Abstract:
From the Proceedings of the 49th Convention of the American Datatician Society Meeting, Akron Hilton, Akron, Ohio. November 1994.
Excerpt from author’s remarks, Professor Bingham S. Tewksbury:
“We of the ADS are pleased to announce that the mystery of where lost socks go has been quantitatively pinpointed subsequent to a lengthy and rigorous double-blind study…. We believe that the results, shown in the accompanying [table], contain no surprises, and in fact conform quite closely to what is called ‘common sense.'”
Table
Lost Socks: Where Do They Go?
| Percentage Lost | Explanation |
| 26% | Left in Washer |
| 25% | Left in Dryer |
| 21% | Dropped to/from Laundry |
| 14% | Stuck, through static, to corner of fitted sheet or article of clothing |
| 13% | One sock thrown out because other is “missing” |
| 100% | Total |
Note: Margin of error plus or minus 4 percentage points.
Source: ADS *
Link to original story: http://www.planetmag.com/pm4/lostsoks.htm
About the Author: Andrew G. McCann is not missing any socks, but he does have an extra one.
(c) 1994-2004 by Andrew G. McCann andy@planetmag.com
PLANET MAGAZINE 
I know when your back is turned they can just get up and crawl away. I have no proof though.