Since you ask...I think making up data is worse, because it is a more devious deception that takes more effort to debunk. If you don't even offer data, I can quickly dismiss your claim. If you made the data up, especially if you have some reputation, I am more likely to assume you are right and it will take me longer to find out you are …
Since you ask...I think making up data is worse, because it is a more devious deception that takes more effort to debunk. If you don't even offer data, I can quickly dismiss your claim. If you made the data up, especially if you have some reputation, I am more likely to assume you are right and it will take me longer to find out you are not. Though more important is your next point, namely that these claims should not be given so much attention in the first place, and I totally agree. On behavioral economics I think the problem is we are always looking for easy fixes, hence the fascination that very simple tricks will suffice to 'nudge' people towards massively beneficial changes. Great post, and your solution is spot on.
Since you ask...I think making up data is worse, because it is a more devious deception that takes more effort to debunk. If you don't even offer data, I can quickly dismiss your claim. If you made the data up, especially if you have some reputation, I am more likely to assume you are right and it will take me longer to find out you are not. Though more important is your next point, namely that these claims should not be given so much attention in the first place, and I totally agree. On behavioral economics I think the problem is we are always looking for easy fixes, hence the fascination that very simple tricks will suffice to 'nudge' people towards massively beneficial changes. Great post, and your solution is spot on.