Which concept best describes knowledge that is supported by evidence and can be tested against evidence?

• A. Empirical verification
• B. Normative statement
• C. Explanatory
• D. General

Answer: (A)

Empirical verification. This idea is all about knowledge built on observable evidence that can be tested against data. When a claim can be supported by what we observe and subjected to testing with new evidence, it fits empirical verification—a foundation of scientific and social scientific reasoning.

Normative statements express what ought to be or what values are preferred, not what can be tested against evidence. Explanatory describes a function—an explanation of why something happens—but doesn’t by itself require testable evidence. General describes breadth or scope, not the method by which we verify claims.