Background knowledge Quote by Norwood Russell Hanson
“The theory, hypothesis, framework, or background knowledge held by an investigator can strongly influence what is observed.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Patterns of Discovery, Thomas S. Kuhn, 1962
Researcher's expectations shape observations, biasing data interpretation.
In simple terms: Expectations affect what we see.
Key Takeaway
Check and challenge your assumptions.
Themes
science
perception
bias
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- laboratory research
- field studies
- data analysis
- clinical trials
Key Concepts
epistemology
observer effect
Questions to Reflect On
- How do your beliefs shape your findings?
- What steps can you take to reduce observer bias?
A Different Perspective
Bias can be mitigated with blind methods.
