Observations vs-inferencespart one

Students often have trouble understanding the difference between observations and inferences. This presentation starts by going over definitions of each term, as well as, the differences between quantitative and qualitative observations. The goal is for students to understand that observations are data, which is used to create inferences (preliminary conclusions) and evidence is when you use the data to support your inferences. A final point is made that inferences are preliminary conclusions, thus inferences can not be seen. The remainder of the presentation gives multiple photos for students to practice making inferences from data. This learning program is geared to K-12 students, but can also be used for introductory college courses in multiple subjects.

1. Observations vs. InferencesObservations vs. Inferences
“You can observe a lot just by You can observe a lot just by
watching.”watching.”
-Yogi Berra-Yogi Berra
Adapted from: Jeremy Mularella
2006

2. ObservationsObservations
An 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

3. Inferences Inferences
Inferences are reasonable conclusions reasonable 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!!

4. 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.

5. 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.

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

7. Qualitative ObservationsQualitative Observations
Qualitative 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!

8. Quantitative ObservationsQuantitative Observations
Quantitative 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.

9. 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.

10. Converting Qualitative observations Converting Qualitative observations
into Quantitative datainto Quantitative data
Example: 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!

11. ObservationObservation
andand
InferenceInference
ActivityActivity

12. Instructions:
1. Create this Data Table on notebook paper.

2. Continue down to 12 slides/stations…

13. 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???

14. optival illusion.png