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Scientific Bias: Overt and Covert

Imagine I promised a $1,000,000 prize to any group of scientists who could prove that 9/11 was caused by a controlled demolition.  When researchers proved what I asked them to prove: Would you take their assertions seriously?  Or would you say, "This is unreliable pay-for-play.  It's not even worthy of discussion."When incentives are overt, we can recognize the bias those incentives cause.  What of covert incentives?Does scientists - unlike the rest of us - seek infamy and disgrace?  Or fame and glory?  One way to win fame is to validate what others within your circle believe.  One way to gain disgrace is to challenge existing scientific norms - which is a pretentious way of saying that all of your colleagues are wrong!Think of it this way.  Imagine you're an atheist scientist who could prove that the theory of evolution works by a process of Intelligent Design...continue to full post

Full post as published by Crime & Federalism on April 14, 2009 (boomark / email).