Rapid-growth and mobilization theories rest on selective illustrations, not robust evidence.

Evidence

Both arguments are backed by persuasive reasoning, as well as the usual selectively chosen, post hoc illustrations. However, the evidence once again is surprisingly inconclusive; in general, only illustrations are used, and illustrations can be found of almost anything that is not wholly absurd. — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 4340

Categorization

• SEED: The line ‘illustrations can be found of almost anything that is not wholly absurd’ is a reusable methodological knife: an essay on how post hoc example-selection masquerades as evidence in the social sciences.
• CANDY: The aphorism ‘illustrations can be found of almost anything that is not wholly absurd’ is a quotable one-liner.