Normative and causal science

  From my point of view, when contemplating on which scientific approach, normative or causal, to embrace in order to do research the answer would be a combination of both. A great idea or a great explanation to one, may be intriguing but has no substantial meaning without the appropriate accommodating data. On the other hand, even the most fascinating data or observation has no value without a proper explanation or a great idea/theory to back it up. To sum up, from my perspective, science should be a well balanced combination of both working in and working out, in order to achieve the best and more convincing outcome.