Cherry picking
Cherry picking is a logical fallacy where someone selectively chooses evidence or data to support their argument, while ignoring other relevant information that may contradict it. This tactic is often used to bolster weak arguments or to manipulate facts in order to deceive or mislead others.
For example, a politician may cherry pick statistics that show a decrease in crime rates in their district, while ignoring data that indicates a rise in poverty levels. By only presenting one side of the story, they are able to create a false impression of success and competence.
Cherry picking can also occur in scientific research, where researchers may selectively report positive results from a study while omitting negative findings. This can lead to biased conclusions and inaccurate representations of the data.
It is important to be aware of cherry picking and to critically evaluate the evidence presented in arguments or research. By considering all available information and weighing the evidence objectively, we can avoid being misled by deceptive tactics.
For more information on cherry picking, you can visit Wikipedia.