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Professor Brown: 'Since this slide was made,' he opined…

“Professor Brown: 'Since this slide was made,' he opined, 'My students have re-examined the errant points and I am happy to report that all fall close to the [straight] line.' Questioner: 'Professor Brown, I am delighted that the points which fell off the line proved, on reinvestigation, to be in…” quote by Herbert C. Brown
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“Professor Brown: 'Since this slide was made,' he opined, 'My students have re-examined the errant points and I am happy to report that all fall close to the [straight] line.' Questioner: 'Professor Brown, I am delighted that the points which fell off the line proved, on reinvestigation, to be in compliance. I wonder, however, if you have had your students reinvestigate all these points that previously fell on the line to find out how many no longer do so?'”

Herbert C. Brown

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Illustrates how data points can appear to conform after re‑examination, highlighting confirmation bias in scientific analysis

In simple terms: Re‑examining data can change perceived accuracy

Key Takeaway

Beware of bias when interpreting results

Themes

science education critical thinking

Mood

analytical instructive

Type

educational scientific

When to use this quote

  • lab research
  • peer review
  • academic seminars

Key Concepts

confirmation bias data interpretation scientific method

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you ensure data integrity?
  • What safeguards prevent bias in analysis?
A Different Perspective

Over‑reliance on re‑analysis may hide original errors

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