Define a fact, observation, and inference and give an example of each,(be able to identify all 3 from an example.) 1 for each one.

Question

fact:
example:
observation:
example:
Inference:
example:

Answer 1

Fact:

A fact is a statement that can be proven true or false based on evidence or reality. It is objective and relies on verifiable data.

Example: Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius at sea level.
This is a fact because it is a scientifically proven and measurable phenomenon.

Observation:

An observation is a statement that describes something that can be perceived through the senses. It involves noticing and recording details without any interpretation or assumptions.

Example: The ground is wet.
This is an observation because it simply describes what can be seen or sensed without giving any interpretation about why it is wet.

Inference:

An inference is a conclusion or interpretation drawn from observations. It goes beyond the immediate data and suggests a possible explanation or reasoning based on what has been observed.

Example: The ground is wet, so it probably rained recently.
This is an inference because it takes the observation of the wet ground and draws a conclusion about the likely cause (rain) based on that observation.

Summary:

• Fact: Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius at sea level.
• Observation: The ground is wet.
• Inference: The ground is wet, so it probably rained recently.