Answers Quote by Ronald Fisher
“No aphorism is more frequently repeated in connection with field trials, than that we must ask Nature few questions, or, ideally, one question, at a time. The writer is convinced that this view is wholly mistaken. Nature, he suggests, will best respond to a logical and carefully thought out questionnaire; indeed, if we ask her a single question, she will often refuse to answer until some other topic has been discussed.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Statistical Methods and Experimental Design, 1935
Complex problems need multiple, carefully crafted questions rather than a single oversimplified query.
In simple terms: Ask many thoughtful questions.
Key Takeaway
Use detailed, logical questioning.
Themes
research
methodology
inquiry
Mood
analytical
curious
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- policy analysis
- product development
- clinical trials
- academic studies
Key Concepts
experimental design
questionnaire theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you break down a big problem into smaller questions?
- When might a single question be sufficient?
A Different Perspective
A single question can sometimes reveal hidden insights.
![“[In geology,] As in history, the material in hand remains silent if no questions are asked. The nature of these questions depends on the "school" to which the geologist belongs and on the objectivity of his investigations. Hans Cloos called this way of interrogation "the dialogue with the earth,"…” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8a7/anonymous-1_communication_in-geology-as-in-history-the-material-in_22470.jpg)
![“Libraries should be open to all - except the censor. [Response to questionnaire in Saturday Review, October 29 1960]” quote by John F. Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/61c/john-f-kennedy-246_1960s_libraries-should-be-open-to-all-except-t_1484628.jpg)
![“[Coining the phrase "test of significance"] Critical tests of this kind may be called tests of significance, and when such tests are available we may discover whether a second sample is or is not significantly different from the first.” quote by Ronald Fisher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ddb/ronald-fisher-14852_available_coining-the-phrase-test-of-significance_46951.jpg)
