Cherry Picking

Definition

Cherry picking is the act of selectively choosing data or information that supports one's desired conclusion, while ignoring or discounting data that does not. It is a logical fallacy that can lead to biased and inaccurate conclusions, particularly in the context of imperfect information and asymmetric information.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cherry picking can occur in various contexts, including scientific research, policy debates, and personal decision-making.
2. It is often used to support a particular argument or position, even if the overall evidence does not fully justify that conclusion.
3. Cherry picking can lead to the misrepresentation of data, the creation of false narratives, and the perpetuation of misinformation.
4. In the context of imperfect information, cherry picking can be particularly problematic as it can exacerbate the challenges of making informed decisions.
5. Asymmetric information, where one party has more or better information than the other, can also contribute to cherry picking and the potential for exploitation.

Review Questions

• Explain how cherry picking can lead to biased and inaccurate conclusions in the context of imperfect information.
  • In situations where information is imperfect or incomplete, cherry picking can lead to biased and inaccurate conclusions. By selectively choosing data that supports a desired outcome while ignoring contradictory information, individuals or organizations can create a distorted representation of reality. This can be particularly problematic when making decisions or formulating policies, as it fails to consider the full range of available evidence and can result in suboptimal or even harmful outcomes.
• Describe the relationship between cherry picking and asymmetric information, and how this can contribute to unfair outcomes.
  • Asymmetric information, where one party has more or better information than the other, can create an environment conducive to cherry picking. The party with the informational advantage may selectively choose to disclose or emphasize data that supports their position, while concealing or downplaying information that is unfavorable. This can lead to an imbalance of power and potentially unfair outcomes, as the less informed party may be unable to make fully informed decisions or effectively challenge the claims of the more informed party.
• Evaluate the ethical implications of cherry picking and its potential consequences for decision-making and policymaking.
  • Cherry picking, as a form of selective information use, raises significant ethical concerns. By intentionally ignoring or discounting relevant data that does not align with a desired conclusion, cherry picking can undermine the integrity of decision-making and policymaking processes. This can have far-reaching consequences, as decisions or policies based on cherry-picked information may fail to address the full scope of a problem or may even lead to unintended and harmful outcomes. From an ethical standpoint, cherry picking violates principles of transparency, objectivity, and accountability, and can erode public trust in institutions and decision-makers. Addressing the ethical implications of cherry picking is crucial for ensuring fair and informed decision-making that serves the best interests of all stakeholders.

Related terms

Confirmation Bias: The tendency to search for, interpret, focus on, and remember information that confirms one's preexisting beliefs or hypotheses, while ignoring or discounting information that contradicts those beliefs.

Selective Perception: The tendency for individuals to notice and focus on certain information while ignoring other information, often based on their own beliefs, experiences, or expectations.

Asymmetric Information: A situation in which one party in a transaction has more or better information than the other, which can lead to an imbalance of power and potentially unfair outcomes.