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.