# Do you have any pet theories that probably wouldn't hold up under scientific scrutiny? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 10, 2013, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-any-pet-theories-that-probably-wouldnt-hold-up-under-scientific-scrutiny/670893 "2013-10-10T17:50:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2013, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-any-pet-theories-that-probably-wouldnt-hold-up-under-scientific-scrutiny/670893/81 "2013-10-12T19:56:28Z")
> [@mandala](#): > > I swear that on many occasions, I have turned to look at someone who was looking/staring at me, without any visual or auditory cue that the said person was looking at me. I think when they gaze at you, the eyes of humans and animals somehow register on your consciousness, and you instincively turn in that direction. I am conducting field experiments on this phenomenon while out driving, especially on the Interstate. Much fun ensues. ---
**Author:** ![Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/f04885/32.png) [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2013, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-any-pet-theories-that-probably-wouldnt-hold-up-under-scientific-scrutiny/670893/82 "2013-10-12T21:41:18Z")
That Mormons are more attractive than the average population due to eugenical effects arising from their earlier practice of polygamy. ---
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2013, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-any-pet-theories-that-probably-wouldnt-hold-up-under-scientific-scrutiny/670893/83 "2013-10-12T22:30:36Z")
> [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](#): > > That Mormons are more attractive than the average population due to eugenical effects arising from their earlier practice of polygamy. How would this improve the quality? The system was set up to reward the men at the top of the totem pole with multiple wives; and provided they were high status in the church, the men could be troll-ugly and the women had no choice in the matter. ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2013, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-any-pet-theories-that-probably-wouldnt-hold-up-under-scientific-scrutiny/670893/84 "2013-10-12T22:38:43Z")
People that tend to belly laugh have below average intelligence and a crudely developed sense of humor. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2013, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-any-pet-theories-that-probably-wouldnt-hold-up-under-scientific-scrutiny/670893/85 "2013-10-12T22:41:19Z")
The Internet is allowing unintended, excessive and all too easy access for an historically underachieving, ignorant and ill-educated underclass of dipshits, fuckwits, and jerks to promote dangerous and irresponsible ideas and opinions to the greater detriment of society as a whole. Long-in-coming successes for equality, tolerance and acceptance are being seriously eroded at a dizzying pace, and perhaps irreparably damaged, because the greater populations are easily swayed by distortions and lies feeding their own unfounded fears and self-doubt. There may always be haves and have-nots in any society, yet the barrier between these two groups has been permeable, to the greater benefit of society and the individual. However, the Internet is now allowing the never-will-bes to negatively influence society on par with the greater successes of individuals and society as a whole. ---
**Author:** ![Lightlystarched](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/eb8c5e/32.png) [@Lightlystarched](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightlystarched)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2013, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-any-pet-theories-that-probably-wouldnt-hold-up-under-scientific-scrutiny/670893/86 "2013-10-13T19:24:52Z")
I’ve posted this before but I think its possible that some brain disorders are worsened by a lack of saturated fat. Things like depression and ADD. I work in a school district. I’ve noticed a correlation between school attendance/performance/socioeconomic level. In order to encourage school attendance, tax deductions for school-age dependents should be linked to school attendance. Have more than 10% unexcused absences? Lose a portion of your dependent exemption. ---
**Author:** ![you\_with\_the\_face](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/ecccb3/32.png) [@you\_with\_the\_face](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/you_with_the_face)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2013, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-any-pet-theories-that-probably-wouldnt-hold-up-under-scientific-scrutiny/670893/87 "2013-10-13T19:49:27Z")
The persuasiveness of certain technologies (smart phones, internet, cable TV) is making our attention spans so short that we can no longer count on the younger generations to produce legendary writers, composers, musical geniuses, and inventors. Success in these endeavors requires hours of concentration and practice. There are too many distractions out there. ---
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2013, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-any-pet-theories-that-probably-wouldnt-hold-up-under-scientific-scrutiny/670893/88 "2013-10-13T21:10:29Z")
> [@you\_with\_the\_face](#): > > The persuasiveness of certain technologies (smart phones, internet, cable TV) is making our attention spans so short that we can no longer count on the younger generations to produce legendary writers, composers, musical geniuses, and inventors. Success in these endeavors requires hours of concentration and practice. There are too many distractions out there. Did you mean pervasiveness? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-any-pet-theories-that-probably-wouldnt-hold-up-under-scientific-scrutiny/670893.md?page=4)