Final answer:
The type of opinion based on observation and evidence is an inference, which involves using observed data to reach a conclusion. Inductive and abductive are types of inferences, while a hypothesis is a testable educated guess about an observation. So the correct option is 2.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question you've asked about an opinion that is based on observation and evidence refers to making an inference. An inference is a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning. When we observe something, we collect data and then use this information to make an inference. For example, if you see clouds gathering and the temperature dropping, you might infer that it's going to rain. This is different from simply having an opinion, which might not be based on evidence.
Inductive inferences involve using observations to draw general conclusions, while abductive inferences involve forming explanations for observations. Both of these types of inferences rely on evidence and observations. A hypothesis, on the other hand, is a testable educated guess that proposes an explanation for an observation.
The process of scientific investigation often follows these steps:
- Make an observation of natural phenomena.
- Infer and propose a hypothesis based on this observation.
- Design and perform an experiment to test the hypothesis.
- Observe and collect data during the experiment.
- Analyze the data to see if it supports the hypothesis.
Thus, the answer to the question is inference (2), which is a type of opinion formed based on observation and evidence.