Observations vs. Inferences Scientific Method

Scientific Method Observations and inferences.

1. A test of your observation skills…
Contributions by D. Padilla, D. Johnson, & E. Marconi
For more optical illusions go to: http://www.123opticalillusions.com/

2. Observations
Use one or more of the 5 senses
to gather information
A noting and recording of….
FACTS!!!
Example: There is one TV in the
room.

3. Observations
Observations: We use our senses to gather
information about the world around us. There are
two types of observations.

4. Qualitative
Qualitative observation: (quality) Usually made
with our senses.
Color, shape, feel, taste, sound.
Examples:
Olivia is wearing a blue sweater.
The lab tabletop is smooth.
The dog’s fur is shiny.

5. Quantitative
Quantitative observation: (quantity) How
many. Will always have a number.
Based on exact measurement.
Examples:
The room is 8 meters across.
Sarah is 141-cm tall.
Sam weighs 450 Newtons.

6. Inferences
Assuming something is true based on observations made.
Conclusions or deductions based on observations.
The process of drawing a conclusion from given evidence.
Practice:
Observations:
•I hear people screaming
•I smell cotton candy, popcorn, and hamburgers
•I see a lot of people
Inference = ?

7. Making Inferences
You are at the counter in the office to get a
bus pass signed. You see a student leave the
principal’s office crying and upset. We could
make an inference as to why the student is
upset.
Could be in trouble (ISS, OSS, expelled)
Family problems at home (sick, accident)
Student not feeling well
Student has poor grades (failing, retention)

8. Note the Differences
In laboratory exercises, record
observations NOT inferences
Inferences may be used when
writing the conclusion in your lab
report.
Let’s test your observation skills…

9. Take a good look at this picture

10. Question 1
Are there cars parked on the sides of the road?

11. Question 2
What color is the pickup truck driving in the road?

12. Question 3
Any minivans around?

13. Question 4
What does the blue sign say?

14. Question 5
What's the speed limit?

15. Question 6
Are there any pedestrians on the road?

17. Answers
1.Yes
2.Blue
3.Yes
4.Yard Sale
5.35 mph
6.No

21. Observation vs Inference
List 3 Observations
List 3 Inferences

22. Observation vs Inference
List 3 Observations
List 3 Inferences

23. Observation vs Inference
List 3 Observations
List 3 Inferences

24. Observation vs Inference
On the next slide, state whether the statement is
an observation or an inference.

25. 1. There is a representation of a face on one side
of the coin.
2. The Latin word "Dei" means "God."
3. The coin was made by deeply religious people.
4. The date 1722 is printed on one side of the coin.
5. The coin was made in 1722.
6. The face on the coin is a representation of the
nation's president.

26. How many legs does the elephant have?

27. What do you see?

28. This image contains
a picture and a word.
Do you see both of
them?

29. Look at the chart and say the color, NOT the
word
Your right brain tried to say the color,
but your left brain was reading the word.

30. Resources:
http://teachers.henrico.k12.va.us/
highlandsprings/meade_j/Units/Unit%201/Unit
%201,%20Part
%201%20Notes.PPT#289,43,Experimental Design
http://www.cobb.k12.ga.us/~dickerson/sci
%20method.ppt#256,1,Scientific Method