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- Here’s a dirty little science secret: If you measure a large number of things about a small number of people, you are almost guaranteed to get a “statistically significant” result. Our study included 18 different measurements—weight, cholesterol, sodium, blood protein levels, sleep quality, well-being, etc.—from 15 people. (One subject was dropped.) That study design is a recipe for false positives.
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- When reporters contacted me at all, they asked perfunctory questions. “Why do you think chocolate accelerates weight loss? Do you have any advice for our readers?” Almost no one asked how many subjects we tested, and no one reported that number.
I wish my friends obsessed with fad diets could read this article. I loved how the headlines were sprinkled throughout the page, just as a reminder that his hoax actually tricked people.
- Hopefully our little experiment will make reporters and readers alike more skeptical.
I wouldn't hold my breath.