A test of your observation skills

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Observations vs. Inferences

• A test of your observation skills

Contributions by D. Padilla, D. Johnson, E.
Marconi For more optical illusions go to
http//www.123opticalillusions.com/
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Observations

• Use one or more of the 5 senses to gather
  information
• A noting and recording of. FACTS!!!
• Example There is one TV in the room.

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Observations

• Observations We use our senses to gather
  information about the world around us. There are
  two types of observations.

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Qualitative

• Qualitative observation (quality) Usually made
  with our senses.
• Color, shape, feel, taste, sound.
• Examples
• Olivia is wearing a blue sweater.
• The lab tabletop is smooth.
• The dogs fur is shiny.

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Quantitative

• Quantitative observation (quantity) How many.
  Will always have a number.
• Based on exact measurement.
• Examples
• The room is 8 meters across.
• Sarah is 141-cm tall.
• Sam weighs 450 Newtons.

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Inferences

• Logical interpretation based upon prior knowledge
  and experience
• Based upon observations
• Example When you entered the room, you most
  likely inferred that the individual in the front
  of the room is the teacher.

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Making Inferences

• You are at the counter in the office to get a bus
  pass signed. You see a student leave the
  principals office crying and upset. We could
  make an inference as to why the student is upset.
• Could be in trouble (ISS, OSS, expelled)
• Family problems at home (sick, accident)
• Student not feeling well
• Student has poor grades (failing, retention)

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Note the Differences

• In laboratory exercises, record observations NOT
  inferences
• Inferences may be used when writing the
  conclusion in your lab report.
• Lets test your observation skills

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Observation vs Inference

• List 3 Observations
• List 3 Inferences

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Observation vs Inference

• List 3 Observations
• List 3 Inferences

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Observation vs Inference

• List 3 Observations
• List 3 Inferences

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Resources

• http//teachers.henrico.k12.va.us/highlandsprings/
  meade_j/Units/Unit201/Unit201,20Part20120Note
  s.PPT289,43,Experimental Design
• http//www.cobb.k12.ga.us/dickerson/sci20method.
  ppt256,1,Scientific Method

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Take a good look at this picture
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Question 1

• Are there cars parked on the sides of the road?

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Question 2

• What color is the pickup truck driving in the
  road?

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Question 3

• Any minivans around?

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Question 4

• What does the blue sign say?

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Question 5

• What's the speed limit?

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Question 6

• Are there any pedestrians on the road?

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(No Transcript)
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Answers

1. Yes
2. Blue
3. Yes
4. Yard Sale
5. 35 mph
6. No

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Observation vs Inference

• On the next slide, state whether the statement is
  an observation or an inference.

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• 1. There is a representation of a face on one
  side of the coin.
• 2. The Latin word "Dei" means "God."
• 3. The coin was made by deeply religious people.
• 4. The date 1722 is printed on one side of the
  coin.
• 5. The coin was made in 1722.
• 6. The face on the coin is a representation of
  the nation's president.

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How many legs does the elephant have?
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What do you see?
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This image contains a picture and a word. Do you
see both of them?
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Look at the chart and say the color, NOT the word
Your right brain tried to say the color,but your
left brain was reading the word.