Things to avoid in handling data Cooking the data Retaining only those points that fit the theory and discarding others Trimming the data Smoothing of irregularities to make the data look extremely accurate and precise Forging data Should be patently clear that it is unacceptable to“ invent“data Yet it has happened How or when might this occur? all data is“ real data Seek to explain outlying data points-it might be an important discovery If you don't use a data point, explain whyThings to avoid in handling data • Cooking the data – Retaining only those points that fit the theory and discarding others • Trimming the data – Smoothing of irregularities to make the data look extremely accurate and precise • Forging data – Should be patently clear that it is unacceptable to “invent “data – Yet it has happened! How or when might this occur? • All data is “real data” – Seek to explain outlying data points - it might be an important discovery – If you don’t use a data point, explain why