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Separate observation and explanation

Updated September 11, 2026

Learn one step at a time, with examples, practice and a place for your questions.

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Original introductory guide from OTWONO Labs. The diagram is illustrative, not a reported research result.

An observation says a plant leans toward a window. Separate possible explanations include light, its earlier position, support or damage.
An observation says a plant leans toward a window. Separate possible explanations include light, its earlier position, support or damage.

Start with a description

In the illustrative example, a plant leans toward a window. That describes a position. It does not by itself explain how the plant arrived in that position.

Label your inference

You might suspect light is relevant. Write this as a possible explanation rather than silently adding it to the observation. Other information, such as the previous position or a damaged stem, could change your interpretation.

Ask what would distinguish the possibilities

Think about which additional observations would be useful. Earlier photographs or a record of how the plant was supported could help. An additional observation may narrow the possibilities without establishing a complete cause.

Avoid the opposite mistake

Keeping an explanation tentative does not mean all explanations are equally supported. Compare each with the available evidence and state the limits of what you know.

Try it

Describe something ordinary you noticed today in one sentence. Write two possible explanations separately. For each, name one piece of information that would help you evaluate it.

Use the practice notebook or browse more articles.