It doesn’t even have to be that the government is looking for a particular result.
A scientist could slant his results so as to get another grant to continue the research. Basically, steering science so he can continue to receive grants.
Scientist on grant panel: Well the results in rats suggest that PCBs promote cancer growth but it is not definitive. The results should be confirmed with a study in dogs.
Panel chair: Without any dissenting voices heard the grant will be continued for fiscal year 2018
I thought that Pavlov had already done this experiment? Or is it more B F Skinner and his box?
The old ‘Further Study” gambit.
That would not happen if the researcher’s results said “I find no evidence of anthropogenic induced climate change, but I recommend a follow-on study for further investigation.”
The government would immediately redirect that money to the researcher who reported “Man is destroying the planet. I recommend further research.”