observational selection effect

An observational selection effect occurs when our ability to observe or detect phenomena depends on certain conditions, leading to biased or incomplete understanding. It happens because our observations are limited by our tools, methods, or vantage point. For instance, we might only notice bright stars because faint ones are harder to detect, or see planets only in certain orbits. This effect can cause us to overlook or underestimate aspects of reality, shaping our perceptions and theories based on what we can observe rather than the full picture. Recognizing this helps us account for potential biases in scientific study.