What is an observation What is an inference

What is an observation?

What is an inference?

Observation • We have many ways of sensing. Generally, we only use 5 when making observations • Observations are made in order to accurately record what is happening during an experiment, or lab, or any other activity • Observations are made without inferences

Observation – Our senses • • • 1. touch 2. hearing 3. sight 4. smell • 6. Proprioception – movement • 7. Nociception – pain • 8. Thermoception – temperature 5. taste only if it is absolutely • 9. Equilibrioception - balance safe

Inferences • Making an explanation for your observation • Observations do not require explanations • Explanations can be drawn or made through experimentation, but observations themselves are simply what you can record down is happening – using your senses

Inference - Examples • You saw me take a Nestle bottle out, saw a clear liquid and may have called it water, instead of “clear liquid” • Inference: Mr. Gary is holding a bottle of water • Observation: Mr. Gary brought out a bottle that had a clear fluid inside • You see steam rising from a cup of coffee and make an inference that it is hot • Inference: There is a hot cup of coffee • Observation: a cup of coffee was brought out. Steam is rising from it