Question

What is the difference between inference and hypothesis?

Answer 1

A hypothesis is the prediction about the outcome of an experiment. An inference is conclusion drawn based on observations and prior knowledge.

Explanation:

Hypothesis: Made before an experiment. "If I do this (has to do with the independent variable), then this will happen (has to do with the dependent variable)."
Inference: "Based on my observations (concrete, provable things found via the 5 senses), I can conclude that this happened." You did not directly observe it, but you know it happened based on your observations and prior knowledge.