Chance Quote by Hans Selye
![“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/quotes/img-quotes/6d4/hans-selye-17189_chance_random-search-for-data-on-off-chance-is_1318633.jpg)
“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
Source Article: Journal of Scientific Inquiry, 1975
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.
