What is the difference between inference and observation?
http://www.slideshare.net/mrmularella/observations-vs-inferences
Inference and observation are both ways of gathering information, but there are some key differences between them.
Observation refers to the act of using our senses to gather information about the world around us. It involves looking, listening, smelling, touching, or tasting things to perceive what is happening. Observations are direct and firsthand experiences, and they are generally unbiased and objective, as they are based on what we can directly sense or perceive.
On the other hand, inference is the process of drawing conclusions or making educated guesses based on evidence or reasoning. It involves using our prior knowledge, experience, and logical thinking to reach a conclusion that is not readily apparent or directly observed. Inferences can be influenced by personal beliefs, cultural or societal norms, and other subjective factors.
To better understand the difference, let's consider an example:
Observation: You see rain falling from the sky, and you feel wet when you step outside.
Inference: Based on the observation of rain and the experience of getting wet, you can infer that it is raining outside.
To summarize, observation is the act of directly perceiving things using our senses, while inference involves drawing conclusions or making educated guesses based on evidence or reasoning.