What’s In A Winning Streak? The Myths, Science And History of Success

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 26: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors goes up for a shot on Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets during Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 26, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John G. Mabanglo-Pool/Getty Images)

Whether you’re an athlete, a gambler, or a regular shmo, you’ve experienced the feeling of being on a winning streak -- but was there anything to it besides the human brain’s affinity for making meaning out of coincidence?

Whether you’re an athlete, a gambler, or a regular shmo, you’ve experienced the feeling of being on a winning streak -- but was there anything to it besides the human brain’s affinity for making meaning out of coincidence?

That’s a question that scientists, statisticians and economists have tried to address for years. Now, Wall Street Journal sports reporter Ben Cohen takes a crack at the topic with his new book, “The Hot Hand: The Mystery and Science of Streaks.” We sit down with Cohen to hear about what he’s learned.

Guest:

Ben Cohen, sports reporter for The Wall Street Journal and author of “The Hot Hand: The Mystery and Science of Streaks” (Custom House, March 2020); he tweets

Tweets by bzcohen