Letters to the Editor
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think again
Thanks to readers for some needed balance here.
1. This was a highly selected sample with unknown selection bias. It is clearly not generalizable.
2. The subjects carried digital recorders and knew their vocalizations were being recorded.
3. Features of verbal communication like number of words used or literal meaning of those words are a small fraction of what comprises the behavior of communicating.
4. Lack of statistical significance is a function of sample size and often results from limited sample size. The larger the sample size, the more likely true differences will be detected.
In short, we are a safe distance from this particular stereotype expiring. But we appear to have some confirmation for another – science tends to elicit our phobias and insecurities around biological differences between men and women, with associated media frenzy.