Topics Science

Question Does science have its own built in "selection bias" toward things that are measurable or relatively more measurable?

Accepted:
May 18, 2011

Comments

Since the Scientific Revolution, scientists have valued the combination of natural science and mathematics. Quantification (measurement) is valued in part because it contributes to precision in making predictions or interventions. The more precise a prediction that is made, the more confirmed a theory is if it the prediction is verified. That said, sometimes the preference for using numbers is valued in itself, or for the aesthetic pleasure it provides some people. And I think you are right to suggest that this may be a "bias" in that it may lead to devaluing sciences that are not, and perhaps cannot be, quantitative.

Question Does science have its own built in "selection bias" toward things that are measurable or relatively more measurable? Accepted:May 18, 2011

Question Does science have its own built in "selection bias" toward things that are measurable or relatively more measurable?

Accepted:
May 18, 2011