Cherry-Picked Data [Neurosurgery Wiki]

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====== Cherry-Picked Data ======

**Cherry-picked data** refers to the selective inclusion of data points or studies that **support a specific conclusion**, while **omitting** those that do not.

===== 📌 Key Characteristics =====

  * Selective use of favorable results
  * Ignoring contradictory evidence
  * Creates a distorted or misleading conclusion
  * Can be intentional or unconscious

===== ⚠️ Why It Matters =====

  * Undermines scientific credibility
  * Misleads clinical decisions and public opinion
  * Common in promotional or biased publications
  * Violates principles of evidence-based practice

===== 🧠 Examples =====

^ Context         ^ Cherry-Picking Behavior                                  ^
| Clinical trials | Reporting positive outcomes but omitting adverse events |
| Reviews         | Excluding neutral or negative studies from analysis     |
| Device reports  | Showing only best-case imaging or outcomes              |
| Editorials      | Referencing only supporting literature                  |

===== ✅ Best Practice =====

  * Always present **comprehensive data**, including limitations.
  * Acknowledge **conflicting findings** in discussion sections.
  * Avoid overinterpreting selectively favorable evidence.