What type of reasoning is described as being based on empiricism and grounded in observations and data?

The correct answer is a posteriori reasoning. This type of reasoning is based on empirical evidence, which means it relies on observations and data collected from the real world. In empirical contexts, conclusions are drawn from specific instances or observations and used to determine general principles or trends.

A posteriori reasoning typically involves an assessment of factual information gathered through sensory experiences or measurements, allowing for conclusions that are informed by actual evidence rather than theoretical constructs. This is essential in fields like criminal justice, where understanding patterns of crime or the effectiveness of policies must be grounded in documented data.

In contrast, a priori reasoning is based on theoretical assumptions or principles without the necessity of empirical evidence. Deductive reasoning starts with general premises to reach a specific conclusion, while inductive reasoning works from specific observations to form a general conclusion, but it does not necessarily emphasize empirical data in the same way as a posteriori reasoning does.