Bonus: Pheromones with commentary

About this episode

The episode revisits the debut discussion on pheromones and their implications in dating, with added commentary and critical analysis of related scientific studies.

While we’re on a short break between seasons, we’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes from Season 1. This week, we’re re-releasing our debut episode on pheromones and sexy sweat, with some added commentary up front.. Sweaty t-shirt dating parties, sex pheromone dating sites, choosing your dating partner by sniffing them up — wacko fringe fads or evidence-based mating strategies? And what does your armpit stain have to do with your kids’ immune systems, or hormonal contraceptive pills, or divorce rates? In this episode, we reach back into the 1990s and revisit the scientific paper that started it all: The Sweaty T-Shirt Study. They bring a sharp eye and open mind, critically examining the study and following the line of research to today. Along the way, they encounter interesting statistical topics – including correlated observations, within-person study design, and bar chart blasphemy – with a short, surprising detour into Neanderthal sex. Statistical topics Bar charts Correlated observations Cherry-picking Data and methodological transparency Multiple testing Post-hoc analyses Unit of observation / unit of anaysis Within-person study design Methodological morals “Repeat…

People in this episode

Hosts: Regina Nuzzo, Kristin Sainani

Topics covered

• pheromones
• dating strategies
• scientific research
• statistical analysis
• methodological transparency
• Neanderthal sex

Keywords

• pheromones
• sweaty t-shirt study
• dating
• statistical topics
• methodology
• correlated observations
• bar charts

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Los Angeles Times, Yahoo!life

Books & works: The Sweaty T-Shirt Study

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