Observational Bias: the History of Human Understanding of the Structure

question 43

Essay

Observational Bias: The history of human understanding of the structure of the Milky Way starts with the bias that humans use visible light to see. Imagine you were a creature on another planet in the disk of the Milky Way who used radio waves to "see" the universe. What would have been your starting point for the structure of the Milky Way? What components would you have found easier to detect? What components would have been harder?

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Definitions:

Overcharging

The act of asking for a price that is higher than what is fair or reasonable.

Inquisitorial System

A legal system where the court or a part of the court is actively involved in investigating the facts of the case, as opposed to an adversarial system where cases are presented by opposing parties.

Adversarial System

A legal system where two opposing parties present their arguments and evidence in court, and a neutral third party (judge or jury) adjudicates.

Concerned

Reflects a state of being worried, anxious, or interested about something.