Observation and Inference

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Observation and Inference

• SI 9.1

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Observation

• Based on fact.
• Events you can see or hear.
• Measurements that you take

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Observation examples

• The solution began to bubble when the vinegar was
  added to the baking soda.
• The ball rolled 4.2 meters after the force pushed
  it to the right.

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Inference

• When you draw a conclusion
• A logical guess

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Inference example

• When agitated and heated, the two chemicals
  react, therefore heat is the catalyst for the
  reaction.
• The chemicals did not react because the sodium
  hydroxide was too cold.

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Scientific Method

• 1. Ask a question
• 2. Do research
• 3. Develop a hypothesis
• 4. Plan a test
• 5. Test the hypothesis
• 6. Record and analyze data
• 7. Draw conclusions
• 8. Report findings

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Inquiry SWK9.6

• The act of seeking, questioning, examining, or
  experimenting to answer a question or solve a
  problem.
• Inquiry fuels observation and experimentation.

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Theory

• An explanation of why things work the way they do.

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Ethics SWK 9.4

• The principle of right or good conduct.
• Example
• A group of 16 year olds are asked to smoke
  cigarettes for 6 weeks to see how it affects
  their health. Is this ethical? Why?

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Bias
0

• To be or show prejudice.
• How to avoid bias results
• -Try to not have individual observations and
  confirmations.
• -Make sure reports are accurate
• -Do peer-reviews

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The clouds are dark.

1. observation.
2. inference.

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It is going to rain.

1. observation.
2. inference.

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The rock has sharp edges.

1. observation.
2. inference.

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The rock has holes in it.

1. observation.
2. inference.

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The rock is dark colored and has large mineral
grains.

1. observation.
2. inference.

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The rock was formed near the Earths surface.

1. observation.
2. inference.

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