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The difference between an observation and a theory might best be understood by looking at what each one is. In general, an observation establishes a fact, and when considering that fact, the question "why" (or "how") could be asked. Something happened (the observation). Why (how) did that happen? (It's not obvious.) Another observation to see if the event occurs in the same way. More observations under different conditions. Experiments with a factor or factors isolated to observe the effects of the inclusion or exclusion of something or some things that may have an effect on the way that the "something that happens" happens. The original question is still being asked: why (how) did that happen? (A lot of other questions may very well be arising along the way. That happens, too. A lot.) At a point when some volume of data is collected, a theory is presented that explains the facts, that accounts for all the observations. (An intellectual or intuitive jump has been made.) The theory is a story that knits the collected facts together in a coherent way to explain why (how) the "something that happened" happened the way it did. It illuminates the underlying cause or mechanism or reason for the way that the thing happens.
Observation consists of simply observing. You can observe something without any intention of giving it further thought, or without considering any kind of cause/effect relationship.

Investigation implies that you would be attempting to understand an underlying cause or implication of something you have observed. Observation is frequently a part of a good investigation.

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What is the difference between calculated data and raw data in science?

Calculated data is data attained from a theory and or formula. Raw data is data accumulated from an observation or experiment. If the calculated data from a theory is successful in predicting the raw data of an observation/experiment, then the theory is strengthened.


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Observation is the act of noting or perceiving something, while data refers to the facts or pieces of information obtained from observations. In other words, observation is the process of noticing and recording, while data is the information collected through observation.


What are the difference between an observation and inference?

An observation is something you notice using your five senses, such as color, shape, or size. An inference is a conclusion you make based on observations and prior knowledge, but it may not be directly observed.


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The two parts of a hypothesis are the null hypothesis, which states that there is no significant difference or relationship, and the alternative hypothesis, which suggests that there is a significant difference or relationship between variables.


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Related Questions

What is the difference between calculated data and raw data in science?

Calculated data is data attained from a theory and or formula. Raw data is data accumulated from an observation or experiment. If the calculated data from a theory is successful in predicting the raw data of an observation/experiment, then the theory is strengthened.


What is the difference between observation and data?

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What is the difference between observation and Inferrence?

An alternate answer.


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