Observations and Inferences

Observations & Inferences We are constantly making observations and inferences. We do this both consciously and unconsciously. We are constantly making observations of the world around us.

Observations & Inferences Observation: The act, practice, or power of noticing. The act, practice, or power of noticing. We use our senses (sight, taste, touch, smell, and hearing) to make our observations.

Observations & Inferences There are two main types of observations: 1. Quantitative observations An observation in the form of a quantity. An observation in the form of a quantity. ex: The desk is 1 meter tall. 2. Qualitative observations A quality or characteristic of a given object or event. A quality or characteristic of a given object or event. ex: The sky is blue. Our brains are constantly trying to make sense of our observations.

Observations & Inferences Inference: The act of making conclusions or making sense of your observations. The act of making conclusions or making sense of your observations. Our brains are constantly making inferences about the world around us. Let’s make some observations and inferences!!!

Observations & Inferences What do you see? Is it one face or two?

Observations & Inferences What do you see? Is it an old woman? Or is it a young woman looking away?

Observations & Inferences What do you see? Is it a face or a man playing a saxophone?

Observations & Inferences What do you see? What do you see? An old man? An old man? Or a young man? Or a young man?

Observations & Inferences What do you see? Is it a skull or two Women?

Observations & Inferences What do you see? A Dalmatian?

Observations & Inferences A Duck? A Rabbit?

Observations and Inferences How many Faces are there in this picture? in this picture?

Observations & Inferences A mountain village? A Mountain face?

Observations & Inferences A bird with a fish in its mouth? A man fishing next to an island?

Sometimes our brains fill in the details of an object that isn’t really there

Observations & Inferences Which square is darker? Which square is darker?

Observations & Inferences A and B are the same A and B are the same

Observations & Inferences Here’s your proof: Here’s your proof:

Observations & Inferences Stare at the black dot. What happens? Stare at the black dot. What happens?

Observations & Inferences Spinning Dancer Illusion Spinning Dancer Illusion

Observations & Inferences Subway Illusion Subway Illusion

Observations & Inferences What do you see? What do you see?

Observations and Inferences Can you see the man’s face?

Observations & Inferences A Face?

OK, get out a piece of scratch paper and a pencil. Its inference making time! Observations & Inferences

An Ant’s mouth Observations & Inferences

The tip of a dentist’s drill

Observations & Inferences Is it a Martian face or a random rock group?

Observations & Inferences Mascara Brush

Observations & Inferences Mosquito stinger

Observations & Inferences Are your shots up-to-date?

Observations & Inferences Pollen

Ragweed

Earth as seen by the Cassini Space Craft through the rings of Saturn. YOU ARE HERE!

Observations & Inferences Table Salt

Observations & Inferences Staple in a piece of paper

Observations & Inferences TOILET PAPER!

Observations & Inferences Velcro

Scratch and Sniff Paper

Observations & Inferences A Wood Tick

Observations & Inferences The Assumptions Room The Assumptions Room

Observations & Inferences Ames Room Ames Room