Subscribe now

Comment and Mind

How even the greatest scientists can fall for cognitive bias

Why did entire communities of scientists reject groundbreaking theories, even those backed by sound evidence? It's a question of bias, says Dan Levitt

By Dan Levitt

2 August 2023

New Scientist Default Image

Michelle D’urbano

A HUNDRED years ago, scientists were sure of many truths. The greatest experts were certain that the universe had always existed and was always the size it is now. Most biologists were sure that proteins, not DNA, were responsible for heredity. Biochemists believed that, outside the nucleus, the interior of a human cell contained little more than busy enzymes – a “biochemical bog” that carried out all the reactions that are essential to life. These sureties were all wrong. Yet scientists reacted to challenges to their accepted truths with dismissal and scepticism.

I began to see how common this knee-jerk reaction…

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 28th October 2023.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account