While I agree that factual data points are necessary to test the hypothesis and reach a better conclusion, I disagree that one needs to memorize them. Facts are

While I agree that factual data points are necessary to test the hypothesis and reach a better conclusion, I disagree that one needs to memorize them. Facts are stored in databases and books. One can always look it up. Maybe a matter of minutes or hours. There is no point in memorizing a readily available fact that virtually has no effect on your life.