1. Understanding Observations
(with Observation & Inference handout)

2. Definition of observation
Gathering data by use of your senses or tools that extend your senses

3. Qualitative observations
Characteristics or properties

4. Quantitative observations
Counting or measuring

5. How can you remember the difference?
(Qual)itative: related to quality = characteristic
(Quant)itative: related to quantity = number

7. Definition of inference
Conclusion drawn from using both observation and background knowledge

8. Difference between observation and inference
Observation is just what you perceive with your senses. Inference adds in what you know from past learning and experience to explain what you observe.

9. Examples It is a candle There appear to be 3 red and 4 yellow spots
He was absent because he was sick
She is in college
It is rotten
It feels smooth
He sounds like a mouse
It looks like it has 8 legs
It tastes like spoiled milk
He is 6 ft. 5 in.