Definitely. A similar example: at one point studies started coming out that showed the best performing schools were small. Cue a lot of noise on how small schools are better, if you want your kids to be successful, send them to a small school, etc. I think these findings even showed up in government reports/recommendations.
Problem is, the worst performing schools were also small. Almost all of the effect could be explained by higher variance.
Unfortunately I don't remember where where I read about this, wish I could provide sources.
EDIT: found it. It wasnt government, it was the Gates foundation, who spent billions into supporting smaller schools.