Errors in Human Inquiry

  • Inaccurate observation – Failing to observe things right in from of us or mistakenly observing things that really aren’t there.
  • Over- Generalization – Assuming that a few similar events are evidence of a general pattern.
  • Selective observation – Ignoring events or situations that don’t correspond to a preconceived generalization
  • Made up information – Thinking up ways to explain away the events that contradict generalizations.
  • Illogical reasoning – Reasoning away the observations that contradict accepted generalizations or conclusions.
  • Ego-Involvement – Avoiding further inquiry because disproof of a personal observation may tend to make one look unintelligent or untrustworthy.
  • Premature closure of inquiry – Discounting the process of inquiry and observation because of the errors detailed above.
  • Mystification – attributing supernatural or mystical causes to all situations that seem to lack an explanation.

Source: OC Research Handbook p. 5