflection
- What were the easiest changes to observe or identify?
- What were the most difficult changes to observe?
- Describe your experience of conforming to the Instigator.
- Describe one or more experiences in which you conform to the actions of thinking of others in your life, by choice, culture or law.
- What are the consequences of conforming?
The topics of this publication: interactions, reflection, improvise, critical thinking, observation skills
