this post was submitted on 18 May 2024
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Science Memes

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https://arxiv.org/abs/2404.10002

Abstract (emphasis mine):

The concept of a 'Ballmer Peak' was first proposed in 2007, postulating that there exists a very specific blood alcohol content which confers superhuman programming ability. More generally, there is a commonly held belief among software engineers that coding is easier and more productive after a few drinks. Using the industry standard for assessment of coding ability, we conducted a search for such a peak and more generally investigated the effect of different amounts of alcohol on performance. We conclusively refute the existence of a specific peak with large magnitude, but with p < 0.001 find that there was a significant positive effect to a low amount of alcohol - slightly less than two drinks - on programming ability.

(page 2) 27 comments
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[–] teft@lemmy.world 2 points 6 months ago

I have a Balmer Peak when golfing. Three beers in and i’m a scratch golfer. 4 and I’m Happy Gilmore on his first outing.

[–] Kowowow@lemmy.ca 1 points 6 months ago (1 children)

I wonder if there's a comparable effect for machining

[–] KoboldCoterie@pawb.social 2 points 6 months ago (1 children)

You should propose this research; maybe you can get a grant!

[–] Kowowow@lemmy.ca 1 points 6 months ago

Eh I'd have to be in the control group

[–] Artyom@lemm.ee 1 points 6 months ago (2 children)

Apparently Mr. Ballmer is a real programmer at Microsoft. Even better, he was still working at Microsoft in 2007 when the comic came out, but retired a few years later.

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