A scientist working at an environmental agency is conducting an investigation of the possible effects of biofuel on the environment. Why is it important for the scientist to keep accurate notes about her investigation?

Question

anonymous · Answer

So that when she presents her conclusions we know she's not making stuff up.  I bet you think I'm kidding, but I'm not.  Human nature being what it is, fraud and shading the data and reporting only what you want to, and fitting your conclusions to your wishes for how things will turn out are common and dangerous problems, in science no less than in politics or business.  Only by insisting on the most rigorous standards of proof and record-keeping can we keep everything so unquestionably on the up-and-up that we can trust the outcomes.