Describe the difference between and observation and an inference

Observations are recording something that is already there

(qualitative and qauntitative)

an inference is an assumption or conclusion that is logically made

The difference between an observation and an inference is that an observation is to observe/watch something carefully, while a inference is a conclusion based on the evidence you collected.

Observing something may not be the conclusion, it can usually be based on what YOU see. But an inference has to have some kind of evidence and draw a conclusion.