137k views
3 votes
Which statement best distinguishes an observation from an inference?

An inference is likely to change based on additional observations.
An observation is likely to change based on additional inferences.
An observation involves assumptions, but an inference does not.
An inference involves the senses, but an observation does not.

User Olasammy
by
5.3k points

2 Answers

1 vote

Answer: a

Step-by-step explanation:

User Irtaza
by
5.0k points
7 votes

The correct answer is A. An inference is likely to change based on additional observations.

Step-by-step explanation:

In science, an inference is made when you use the information from observations, previous studies, among others to get to a conclusion. This process often involves making assumptions based on what you know, because of this, inferences can change if evidence disproves it. For example, you might infer all plants have the same growth rate if you studied two or more plants of the same species and the growth rate was the same, but this can be disproved if you study plants of other species.

On the other hand, an observation is a statement you made based on evidence, this includes observing a phenomenon or measuring it with a precise instrument. This means, observations are not based on assumptions and therefore are precise and often fixed. Thus, one key difference between observations and inferences is "An inference is likely to change based on additional observations."

User Ivan Sas
by
5.5k points