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Observations and Inferences
Observation
An observation is a statement describing a fact.
When you observe, you become aware of something using one of your senses. If
you see, smell, taste, touch, or hear something you are observing it. You simply
describe something as it appears.
Sometimes scientists must make very careful observations. Often, their senses are
not good enough. Some things can’t be observed using human sense (e.g.,
radiation, sound waves, and atoms), so scientists use tools and instruments to aid
their senses.
Inference
An inference is a statement based on your perception of (how you understand) the
facts.
When you infer you make a mental judgment based on observations; observations
are used to help you make inferences. In other words, observations lead to
inferences.
Inferences can’t be directly observed. They require thought.
Example: You get up in the morning, look at the sky and observe dark clouds. The
air is cool, humid, and you observe puddles on the ground. You might infer that it
had rained recently. NOTE: You did not see it rain; you decided that it rained based
upon your observations.
Observations in Science:
quantitative observation/data
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qualitative observation/data
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