So it doesn't sound like abuse, more like strict parenting. There's very different schools of thought on this style of parenting. But (regardless of someone's position on it) it sounds like you're well past the phase where corporal punishment will do you any good. So I'll tell you a short story, then give you some advice...

My dad, used to spank me with a wooden spoon when I really misbehaved, my grandpa used the belt when I was being a real shithead, and my mom slapped me one time. However, once I got a bit older they'd discuss my poor behavior with me and explain to me what I had done wrong, why I need to do better, etc. They were/are all wonderful influences in my life and I respect them all greatly. I don't blame any of my issues on my parents, because I think that's unproductive and doesn't address the fact that, as an adult, I am the only one responsible for my actions.

So to offer you a solution... Sit down with them and tell them how you feel. Don't judge them or blame them (I wouldn't bring up these studies you mentioned right out of the gate, maybe as a last resort), simply tell them you don't think they should hit you, and explain you'd respect them more if they would discuss things with you, then you calmly listen to what they have to say. I think they'll listen to you if you're tactful enough, and they may respect you more for having this conversation. You're setting reasonable boundaries and that's a healthy thing to do. The flip side of this is, you're going to need to consistently act like a grown up. After you have this conversation you can't act like a petulant child when you're upset and things aren't going your way; by acting childish you will very likely cause yours and your parents relationship to revert to what it was before you set these boundaries.

Good luck!