"Observational evidence" refers to information that is gathered by carefully observing and recording what is happening or what has happened. It is evidence based on real-world observations rather than assumptions or theories. Full definition
They are the primary observational evidence for Global Warming and the human nature of it. (skepticalscience.com)
«Best practice» in its usual meaning relies on observational evidence, not models or theories. (judithcurry.com)
The new findings are observational evidence supporting the idea that icy bodies are also present in other planetary systems, and have survived throughout the history of the star's evolution. (sciencedaily.com)