I think they actually do know what they are doing, and therefore, their hypothesis is incorrect
They are perfectly following the scientific method:
Set up a hypothesis (I don't know what I am doing)
Formulate a contrary null hypothesis (I know what I am doing) and try to prove it (if I know what I am doing, I will be able to do science stuff)
Notice that your experiment actually proves your null hypothesis, thereby rejecting your original claim
Panic, as negative results can not be published, and a lack of publications threatens both the funding for your scientific career as well as your livelihood
Bend the data a little bit and throw any negative data because everybody is probably doing this
This was not about being scared and more of a social contract
They would not select judges on the end of a presidents turn, based on the trust that the other party wouldn't either
As soon as one party stops holding to this unwritten agreement (as Republicans did under Trump), there is little to no incentive for the other party to continue abiding to it
Rockcandy, the only candy that is good for you