Observation vs. Inference: The Core Distinction
An observation is the act of gathering factual information using your five senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch). An inference is a logical conclusion, explanation, or interpretation you make based on your observations.
Section 2: Key Characteristics
Observations are objective facts that describe exactly what is perceived. They answer the question 'What is happening?'. Inferences are subjective interpretations that attempt to explain why something is happening. They are based on prior knowledge and the evidence gathered through observation.
Section 3: A Practical Example
Imagine you see a classmate with a cast on their arm. The observation is: 'The student is wearing a cast.' An inference would be: 'The student must have broken their arm.' While the inference is likely, it's an explanation based on the observation, not a direct fact.
Section 4: Importance in the Scientific Method
In science, it is critical to separate observations (data) from inferences (conclusions). Scientists make careful observations and then use them to form hypotheses, which are a type of testable inference. This separation ensures that scientific conclusions are rigorously tested and based on verifiable evidence.