Inference can also be made from the observations, evidence or facts that are gathered by someone else. However, inferences are not always accurate. Sometimes, the way you interpret your observations may be illogical or inaccurate. Sometimes, the observations themselves can be inaccurate. A mirage is a good example of this phenomenon. Inference is a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning.
Observation is the act of paying close attention to something in order to gain information. Inference is the logical interpretation or explanation of the observations. Inference can be based on second-hand experience. She is currently reading for a Masters degree in English. Name required. Email required. Please note: comment moderation is enabled and may delay your comment. There is no need to resubmit your comment. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Written by : Prabhat S.
User assumes all risk of use, damage, or injury. You agree that we have no liability for any damages. Summary 1. Inference is an assumption made from observation. Author Recent Posts.
Prabhat S. Latest posts by Prabhat S see all. Help us improve. Observation is defined as the primary source of data collection used in descriptive research. It is the most widely used method of acquiring information, in the field of behavioural sciences.
We human beings use our senses to observe things that surround us this is also observation, but not scientific. Observation is said to be scientific when it serves the formulated purpose of research. It involves the collection and recording of data, events and objects in a systematic manner.
Further, the data is subjected to checks and controls to ensure validity and reliability of data. Under this method, the investigator does not rely on the respondent for information, i. Moreover, the information gathered is based on the current events, i. Observation can be structured or unstructured, disguised or undisguised. It can be conducted in a natural or contrived environment. In simple terms, inference means assumption or conclusion drawn rationally on the basis of facts and observations.
It is a calculated guess, which relies on the evidence and circumstances. It is an element of reasoning and thinking, which can be accurate or inaccurate, justified or unjustified, logical or illogical. When the population size is large, it is impractical to study each and every item of the population, and that is why a sample is selected at random, which represents the entire population.
On the basis of the sample so selected, generalisation is made about unknown characteristics of the population. In statistics, inference involves two things i. Besides the differences mentioned above, observation and inferences are interrelated to each other in the sense that observation is what we notice when something takes place while inference is what we deduce on the basis of observations.
0コメント