What statement correctly describes the difference between an observation and an inference?

• A. An observation is something you notice with your senses; an inference is a logical conclusion you make from observations.
• B. An observation is a guess about what will happen next.
• C. An inference is something you notice with your senses.
• D. An observation is always wrong.

Answer: (A)

Observations are details you notice with your senses, like what you see, hear, smell, or touch. Inferences are logical conclusions you draw from those observations, using reasoning and what you already know. For example, if you see dark clouds and hear thunder, an observation is “the sky looks dark” or “thunder is loud,” and an inference is “it’s going to rain soon, so we should take cover.” The statement that best describes the difference says observations are what you notice with your senses, while inferences are conclusions you make from those observations.

Why the other ideas don’t fit: guessing what will happen next isn’t an observation—it’s a prediction, which is a type of inference. Saying an inference is something you notice with your senses reverses the roles. Saying an observation is always wrong contradicts the fact that observations can be accurate descriptions of what is seen or felt.