Observations vs. Observations vs. InferencesInferences

“You can observe a lot just You can observe a lot just by watching.by watching.””

-Yogi Berra-Yogi Berra

Adapted from: Jeremy Mularella2006

ObservationsObservationsAn observation is the gathering of

information using our five senses or tools to extend the senses:◦Sight◦Smell◦Hearing◦Taste◦Touch

There are two types of observations◦Qualitative – Using Qualities◦Quantitative – Using Numbers

Inferences Inferences Inferences are reasonable reasonable

conclusions conclusions made from observations.

Inferences are based on your past experiences and prior knowledge.

Inferences are often changed when new observations are made.

Inferences are reasonable Inferences are reasonable conclusions drawn from conclusions drawn from observationsobservations!!

Here are some examples!Here are some examples!1. 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!

All of these inferences could possibly explain why the grass is wet.

Inferences are based on prior experiences. We have all seen rain, sprinklers, morning dew, and dogs going to the bathroom.

Another example of an inference…Another example of an inference…#2: Observation: The school fire alarm is going off!Possible inferences:

◦The school is on fire.◦We are having a fire drill.◦A student pulled the fire alarm.◦The cooks burned dinner and there is smoke!

Each is a logical, reasonable explanation for why the fire alarm is going off.

A finalA final example of an example of an inference…inference…# 3: A student is sitting in the main office.Possible inferences:Why might a student be sitting there?

Qualitative ObservationsQualitative ObservationsQualitative observations describe

what is observed.“Qualitative” = quality (descriptive)Qualitative observations use

adjectives to describe observations and record data.

Example: The flower has soft petals.Example: Mr. M is very excitable!

Quantitative ObservationsQuantitative ObservationsQuantitative observations measure

what is observed.“Quantitative” = quantity (numbers)These observations use numbers to

record data.

Example: The flower has seven petals.

Example: Mr. M weighs 212 pounds.

Which is better?Which is better?Both types of observations are valuable

in science. However, in an experiment quantitative observations can be precisely and objectively compared.

Qualitative: The road is very long. (describes)

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

Scientists use innovative ways to convert qualitative observations into quantitative observations.

Converting Qualitative Converting Qualitative observations observations

into Quantitative datainto Quantitative dataExample: Your big, dead fish is smelly,

but how can this smell be measured?How would someone else know how

smelly the fish actually is?To solve this problem scientists would

make a scale for “smelliness” What about using a scale from 0-5.

with a 5 as Nauseating and a 0 for no smell at all.

This would allow people to compare how smelly your fish is compared to others!

ObservationObservation

andand

InferenceInference

ActivityActivity

Instructions:

1. Create this Data Table on notebook paper. 2. Continue down to 12 slides/stations…

Instructions:Instructions:1. View each slide or station 1. View each slide or station very closelyvery closely

2. Write down 2. Write down two observationstwo observations. These are . These are interesting items interesting items that you can actually see that you can actually see being being displayeddisplayed

3. Create 3. Create two inferencestwo inferences. The first inference . The first inference should be a should be a logical , reasonable conclusion logical , reasonable conclusion drawn from the first observation drawn from the first observation

4. The second inference should be a 4. The second inference should be a logical , logical , reasonable conclusion drawn from the second reasonable conclusion drawn from the second observation.observation.

Are You Ready???Are You Ready???

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