What would you recommend I use to evaluate the topic if not research studies?
I'm especially amused by the fact that you tried to deploy this clever switcheroo after having your source shot down, and without acknowledging that fact.
My advice is: just give up on the argument. People are people.
That, along with your characterization of my response as a "rhetorical strategy", makes it quite clear you don't have any interest in engaging in the topic critically.
To anyone reading, I encourage you to open the study, Ctrl-F for tptacek's "7%". Confirm for yourself whether or not he's being honest, and consider what that implies about our respective positions.
A total of 1345 people received emails.
The questions about ethnic differences were answered by 71 respondents.
The actual rate was 5%.
I regret the error.
The abstract itself cites the low response rate. It's a stated problem with the survey. How are you not familiar with the document you brought to the debate?