Applying appropriate statistical techniques to the actual amount of shared behaviour observed allows the relative contributions of genes and environment to be worked out.

ECONOMIST: Evidence that psychopaths are born, not made

Throughout this year, the only statistical comfort to be drawn was from figures relating to consumer behaviour.

ECONOMIST: Taking no chances | The

It has been impossible to establish a statistical match between the use of ASBOs and falls in anti-social behaviour, he says.

ECONOMIST: Some new tools for fighting yobs, and fresh questions