What term refers to using hard evidence to support a theory?

The term that refers to using hard evidence to support a theory is objective. In scientific inquiry, objectivity is crucial as it relies on observable, measurable, and verifiable data rather than personal feelings, interpretations, or biases. Objective evidence can be systematically tested and validated, lending credibility to scientific theories.

Subjective information is based on personal opinions and interpretations, which do not provide the same level of reliability in scientific context. Creative thinking, while valuable in generating hypotheses and exploring new ideas, does not specifically pertain to the use of hard evidence for supporting theories. Theoretical aspects represent ideas that have yet to be substantiated with evidence. However, using objective evidence solidifies the validity of a scientific theory by grounding it in reality and factual data.