"Our level of activity is low because there don't seem to be as many obvious trends," Mr. Doherty said.

- the study tracked a few somewhat obvious trends.

Then again, humans' tendency to pick out obvious trends causes them to miss others more hidden.

Instead, a sixth scenario emerged that takes account of the most obvious trends reflecting the general direction of society.

The most obvious future trend is that the vast investment in word processor training is not going to be wasted.

More obvious trends are visible among the external towers added during the last phase of defensive activity in the mid fourth century.

While the number of storms in the Atlantic has increased since 1995, there is no obvious global trend.

Another obvious trend is home massage without the masseuse.

When the black fan stops coming to games - another obvious trend - baseball's marketing acumen is questioned.

Another obvious trend is a shortage of new plays.