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As a writer, you want to ensure that your readers will follow your arguments easily and find them convincing. To build sound arguments, you need to be aware of common errors (or fallacies) in logic and be careful to avoid them. There are many types of logical fallacies. In this article, we'll look at the use of biased or suppressed data.
In this error in logic, the writer draws conclusions using data from sources on only one side of the argument (biased data) or chooses data selectively, ignoring evidence that doesn't support the conclusion he or she wants (suppressed data).
Biased data:
More than 85% of people surveyed believe that the summer break for secondary school students is too short. Therefore, the academic year should be reduced to allow for a longer vacation.
The people surveyed were secondary school students. We can predict that most of them would prefer a longer vacation! Therefore, they represent only one side of the argument, and the sample is biased.
Suppressed data:
This new product has passed several tests. It meets safety standards and is ready to go on the market.
The argument sounds good on the surface—but in this case, the writer has focused on positive test results only and has ignored a small number of tests showing evidence of risks. The writer has therefore suppressed important data.
Remember to ask yourself whether all the facts from both sides of the argument have been fairly presented.
