Evidence That Parasite Prevalence Predicts Authoritarianism (2013)
This is junk. Possibly even a case study exemplar of spurious correlations. Take a small set of units (high false positive rate, inter alia). Take some vaguely relevant sounding metrics (entry point for p-hacking). Does a bunch of regressions.<p>Here&#x27;s the next paper from the group:<p>Distance from equator is predictive of authoritarianism. The more constant daily cycle causes a yearning for rigid routines, predisposing populations to authoritarian rule.<p>If you think I&#x27;m merely taking the piss, is it more or less plausible than the proposed causal mechanism here:<p>&quot;Because many disease-causing parasites are invisible, and their actions mysterious, disease control has historically depended substantially on adherence to ritualized behavioral practices that reduced infection risk [9].&quot;<p>Or maybe it&#x27;s because we&#x27;ve already seen the data our whole lives, know which countries are authoritarian and can select any variable which separates democracies from authoritarian countries and bang, you&#x27;ve got p &lt; 0.05.