Predicting human behaviour

Statistical prediction of mass human behaviour was considered by Asimov in the Foundation Series. Now the BBC is reporting that researchers from Cardiff University have developed a formula that models negative mood during the year. They quantify several factors influencing mood and have determined that January 24th is the most miserable day of the year. Research from another UK university has fingered October 7th as the funniest day of the year. I don't think this kind of thing is complete nonsense. Several years ago, an group from Ohio, demonstrated that the stockmarket is influenced by the quantity of morning sunshine. Moreover, they concluded that incorporating a weather based investment strategy into stock management would result in a modest, but significant improvement in portfolio returns.

Another point of data was suggested to me during the PhD. I discovered that experiments frequently fail on Shabbat. On careful investigation it turned out that this effect was less due to divine retribution, that the absence of technical staff to keep equipment working properly ;-)