This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/sep/25/bad-moon-rising-is-there-a-link-between-lunar-phases-and

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Bad moon rising: is there a link between lunar phases and crime? Bad moon rising: is there a link between lunar phases and crime?
(4 months later)
It’s a full moon on 25 September.It’s a full moon on 25 September.
If past months have been anything to go by, this will be accompanied by a round of public chat about how this affects human behaviour – from claims of more hospital admissions and arrests to crazy antics in children.If past months have been anything to go by, this will be accompanied by a round of public chat about how this affects human behaviour – from claims of more hospital admissions and arrests to crazy antics in children.
My wife works at a psych hospital and admissions are always up when there is a full moon. No jokeMy wife works at a psych hospital and admissions are always up when there is a full moon. No joke
Beliefs in the moon’s behavioural effects are not new and date back to ancient times. But what evidence is there that the moon has an impact on behaviour?Beliefs in the moon’s behavioural effects are not new and date back to ancient times. But what evidence is there that the moon has an impact on behaviour?
As a criminologist, I look at evidence related to arrests and behaviour linked with criminal activity.As a criminologist, I look at evidence related to arrests and behaviour linked with criminal activity.
The only explanation I can see that links criminology with moon phases is just about the practicalities of being a criminal: when it’s a full moon, there’s more light.The only explanation I can see that links criminology with moon phases is just about the practicalities of being a criminal: when it’s a full moon, there’s more light.
While somewhat dated, one of the most significant studies looking at moon phases and linking this with behaviour is a 1985 meta-analysis – a study of the findings of 37 published and unpublished studies. The paper concludes it is not sound to infer that people behave any more – or less – strangely between moon phases. The authors write:While somewhat dated, one of the most significant studies looking at moon phases and linking this with behaviour is a 1985 meta-analysis – a study of the findings of 37 published and unpublished studies. The paper concludes it is not sound to infer that people behave any more – or less – strangely between moon phases. The authors write:
Alleged relations between phases of the moon and behavior can be traced to inappropriate analyses […] and a willingness to accept any departure from chance as evidence of a lunar effect.Alleged relations between phases of the moon and behavior can be traced to inappropriate analyses […] and a willingness to accept any departure from chance as evidence of a lunar effect.
Two more recent studies have looked at links between criminal activity and phases of the moon.Two more recent studies have looked at links between criminal activity and phases of the moon.
A study published in 2009 looked at more than 23,000 cases of aggravated assaults that took place in Germany between 1999 and 2005. The authors found no correlation between battery and the various lunar phases.A study published in 2009 looked at more than 23,000 cases of aggravated assaults that took place in Germany between 1999 and 2005. The authors found no correlation between battery and the various lunar phases.
A study reported in 2016 was careful to make a distinction between indoor and outdoor crime committed in 13 US states and the District of Columbia in 2014.A study reported in 2016 was careful to make a distinction between indoor and outdoor crime committed in 13 US states and the District of Columbia in 2014.
The authors found no link between lunar phases and total crime or indoor crime.The authors found no link between lunar phases and total crime or indoor crime.
But they did find the intensity of moonlight to have a substantive positive effect on outdoor criminal activity. As moon illumination increased, they saw an escalation in criminal activity.But they did find the intensity of moonlight to have a substantive positive effect on outdoor criminal activity. As moon illumination increased, they saw an escalation in criminal activity.
One explanation for this finding is what is referred to as the “illumination hypothesis” – suggesting that criminals like enough light to ply their trade, but not so much as to increase their chance of apprehension.One explanation for this finding is what is referred to as the “illumination hypothesis” – suggesting that criminals like enough light to ply their trade, but not so much as to increase their chance of apprehension.
It may also be that there is greater movement of people during brighter nights, thus providing a bigger pool of victims.It may also be that there is greater movement of people during brighter nights, thus providing a bigger pool of victims.
Why do some people still cling to the belief that the moon causes criminal or other antisocial behaviour? The answer most likely lies in human cognition and our tendency to focus on that which we expect or predict to be true.Why do some people still cling to the belief that the moon causes criminal or other antisocial behaviour? The answer most likely lies in human cognition and our tendency to focus on that which we expect or predict to be true.
During an expected lunar event – such as a full or super moon – we expect that there will be a change in behaviour so we pay more attention to it when we see it. In the area of cognitive psychology this is known as confirmation bias.During an expected lunar event – such as a full or super moon – we expect that there will be a change in behaviour so we pay more attention to it when we see it. In the area of cognitive psychology this is known as confirmation bias.
But other questions remain, including why any behavioural effects must be inherently negative? Even if there were a direct effect, explanations as to why acts of kindness and altruism do not increase or decrease during moon phases are conspicuously absent.But other questions remain, including why any behavioural effects must be inherently negative? Even if there were a direct effect, explanations as to why acts of kindness and altruism do not increase or decrease during moon phases are conspicuously absent.
It is likely that we just assume the folklore is true, and believe that we become the werewolf and not the sheep.It is likely that we just assume the folklore is true, and believe that we become the werewolf and not the sheep.
• Wayne Petherick is an associate professor of criminology at Bond University. This article was originally published by the Conversation. Read it here.• Wayne Petherick is an associate professor of criminology at Bond University. This article was originally published by the Conversation. Read it here.
Crime - AustraliaCrime - Australia
The moonThe moon
commentcomment
Share on FacebookShare on Facebook
Share on TwitterShare on Twitter
Share via EmailShare via Email
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn
Share on PinterestShare on Pinterest
Share on Google+
Share on WhatsAppShare on WhatsApp
Share on MessengerShare on Messenger
Reuse this contentReuse this content