#### Bottom up writing prevents confirmation bias and provide a shorter and iterative feedback loop --- In linear research writing you: 1. pick a topic or question 2. then read literature 3. then write 4. **then review** This means also that your feedback loop (review) occurs after multiple stages of research where as with a [[Zettelkasten]] you have several smaller iterative feedback loops. Another issue with this approach is that you start with a topic and search for supporting literature around it as the first step instead of reading broadly (including resources that argue and contradict each other) and writing atomic smart notes that can be densely linked to facilitate the writing process last. Searching for the supporting literature can lead to a confirmation bias is you're only looking for literature to support your premise. Using a [[Zettelkasten]] as an external scaffolding of thought^[[[utilizing external scaffolding lessens the cognitive burden]]] makes the writing process less intimidating and provides more agile approach. For the [[Zettelkasten]] approach the feedback loops looks something like: * Read with a pen in hand: think about, and check understanding * Notes in slip box by writing in your own words also builds and solidifies understanding * New notes showing contradictions, repetition, and inconsistencies are an ever present gentle feedback loop that also improves the knowledge of the slip box itself With the [[Zettelkasten]] method the feedback loops are less about review a draft of a paper and more on reviewing the initial slip box notes themselves that inform the paper after the fact, so the feedback loops, review, and thought are all front loaded and then when it comes to writing you've already had the implementation of several small iterative feedback loops before reviewing a draft of a manuscript. --- Tags: [[Academia]] - [[Writing]] - [[Zettelkasten]] - [[Confirmation Bias]] - [[Note Taking]] Links: [[{ 2020-09-09 How To Take Smart Notes]] References: - [[humans naturally facilitate the creation of our own echo chambers]] - [[A good strategy to combat confirmation bias is to note and attempt to answer arguments critical of yours]]