Before another person emails me this article, yes I’ve seen it.

(CNN) — Political, religious and sexual behaviors may be reflections of intelligence, a new study finds.

Anyone who follows the blog should already know I’m highly skeptical about such stories and their purported findings (although I am confident they result in lots of traffic online at the url). I have not seen the primary source, but want to respond to the emails I’m receiving.

In short, the reason this troubles me very much is because–regardless of what the actual study says–the way it’s been written up as a ‘news‘ item is misleading (especially for those who don’t read past the headline). Of course many of the factors considered will show interesting correlations in a sample, but correlation does not equal causation. Each is extremely dependent on social mores, cultural norms, hormones, relationships, socieoeconomic status, and much, much, more. Still, I would be interested to see the data and read the methodology.

That said, I can’t help but wonder if this is a classic example of ‘The Science News Cycle‘.

On Tuesday I composed this letter to my blog BFF Isis, forwarding her a troubling inquiry that hit my inbox on Memorial Day:

Can I ask, from your perspective, what you think of this study suggesting that men are smarter than women? 

First, thanks to readers for so many terrific responses (I especially enjoyed this comment from Zen Faulkes). And today Sb’s resident Goddess has provided her take on Rushton’s so-called ‘study‘.  Here’s an excerpt:

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Dearest Isis,

Off the blogosphere we often discuss how much we enjoy emails from our readers– especially the letters written by young women pursuing science. They share stories, suggestions, and once in a while, questions appear on our blogs as we invite insight from across the internet.  That said, over the weekend, this troubling inquiry hit my inbox:

Hi Sheril,

I read with interest your article on ‘women and science’ in the Discover website. Can I ask, from your perspective, what you think of this study suggesting that men are smarter than women?  Because there are a lot of men who agreed with the study, and even some women. The truth is, while I don’t want to agree with it, I can’t help but think that men are smarter than women. Or at least, made much advances in the field of science than women. Yes, women have been kept at a disadvantage for so long, but I wonder if men also push themselves more? Maybe they want it more? I really hate feeling this way, but deep down, I kind of believe that it may be true. Have you ever heard of Camile Paguila, btw? She’s a ‘feminist’ but believes that, since most of the inventions we have in the modern world are created by men, if it were left up to women, we’d be living in grass huts.

I know that the study is old, but if you could offer your perspective, that would be great.

Thank you

Sigh… You can imagine my reaction.  And sure, I can wax poetic on the myriad of ways that social norms, cultural mores, expectations, and more have contributed to a history dominated by XY scientists–and point out exceptions. I might discuss in detail so many of the accomplishments of women from ancient history to the present–you know I’d have a field day with the ‘grass huts’ part–and go on seriously about the STEM skills of modern girls.  Perhaps even allude to present graduation rates and the fundamental changes necessary if we ever aim to achieve equal numbers in academia.  There’s so much to say…

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