Observation vs. Inference

What is an observation? When you observe, you become aware of something using one of your senses. Your five senses are smell, taste, sight, touch, and sound. In an observation you simply describe something as it appears. An observation is a statement describing a fact. It is objective in nature.

Observation In the space below, record 5 observations about your Social Studies classroom. 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

What is an inference? When you infer, you make a mental judgment based on observations. Inferences cannot be directly observed, because they require thought.

Example: You get up in the morning, look up at the sky and observe dark clouds, feel the cold and humid air, and observe the puddles on the ground, you might infer that it has recently rained. NOTE: You did not see rain; you decided that it rained based on your observations. An inference is a statement based on your interpretation of the facts.

Inferences In the space below, record 3 inferences about your Social Studies classroom based on your facts/observations. 1) 2) 3)

Examples Observations/Facts Inferences There is a smiley face pained on the wall to the left. There were bad students in this room last year who vandalized the classroom.

More examples What observations can you make about this picture? What can you infer based on this picture?

More examples What observations can you make about this picture? What can you infer based on this picture?

More examples What observations can you make about this picture? What can you infer based on this picture?

In Class Activity Complete the handout in class on our own. Once completed collaborate with one other person, checking your observations and inferences. Add any observations/inferences you may not have initially made. Large Group Discussion/Questions