Tuesday, May 25, 2010

The Molina Corollary

Hypothetical: You're a psychologist and you're preparing to embark upon an extensive study of behavioral patterns involving siblings. Where do you focus your research? For a pair of scientists published in the current issue of Personality and Social Psychology Review, the answer is Major League Baseball.

Frank J. Sulloway, PhD and Richard Zweigenhaft (yes, those guys again) have just released the findings of their investigation into the relationship between birth order and participation in high-risk activities, and they've done so after the thorough examination of the statistics of 700 baseball-playing brothers at the game's highest level. Naturally, there were a number of variables to be taken into account involving the different subjects, but one statistical finding is clear and remarkable: For more than 90(!) percent of sibling pairs, the laterborn attempted to steal a base more often than his older brother.

Owners of fantasy baseball teams, hear the call of this exciting new area of statistical research.

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Quote of the day: David Letterman, several minutes ago, remarking on the 18th anniversary of the day Jay Leno (first) took over "The Tonight Show": "I think we all remember where we were when we heard about the attack."

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