observational

[ ob-zur-vey-shuh-nl ]

adjective

of, relating to, or founded on observation, especially founded on observation rather than experiment.

Origin of observational

First recorded in 1825–35; observation + -al¹

And without a concrete way to measure the incidence of domestic violence, it is purely observational.
Another Hazy Week For Weed | Abby Haglage | September 1, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
When a scientific truth arises, it is so because of observational and experimental consensus.
The Curious Passions of Mr. Cosmos: Neil deGrasse Tyson On Space, Climate, and Why Curiosity Wins Every Time | Scott Bixby | June 8, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Why do you prefer a purely observational approach that immerses the viewer in the events on the Maidan without any commentary?
Inside ‘Maidan’: Sergei Loznitsa on His Ukrainian Uprising Doc and Putin’s ‘Fascist’ Regime | Richard Porton | May 24, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
This was followed by Kronick in 2009, the largest observational study ever done of insurance and mortality.
No, Really, It's Possible That Health Insurance May Not Make Us Healthier | Megan McArdle | May 7, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
I'm just saying that this possibility is within the bounds of what at least some solid observational studies have found.
Study: Giving People Government Health Insurance May Not Make them Any Healthier | Megan McArdle | May 1, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST

In twelve months observational astronomy had made such a bound as it has never made before or since.
Pioneers of Science | Oliver Lodge
Religion also has its observational work in the larger and possibly more arduous manner.
Evolution in Modern Thought | Ernst Haeckel
I assure you, Mr. Payne, our visit to Earth was intended purely for observational purposes!
The Observers | G. L. Vandenburg
Only in this way can the error of regarding geography as a purely observational natural science be corrected.
The Popular Science Monthly, June, 1900 | Various
During that period there came to the front the founder of accurate observational astronomy.
History of Astronomy | George Forbes

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