10 Hilariously Unnecessary Scientific Studies That Will Make You Question Everything
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Scientific research often leads to groundbreaking discoveries that shape the future of technology, medicine, and society.
However, not all studies have a profound impact. Some explore questions so peculiar and trivial that they leave us wondering what inspired them.
Below, we dive into 10 of the most absurd and unnecessary scientific studies that have graced the academic world.
These studies range from the absurdity of testing monkey typing to the shocking conclusion that chickens prefer attractive humans. Join us as we explore these strange, mind-boggling investigations.
The Infinite Monkey Theorem
Overview
The Infinite Monkey Theorem posits that if you provide a monkey with an infinite amount of time, it will eventually type out the works of Shakespeare.
This whimsical thought experiment demonstrates the concept of probability. However, in a bizarre attempt to test this theory, a group of researchers conducted a study with six monkeys and one typewriter.
Predictably, the monkeys did not produce Shakespearean masterpieces. Instead, they destroyed the typewriter, leaving behind a broken mess of keys covered in excrement.
Findings
While the monkeys failed to produce anything resembling Shakespeare’s work, they did demonstrate some basic understanding of cause and effect.
Their excited reactions to random letters appearing on the screen showed they understood the relationship between pressing keys and receiving results.
This experiment, while entertaining, did little to advance scientific knowledge and only highlighted the absurdity of testing such a theoretical concept in the real world.
San Francisco’s Excessive Sexual Activity
Overview
The Trojan US 2011 Sex Census made a bold claim: San Franciscans have more sexual partners than people from any other U.S. city, averaging a staggering 30 partners per person. This assertion, based on a survey of just 2,000 people, raises questions about the reliability and methodology behind such an expansive claim. In addition, the study was backed by Trojan, a condom manufacturer, casting doubt on its impartiality.
Findings
Despite its lack of statistical rigor, the study achieved its primary goal, drawing attention to Trojan’s brand. It failed to provide any meaningful insights into the sexual habits of Americans.
With such a small sample size, the results cannot be generalized, and the study’s focus seemed more about marketing than scientific inquiry.
The First Case of Homosexual Necrophilia in Mallards
Overview
In a shocking and highly peculiar study, Dutch scientist C.W. Moeliker documented the first case of homosexual necrophilia among mallard ducks.
Moeliker observed a male duck mounting a dead female duck that had collided with a window. This bizarre behavior was written up in a case study and published in a respected scientific journal.
Findings
Moeliker’s study, while technically groundbreaking, was entirely based on an unusual and isolated incident.
The study did not contribute to any meaningful understanding of animal behavior or provide new insights into the science of sexuality.
The study’s publication raised eyebrows, prompting questions about whether such odd occurrences should even be classified as scientific research.
Penguin Poop Pressure
Overview
In 2003, two scientists set out to determine the pressure at which penguins expel their feces.
This bizarre study led to detailed calculations of the force required for penguins to expel their excrement. The goal was to understand how penguins control the direction and pressure of their feces.
Findings
The scientists concluded that penguins excrete their feces at a pressure of about four times that of humans. Although this study contributed to knowledge of animal biology, it left many people questioning whether this type of research was truly necessary.
The study ended on a cliffhanger, leaving readers wondering whether penguins choose the direction of their poop based on the wind, a fascinating yet unnecessary question.
Bust Size and Hitchhiking
Overview
In 2007, Professor Nicolas Gueguen set out to test whether bust size influenced a woman’s likelihood of being picked up while hitchhiking.
By adjusting the bust size of a woman standing by the road, Gueguen tested the reactions of over 1,200 passing male motorists.
Findings
The study revealed that men were more likely to offer a ride to women with larger bust sizes, with a noticeable increase in offers when the woman wore a “C” cup.
While this study demonstrated some surprising patterns in human behavior, it ultimately raised ethical concerns about objectification and the social implications of using body image as a determining factor in an academic study.
The Physics of Sheep Dragging
Overview
A group of seven researchers conducted an in-depth study to determine the ideal surface for dragging sheep. This research was motivated by the fact that sheep shearers often experience back problems when dragging sheep, particularly on complex surfaces.
The researchers tested various surfaces to determine the most efficient way to drag a sheep while minimizing strain on the shearer’s back.
Findings
Surprisingly, the researchers concluded that a sloping surface made of wooden battens arranged in a specific way was ideal for dragging sheep.
While this may be useful information for sheep shearers, the study’s highly specific focus left many questioning its broader relevance. Regardless, it remains one of the most bizarre and seemingly unnecessary studies in recent history.
The Dark Triad
Overview
A study led by Nicholas Holtzman investigated the correlation between personality traits and physical attractiveness.
Researchers found that individuals displaying the “Dark Triad” of personality traits, Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy, tended to be rated more attractive when they dressed in an attention-grabbing manner.
Findings
The study demonstrated that people with dark personality traits tend to work harder on their appearance and may be perceived as more attractive as a result.
While this finding is intriguing, it is ultimately a trivial exploration of an obvious concept: bad boys may be more stylish, but they aren’t necessarily better partners.
Unethical Behavior and Greed
Overview
A study conducted by the National Academy of Sciences sought to explore whether wealthier individuals exhibited more unethical behavior.
Through a series of experiments, participants from different socioeconomic backgrounds were asked to engage in activities with moral ambiguity, such as cheating in a game or taking more candy than they should.
Findings
The study concluded that wealthier individuals were more likely to cheat and engage in unethical behaviors.
While the findings may be insightful, they seem to reinforce stereotypes about the rich, leading some to question the value of this research and its implications for broader societal issues.
Spontaneous Knotting of an Agitated String
Overview
In a study titled “Spontaneous Knotting of an Agitated String,” researchers examined the probability of a piece of string spontaneously forming knots when shaken in a box.
While the study employed detailed diagrams and graphs, it ultimately amounted to an unnecessary exploration of an already well-understood concept.
Findings
The study demonstrated that when a string is agitated, it is more likely to form knots.
While this may be useful in understanding the behavior of strings in certain contexts, the study had no discernible practical application and added little to the field of knot theory, which has far more pressing concerns.
Chickens and Their Preference for Beautiful Humans
Overview
A study conducted by researchers trained chickens to react to human faces. They tested whether chickens preferred “beautiful” human faces by having them peck at pictures of various faces displayed on a screen.
The results of this study suggested that chickens prefer attractive humans to less attractive ones.
Findings
Although this study is entertaining, it raises serious ethical questions about using animals in studies based on human aesthetics.
Additionally, the findings, while curious, do little to advance scientific understanding and seem more geared toward entertainment than education.
Conclusion
While these studies may not change the world, they offer a fascinating glimpse into the kinds of research that sometimes make headlines for all the wrong reasons.
From monkeys failing to type Shakespeare to chickens preferring attractive humans, these studies showcase the strange and humorous side of scientific inquiry.
Whether they serve a greater purpose or are simply the result of idle curiosity, they all remind us that not every scientific study leads to profound discoveries; sometimes, the most unnecessary research can be the most entertaining.
