Observations and Inferences Challenge

What is the difference between an observation and an inference?

• An observation is a guess; an inference is a fact based on that guess.

• An observation is a fact; an inference is a conclusion based on that fact.

• An observation is a conclusion; an inference is a fact that supports it.

• An observation is subjective; an inference is always objective.

Which of the following is a qualitative observation?

• The car has four wheels.

• The sky is 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

• The sky is blue.

• The book is on the table.

How would you define a quantitative observation?

• A quantitative observation is a subjective interpretation of data.

• A quantitative observation is a measurement that results in numerical data.

• A quantitative observation is an opinion based on personal experience.

• A quantitative observation is a description using words instead of numbers.

Give an example of an observation.

• The sky is blue on a clear day.

• Water is a solid at room temperature.

• Birds can fly in the sky.

• The grass is green in the summer.

What can be inferred from the observation that the ground is wet?

• The ground is dry and dusty.

• The ground is covered in snow.

• It has likely rained recently or there is another source of water.

• It is a sign of a drought.

Identify whether the statement is an observation or an inference: 'The sky is cloudy.'

• observation

• hypothesis

• inference

• fact

What type of observation involves numbers and measurements?

• Theoretical observation

• Quantitative observation

• Descriptive observation

• Qualitative observation

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Provide an example of a quantitative observation.

• The plant is 25 centimeters tall.

• The plant grows in sunlight.

• The plant is green in color.

• The plant has five leaves.

Is 'The flower is red' a qualitative or quantitative observation?

• Subjective observation

• Qualitative observation

• Objective observation

• Quantitative observation

What is an inference based on the observation that a person is shivering?

• The person is likely dancing.

• The person is likely sweating.

• The person is likely cold.

• The person is likely happy.