My whole lab is riding on this study showing something, and when I stare at the numbers I catch myself hoping a certain way. It would be so easy to lean on the reading that saves the grant. I haven't crossed the line, but I can feel how badly I want the result, and how that wanting bends what I see.
More people experience this than they realize.
The pressure to succeed tempts you to see what you want in your own results.
If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.