The result of empirical research using statistical hypothesis testing is never proof. It can only support a hypothesis, reject it, or do neither. These methods yield only probabilities. Among scientific researchers, empirical evidence (as distinct from empirical research) refers to objective evidence that appears the same regardless of the observer. For example, a thermometer will not display different temperatures for each individual who observes it. Temperature, as measured by an accurate, well calibrated thermometer, is empirical evidence. By contrast, non-empirical evidence is subjective, depending on the observer. Following the previous example, observer A might truthfully report that a room is warm, while observer B might truthfully report that the same room is cool, though both observe the same reading on the thermometer. The use of empirical evidence negates this effect of personal (i.e., subjective) experience or time.
The result of empirical research using statistical hypothesis testing is never proof It can only support a hypothesis reject it or do neither These methods yield only probabilities Among scientific researchers empirical evidence (as distinct from empirical research) refers to objective evidence that appears the same regardless of the observer For example a thermometer will not display different temperatures for each individual who observes it Temperature as measured by an accurate well calibrated thermometer is empirical evidence By contrast non-empirical evidence is subjective depending on the observer Following the previous example observer A might truthfully report that a room is warm while observer B might truthfully report that the same room is cool though both observe the same reading on the thermometer The use of empirical evidence negates this effect of personal (ie subjective) experience or time