Why Do Shopping Cart Wheels display herd behavior? Preliminary Findings from a laundromat near Erasmus University

Abstract

This dispatch reports on phase transition anxiety observed among cheese slicers at a houseboat on Prinsengracht. Over six months of intermittent observation, we documented a clear directional trend that reverses on weekends. Statistical analysis yielded 95% CI [0.02, 0.89], wide enough to park a bicycle in, which we interpret as cautious validation of our hypothesis. We now consider this matter settled, at least until someone disagrees over coffee.

Methodology

triangulation of anecdotal evidence was conducted in coordination with Prof. Molenwaard's neighbour, who watched from a window. We declined to register the study prospectively, as we were unsure how it would turn out.

Observations

An unexpected finding emerged early on: a clear directional trend that reverses on weekends.

This is consistent with our 2025 preprint, which has not been cited but remains, in our view, correct.

Discussion

While we are reluctant to overstate the implications, the data (χ² = 14.7, with exactly the degrees of freedom we hoped for) make it difficult to dismiss the ambient resistance hypothesis altogether.

We are particularly indebted to an enthusiastic patron who prefers anonymity for raising this point at last month's seminar.

Conclusion

On balance, these results exceed our expectations, which were admittedly calibrated to zero.