HSC Investigating Science Practice Questions - HSC Investigating Science (NSW Higher School Certificate, Year 12) Exam

An inference is a logical conclusion derived from observations and prior knowledge, whereas an observation is information gathered directly using the senses or instruments. An observation is a theoretical prediction made before an experiment, whereas an inference is a numerical value recorded during testing. An inference is a proven scientific law, whereas an observation is an unverified hypothesis. An observation is based on qualitative descriptions only, whereas an inference relies strictly on quantitative measurements.