Observation vs. Inference

Observation Definition: describing something you are studying, using only facts that you can see, touch, hear or smell. An observation is not an opinion.

Inference Inference: using your observations to make a guess about an object or an outcome.

Think you’ve got it?! – We can OBSERVE that the turtle is on the stump. – We can OBSERVE that the stump is too high for the turtle to climb on. – We can INFER that someone put the turtle on the stump. – We can __________________that someone is smiling. – We can _______________that they are happy. – We can __________that a student is writing down their homework. – We can __________that they are a successful student.

Let’s Practice with Checks.. On your sheet, provide 1 observation and 2 inferences from the check below.