Observation/Inferences

What do these two words mean?

Observations

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

Qualitative Qualitative observation: (quality)

Uses words. Usually made with our senses.

See, Hear, Touch, Taste, Smell.Examples: Brutus is wearing a Scarlet

and Gray Long Sleeve Shirt. The lab tabletop is smooth.

QuantitativeQuantitative observation: (quantity)

How many? Will always have a number Based on exact measurement.

Examples: The room is 8 meters across. Thelma is 141-cm tall. Earl weighs 68,100 Grams.

Inferences

Inference: A logical interpretation of an event

that is based on observations and prior knowledge.

What does this mean in 6th grade terms?

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 (Lunch Detention, ALC) Family problems at home (sick, accident) Student not feeling well Student has poor grades (failing, retention)

Observation vs. Inference Observation – Based

on the five senses: Sight Smell Touch Taste Hearing

A visible or provable fact.For example, the

whiteboard is white

Inference – Based on prior knowledge or opinion

For example, that dog

looks ugly! Sorry Mrs. Snider!

Examples

OBSERVATIONS

That plant is extremely wilted.

The car stopped running

There is 1 round table in this room.

INFERENCES That plant is extremely wilted due to a lack of water. The car stopped running because it was out of gas. There is one round table in this room because Mr.

Burger likes Rectangles better.

Observation vs Inference

List 2 Qualitative Observations

List 2 Quantitative Observations

List 1 Inference

Observation vs Inference

List 2 Qualitative Observations

List 2 Quantitative Observations

List 1 Inference

Observation vs Inference

List 2 Qualitative Observations

List 2 Quantitative Observations

List 1 Inference