Observation Inference Observations Any information collected with the
Observation & Inference
Observations � Any information collected with the �Quantitative – measureable or countable senses. � 3 meters long � 4 marbles � 50 kilograms � 35 degrees Celsius �Qualitative – describable, not measureable �red flowers �smells like fresh baked cookies �Tastes bitter � The skill of describing scientific events
A Little Practice Number your paper to ten. � Read the following examples and decide whether they are Qualitative (QL) or Quantitative (QNT). � ______ The candy was sour ______ The bug was 5 cm long ______ The flower is red ______ The mass of the box is 122 g ______ My fingernail is 2 cm long ______ The slug was slimy ______ The laptop is white ______ She is 150 cm tall ______ His hair is black ______ You have 3 sisters
Inference �Conclusions or deductions based on observations. �The process of drawing a conclusion from given evidence.
Differences between observation and inference �Inferences can be very useful, they become the basis for a hypothesis. However, inferences can cause problems if they are taken as observations because they may be wrong or leading to further wrong ideas.
Practice �Observations: • I hear people screaming • I smell cotton candy, popcorn, and hamburgers • I see a lot of people �Inference = ?
Look at these two sets of animal tracks. List 3 OBSERVATIONS Make an INFERENCE
Make 3 OBSERVATIONS Make an INFERENCE
Make 3 OBSERVATIONS Make an INFERENCE
In closing… �Why is it easy or difficult to distinguish between observation and inferences? �Did you find yourself using information you previously knew? (movies, books)
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