It is an unfortunate fact that when scientific data does not seem to mesh with scientific theory; it is often withheld from publications or qualified in the footnotes. As long as the data is being withheld because of uncertainty, this is reasonable, but only if there is an effort underway to verify whether or not the data can be better qualified.

If data is withheld because it may throw doubt upon prevailing theories and sparkle the eyes of unconventional theorists, then it is just bad science. We have an obligation to report our failures as well as our successes. Throwing out data that does not agree with prevailing theories may 1) include the baby with the bathwater or 2) inspire more confidence in a prevailing theory than is reasonable; given the iffy nature of the data.

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jwj

It's ok not to know. We should try harder to find out.