Bias Quote by John Reader
““It is remarkable how often the first interpretations of new evidence have confirmed the preconceptions of its discoverers.””
About This Quote
Source Book: "The Nature of Scientific Discovery", 2005
New evidence often confirms existing beliefs, showing bias in interpretation.
In simple terms: Evidence can reinforce pre‑existing ideas.
Key Takeaway
Beware of confirmation bias.
Themes
science
bias
interpretation
knowledge
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
educational
cautionary
When to use this quote
- research design
- peer review
- data analysis
- policy making
Key Concepts
philosophy of science
cognitive bias
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you test your assumptions?
- What mechanisms guard against bias?
A Different Perspective
Bias can hinder breakthroughs.
![“In a manner which matches the fortuity, if not the consequence, of Archimedes' bath and Newton's apple, the [3.6 million year old] fossil footprints were eventually noticed one evening in September 1976 by the paleontologist Andrew Hill, who fell while avoiding a ball of elephant dung hurled at…” quote by John Reader](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8f1/john-reader-69848_andrew_in-a-manner-which-matches-the-fortuity-i_2220459.jpg)
