To be clear from the outset, I'm not advocating spanking. I personally oppose any cookie-cutter approach to discipline, given how diverse children appear to be with regards to temperament and responsiveness to disciplinary strategies. I just want to draw attention to the contradiction between the title of this article and its last paragraph:
"They cautioned that the study was cross-sectional, which precludes drawing any causal inferences."
This is a perfect illustration of how the media can misrepresent (knowingly or otherwise) scientific research.
