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Published byDebra Briggs Modified over 9 years ago
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Observation vs. Inference What is the difference?
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Observation: An observation is made using one of the five senses. Inference: An inference is a conclusion or prediction based upon observations.
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Observations You must use at least one of the five senses! Sight Touch Hearing Smell Taste
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How Can I tell the difference? If the statement is a characteristic made directly with one of the five senses it is an observation. If the statement is a measurement made with an instrument (a number with units) then it is an observation.
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How Can I tell the difference? If the statement identifies an object or substance it is an inference. If the statement includes a number that is a prediction of future data than it is an inference.
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Meal Observations Write 10 observations (2 for each of your senses) about a meal that you have. Write a brief description of what you had and make your observations from the preparation, consumption, and clean up of the meal. DON”T FORGET A FULL HEADING! 1. I saw… 2. I saw… 3. I tasted… 4. I tasted… 5. I smelled… 6. I smelled… 7. I felt… 8. I felt… 9. I heard… 10. I heard…
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Measurement A measurement is an observation made by comparison to a standard. A standard mass – 1 gram A standard length – 1 meter A standard volume – 1 liter A standard length of time – 1 second A standard unit of temperature – 1 o C
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Measurement It is often made with the use of an instrument that extends the senses. List an instrument that extends each of the five senses.
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Is this the snake your partner saw?
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Or… is this the snake your partner saw?
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It is very important to make detailed observations …
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Which statement is the inference? Which statement is the inference? The specimen is pink in color The specimen is moving its wings up and down The specimen has a long nose, four legs and a curly tail The specimen is a flying pig.
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How Deductive are you? Deductive reasoning: Drawing conclusions from observations of the natural world by means of logical reasoning
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