It is a logical fallacy and it happens when we choose and focus only on evidence that supports our views and arguments while ignoring anything that may contradict us.

Cherry picking

<ul><li>Intentional: people that use intentionally cherry picking in their arguments because doing so makes their arguments more persuasive.</li><li>Unintentional: driven by the flawed manner in which humans process information and make decisions.</li></ul>

Why we cherry-pick information

<ul><li>It fails to take into consideration all the available information</li><li>It presents information in a misleading way.</li><li>It might lead to improper analysis and might cause someone to paint a misleading picture of a certain outcome.</li></ul>

The problem with cherry picking

Also referred to as Bernoulli’s maxim, it states that, when assessing the probability that a certain hypothesis is true, we must take into account all the available information.

The principle of total evidence

<ul><li>Expose the fallacious reasoning: point out the fact that your opponent is ignoring crucial information which should be taken into account, and explain why this is a problem.</li><li>Bring omitted information into consideration: discuss the information which was omitted, and show how taking it into account changes the situation at hand.</li></ul>

How to respond to cherry picking

<ul><li>Ask yourself: “Is there any additional evidence or possible interpretations of existing evidence that I should be considering?”</li><li>Avoid forming a hypothesis too early on, before you’ve had a chance to look at all the available information.</li></ul>

How to avoid cherry picking

Cherry picking is a logical fallacy which occurs when someone focuses only on evidence which supports their stance, while ignoring evidence which contradicts it. For example, a person who engages in cherry picking might mention only a small number of studies out of all the studies which were published on a certain topic, in an attempt to make it look as if the scientific consensus matches their stance.

How to avoid cherry picking

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