Random search for data on ... off-chance is hardly…
![“Random search for data on ... off-chance is hardly scientific. A questionnaire on 'Intellectual Immoralities' was circulated by a well-known institution. 'Intellectual Immorality No. 4' read: 'Generalizing beyond one's data'. [Wilder Dwight] Bancroft asked whether it would not be more correct to…” quote by Hans Selye](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/6d4/hans-selye-17189_chance_random-search-for-data-on-off-chance-is_1318633.png)
“Random search for data on ... off-chance is hardly scientific. A questionnaire on 'Intellectual Immoralities' was circulated by a well-known institution. 'Intellectual Immorality No. 4' read: 'Generalizing beyond one's data'. [Wilder Dwight] Bancroft asked whether it would not be more correct to word question no. 4 'Not generalizing beyond one's data.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Random data searches are unreliable; better to limit conclusions to the data you actually have.
In simple terms: Avoid overgeneralizing from limited data.
Key Takeaway
Base conclusions strictly on observed evidence.
Themes
science
methodology
rigor
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
philosophical
scientific
When to use this quote
- experimental design
- data analysis
- peer review
Key Concepts
statistical inference
confirmation bias
research ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it acceptable to extrapolate?
- How do you balance caution with innovation?
A Different Perspective
Strict limits can stifle creative hypothesis generation.