Distinguish observation from inference.

• A. Observation is information gathered with instruments; inference is an assumption.
• B. Observation is data interpreted as fact.
• C. Observation is data gathered by senses; inference is a guess about what happened.
• D. Observation is data gathered by senses; inference is a conclusion drawn from those observations.

Answer: (D)

Observations are the raw information we collect about the world through our senses (and with tools that extend our senses). Inferences are the conclusions we draw by reasoning from those observations to explain what happened or what it means. So, saying that observations come from data gathered by senses and inferences are conclusions drawn from those observations captures the essential idea: you observe what is directly noticed, and you infer what that observation implies.

For example, noticing smoke rising from a chimney is an observation. Inferring that there is a fire inside is a conclusion drawn from that observation because you’re using reasoning to connect the clue (smoke) to a possible cause (fire). This distinction helps keep what was directly observed separate from what you conclude about it.

The other statements aren’t as accurate because they either limit observation to instrument-made data, describe observation as data interpreted as fact, or call inference merely a guess without evidence.