The most rigorous exercise in objective observation is often a feeble defense against the desire for a specific result. The laboratory’s expectation of what it will see, and its formation of the information it records, is repeatedly...
Self-deception is a problem of overwhelming importance in science. The most rigorous exercise in objective observation is often a feeble defense against the desire for a specific result. The laboratory’s expectation of what it will see, and its formation of the information it records, is repeatedly detrimental to that objectivity. This unconscious formation of results can occur in many subtle ways.
Anticipation leads to self-deception and self-deception leads to susceptibility to misinformation by others. The great scientific hoaxes – such as the Beringer incident and the Piltdown man discussed in this chapter – show the utmost naivety that some scientists may be led to believe. In fact, professional magicians believe that deceiving scientists is easier than deceiving other people because of their confidence in their objectivity.
More about the book:
https://www.braheen.com/publications/خونة-الحقيقة-الغش-والخداع-في-قاعات-العلم
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