Full Idea
A theorist may have designed his theory to fit the facts, but is it not equally possible for observers to be influenced by a theory in their report of experimental facts?
Gist of Idea
If a theory can be fudged, so can observations
Source
Eric R. Scerri (The Periodic Table [2007], 05 'Power')
Book Reference
Scerri,Eric R.: 'The Periodic Table' [OUP 2007], p.150
A Reaction
This is in reply to Lipton's claim that prediction is better than accommodation because of the 'fudging' problem. The reply is that you might fudge to achieve a prediction. If it was correct, that wouldn't avoid the charge of fudging.
Related Idea
Idea 16857 Predictions are best for finding explanations, because mere accommodations can be fudged [Lipton]