Observations and

Inferences

ObservationsUse one or more of the 5 senses

Used to note and record facts or data

Ex: There is one TV in the room.

Types of Observations

. Qualitative

Quantitative

•

• *Deals with descriptions.

* Data can be observed but not measured.

*Colors, textures, smells, tastes, appearance

Qualitative → Quality Ex: The frog’s skin is cold, smooth, and slimy.

*Deals with numbers.

*Data which can be measured.

*Length, height, area, volume, weight, speed, time, temperature, , age

Quantitative → Quantity 

Ex: The worm is 3.2 cm long.

Inference

Inference- logical conclusion based on prior knowledge or experience

Ex: The adult at the front of the classroom is a teacher.

Let’s test your observation skills……

Take a good look at this picture….

Answer the following questions.. 1. Are there cars parked on the sides of the road?

2. What color is the pickup truck driving in the road?

3. Any minivans around?

4.What's the speed limit?

5.Are there any pedestrians on the road?

Answer1. Yes

2. Blue

3. Yes

4. 35 mph

5. No

Answers

Make an inference aboutthis scene.

Observation Practice In this class, we will be making observations about the physical characteristics and behaviors of an organism.

Physical characteristics describe in detail, the appearance of an organism. ex: The cat has black hair.

Improve this observation. Hint think about using your five senses!

The cat has black, straight, The hair on the body is 5 cm in coarse hair, covering its length.entire body.

quantitativequalitative

Behaviors are the actions that are performed by an organism.

After a 2 minute observation, the following was recorded: The cat twitched its tail 17 times.

Provide some additional answers.

The cat’s eyes rolled back and forth 22 times.The cat’s back rose 11 times.The cat’s left ear bent downward 8 times. Make an inference about this cat.

The cat is waiting to chase a mouse.

Note the differences….

In laboratory exercises, record observations NOT inferences

Inferences may be used when writing the conclusion in your lab report.

MAKING OBSERVATIONS

Blue Footed Booby

quantitative qualitative

Emperor Penguin

MAKING OBSERVATIONSquantitative qualitative