There is no No Evidence

https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/rYRAQGxky2MLEqsGd/there-is-no-no-evidence

by yegortk • 3 years ago

5 2 3 years ago

lesswrong.com

gregjor• 3 years ago

#malignant-singularity please start here

NoPie• 3 years ago

I understand how public can misunderstand this phrase but scientifically it is clear and justified.

I looking at that page and sometimes “no evidence” means that we haven't found the evidence yet. Some people are desperate and want all the studies done immediately. They evaluate the risk if the theory is real or not.

But for scientists the desire to reach certain outcome is actually counterproductive as it can introduce bias.

1) We had no evidence of covid being airborne and then we found this evidence.

2) We had no evidence that masks help and then we found no evidence.

Two different theories, two different outcomes.

The reporters could write better for lay public explaining that “no evidence” means that currently we don't have evidence but could be found later or that “no evidence” is actually that we have a lot of evidence that is indicating in some other direction and the chances of new evidence that rejects those findings are smaller but still could happen.

There is no No Evidence

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