Theory is to theoretical as data is to ________?
The closest I could think of is “empirical”, which the dictionary defines as “derived from or guided by experience or experiment”. Is there a more precise term that means “of or pertaining to data”?
Edit: And is there a better way to look something like this up? If I want to find a adjective form of a certain noun, what kind of reference book would I use? Dictionaries and thesauruses don’t seem to cut it.
I don’t think there is a word that holds to your “theory” analogy very closely. Could you construct a sentence with the desired word (written as a blank) used in context?
Yeah, I don’t know if an adjectival form exists for “data.” For what it’s worth, “factual” is what occurs to me for your analogy.
Example: “Instead of relying on blind conjecture, we should perform a data-driven analysis.” Is there a less clunky term that can replace “data-driven”?
Cut out the unnecessary driven and say:
“Instead of relying on blind conjecture, we should base our actions on data analysis.”
Even throw in rigorous or careful or thorough as meets the case.
“Empirical”?
factual? measurable?
Although empirical seems better.
How about the sentence:
“Although X research was supported by theoretical evidence, what was needed was more <blank>”
empirical evidence, seems good in the above sentence.
In this context, “evidential” might be what you are looking for if what you want to convey is that what is being suggested is supported by data as opposed to speculation.
Instead of relying on blind conjecture, we should perform a data analysis.
What’s wrong with this normal usage?