observationalist
/ˌɒbzəˈveɪʃ(ə)nəlɪst/ /ˌɒbzəˈveɪʃn(ə)lɪst/ /ˌɒbzəˈveɪʃ(ə)nəlɪst/Chiefly Philosophy and Science
adjective
Adhering to observationalism; practising observational as opposed to theoretical work; (also, more generally) using observation as a principal method of working.
noun
A person who employs observation as a principal method of working (opposed to theoretician, theorist). Also ( Philosophy ): an adherent of observationalism.
Origin
1950s; earliest use found in Mind. From observational + -ist.