What principle does empiricism emphasize?

Empiricism emphasizes that knowledge should be grounded in observable and measurable evidence. It is a fundamental principle in various fields, including criminal justice, emphasizing the importance of collecting and analyzing data to formulate conclusions and support theories. This approach relies on real-world observations and experiences, thus ensuring that findings are rooted in reality rather than speculation or assumptions.

In the context of the choices provided, the focus on data collection and analysis aligns closely with the goals of empirical research, which aims to produce reliable and valid conclusions based on evidence. This stands in contrast to the other options, which suggest alternative sources of knowledge, such as theory without evidence, intuition, or societal beliefs, which do not adhere to the rigorous standards set by empiricism.