What Is the Difference Between an Observation and an Inference?
The primary difference between an observation and an inference is that the former is experienced first-hand while the latter is based on second-hand information. An observation is the gathering of facts through paying close attention to something in order to get information, whereas an inference is the act or process of reaching a conclusion based on facts already known.
An inference draws conclusions based on evidence gathered through observation. The conclusion is reached logically on the basis of facts known to be true or assumed to be true. An inference can be seen as an interpretation of what is observed.
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