Stephen Downes questions the validity of a recent podcasting study that found the benefit of using podcasting over attending lectures (iTunes University and the classroom: Can podcasts replace Profess...).

Downes questions whether any conclusions can be made in a research project with such a small sample size (64).  He asks, "Do sample size and representativeness no longer matter"?

I agree with his concern but the authors do note that further projects are required.  Isn't this part of the research process?  This is a starting not an end point.  The results of this study, however dubious, might be used to seek and justify funding for a larger research project.  One thing it has already accomplished is crucial to academia and that is debate.

Downes, S. (2009). Skip class, Do Better (http://www.downes.ca/cgi-bin/page.cgi?post=47867)