Observation vs. Inference

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Observation vs. Inference

• What is the difference?

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Observation An observation is made using one of
the five senses.
Inference An inference is a conclusion or
prediction based upon observations.
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Observations

• You must use at least one of the five senses!
• Sight
• Touch
• Hearing
• Smell
• Taste

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How Can I tell the difference?

• If the statement is a characteristic made
  directly with one of the five senses it is an
  observation.
• If the statement is a measurement made with an
  instrument (a number with units) then it is an
  observation.

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How Can I tell the difference?

• If the statement identifies an object or
  substance it is an inference.
• If the statement includes a number that is a
  prediction of future data than it is an inference.

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Meal ObservationsWrite 10 observations (2 for
each of your senses) about a meal that you have.
Write a brief description of what you had and
make your observations from the preparation,
consumption, and clean up of the meal. DONT
FORGET A FULL HEADING!

1. I saw
2. I saw
3. I tasted
4. I tasted
5. I smelled
6. I smelled

1. I felt
2. I felt
3. I heard
4. I heard

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Measurement

• A measurement is an observation made by
  comparison to a standard.
• A standard mass 1 gram
• A standard length 1 meter
• A standard volume 1 liter
• A standard length of time 1 second
• A standard unit of temperature 1 oC

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Measurement

• It is often made with the use of an instrument
  that extends the senses.
• List an instrument that extends each of the five
  senses.

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Is this the snake your partner saw?
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Is this the snake your partner saw?
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Or is this the snake your partner saw?
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It is very important to make detailed
observations
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Which statement is the inference?

• The specimen is pink in color
• The specimen is moving its wings up and down
• The specimen has a long nose, four legs and a
  curly tail
• The specimen is a flying pig.

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How Deductive are you?

• Deductive reasoning Drawing conclusions from
  observations of the natural world by means of
  logical reasoning