Types of Observation and
Reasoning
And why they matter!
Instructions
1) Have a piece of paper out. Put your name and period on it.
2) After each section you will be given a prompt to write on. Number
them as given.
3) Hold on to paper and turn in on Friday.
Qualitative Observations
• Don’t use numbers
• Impressions, general qualities, etc.
Qualitative observations
Qualitative Observations
Question 1:
Make one qualitative observation about yourself.
Quantitative Observations
• Can be expressed in numbers
• Measurement, calculation, etc.
• More common in science because its easier to work with
Quantitative observations
Quantitative Observations
Question 2:
Now make one quantitative observation about yourself (you don’t have
to have the number exactly right).
Logic
“Logic is the study and use of valid reasoning.”
In other words, inferences!
Deductive Reasoning
Using known facts or statements to figure things out.
Often what you think of with “logic.”
“If A, therefore B”
“If B, therefore C”
“Then A, therefore C”
Deductive Reasoning
Question 3:
Reason something about yourself.
Example:
“I am a human.”
“All humans breathe.”
“Therefore I breathe.”
Inductive Reasoning
Using examples and generalities to figure out what is likely.
“I have seen 1000 swans.”
“I have never seen a black swan.”
“ Therefore there are no black
Swans.”
Inductive Reasoning
Question 4:
“Use inductive reasoning to figure one thing out about yourself.”
“Every morning I wake up and still have ten fingers. Tomorrow I will
wake up and have ten fingers.”