Which type of evidence uses data to evaluate program outcomes?

• A. Empirical Evidence
• B. Testimonial Evidence
• C. External Evidence
• D. Internal Evidence

Answer: (A)

Empirical evidence uses data gathered through systematic observation and measurement to assess whether a program achieves its intended outcomes. When evaluating a policing or social program, you’d collect concrete metrics—such as crime rates, clearance or response times, resource usage, or survey results—and analyze them to see if there are improvements or changes that align with goals. This data-driven approach provides objective, reproducible findings about effectiveness, rather than relying on personal stories or opinions. While internal or external sources can provide the data, the essential feature is that conclusions come from observed, measurable phenomena. So the reason this is the best choice is that it directly ties outcomes to data you can test, compare, and track over time.