I agree that few studies are done using the right context and variables. However it is just as rare that my past experience applies directly to whatever variation life throws me next. Furthermore I am well aware of how easy it is to fool myself.
Therefore I like to seek an understanding that encompasses as broad a range of experience as possible. That means my experience, the experiences of friends, and studies.
I don't take the studies' claims as gospel, but if I disagree with what they concluced, I strongly prefer at least having an understanding of why they would have seen what they saw.
