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Spurious correlation #2,322 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Popularity of the first name Mason and the second variable is UFO sightings in Michigan.  The chart goes from 1975 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

As more parents named their kids Mason, it inadvertently created a human frequency that resonated with the UFOs, drawing them to Michigan like cosmic magnets. It seems the real 'Masons' in Michigan were actually the little kids all along, building connections with intergalactic beings!

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate a black-and-white newspaper illustration of a crowded park in Michigan, with a group of people gathered around a young boy named Mason in the center. Mason is surrounded by eager fans, asking for his autograph. In the sky above them, a glowing UFO hovers, capturing the attention of everyone in the park. The scene should be depicted in a simple and clear visual style typical of a classic newspaper illustration. The depiction should include only scenes, people, and objects, it should not include text or speech bubbles.
This image generation prompt was also generated by AI, using the following sequence:

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You select one of a few potential scene descriptors that seems to go along with the variables described. You respond only with the scene descriptions provided and say nothing else.
User prompt: Here are two variables: Popularity of the first name Mason and UFO sightings in Michigan. Given these, which of the following image style descriptions seems most appropriate? Pick the one that seems to be related to one of the variables at hand. Please respond with only one of the following potential descriptions: A photo-realistic image Magic realism Cubism Glitch art A black-and-white newspaper illustration
ChatGPT: A black-and-white newspaper illustration

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both Popularity of the first name Mason and UFO sightings in Michigan together. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a crowded park in Michigan, a group of people gather around a young boy named Mason, asking for his autograph. In the sky above them, a glowing UFO hovers, catching the attention of everyone.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You write and improve image generation prompts for DALLE-3. You maintain the same subjects, but enhance the visuals.
User prompt: Please respond with an image generation prompt that would be likely to create an interesting visual using DALLE-3, using the following style: [ A black-and-white newspaper illustration ] and depicting this scene: In a crowded park in Michigan, a group of people gather around a young boy named Mason, asking for his autograph. In the sky above them, a glowing UFO hovers, catching the attention of everyone. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate a black-and-white newspaper illustration of a crowded park in Michigan, with a group of people gathered around a young boy named Mason in the center. Mason is surrounded by eager fans, asking for his autograph. In the sky above them, a glowing UFO hovers, capturing the attention of everyone in the park. The scene should be depicted in a simple and clear visual style typical of a classic newspaper illustration.

*Variations in the User Prompts from chart to chart are just the result of random number generation in Python. I wrote a few arrays of various styles and methods to ask questions to change up the results. Every time this site writes an explanation or generates an image, the script picks from each at random.

I sequence the requests into multiple prompts because I find GPT 3.5 to perform much better with short, well-managed contexts. Thus, I track the context directly in Python and only ask ChatGPT targeted questions.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how an increase in Popularity of the first name Mason caused UFO sightings in Michigan to increase. Add a funny one-liner at the end.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Masonry in the Sky: The Interstellar Influence on Mason Name Popularity and UFO Sightings in Michigan

Cosmic Conundrums: A Journal of Interstellar Research

Jan 2024

Reminder: This paper is AI-generated. Not real!
Quick note: This sequence is long and repetitive. That's how the prompt engineering works for this one. I manage the output in Python to format it into this PDF.




Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a witty academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a statistics journal.You write titles and abstracts of goofy academic research papers.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, and add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Mason and UFO sightings in Michigan. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Make the title punny if you can come up with clever pun. If not, just make it sound clever.

Your research team used data from US Social Security Administration and National UFO Reporting Center to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.9414064 and p < 0.01 for 1975 to 2021.

Please respond in this format (replace "Lorem ipsum dolor sit" with your title and abstract)

[[TITLE]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit

[[ABSTRACT]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit



ChatGPT:
[[TITLE]]
Masonry in the Sky: The Interstellar Influence on Mason Name Popularity and UFO Sightings in Michigan

[[ABSTRACT]]
Our research delves into the peculiar correlation between the popularity of the first name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in the state of Michigan. Utilizing data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we conducted a comprehensive statistical analysis covering the years 1975 to 2021. Our findings reveal a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9414064 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01.

Interestingly, our study brings to light a compelling connection between the surge in Mason monikers and the unexplained phenomena of UFO sightings in Michigan. We couldn't help but wonder if perhaps extraterrestrial beings have taken a keen interest in this particular name, or if Masons are simply more attuned to spotting UFOs. As we sifted through the data, it became clear that there is a celestial affinity for the name "Mason" that extends beyond the earthly realm.

This research sheds light on an unconventional intersection between popular nomenclature and extraterrestrial encounters, adding a whimsical twist to the otherwise serious world of statistical analysis. One might say that our findings truly send a "cosmic" message about the cosmic connection to names. As we delved deeper into the results, we couldn't help but think that the truth really is out there – alongside Mason and his UFO sightings!

In sum, our findings highlight a thought-provoking correlation between the rise of the name "Mason" and the occurrence of UFO sightings in Michigan, offering a lighthearted yet intriguing perspective on the mysteries that lie beyond our terrestrial realm.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a witty academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a statistics journal.You draft the introduction section of an academic research paper.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Mason and UFO sightings in Michigan. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Masonry in the Sky: The Interstellar Influence on Mason Name Popularity and UFO Sightings in Michigan

[[ABSTRACT]]
Our research delves into the peculiar correlation between the popularity of the first name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in the state of Michigan. Utilizing data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we conducted a comprehensive statistical analysis covering the years 1975 to 2021. Our findings reveal a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9414064 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01.

Interestingly, our study brings to light a compelling connection between the surge in Mason monikers and the unexplained phenomena of UFO sightings in Michigan. We couldn't help but wonder if perhaps extraterrestrial beings have taken a keen interest in this particular name, or if Masons are simply more attuned to spotting UFOs. As we sifted through the data, it became clear that there is a celestial affinity for the name "Mason" that extends beyond the earthly realm.

This research sheds light on an unconventional intersection between popular nomenclature and extraterrestrial encounters, adding a whimsical twist to the otherwise serious world of statistical analysis. One might say that our findings truly send a "cosmic" message about the cosmic connection to names. As we delved deeper into the results, we couldn't help but think that the truth really is out there – alongside Mason and his UFO sightings!

In sum, our findings highlight a thought-provoking correlation between the rise of the name "Mason" and the occurrence of UFO sightings in Michigan, offering a lighthearted yet intriguing perspective on the mysteries that lie beyond our terrestrial realm.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

The enigmatic allure of UFO sightings has captivated the imagination of humanity for decades, inspiring countless theories and sparking fervent curiosity about the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Meanwhile, the field of statistical analysis often seeks to unravel complex relationships hidden within data, striving to bring clarity to the mysterious dance of variables and coefficients. Our research aims to bridge the gap between these two worlds, as we explore the curious connection between the popularity of the first name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in the state of Michigan. It's almost as if the cosmos has a "Masonic" affinity for the name!

One could say our study is truly out of this world, as we delve into the celestial tapestry of names and otherworldly encounters. As we embark on this statistical odyssey, we couldn't resist pondering if the influx of Masons might have caught the attention of extraterrestrial visitors, or if these individuals possess a unique talent for spotting objects in the night sky. It's a tale that weaves together the statistical precision of our analysis with the cosmic whimsy of interstellar phenomena, painting a picture that is truly "out of this world."

As we sifted through mountains of data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we were astounded by the correlation coefficient of 0.9414064 that emerged, akin to the cosmic alignment of stars in the night sky. Furthermore, the statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 exclaimed "Eureka!" with such force that it could have been mistaken for a UFO sighting itself. It's as if the statistical stars have aligned to shed light on this otherworldly connection.

Emerging from the depths of data, our findings offer a whimsical yet thought-provoking perspective on the celestial dance of names and phenomena. The truth is indeed "out there," and it seems that it might just be gallivanting alongside the Masons and their UFO sightings in Michigan! In the words of a dad joke aficionado, it seems that UFO sightings are not the only thing that's "sky high" when it comes to Masons in Michigan!


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a witty academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a statistics journal.You draft a literature review section of an academic research paper, that starts out dry for the first few sentences but then becomes hilarious and goofy.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Mason and UFO sightings in Michigan. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Speak in the present tense for this section (the authors find...), as is common in academic research paper literature reviews. Name the sources in a format similar to this: In "Book," the authors find lorem and ipsum.

Make up the lorem and ipsum part, but make it sound related to the topic at hand.

Start by naming serious-sounding studies by authors like Smith, Doe, and Jones - but then quickly devolve. Name some real non-fiction books that would be related to the topic. Then name some real fiction books that sound like they could be related. Then devolve ever further, and mention something completely ridiculous, like you conducted literature review by reading the backs of shampoo bottles.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Masonry in the Sky: The Interstellar Influence on Mason Name Popularity and UFO Sightings in Michigan

[[ABSTRACT]]
Our research delves into the peculiar correlation between the popularity of the first name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in the state of Michigan. Utilizing data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we conducted a comprehensive statistical analysis covering the years 1975 to 2021. Our findings reveal a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9414064 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01.

Interestingly, our study brings to light a compelling connection between the surge in Mason monikers and the unexplained phenomena of UFO sightings in Michigan. We couldn't help but wonder if perhaps extraterrestrial beings have taken a keen interest in this particular name, or if Masons are simply more attuned to spotting UFOs. As we sifted through the data, it became clear that there is a celestial affinity for the name "Mason" that extends beyond the earthly realm.

This research sheds light on an unconventional intersection between popular nomenclature and extraterrestrial encounters, adding a whimsical twist to the otherwise serious world of statistical analysis. One might say that our findings truly send a "cosmic" message about the cosmic connection to names. As we delved deeper into the results, we couldn't help but think that the truth really is out there – alongside Mason and his UFO sightings!

In sum, our findings highlight a thought-provoking correlation between the rise of the name "Mason" and the occurrence of UFO sightings in Michigan, offering a lighthearted yet intriguing perspective on the mysteries that lie beyond our terrestrial realm.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The enigmatic allure of UFO sightings has captivated the imagination of humanity for decades, inspiring countless theories and sparking fervent curiosity about the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Meanwhile, the field of statistical analysis often seeks to unravel complex relationships hidden within data, striving to bring clarity to the mysterious dance of variables and coefficients. Our research aims to bridge the gap between these two worlds, as we explore the curious connection between the popularity of the first name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in the state of Michigan. It's almost as if the cosmos has a "Masonic" affinity for the name!
One could say our study is truly out of this world, as we delve into the celestial tapestry of names and otherworldly encounters. As we embark on this statistical odyssey, we couldn't resist pondering if the influx of Masons might have caught the attention of extraterrestrial visitors, or if these individuals possess a unique talent for spotting objects in the night sky. It's a tale that weaves together the statistical precision of our analysis with the cosmic whimsy of interstellar phenomena, painting a picture that is truly "out of this world."
As we sifted through mountains of data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we were astounded by the correlation coefficient of 0.9414064 that emerged, akin to the cosmic alignment of stars in the night sky. Furthermore, the statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 exclaimed "Eureka!" with such force that it could have been mistaken for a UFO sighting itself. It's as if the statistical stars have aligned to shed light on this otherworldly connection.
Emerging from the depths of data, our findings offer a whimsical yet thought-provoking perspective on the celestial dance of names and phenomena. The truth is indeed "out there," and it seems that it might just be gallivanting alongside the Masons and their UFO sightings in Michigan! In the words of a dad joke aficionado, it seems that UFO sightings are not the only thing that's "sky high" when it comes to Masons in Michigan!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The connection between unusual phenomena and unconventional variables has long intrigued researchers across various disciplines. In "Smith et al." a study investigated the potential influence of celestial events on human behavior, proposing a suggestive link between lunar phases and peculiar name choices. Similarly, "Doe and Jones" delved into the mystical realms of nomenclature, exploring the possibility of cosmic forces shaping the popularity of certain appellations. These serious-minded inquiries, though initially grounded in scientific rigor, set the stage for our whimsical investigation into the relationship between the prevalence of the name "Mason" and UFO sightings in the state of Michigan.

As we navigated the labyrinth of scholarly texts, we stumbled upon "The Naming of Names" by Anna Pavord and "Freakonomics" by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner. While these works may not directly address our peculiar research inquiry, they mirror the eclectic nature of our investigation and the uncanny influence of nomenclature on societal trends. In fact, one might say that our study is a "Mason-dixon" line between statistical analysis and cosmic enigma!

Venturing further into the literary realm, "Childhood's End" by Arthur C. Clarke and "The War of the Worlds" by H.G. Wells raise intriguing speculations about the potential interplay between terrestrial denizens and otherworldly beings. While these novels may be works of fiction, they ignite our imaginations and prompt us to ponder the cosmic dance of names and phenomena. It's almost as if the "Masonic" connection transcends the boundaries of reality and indulges in a cosmic tango with the unknown.

In a slightly more unorthodox approach to literature review, we also perused the backs of various shampoo bottles, seeking insight from the ingredients that promise to cleanse, moisturize, and revitalize. Alas, our attempts to uncover extraterrestrial secrets in the realm of hair care proved futile, as the cosmic wisdom of the cosmos remained mysteriously absent from the ingredient lists. It appears that the only thing truly "out of this world" was the sheer volume of puns about "shampoo-ns" that we concocted during this peculiar undertaking.

Ultimately, our foray into diverse sources, ranging from scholarly treatises to whimsical fiction and even unconventional textual explorations, captures the essence of our research: an unapologetically lighthearted yet thought-provoking investigation into the cosmic alliance of Mason and UFO sightings in Michigan. Our findings promise to bring a dash of whimsy to the scholarly landscape, illuminating the celestial mysteries that orbit the world of statistical analysis. In the words of a dad joke enthusiast, our research truly captures the "supernatural" essence of statistical inquiry!


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a witty academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a statistics journal.You draft the methodology section of an academic research paper.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Mason and UFO sightings in Michigan. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from US Social Security Administration and National UFO Reporting Center . You used data from 1975 to 2021

Make up the research methods you don't know. Make them a bit goofy and convoluted.

Here is the title, abstract, and introduction of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Masonry in the Sky: The Interstellar Influence on Mason Name Popularity and UFO Sightings in Michigan

[[ABSTRACT]]
Our research delves into the peculiar correlation between the popularity of the first name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in the state of Michigan. Utilizing data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we conducted a comprehensive statistical analysis covering the years 1975 to 2021. Our findings reveal a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9414064 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01.

Interestingly, our study brings to light a compelling connection between the surge in Mason monikers and the unexplained phenomena of UFO sightings in Michigan. We couldn't help but wonder if perhaps extraterrestrial beings have taken a keen interest in this particular name, or if Masons are simply more attuned to spotting UFOs. As we sifted through the data, it became clear that there is a celestial affinity for the name "Mason" that extends beyond the earthly realm.

This research sheds light on an unconventional intersection between popular nomenclature and extraterrestrial encounters, adding a whimsical twist to the otherwise serious world of statistical analysis. One might say that our findings truly send a "cosmic" message about the cosmic connection to names. As we delved deeper into the results, we couldn't help but think that the truth really is out there – alongside Mason and his UFO sightings!

In sum, our findings highlight a thought-provoking correlation between the rise of the name "Mason" and the occurrence of UFO sightings in Michigan, offering a lighthearted yet intriguing perspective on the mysteries that lie beyond our terrestrial realm.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The enigmatic allure of UFO sightings has captivated the imagination of humanity for decades, inspiring countless theories and sparking fervent curiosity about the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Meanwhile, the field of statistical analysis often seeks to unravel complex relationships hidden within data, striving to bring clarity to the mysterious dance of variables and coefficients. Our research aims to bridge the gap between these two worlds, as we explore the curious connection between the popularity of the first name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in the state of Michigan. It's almost as if the cosmos has a "Masonic" affinity for the name!
One could say our study is truly out of this world, as we delve into the celestial tapestry of names and otherworldly encounters. As we embark on this statistical odyssey, we couldn't resist pondering if the influx of Masons might have caught the attention of extraterrestrial visitors, or if these individuals possess a unique talent for spotting objects in the night sky. It's a tale that weaves together the statistical precision of our analysis with the cosmic whimsy of interstellar phenomena, painting a picture that is truly "out of this world."
As we sifted through mountains of data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we were astounded by the correlation coefficient of 0.9414064 that emerged, akin to the cosmic alignment of stars in the night sky. Furthermore, the statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 exclaimed "Eureka!" with such force that it could have been mistaken for a UFO sighting itself. It's as if the statistical stars have aligned to shed light on this otherworldly connection.
Emerging from the depths of data, our findings offer a whimsical yet thought-provoking perspective on the celestial dance of names and phenomena. The truth is indeed "out there," and it seems that it might just be gallivanting alongside the Masons and their UFO sightings in Michigan! In the words of a dad joke aficionado, it seems that UFO sightings are not the only thing that's "sky high" when it comes to Masons in Michigan!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To uncover the cosmic dance between the popularity of the first name "Mason" and UFO sightings in Michigan, our research team embarked on a quest that was truly "out of this world." We conducted a comprehensive data collection mission, harnessing the statistical prowess of the US Social Security Administration to track the meteoric rise of the Mason moniker and tapping into the National UFO Reporting Center to capture the celestial escapades of unidentified flying objects across the Michigan skies. It's as if we were on a UFO hunt not just in the night sky, but also in the realm of data!

Our study spanned the intergalactic timeline from 1975 to 2021, capturing a breadth of data that traversed cosmic events and earthly trends. To quantify the popularity of the name "Mason," we employed sophisticated statistical models to analyze naming frequency and its temporal trends, providing us with a robust understanding of the stellar ascent of this particular moniker. This data exploration left us feeling like we were reaching for the stars, or at least for statistically meaningful results!

While the cosmic buffs at the National UFO Reporting Center cataloged sightings that left us starry-eyed, we meticulously combed through the reported encounters to categorize and quantify UFO sighting frequencies in the Wolverine State. We applied rigorous statistical techniques to ensure that our analysis wasn't just a flight of fancy, but rather a methodical examination of the extraterrestrial engima. It was a bit like attempting to decipher the alien language of statistics!

To establish the relationship between the popularity of the name "Mason" and the incidence of UFO sightings in Michigan, we employed a variety of statistical methods, including correlation analysis and regression modeling. Through these techniques, we endeavored to unravel the cosmic thread that seemed to link the earthly moniker to celestial phenomena, giving a whole new meaning to the term "heavenly correlation." The thought of Masons and extraterrestrials sharing the same statistical stage just left us starstruck!

Informed by our robust data collection methods and buoyed by the statistical winds of discovery, we navigated the celestial corridors of statistical inference. Our mission was to test the strength and significance of the relationship between Mason name popularity and UFO sighting frequencies, applying hypothesis testing and confidence intervals to discern the cosmic signal amidst the statistical noise. It's almost as if we were conducting a statistical seance, channeling the statistical spirits of the cosmos!

As a final step, we validated our findings through rigorous sensitivity analyses and robustness checks, ensuring that our results weren't just fleeting cosmic coincidences but rather enduring empirical truths. It felt like we were separating the cosmic wheat from the statistical chaff, leaving us with a cosmic connection that was as real as the stardust in the night sky. Isn't it just cosmic when statistical analysis leads us to astronomical discoveries?

In this wondrous and whimsical odyssey of scientific exploration, our research team was guided by the twin stars of statistical rigor and cosmic curiosity, ultimately uncovering a terrestrial-celestial nexus that has sparked new discussions about the interstellar influences on earthly phenomena. It's as if the statistical universe conspired to reveal the cosmic connection between the name "Mason" and UFO sightings in Michigan, leaving us with a statistically significant and delightfully pun-worthy conclusion.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a witty academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a statistics journal.You draft the results section of an academic research paper. You speak in the past tense (you found...).
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Mason and UFO sightings in Michigan. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from US Social Security Administration and National UFO Reporting Center .

For the time period 1975 to 2021, you found a correlation 0.9414064, r-squared of 0.8862460, and p < 0.01.

One figure will be included. The figure (Fig. 1) is a scatterplot showing the strong correlation between the two variables. You don't need to specify where; I will add the figure.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Masonry in the Sky: The Interstellar Influence on Mason Name Popularity and UFO Sightings in Michigan

[[ABSTRACT]]
Our research delves into the peculiar correlation between the popularity of the first name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in the state of Michigan. Utilizing data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we conducted a comprehensive statistical analysis covering the years 1975 to 2021. Our findings reveal a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9414064 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01.

Interestingly, our study brings to light a compelling connection between the surge in Mason monikers and the unexplained phenomena of UFO sightings in Michigan. We couldn't help but wonder if perhaps extraterrestrial beings have taken a keen interest in this particular name, or if Masons are simply more attuned to spotting UFOs. As we sifted through the data, it became clear that there is a celestial affinity for the name "Mason" that extends beyond the earthly realm.

This research sheds light on an unconventional intersection between popular nomenclature and extraterrestrial encounters, adding a whimsical twist to the otherwise serious world of statistical analysis. One might say that our findings truly send a "cosmic" message about the cosmic connection to names. As we delved deeper into the results, we couldn't help but think that the truth really is out there – alongside Mason and his UFO sightings!

In sum, our findings highlight a thought-provoking correlation between the rise of the name "Mason" and the occurrence of UFO sightings in Michigan, offering a lighthearted yet intriguing perspective on the mysteries that lie beyond our terrestrial realm.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
The enigmatic allure of UFO sightings has captivated the imagination of humanity for decades, inspiring countless theories and sparking fervent curiosity about the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Meanwhile, the field of statistical analysis often seeks to unravel complex relationships hidden within data, striving to bring clarity to the mysterious dance of variables and coefficients. Our research aims to bridge the gap between these two worlds, as we explore the curious connection between the popularity of the first name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in the state of Michigan. It's almost as if the cosmos has a "Masonic" affinity for the name!
One could say our study is truly out of this world, as we delve into the celestial tapestry of names and otherworldly encounters. As we embark on this statistical odyssey, we couldn't resist pondering if the influx of Masons might have caught the attention of extraterrestrial visitors, or if these individuals possess a unique talent for spotting objects in the night sky. It's a tale that weaves together the statistical precision of our analysis with the cosmic whimsy of interstellar phenomena, painting a picture that is truly "out of this world."
As we sifted through mountains of data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we were astounded by the correlation coefficient of 0.9414064 that emerged, akin to the cosmic alignment of stars in the night sky. Furthermore, the statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 exclaimed "Eureka!" with such force that it could have been mistaken for a UFO sighting itself. It's as if the statistical stars have aligned to shed light on this otherworldly connection.
Emerging from the depths of data, our findings offer a whimsical yet thought-provoking perspective on the celestial dance of names and phenomena. The truth is indeed "out there," and it seems that it might just be gallivanting alongside the Masons and their UFO sightings in Michigan! In the words of a dad joke aficionado, it seems that UFO sightings are not the only thing that's "sky high" when it comes to Masons in Michigan!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The results of our research dance across the cosmic canvas with an impressive correlation coefficient of 0.9414064, a dazzling r-squared of 0.8862460, and a p-value of less than 0.01. This correlation is as strong as the gravitational pull of a star, suggesting a compelling relationship between the popularity of the name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in Michigan. It's almost as if the universe is whispering, "Mason, we have a problem – or maybe a solution!"

Upon examining the data, we couldn't help but notice the stark correlation between the rise of "Mason" as a preferred moniker and the escalating reports of UFO sightings. This correlation is so robust that it truly seems "otherworldly," leaving us to wonder if there might be a benevolent extraterrestrial hand guiding the popularity of names. One might even say that the UFOs are "Mason-ing" a path through the Michigan skies!

The figure (Fig. 1) presents a scatterplot that beautifully captures the celestial affinity for the name "Mason," with the first name popularity positively correlated with the number of UFO sightings. The plot is a visual testament to the enthralling dance of celestial phenomena and earthly appellations, creating a tapestry of statistical and cosmic intrigue. As we gazed upon this plot, we couldn't help but marvel at the cosmic choreography at play – it's as if the universe had scripted a statistical sonnet just for us.

In conclusion, our research reveals a compelling correlation between the surge in the name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in Michigan. It's a puzzle that adds a whimsical twist to the world of statistical analysis, leaving us to ponder if there might be a cosmic conspiracy afoot, connecting the celestial wanderings with earthly appellations. In summary, the truth may indeed be out there, intertwined with the enigmatic interstellar dance of Mason and his UFO sightings in Michigan.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a witty academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a statistics journal.You draft the discussion section of an academic research paper.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Mason and UFO sightings in Michigan. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Limit your response to 500 tokens.

Here are the title, abstract, literature review, and results sections. Please harken back to 1-2 of the goofy items in the literature review, but pretend to take them completely seriously. Discuss how your results supported the prior research.

Do not write a conclusion. I will add a conclusion after this.

[[TITLE]]
Masonry in the Sky: The Interstellar Influence on Mason Name Popularity and UFO Sightings in Michigan

[[ABSTRACT]]
Our research delves into the peculiar correlation between the popularity of the first name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in the state of Michigan. Utilizing data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we conducted a comprehensive statistical analysis covering the years 1975 to 2021. Our findings reveal a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9414064 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01.

Interestingly, our study brings to light a compelling connection between the surge in Mason monikers and the unexplained phenomena of UFO sightings in Michigan. We couldn't help but wonder if perhaps extraterrestrial beings have taken a keen interest in this particular name, or if Masons are simply more attuned to spotting UFOs. As we sifted through the data, it became clear that there is a celestial affinity for the name "Mason" that extends beyond the earthly realm.

This research sheds light on an unconventional intersection between popular nomenclature and extraterrestrial encounters, adding a whimsical twist to the otherwise serious world of statistical analysis. One might say that our findings truly send a "cosmic" message about the cosmic connection to names. As we delved deeper into the results, we couldn't help but think that the truth really is out there – alongside Mason and his UFO sightings!

In sum, our findings highlight a thought-provoking correlation between the rise of the name "Mason" and the occurrence of UFO sightings in Michigan, offering a lighthearted yet intriguing perspective on the mysteries that lie beyond our terrestrial realm.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The connection between unusual phenomena and unconventional variables has long intrigued researchers across various disciplines. In "Smith et al." a study investigated the potential influence of celestial events on human behavior, proposing a suggestive link between lunar phases and peculiar name choices. Similarly, "Doe and Jones" delved into the mystical realms of nomenclature, exploring the possibility of cosmic forces shaping the popularity of certain appellations. These serious-minded inquiries, though initially grounded in scientific rigor, set the stage for our whimsical investigation into the relationship between the prevalence of the name "Mason" and UFO sightings in the state of Michigan.
As we navigated the labyrinth of scholarly texts, we stumbled upon "The Naming of Names" by Anna Pavord and "Freakonomics" by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner. While these works may not directly address our peculiar research inquiry, they mirror the eclectic nature of our investigation and the uncanny influence of nomenclature on societal trends. In fact, one might say that our study is a "Mason-dixon" line between statistical analysis and cosmic enigma!
Venturing further into the literary realm, "Childhood's End" by Arthur C. Clarke and "The War of the Worlds" by H.G. Wells raise intriguing speculations about the potential interplay between terrestrial denizens and otherworldly beings. While these novels may be works of fiction, they ignite our imaginations and prompt us to ponder the cosmic dance of names and phenomena. It's almost as if the "Masonic" connection transcends the boundaries of reality and indulges in a cosmic tango with the unknown.
In a slightly more unorthodox approach to literature review, we also perused the backs of various shampoo bottles, seeking insight from the ingredients that promise to cleanse, moisturize, and revitalize. Alas, our attempts to uncover extraterrestrial secrets in the realm of hair care proved futile, as the cosmic wisdom of the cosmos remained mysteriously absent from the ingredient lists. It appears that the only thing truly "out of this world" was the sheer volume of puns about "shampoo-ns" that we concocted during this peculiar undertaking.
Ultimately, our foray into diverse sources, ranging from scholarly treatises to whimsical fiction and even unconventional textual explorations, captures the essence of our research: an unapologetically lighthearted yet thought-provoking investigation into the cosmic alliance of Mason and UFO sightings in Michigan. Our findings promise to bring a dash of whimsy to the scholarly landscape, illuminating the celestial mysteries that orbit the world of statistical analysis. In the words of a dad joke enthusiast, our research truly captures the "supernatural" essence of statistical inquiry!

[[RESULTS]]
The results of our research dance across the cosmic canvas with an impressive correlation coefficient of 0.9414064, a dazzling r-squared of 0.8862460, and a p-value of less than 0.01. This correlation is as strong as the gravitational pull of a star, suggesting a compelling relationship between the popularity of the name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in Michigan. It's almost as if the universe is whispering, "Mason, we have a problem – or maybe a solution!"
Upon examining the data, we couldn't help but notice the stark correlation between the rise of "Mason" as a preferred moniker and the escalating reports of UFO sightings. This correlation is so robust that it truly seems "otherworldly," leaving us to wonder if there might be a benevolent extraterrestrial hand guiding the popularity of names. One might even say that the UFOs are "Mason-ing" a path through the Michigan skies!
The figure (Fig. 1) presents a scatterplot that beautifully captures the celestial affinity for the name "Mason," with the first name popularity positively correlated with the number of UFO sightings. The plot is a visual testament to the enthralling dance of celestial phenomena and earthly appellations, creating a tapestry of statistical and cosmic intrigue. As we gazed upon this plot, we couldn't help but marvel at the cosmic choreography at play – it's as if the universe had scripted a statistical sonnet just for us.
In conclusion, our research reveals a compelling correlation between the surge in the name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in Michigan. It's a puzzle that adds a whimsical twist to the world of statistical analysis, leaving us to ponder if there might be a cosmic conspiracy afoot, connecting the celestial wanderings with earthly appellations. In summary, the truth may indeed be out there, intertwined with the enigmatic interstellar dance of Mason and his UFO sightings in Michigan.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

Our research has uncovered a captivating link between the popularity of the first name "Mason" and the prevalence of UFO sightings in the state of Michigan. The striking correlation coefficient of 0.9414064 and a p-value of less than 0.01 lends cosmic weight to the relationship we observed. As we peel back the layers of this celestial enigma, we are left to mull over the remarkable possibility that there may be more to this correlation than meets the eye. It seems that the name "Mason" may indeed hold a cosmic key to the mysteries that traverse our earthly realm.

Building upon the whimsical musings of previous research, our findings lend credence to the idea that there is a cosmic resonance between human nomenclature and otherworldly phenomena. It's almost as if the universe has sown the seeds of a celestial conspiracy, where the name "Mason" acts as a cosmic beacon for interstellar visitors. This cosmic drama has all the hallmarks of a classic "close encounters of the third pun" scenario.

Our results provide empirical support for the celestial dance of names and unexplained sightings, echoing the intriguing propositions of past works that hinted at the intertwining of terrestrial events and celestial influences. It seems that our findings have "unearthed" a cosmic truth that transcends the boundaries of traditional statistical analysis and ventures into the realm of interstellar intrigue. One might even say that our research has "Mason'd" a bridge between statistical inquiry and cosmic fascination.

The strength of our correlation is as robust as the rings of Saturn, leaving little room for doubt about the captivating connection between the rise of "Mason" as a preferred moniker and the surge in UFO sightings in Michigan. It's almost as if the name "Mason" has become a celestial signal for interstellar attention, beckoning UFOs to "come Mason" their way to Michigan.

As we contemplate the implications of our findings, we are left to ponder the cosmic significance of names and their inexplicable influence on our earthly experiences. The cosmic alliance of "Mason" and UFO sightings in Michigan paints a picture reminiscent of a "stellar-studded" canvas, where statistical analysis gives way to the cosmic wonders that permeate our universe. The truth may indeed be out there, wrapped in the cosmic enigma of Mason and his UFO sightings in Michigan, leaving us to marvel at the interplay between earthly appellations and celestial encounters.

In all, our research unveils a peculiar yet enthralling correlation that invites us to contemplate the cosmic forces at play in the interstellar dance of names and otherworldly sightings. It seems that the celestial puzzles of the universe may hold "Mason-ries" that transcend the confines of earthly understanding and propel us into the cosmic unknown.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a witty academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a statistics journal.You draft the discussion section of goofy academic research papers that sounds like it belongs based on the title and abstract provided.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Mason and UFO sightings in Michigan. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Limit your response to 300 tokens. At the very end, assert that no more research is needed in this area.

Here are the title, abstract, introduction, and results sections.
[[TITLE]]
Masonry in the Sky: The Interstellar Influence on Mason Name Popularity and UFO Sightings in Michigan

[[ABSTRACT]]
Our research delves into the peculiar correlation between the popularity of the first name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in the state of Michigan. Utilizing data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we conducted a comprehensive statistical analysis covering the years 1975 to 2021. Our findings reveal a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9414064 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01.

Interestingly, our study brings to light a compelling connection between the surge in Mason monikers and the unexplained phenomena of UFO sightings in Michigan. We couldn't help but wonder if perhaps extraterrestrial beings have taken a keen interest in this particular name, or if Masons are simply more attuned to spotting UFOs. As we sifted through the data, it became clear that there is a celestial affinity for the name "Mason" that extends beyond the earthly realm.

This research sheds light on an unconventional intersection between popular nomenclature and extraterrestrial encounters, adding a whimsical twist to the otherwise serious world of statistical analysis. One might say that our findings truly send a "cosmic" message about the cosmic connection to names. As we delved deeper into the results, we couldn't help but think that the truth really is out there – alongside Mason and his UFO sightings!

In sum, our findings highlight a thought-provoking correlation between the rise of the name "Mason" and the occurrence of UFO sightings in Michigan, offering a lighthearted yet intriguing perspective on the mysteries that lie beyond our terrestrial realm.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The enigmatic allure of UFO sightings has captivated the imagination of humanity for decades, inspiring countless theories and sparking fervent curiosity about the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Meanwhile, the field of statistical analysis often seeks to unravel complex relationships hidden within data, striving to bring clarity to the mysterious dance of variables and coefficients. Our research aims to bridge the gap between these two worlds, as we explore the curious connection between the popularity of the first name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in the state of Michigan. It's almost as if the cosmos has a "Masonic" affinity for the name!
One could say our study is truly out of this world, as we delve into the celestial tapestry of names and otherworldly encounters. As we embark on this statistical odyssey, we couldn't resist pondering if the influx of Masons might have caught the attention of extraterrestrial visitors, or if these individuals possess a unique talent for spotting objects in the night sky. It's a tale that weaves together the statistical precision of our analysis with the cosmic whimsy of interstellar phenomena, painting a picture that is truly "out of this world."
As we sifted through mountains of data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we were astounded by the correlation coefficient of 0.9414064 that emerged, akin to the cosmic alignment of stars in the night sky. Furthermore, the statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 exclaimed "Eureka!" with such force that it could have been mistaken for a UFO sighting itself. It's as if the statistical stars have aligned to shed light on this otherworldly connection.
Emerging from the depths of data, our findings offer a whimsical yet thought-provoking perspective on the celestial dance of names and phenomena. The truth is indeed "out there," and it seems that it might just be gallivanting alongside the Masons and their UFO sightings in Michigan! In the words of a dad joke aficionado, it seems that UFO sightings are not the only thing that's "sky high" when it comes to Masons in Michigan!

[[RESULTS]]
The results of our research dance across the cosmic canvas with an impressive correlation coefficient of 0.9414064, a dazzling r-squared of 0.8862460, and a p-value of less than 0.01. This correlation is as strong as the gravitational pull of a star, suggesting a compelling relationship between the popularity of the name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in Michigan. It's almost as if the universe is whispering, "Mason, we have a problem – or maybe a solution!"
Upon examining the data, we couldn't help but notice the stark correlation between the rise of "Mason" as a preferred moniker and the escalating reports of UFO sightings. This correlation is so robust that it truly seems "otherworldly," leaving us to wonder if there might be a benevolent extraterrestrial hand guiding the popularity of names. One might even say that the UFOs are "Mason-ing" a path through the Michigan skies!
The figure (Fig. 1) presents a scatterplot that beautifully captures the celestial affinity for the name "Mason," with the first name popularity positively correlated with the number of UFO sightings. The plot is a visual testament to the enthralling dance of celestial phenomena and earthly appellations, creating a tapestry of statistical and cosmic intrigue. As we gazed upon this plot, we couldn't help but marvel at the cosmic choreography at play – it's as if the universe had scripted a statistical sonnet just for us.
In conclusion, our research reveals a compelling correlation between the surge in the name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in Michigan. It's a puzzle that adds a whimsical twist to the world of statistical analysis, leaving us to ponder if there might be a cosmic conspiracy afoot, connecting the celestial wanderings with earthly appellations. In summary, the truth may indeed be out there, intertwined with the enigmatic interstellar dance of Mason and his UFO sightings in Michigan.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our research unearths a cosmic correlation between the surge in popularity of the first name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in Michigan. It's as if the stars have aligned to shed light on this enigmatic connection, leaving us mesmerized by the cosmic dance of statistical variables and extraterrestrial phenomena. It seems that not only are UFO sightings soaring in Michigan, but so is the popularity of the name "Mason"!

Our study adds a whimsical twist to the world of statistical analysis, painting a picture of interstellar intrigue that may leave one wondering if there's a celestial code hidden within the data. As we delved into the results, we couldn't help but think that perhaps UFOs are simply trying to "con-vey" a message to us through the surge of Masons in Michigan!

The strong correlation coefficient of 0.9414064 and the p-value of less than 0.01 are as undeniably striking as a shooting star, offering unequivocal evidence of a celestial affinity for the name "Mason." The data practically glows in the dark, illuminating a path towards comedic statistical enlightenment. It's almost as if the universe is trying to "probe" us with this curious connection!

Suffice it to say, our findings underscore the need for a lighthearted yet intriguing exploration of the mysteries that lie beyond our terrestrial realm. However, we jest that no more research is needed in this particular area, as it seems that the only "extra-terrestrial" visitations we should be concerned about are the soaring numbers of little Masons and their potential to spot UFOs in Michigan!


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of academic journals. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding research, scientific, or academic journal that would publish a paper entited Masonry in the Sky: The Interstellar Influence on Mason Name Popularity and UFO Sightings in Michigan. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

Cosmic Conundrums: A Journal of Interstellar Research


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of nonprofit research organizations and associations. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding nonprofit, academic, or scientific association or organization that would sponsor research that resulted in a paper entited Masonry in the Sky: The Interstellar Influence on Mason Name Popularity and UFO Sightings in Michigan. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Institute for Cosmic Census and Extraterrestrial Etymology


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide potential search keywords separated by commas. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide potential search keywords for a paper titled Masonry in the Sky: The Interstellar Influence on Mason Name Popularity and UFO Sightings in Michigan with an abstract of Our research delves into the peculiar correlation between the popularity of the first name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in the state of Michigan. Utilizing data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we conducted a comprehensive statistical analysis covering the years 1975 to 2021. Our findings reveal a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9414064 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01.
Interestingly, our study brings to light a compelling connection between the surge in Mason monikers and the unexplained phenomena of UFO sightings in Michigan. We couldn't help but wonder if perhaps extraterrestrial beings have taken a keen interest in this particular name, or if Masons are simply more attuned to spotting UFOs. As we sifted through the data, it became clear that there is a celestial affinity for the name "Mason" that extends beyond the earthly realm.
This research sheds light on an unconventional intersection between popular nomenclature and extraterrestrial encounters, adding a whimsical twist to the otherwise serious world of statistical analysis. One might say that our findings truly send a "cosmic" message about the cosmic connection to names. As we delved deeper into the results, we couldn't help but think that the truth really is out there – alongside Mason and his UFO sightings!
In sum, our findings highlight a thought-provoking correlation between the rise of the name "Mason" and the occurrence of UFO sightings in Michigan, offering a lighthearted yet intriguing perspective on the mysteries that lie beyond our terrestrial realm.

ChatGPT:

Mason name popularity, UFO sightings, Michigan, correlation, statistical analysis, US Social Security Administration data, National UFO Reporting Center, celestial affinity, extraterrestrial encounters, nomenclature, cosmic connection, celestial influence, statistical correlation, UFO sightings correlation

*There is a bunch of Python happening behind the scenes to turn this prompt sequence into a PDF.



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Data details

Popularity of the first name Mason
Detailed data title: Babies of all sexes born in the US named Mason
Source: US Social Security Administration
See what else correlates with Popularity of the first name Mason

UFO sightings in Michigan
Detailed data title: UFO sightings reported in Michigan
Source: National UFO Reporting Center
See what else correlates with UFO sightings in Michigan

Correlation r = 0.9414064 (Pearson correlation coefficient)
Correlation is a measure of how much the variables move together. If it is 0.99, when one goes up the other goes up. If it is 0.02, the connection is very weak or non-existent. If it is -0.99, then when one goes up the other goes down. If it is 1.00, you probably messed up your correlation function.

r2 = 0.8862460 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 88.6% of the change in the one variable (i.e., UFO sightings in Michigan) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Popularity of the first name Mason) over the 47 years from 1975 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 7.2E-23. 0.0000000000000000000000719813
The p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme. More specifically the p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme if we had only tested one pair of variables one time.

But I am a p-villain. I absolutely did not test only one pair of variables one time. I correlated hundreds of millions of pairs of variables. I threw boatloads of data into an industrial-sized blender to find this correlation.

Who is going to stop me? p-value reporting doesn't require me to report how many calculations I had to go through in order to find a low p-value!
On average, you will find a correaltion as strong as 0.94 in 7.2E-21% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 13,892,497,079,102,490,017,792 random variables You don't actually need 13 sextillion variables to find a correlation like this one. I don't have that many variables in my database. You can also correlate variables that are not independent. I do this a lot.

p-value calculations are useful for understanding the probability of a result happening by chance. They are most useful when used to highlight the risk of a fluke outcome. For example, if you calculate a p-value of 0.30, the risk that the result is a fluke is high. It is good to know that! But there are lots of ways to get a p-value of less than 0.01, as evidenced by this project.

In this particular case, the values are so extreme as to be meaningless. That's why no one reports p-values with specificity after they drop below 0.01.

Just to be clear: I'm being completely transparent about the calculations. There is no math trickery. This is just how statistics shakes out when you calculate hundreds of millions of random correlations.
with the same 46 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 46 because we have two variables measured over a period of 47 years. It's just the number of years minus ( the number of variables minus one ), which in this case simplifies to the number of years minus one.
you would randomly expect to find a correlation as strong as this one.

[ 0.9, 0.97 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
The confidence interval is an estimate the range of the value of the correlation coefficient, using the correlation itself as an input. The values are meant to be the low and high end of the correlation coefficient with 95% confidence.

This one is a bit more complciated than the other calculations, but I include it because many people have been pushing for confidence intervals instead of p-value calculations (for example: NEJM. However, if you are dredging data, you can reliably find yourself in the 5%. That's my goal!


All values for the years included above: If I were being very sneaky, I could trim years from the beginning or end of the datasets to increase the correlation on some pairs of variables. I don't do that because there are already plenty of correlations in my database without monkeying with the years.

Still, sometimes one of the variables has more years of data available than the other. This page only shows the overlapping years. To see all the years, click on "See what else correlates with..." link above.
19751976197719781979198019811982198319841985198619871988198919901991199219931994199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021
Popularity of the first name Mason (Babies born)3072512622733253383103322512834646608301039111314982056223224992834371740014422480155846664759780278038878199231053910867105921076414927196111907017794172901674915370136491257711541101649143
UFO sightings in Michigan (UFO sightings)10111222131237117375731116472423164155877076798777861011341361181191502291761751801281305911915341




Why this works

  1. Data dredging: I have 25,153 variables in my database. I compare all these variables against each other to find ones that randomly match up. That's 632,673,409 correlation calculations! This is called “data dredging.” Instead of starting with a hypothesis and testing it, I instead abused the data to see what correlations shake out. It’s a dangerous way to go about analysis, because any sufficiently large dataset will yield strong correlations completely at random.
  2. Lack of causal connection: There is probably Because these pages are automatically generated, it's possible that the two variables you are viewing are in fact causually related. I take steps to prevent the obvious ones from showing on the site (I don't let data about the weather in one city correlate with the weather in a neighboring city, for example), but sometimes they still pop up. If they are related, cool! You found a loophole.
    no direct connection between these variables, despite what the AI says above. This is exacerbated by the fact that I used "Years" as the base variable. Lots of things happen in a year that are not related to each other! Most studies would use something like "one person" in stead of "one year" to be the "thing" studied.
  3. Observations not independent: For many variables, sequential years are not independent of each other. If a population of people is continuously doing something every day, there is no reason to think they would suddenly change how they are doing that thing on January 1. A simple Personally I don't find any p-value calculation to be 'simple,' but you know what I mean.
    p-value calculation does not take this into account, so mathematically it appears less probable than it really is.
  4. Outlandish outliers: There are "outliers" in this data. In concept, "outlier" just means "way different than the rest of your dataset." When calculating a correlation like this, they are particularly impactful because a single outlier can substantially increase your correlation.

    For the purposes of this project, I counted a point as an outlier if it the residual was two standard deviations from the mean.

    (This bullet point only shows up in the details page on charts that do, in fact, have outliers.)
    They stand out on the scatterplot above: notice the dots that are far away from any other dots. I intentionally mishandeled outliers, which makes the correlation look extra strong.




Try it yourself

You can calculate the values on this page on your own! Try running the Python code to see the calculation results. Step 1: Download and install Python on your computer.

Step 2: Open a plaintext editor like Notepad and paste the code below into it.

Step 3: Save the file as "calculate_correlation.py" in a place you will remember, like your desktop. Copy the file location to your clipboard. On Windows, you can right-click the file and click "Properties," and then copy what comes after "Location:" As an example, on my computer the location is "C:\Users\tyler\Desktop"

Step 4: Open a command line window. For example, by pressing start and typing "cmd" and them pressing enter.

Step 5: Install the required modules by typing "pip install numpy", then pressing enter, then typing "pip install scipy", then pressing enter.

Step 6: Navigate to the location where you saved the Python file by using the "cd" command. For example, I would type "cd C:\Users\tyler\Desktop" and push enter.

Step 7: Run the Python script by typing "python calculate_correlation.py"

If you run into any issues, I suggest asking ChatGPT to walk you through installing Python and running the code below on your system. Try this question:

"Walk me through installing Python on my computer to run a script that uses scipy and numpy. Go step-by-step and ask me to confirm before moving on. Start by asking me questions about my operating system so that you know how to proceed. Assume I want the simplest installation with the latest version of Python and that I do not currently have any of the necessary elements installed. Remember to only give me one step per response and confirm I have done it before proceeding."


# These modules make it easier to perform the calculation
import numpy as np
from scipy import stats

# We'll define a function that we can call to return the correlation calculations
def calculate_correlation(array1, array2):

    # Calculate Pearson correlation coefficient and p-value
    correlation, p_value = stats.pearsonr(array1, array2)

    # Calculate R-squared as the square of the correlation coefficient
    r_squared = correlation**2

    return correlation, r_squared, p_value

# These are the arrays for the variables shown on this page, but you can modify them to be any two sets of numbers
array_1 = np.array([307,251,262,273,325,338,310,332,251,283,464,660,830,1039,1113,1498,2056,2232,2499,2834,3717,4001,4422,4801,5584,6664,7597,8027,8038,8781,9923,10539,10867,10592,10764,14927,19611,19070,17794,17290,16749,15370,13649,12577,11541,10164,9143,])
array_2 = np.array([10,11,12,22,13,12,3,7,11,7,3,7,5,7,3,11,16,4,7,24,23,16,41,55,87,70,76,79,87,77,86,101,134,136,118,119,150,229,176,175,180,128,130,59,119,153,41,])
array_1_name = "Popularity of the first name Mason"
array_2_name = "UFO sightings in Michigan"

# Perform the calculation
print(f"Calculating the correlation between {array_1_name} and {array_2_name}...")
correlation, r_squared, p_value = calculate_correlation(array_1, array_2)

# Print the results
print("Correlation Coefficient:", correlation)
print("R-squared:", r_squared)
print("P-value:", p_value)



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You do not need to attribute "the spurious correlations website," and you don't even need to link here if you don't want to. I don't gain anything from pageviews. There are no ads on this site, there is nothing for sale, and I am not for hire.

For the record, I am just one person. Tyler Vigen, he/him/his. I do have degrees, but they should not go after my name unless you want to annoy my wife. If that is your goal, then go ahead and cite me as "Tyler Vigen, A.A. A.A.S. B.A. J.D." Otherwise it is just "Tyler Vigen."

When spoken, my last name is pronounced "vegan," like I don't eat meat.

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Correlation ID: 2322 · Black Variable ID: 2160 · Red Variable ID: 1158
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