Which statement defines empirical?

• A. Not proven by science
• B. Relying on or derived from observation or experiment rather than theory or pure logic
• C. Based on theory only
• D. Hypothetical reasoning

Answer: (B)

Empirical knowledge comes from observation and experiment—information gained through data collection and testing in the real world rather than ideas that exist only in thought. Because of that, the defining statement is the one that says something relies on or is derived from observation or experiment rather than theory or pure logic. This focus on evidence from observation sets empirical methods apart from purely theoretical approaches. Phrases like “not proven by science” are vague about how evidence is used; “based on theory only” describes reasoning without data, and “hypothetical reasoning” refers to speculation rather than evidence.