01082022 Observation vs Inference

Let's see the difference!

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• Students learn the role of the five senses in making observations.

• ​Students learn the difference between qualitative and quantitative observations.

• Students practice making inferences based on observations.

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Your senses include sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. Sometimes technological devices, like microscopes, are used to help. Thoughtful observation is clear and detailed and it takes practice

• Quantitative observations- involve numbers, or an amount.

• Qualitative observations- involve descriptions that cannot be expressed with numbers.

Both types of observations are valuable in science. In an experiment though, quantitative observations can be precisely and objectively compared.

Qualitative: The road is long. (describes)

Quantitative: The road is 5 km long. (measures)

Some things are easier to quantify than others. Scientists use innovative ways of turning qualitative into quantitative.

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Inferences are based on reasoning from what you already know. You make inferences all the time. Because your brain processes observations and other information so quickly, you may not even realize when you have made an inference.

if you see your friend smile after getting back a test, you might infer that she got a good grade. Inferences are not always correct, however. Your friend’s smile may have nothing to do with the test. 

• Observation: The grass on the school’s front lawn is wet.

• Possible inferences:

  • It rained.

  • The sprinkler was on.

  • There is dew on the grass from the morning.

  • A dog urinated on the grass!