During the late 1960s and early 1970s, national leaders were concerned about a phenomenon they called "the long, hot summer."

They were concerned that given an unpopular war and strained race relations, civil unrest and even riots would occur during the summer months. Was the long, hot summer a myth?
What will be an ideal response?

Answer: Research found that the long, hot summer was a true phenomenon. Riots were indeed more likely to occur on hot days than on cool ones. Other researchers have found that in a number of cities in the United States—from Houston to Des Moines—the hotter a given day, the greater the incidence of violent crime. This suggests that discomfort arising from heat can often contribute to violence and aggression. Other correlational research (horn-honking is more common in Phoenix drivers who don't have air-conditioning; batters are more likely to be hit by pitches on days when the temperature is above ninety degrees) has supported the phenomenon, as has experimental research.