Of all the book's references, a full 27 percent precede 1900. Another 44 percent fall between 1900 and 1950 (60 percent of those are before 1925); and only 29 percent are more recent than 1950. From the total literature spanning more than a century, the few 'bad apples' have been hand-picked most aptly to serve Gould's purpose.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The book's references are mostly old, and bad examples are chosen to fit a purpose. Gould points out this selective bias in the data.
- In plain terms
- The book uses old sources and picks bad examples on purpose.
- What can you take from it?
- Check reference sources for bias.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Are citations representative?
- Why use old sources?
Another view
It assumes intent where there might be oversight.
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