Indeed, chance is with us wherever we go and whatever we do.

I would hope that the role of chance would be assumed in any properly
designed study. Confidence comes from using unbiased sampling techniques,
obtaining adequate sample sizes, and applying appropriate statistical
methods.

By the way, I don't agree that the use of the word "gender" should be
restricted to grammatical distinctions. Although some grammarians may have
put forth that view (e.g., one "R. Morris" at some time prior to 1913?), I
find such a restriction rather presumptuous in the light of its common usage
(as synonymous with "sex") in legal, medical, and other technical
documentation, not to mention the numerous dictionaries and thesauri that
define it as such.

Regards,

Alan Bowes
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***********************

David Haberstich wrote:

>  In analyzing sex distribution in museum directorships--gender being a
> grammatical term--don't forget to factor in the role of chance. Good
> luck.