Observations and Inferences

The First Steps for Scientific Investigation

Shane Feusier, Fortuna Union High School

Observation
An unbiased measurement Unbiased = no personal judgement Examples: The temperature is 20 oC A white solid formed immediately when two clear liquids were mixed The car rolled down the ramp for 3.4 seconds

Inference
A judgment based on one or more observations Examples: Since the fireplace is on -- it was colder in the room earlier The liquid is acidic because the pH is 5 The model rocket didnt reach the theoretical maximum due to air friction

Examples of Observation / Inference Pairs

Observation: The classroom was 75 degrees this winter morning. Inference: The heater was on during the night

Examples of Observation / Inference Pairs

Observation: The bottom of the candle flame doesnt touch the pool of molten wax
Inference: The liquid wax must move up the wick into the flame

Examples of Observation / Inference Pairs

Observation: BillyBob is driving a Porsche

Inference: BillyBob either stole the car or inherited a lot of money

Examples of Observation / Inference Pairs

Observation: A white solid immediately formed when two clear, colorless liquids were mixed
Inference: A chemical reaction occurred

Examples of Observation / Inference Pairs

Observation: Mixing 1 pint of water with 1 pint of alcohol created 1.95 pints of solution
Inference: There must be empty space in liquids to allow them to combine to less than 2.00 pints

Examples of Observation / Inference Pairs

Observation: Hot water that was boiled freezes faster than the same amount of room temperature water.
Inference: Boiling the water removed gases that kept room temperature water from quickly freezing

Are the following statements Observations or Inferences?

The first little pig built his house with straw

Observation: a measurement of the materials used in construction

Are the following statements Observations or Inferences?

The wolf blew the wooden house down

Observation: a measurement of the process of destruction

Are the following statements Observations or Inferences?

The brick house was solidly built

Inference: a judgment based on the fact that the wolf couldnt blow it apart

Are the following statements Observations or Inferences?

The wolf had extraordinary lung capacity

Inference: a judgment based on the facts that the wolf blew down the houses made of straw and sticks

Are the following statements Observations or Inferences?

The first two pigs would not be hired as construction managers
Inference: a judgment based on the fact that the third pig worked hard and built a brick house while the first two quickly built houses that were blown down

Are the following statements Observations or Inferences?

Barry Bonds is going to break the major league home run record
Inference: a judgment based on his past performances.

The End

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