Observation vs. Inference

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Observation vs. Inference

• Mr. Zweig

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Observation

• Data gathered by the five senses
• Visual by sight
• Audio by hearing
• Odor by smell
• Flavor by taste
• Texture and temperature by feel

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Inference

• A logical conclusion based on an observation or
  observations

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Observations Inferences

• Whats the Diff?

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Observation

• Something that you see, hear, taste, smell or
  touch.
• Use your senses

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Inference

• An attempt to explain your observations.
• The likely reason.

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Whats This?

• The organism has legs that are much longer than
  its short arms.
• Observation

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Whats This?

• The organism has brown fur similar to that of a
  bear.
• Observation

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Whats This?

• The organism probably uses the fur to stay warm
  in this cold environment.
• Inference

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Whats This?

• The organism was not aware of my presence because
  it did not run away.
• Inference

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Whats This?

• The organism must be sick because he is barely
  moving.
• Inference

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Whats This?

• The organism picks up food using a long tongue
  that reaches the ground.
• Observation

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Review

• Observation
• Something that you see, hear, smell, taste or
  touch.

• Inference
• An attempt to explain your observations.

The End