Difference Between Observation and Inference

In statistics, you have come across the terms, observation and inference, several times. Observation means an act of monitoring, something, i.e. objects, units, persons or anything else, by using senses. In this process, the observer stays at the place of the survey and observes the objects under consideration and notes down the observations himself.

Conversely, Inference refers to the conclusion drawn based on the facts and evidence available, i.e. deductions are made as per the research made.

The two terms are so closely intertwined that for a layman these two terms are synonymous, but the truth is that these two words are different. So, if you are looking for the differences between observation and inference, you are at the right place. Have a look.

Content: Observation Vs Inference

1. Comparison Chart
2. Definition
3. Key Differences
4. Conclusion

Comparison Chart

Basis for Comparison	Observation	Inference
Meaning	Observation means the act of carefully watching or examining a person or object when something is happening.	Inference is termed as an act of deriving rational conclusion from known facts or circumstances.
Nature	Objective	Subjective
What is it?	It is what one perceives.	It is an explanation or assumption of what one has perceived.
Based on	Hands-on experience	Second hand information
Involves	Collection of information without questioning respondents	Taking decision about the collected information.
Implies	Attentively monitoring of the subject under study.	Logically deducing a conclusion by reasoning.

Definition of Observation

Observation is defined as the primary source of data collection used in descriptive research. It is the most widely used method of acquiring information, in the field of behavioural sciences. We human beings use our senses to observe things that surround us this is also observation, but not scientific. Observation is said to be scientific when it serves the formulated purpose of research.

It involves the collection and recording of data, events and objects in a systematic manner. Further, the data is subjected to checks and controls to ensure validity and reliability of data.

Under this method, the investigator does not rely on the respondent for information, i.e. he does not question the people being observed, rather he observes directly, so as to ensure accurate observation and to eliminate subjective bias. Moreover, the information gathered is based on the current events, i.e. it is not influenced by past or future intentions or attitudes. Observation can be structured or unstructured, disguised or undisguised. It can be conducted in a natural or contrived environment.

Definition of Inference

In simple terms, inference means assumption or conclusion drawn rationally on the basis of facts and observations. It is a calculated guess, which relies on the evidence and circumstances. It is an element of reasoning and thinking, which can be accurate or inaccurate, justified or unjustified, logical or illogical.

When the population size is large, it is impractical to study each and every item of the population, and that is why a sample is selected at random, which represents the entire population. On the basis of the sample so selected, generalisation is made about unknown characteristics of the population. In statistics, inference involves two things i.e. hypothesis testing and estimation.

Conclusion

Besides the differences mentioned above, observation and inferences are interrelated to each other in the sense that observation is what we notice when something takes place while inference is what we deduce on the basis of observations. In this way, the inference is often understood as an interpretation of what is being observed.