hmmm, as someone who has taught statistics and research methods for years too I have to say, it isn't statisticians that do that (most statisticians are well aware of the limits of the methods they use as well as the principle of garbage in-->garbage out), it is the researchers who've had a single course or two in statistics (or less) and then go on to use them.

Statistics can be very illuminating if used in conjunction with good research method since good research methods and the scientific method in general are based on AVOIDING the confirmation bias (finding what you expected to find).

But maybe I'm not understanding the context in which you use that saying, Tom.