Why are people compelled to use phrases like "studies show..." as evidence for things that are already common sense to most reasonably intelligent people?

I've been hearing this commercial a lot on the radio recently. It advocates getting children started on education as early as possible in life. Or something like that. I stopped paying attention when I realized how insultingly stupid it is.

Studies how that children who do well in high school are more likely to graduate from college.

<sarcasm>

No shit?

Well, damn! These radio commercial people sure are smart. I'd have never guessed that on my own.

</sarcasm>

I can only assume that their target audience are people without common sense, idiots, or both.

What I'd give for a radio with an intelligence knob on it.

Oh, well. It can't be any worse than television.

Posted by jzawodn at June 21, 2003 05:47 PM

Reader Comments
# Mahmood Al-Yousif said:

man don't get me started! I'm glad that this "phenomenon" is not restricted just to the Arab World, but am (un)glad to see that you suffer from it in the States too!

I've riled against these stupid adverts, television commercials that we are bombarded with in the Arab world for some time now and am starting a "disenfranchised advertising morons" with prizes at the end of the year to give away a cup for the "most stupid tvc", "negative creativity" and the like. I will personally go and give these prizes to the clients, agencies and directors of these spots!

Here's what I found out so far:
http://www.mahmood.tv/index.php/blog/19
and
http://www.mahmood.tv/index.php/news/21

regards
mahmood

on June 21, 2003 11:54 PM
# Will said:

May I suggest http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4 ?

Fantastic, in-depth reporting on politics, current affairs, science, and great drama, except for The Archers.

Will

on June 22, 2003 02:07 AM
# Adam Kalsey said:

Studies show that studies often achieve the results that those who running the study wish to achieve.

I recall hearing an early childhood development expert explaining that there is no evidence that starting children in school early is helpful. The expert was saying that kids who go to expensive private preschools and kindergartens don't do any better later-life accademics like high school and college.

So it's all a matter of what your agenda is.

on June 22, 2003 11:58 AM
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