What is the difference between Observation and Inference? - ProProfs Discuss
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What is the difference between Observation and Inference?

Asked by Lynn , Last updated: Apr 04, 2024

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5 Answers

Anika Nicole

Anika Nicole

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Anika Nicole
Anika Nicole, Wordsmith, PG In Journalism, New York

Answered Feb 05, 2021

Observation entails gathering information, while inference can be said to make decisions about the collected data. Observation can be said to be a realistic description. The inference is an explanation of the information found and is the conclusion made from observing. Observation is the watching of things around you.

Observation is what someone sees, while inference is what someone has seen. The inference is the step you take during the reasoning process or a logical conclusion one comes to by the information they glean. The inference is only a guess drawn from the information attained from observation. Observation can be defined as a close watch of the world around you. Observation gives material for inference, while inference is the conclusion made out of careful observation.

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Barry Mclean

Barry Mclean

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Barry Mclean
Barry Mclean, Sales Manager, MBA, Ewa

Answered Feb 01, 2021

Observation and interference are both related to the environment. Observation is related to collecting information about the environment. It can also be collecting information about a thing or a person. Overall, observation is to look closely at the environment and to examine activities of the environment. To observe is to use the five senses, such as hearing and seeing, and using this to collect information about the environment.

The inference is to draw conclusions about the observations that have been collected. It helps explain the data that has been collected, and it involves the brain making that conclusion. Observation is required for an inference to be drawn.

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M. Delilah

M. Delilah

M. Delilah
M. Delilah

Answered Jun 26, 2020

Observation and inference are different words with exactly different meanings. However, Observation and inference are important aspects of the experiment. Observation is a process of collecting information about a particular person, thing, or environment. Observation means taking a close look at the environment and examining the activities of your environment.

Observation includes using your five sense organ to bring out meanings from your environment. People observe in different ways. The inference is the conclusion drawn from evidence and reasoning or collected information. The inference is a process that involves the brain. The inference is an explanation of the collected data, and observation is just a description of real-life incidents. Theoretically, the inference is drawn from deduction and induction. To draw an inference, an observation is needed.

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E. Jonathan

E. Jonathan

I like managing several people and leading them to a greater self, both in work life and personal life(in a Way)

E. Jonathan
E. Jonathan, Content Team Lead, Degree in Literature, Los Angeles, California

Answered Jun 08, 2020

Observation is described as the process of collecting information, while inference is defined as a process of making decisions about the collected information. Observation can also be indicated as a close watch of the world around you through the senses. Observation is the Segway toward inference. In other words, it provides the right material for inference.

Observation changes from one person to another. The inference is the conclusion that is made after watching. Inference, in some ways, is only a guess determined from observation. The more focused a person is, the better the inference will be. Observers should not only have a keen eye to observe things, but also the ability to pay attention to every detail.

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B. Lucian

B. Lucian

I fell in love with Literature when i was a child and since i gained more consciousness, I've pursued it as a career and I'm lovin' it.

B. Lucian
B. Lucian, Literature Professor, Diploma in Classic Literature, Denver, Colorado

Answered Jun 05, 2020

Since the usage of these two terms 'observation' and 'inference' is not limited to a particular field, I will try to explain some of their differences from my little knowledge about some chemistry practical I did while in school. During experiments that are centered on qualitative analysis of chemicals, observation and inference are two important aspects of the experiments. Observation requires that you take note of certain changes that are occurring during the time you are carrying out the test.

After this stage, you are expected to conclude about the possible result of the test. This is what inference is all about. We can say observation is the process that involves the collection of data, while inference has to do with making decisions or assumptions from the data which you have collected. After the actual test, observation is a very important aspect that should not be joked with, because you will need it to draw your inference.

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