the bias of science

Every time I read frantic behavioral science studies in the newspaper, I cringe.

I just finished reading an overview of a new study in the Week, where they talked about a study by the Rand Corporation of the effects of sexual music on teenagers.

"51 percent of those who listened to sexually provocative music started having sex within two years, versus 29% of those who listened to less provocative music".

This is supposed to prove that sexy music makes kids want to have sex, right?

Wrong.

Say that you're an avid subscriber to Guns and Ammo magazine. Did that magazine cause your interest in Guns and Ammo? Or did you purchase it because you already had an interest? Isn't it possible that people would listen to more sexually provocative music if they're already interested in sex, or more sexually active themselves?

That's like saying that people who buy condoms are more likely to have sex than those who buy laxatives. OH NO! CONDOMS MAKE PEOPLE HAVE SEX!

"Studies" like this make me so angry. This is useless pseudoscience at its worst. Pointing out coincidences isn't science. Nor is getting cause and effect backwards.