Artificial Intelligence In Microbiology by Dr. Prince C P
01-03_scienceobservation_vs_inference.ppt
1. Class Notes
A test of your observation skills…
Copy only what is in PINK.
2. Observations:
Use senses to gather information
Note and record facts
Qualitative – no number
e.g.: loud sound; fast horse; red car
Quantitative – has a number
Involve measurements
e.g.: sound is 120 decibels; horse runs 31 mi/hr
e.g.: Josh is 180 cm tall; the candy bar has 25g of
sugar in it; my soda bottle holds 1 L.
3. Inference:
Logical interpretation based upon
observations, prior knowledge,
experience
e.g.: If you came here and found
another adult in the front of the
room, you would probably infer that
you have a substitute teacher for the
day.
4. e.g.: The screen door is broken
(observation)
The dog got out (inference)
5. You see a student leaving the cafeteria
with a wet spot on his shirt.
Inference - ?
You see that the soccer team is leaving
the field and everyone is scowling.
You observe a dead deer on the side of
the highway.
You notice a traffic signal sitting in the
middle of the intersection.
You observe your little brother crying.
You smell something dead on the shore.
6. Note the Difference!
• Record observations (not
inferences) as DATA.
• Write inferences in the conclusion
of your lab report.
18. Observation vs. Inference
• On the next slide, state whether the
statement is an observation or an
inference.
19. 1. There is a representation of a face on one side
of the coin.
2. The Latin word "Dei" means "God."
3. The coin was made by religious people.
4. The date 1722 is printed on one side of the coin.
5. The coin was made in 1722.
6. The face on the coin is a representation of the
nation's president.
45. Does this image appear to be
moving?
• It’s NOT!
• Just kidding, this one
is actually moving
46. Can you make an incorrect
inference from an observation?
• A scientist was interested in studying how
far bullfrogs can jump.
• He brought a bullfrog into his lab, set it
down, and commanded the frog to jump.
• The frog jumped across the room.
• The scientist measured the distance, then
noted in his journal, “frog with four legs:
jumped 3 meters.”
47. • Then he cut the frog’s front legs off.
• Again he commanded the frog to jump.
• The frog struggled a moment, then jumped
a few feet.
• The scientist measured the distance, then
noted in his journal, “frog with two legs:
jumped 1 meter.”
48. • Next, the scientist cut the frog’s back legs
off.
• Again he commanded the frog to jump.
• The frog just lay there.
• “Jump. Frog, jump!” the scientist repeated.
• Nothing.
• The scientist noted in his journal, “frog with
no legs: lost its hearing.”