Inference, Observation,

Prediction, and
Ruling Out

Overview

This year you will be developing the Particle Model for

Matter. This model will attempt to prove that all things
are made of tiny moving particles, called atoms. These
atoms will have specific properties and characteristics.
You will use many methods to develop this model. Listed
on the next slides are a few of these methods.

Observations
Observations are anything that
you perceive through your senses.
These include sight, smell, touch, taste, and sound.
Sometimes we use instruments to extend our senses
beyond what we are normally able to observe. As an
example, microscopes allow us to observe the world of
microorganisms.

Direct Evidence

This is evidence that you can perceive directly with your

senses. You physically feel heat from a stove with your
hand. You see a substance bubbling. You hear a dog bark.

Indirect Evidence

You have already used indirect evidence many times

without realizing it. You look out a window and see a tree
moving. That is evidence that a breeze is blowing. You
cannot see the breeze but you are able to see the effect
of the breeze on the tree.
If you were to go outside and actually feel the breeze that
would be direct evidence.

Predictions

A prediction is what you think a

future observation will be. Again, like
inferences, they are subject to error.

If you have an accurate model, it will allow you to make

fairly accurate predictions.

Inferences
An inference is an attempt to
explain an observation. It is subject to
error. Why did you see what you saw? Hear what you
heard? Etc.
It is also wise to make many observations to be sure that
what was observed was accurate. The more observations
made, the more accuracy you have in forming a model or
an opinion.

Can you identify the

observations, inferences, and
predictions in the following
cartoon sequences?

Ruling Out

Many times you will carry out an experiment to attempt to

learn about something. Many times you are still unable to
identify the object you are studying after you experiment
with it. This does not mean that you have not learned
anything about the object. Knowing what something is
not is valuable information too.
Consider the next series of slides.

Ruling Out

The snake has just carried out an experiment to see if he

was a boa constrictor. He has not learned what he is, but
he knows what he is not. The process the snake used to

determine what he is not is

called RULING OUT.