Observation vs Inference in Scientific Study

What are the two basic tools scientists use to study the natural world?

• Models and Simulations

• Hypotheses and Laws

• Observations and Inferences

• Experiments and Theories

Which of the following is a quantitative observation?

• The tree is tall

• The tree has rough bark

• The tree is green

• The tree is 10 feet tall

How can you remember that quantitative observations involve numbers?

• Quantitative has the letter 'N' like the word 'number'

• Quantitative means descriptive

• Quantitative sounds like quality

• Quantitative is related to senses

Which of the following is NOT a quantitative observation?

• The book has 300 pages

• The car is red

• There are 5 apples

• The temperature is 20°C

What is a qualitative observation?

• An observation that involves experiments

• An observation that predicts future events

• An observation that describes the quality of something

• An observation that uses numbers

Which of the following is a qualitative observation?

• The flower is 10 cm tall

• The flower weighs 5 grams

• The flower is red

• The flower has 7 petals

What is an inference?

• A measurement using numbers

• A prediction based on observations

• A direct observation using the five senses

• A description of the quality of something

Which of the following statements is an inference?

• There are 3 birds on the tree

• The grass is wet, so it must have rained

• The sky is blue

• The car is moving fast

What must happen before an inference can be made?

• An observation must be made

• An experiment must be conducted

• A theory must be developed

• A hypothesis must be tested

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Which of the following is NOT an inference?

• The ground is wet, so it must have rained

• The tree is green

• The dog is barking because it is hungry

• The sun is setting, so it will be dark soon