IN THE CONTEXT of scientific research and expert testimony, “cherry picking” refers to using evidences that support a particular theory or viewpoint, while avoiding those that undermine it. The notion is derived from a common practice by farmers. When cherry farmers pick their cherries for selling in the market, they pick the most robust and best looking cherries while avoiding those that are deformed, damaged, or partly eaten by insects. By looking at those best cherries, an observer may incorrectly conclude that most or all cherries are such good and well-formed, when the truth of the matter is that these do not represent all cherries and there are many bad cherries also.
Similarly, there is cherry picking in the scientific world also, particularly when a research is linked to special interest groups, to drive conclusions in a specific direction. Here is a good definition of it:
“Cherry picking, also referred to as suppressing evidence, or the fallacy of incomplete evidence, is the act of pointing to individual cases or data that seems to confirm a particular position, while ignoring a significant portion of related cases or data that may contradict that position. It is a fallacy of selective attention, the most common example of which is confirmation bias.”
Below is an excellent video by Prof. Magda Havas, a pre-eminent authority on the harmful effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) on health that explains cherry picking and sighting of “black swan” in scientific research, while summarizing how the wireless industry resorts to cherry picking and downplay the harmful effects of EMR. If you are interested in obtaining an objective understanding on the effects of EMF/EMR, then it is highly recommended that you watch this 10-minute video.
Cherry Picking in Private Life
Sometimes, we may engage in cherry picking intentionally or unintentionally.
Truth on any matter is not the monopoly of any one person or group, for the truth stands independently on its own. “Truth stands out clear from error”, says the scripture (Qur’an 2:1). We are further told, “Do not mix truth with falsehood, nor hide the truth when you know it” (Qur’an 2:42).
We should all be for the truth, and not afraid of it. Truth leads to goodness in health, well-being, and everything else in life – for both the individual and the society.
I am a certified Building Biology Consultant and a certified Electromagnetic Radiation Specialist. To schedule an EMF assessment in your home or office, please click here or contact me at (301) 653-0056.