13 - For lucky number 13 we thought we'd take a look at some of the research into superstitions and how these manifest in various areas of our lives. We talk about how having someone tell you something is lucky increases your performance, discuss superstitious behaviours of top European sportspersons, ponder superstitious and paranormal beliefs, marvel at the differences in superstitions of gamblers in South Korean casinos, and see how superstitions affect the Russian real estate market. 

We finish up with a rather relaxed discussion (thanks Artemis Gin http://www.artemisgin.com.au) on the effects of alcohol references in music on drinking behaviour and argue about whether men or women assemble Ikea furniture better.  

Amy's articles: 

Superstition and performance: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20511389

Paranormal beliefs: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053810016304548

Real estate: http://journal.sjdm.org/15/151009/jdm151009.html

Alcohol & lyrics: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21999498
 

Hunter's articles:

Sportspeople: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.0021-9029.2006.00116.x/abstract

Gamblers: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14459795.2016.1182569

Sex differences in assembly of Ikea furniture: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/acp.3182/full