Empiricism
Definition
The commitment to objective observation and measurement as the basis for knowledge claims. In practice it means decisions rest on data that were actually collected, not on impressions, tradition, or authority.
In plain language
Trusting what you can observe and measure over what you assume. Data decide, not opinions.
Example
A team keeps a program because the graph shows the behavior falling, even though one staff member feels it is not working.
Not empiricism
Keeping a procedure because the agency has always used it, without ever checking whether it changes anything.
See also
Written from
- skinner-1953
Written from Skinner (1953) and general philosophy of science. No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.