Observing vs. Inferring

Believe it or not observing and inferring are two different things! This page will explain what observing and inferring are and will help show the differences between the two terms. 

Observations

Observations refer to noting a fact or occurrence by using our five senses.

We make observations by using our sight, smell, touch, taste,and our ability to hear. 

Qualitative and Quantitative Observations
In science observations can be qualitative or quantitative. Qualitative observations describe the quality of an object,such as a objects color, shape, and size. Quantitative observations measures the amount of an object, such as weight or height.

Inferences

Picture
Inferences are explanations or interpretations of what you are observing. They are statements that explain what you are observing.







Process of Inferring
  • Observe an object, event, or situation.
  • Gather information through experimentation or observation. Think about what you already know and what you find.
  • Look at your results and compare them to what you previously thought.


Look at the picture of the rainbow above. What can we infer from looking at this picture?

Possible inferences include:
  • It just finished raining or still may be raining.
  • The sun will come out and it has finished raining for the day.
  • It was thunder storming earlier.