DATA: Real world observations that are used to test or verify hypotheses. This is the key to the process of acquiring knowledge about the world using the scientific method. While theoretical speculation might indicate what we "think" the world is like, we don't know for sure until we compare our hypothesized view with the real world itself. Data is what adds empirical to empirical economic analysis. See also | scientific method | verification | hypothesis | principle | empirical | economic analysis | variable | price | quantity | unemployment rate | money | gross domestic product | Federal Reserve System | Bureau of Labor Statistics | Bureau of Economic Analysis | National Income and Product Accounts |
