<p>I always have the same question in regard to statistical research. Who funded it, who conducted it and what their relationship to various organizations / agencies.
Statistics just like software, GIGO, you know what that means, correct? Example of some tree circles come to mind right away when I read about any study. The studies that I trust are hisotrical data collected preferrably over few centuries / thousands of years. Shorter period might be OK in some cases but might not be true in others.
It is very hard for me to trust any as I constantly operate under GIGO assumption, I have to, it is my job.</p>