spurious correlations
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where each of these is an academic paper
View details about correlation #5,875
The Elijah Wood Effect: A Cinematic Correlation to Orderly Occupation in Oklahoma
As the frequency of Frodo's on-screen adventures declined, so did the demand for individuals experienced in handling unexpected hobbit-related incidents. The disproportionate decrease in orderlies can be attributed to the ripple effect of Middle Earth's dwindling influence on the healthcare industry. It seems that as the journey to Mordor faded from collective memory, so too did the need for orderlies who were well-versed in dealing with potential Ring-related emergencies. Remember, a hobbit's unexpected medical visit could have been one does not simply handle, leading to a peculiar shortage of staff proficient in hobbit healthcare.
What else correlates?
The number of movies Elijah Wood appeared in · all films & actors
The number of orderlies in Oklahoma · all cccupations
The number of movies Elijah Wood appeared in · all films & actors
The number of orderlies in Oklahoma · all cccupations
View details about correlation #2,906
Associates Awards in Adjudication: An Analysis of the Alleged Impact on Cenovus Energy's Stock Price
As the number of legal associates dwindled, there was a sharp rise in courtroom antics. With fewer qualified professionals, the legal system became a full-blown circus. Amidst all the chaos, Cenovus Energy found themselves in the middle of a ridiculous lawsuit. It turns out, the case revolved around the rights to a long-lost, highly sought-after oil well, which was accidentally built upon by a clown academy. The whole debacle not only drained Cenovus Energy of resources but also left investors juggling their priorities, ultimately leading to a slippery slope for their stock price.
What else correlates?
Associates degrees awarded in Legal professions and studies · all education
Cenovus Energy's stock price (CVE) · all stocks
Associates degrees awarded in Legal professions and studies · all education
Cenovus Energy's stock price (CVE) · all stocks
View details about correlation #1,403
Franklin, My Dear Watson: Exploring the Fickle Nature of Names and TV Fame in 'Two and a Half Men' Season Ratings
Every time someone named Franklin tuned in to watch, they couldn't help but laugh at all the puns and dad jokes, creating a subconscious laugh track that boosted the ratings. Additionally, the influx of Franklins sparked a new fan theory that the show was secretly an allegory for Benjamin Franklin's life, leading to renewed interest and speculation. The name Franklin just had a magnetic pull on the success of the show, like a quirky sitcom magnet.
What else correlates?
Popularity of the first name Franklin · all first names
Season rating of "Two and a Half Men" · all films & actors
Popularity of the first name Franklin · all first names
Season rating of "Two and a Half Men" · all films & actors
View details about correlation #1,045
The Dirty Laundry of Travel Aspirations: Exploring the Relationship between US Household Spending on Cleaning Supplies and Google Searches for 'Flights to Antarctica'
As US households spent more on laundry and cleaning supplies, they became obsessed with achieving the freshest, cleanest scent possible. This obsession extended to wanting the ultimate fresh air experience, leading people to search for flights to Antarctica, known for its crisp, pure air. After all, if your laundry smells like a refreshing polar breeze, why not experience the real deal, right? And who wouldn't want to see penguins rocking their spotless tuxedos in person? Maybe it's time for a new marketing slogan: "Antarctica: Because Freshness Matters!"
View details about correlation #5,137
Putting the Surprised in Statistical Significance: An Examination of the 'Surprised Pikachu' Meme and its Impact on Middle School Teacher Population in Puerto Rico
As the 'surprised Pikachu' meme gained traction, it led to an uptick in internet usage. This surge in online activity put a higher demand on the telecommunication infrastructure in Puerto Rico. To meet this demand, more tech companies invested in the region, creating job opportunities. With the expanding job market, there was a need for additional educators to support the growing number of families relocating to Puerto Rico. As a result, the popularity of the meme indirectly contributed to an increase in the number of middle school teachers in Puerto Rico.
View details about correlation #1,528
The Stellar Influence of Alanna: A Celestial Analysis of Name Popularity and Planetary Distance
As more and more babies were named Alanna, the collective sound frequency of their parents proudly calling out to them created small but measurable sonic waves. Over time, these waves interfered with the gravitational pull between Uranus and Venus, inadvertently nudging them slightly further apart. The Alanna Effect, as it was dubbed by baffled astronomers, led to reevaluations of celestial mechanics and left everyone marveling at the cosmic consequences of baby name trends.
What else correlates?
Popularity of the first name Alanna · all first names
The distance between Uranus and Venus · all planets
Popularity of the first name Alanna · all first names
The distance between Uranus and Venus · all planets
View details about correlation #5,945
Silly Smol Searches and Satisfied Sky-surfers: An Alliterative Assessment of American Airlines’ Customer Satisfaction
As the internet's love for all things small grew, it inadvertently shrank American Airlines' list of customer complaints. It seems that the more people fixated on tiny, adorable things, the less they noticed the eensy-weensy inconveniences of air travel. It's as if the nation collectively decided that size really does matter, but in this case, smaller was better for everyone's happiness at 30,000 feet. So, perhaps the secret to a smoother flight experience wasn't just in the friendly skies, but in embracing the smol joys that make all the difference!
What else correlates?
Google searches for 'smol' · all google searches
Customer satisfaction with American Airlines · all weird & wacky
Google searches for 'smol' · all google searches
Customer satisfaction with American Airlines · all weird & wacky
View details about correlation #4,284
Unraveling Threads of Influence: The Stitch Between Sewing Machine Operators in Iowa and Total Comment-ary on minutephysics YouTube Videos
As the skilled sewing machine operators dwindled in Iowa, their exceptional hand-eye coordination and nimble finger movements were sorely missed. This led to a decrease in the overall dexterity of the Iowa population. Consequently, Iowans found it increasingly challenging to perform tiny tasks, such as typing comments on minutephysics videos with the same level of precision and speed as before. This ultimately resulted in a dip in the total comments on minutephysics YouTube videos.
View details about correlation #2,740
Mastering the Winds: A Study of the Relationship Between Master's Degrees in Military Technologies and Wind Power Generation in Kazakhstan
As more military technology experts obtained their Master's degrees, they realized they could harness the power of top-secret, state-of-the-art wind technology to enhance Kazakhstan's wind power production. Armed with a deeper understanding of airflow dynamics and strategic wind turbine placement, these Master's graduates deployed their expertise to propel the nation's wind energy initiatives to new heights. In a twist of fate, their mission to defend the country ultimately blew new life into Kazakhstan's renewable energy sector.
What else correlates?
Master's degrees awarded in Military technologies · all education
Wind power generated in Kazakhstan · all energy
Master's degrees awarded in Military technologies · all education
Wind power generated in Kazakhstan · all energy
View details about correlation #5,885
Edith or Not, Here Comes Delta: Analyzing the Edith Popularity and Delta Airlines' Stock Price Connection
As the name Edith gained popularity, there was a corresponding surge in grandmas jet-setting across the globe. These stylish senior citizens, or as some may call them "Edith-orial travelers", developed a preference for flying with Delta, leading to a boost in ticket sales and ultimately causing Delta Airlines' stock price to soar. It seems like this name trend really took off for the airline!
What else correlates?
Popularity of the first name Edith · all first names
Delta Airlines' stock price (DAL) · all stocks
Popularity of the first name Edith · all first names
Delta Airlines' stock price (DAL) · all stocks
View details about correlation #2,607
Airmail Tales: The Vertigo of Postage Costs and Google Searches
People are getting light-headed from the shock of the new postage rates, leading to an uptick in searches for "i am dizzy." It's a real mail-biter!
What else correlates?
Cost to send a letter via the USPS · all weird & wacky
Google searches for 'i am dizzy' · all google searches
Cost to send a letter via the USPS · all weird & wacky
Google searches for 'i am dizzy' · all google searches
View details about correlation #4,956
From Business Degrees to 'Scumbag Steve': A Meme-orable Correlation
As the number of Business and management Associates degrees awarded decreased, there was a corresponding decline in the production of office 'scumbags', leading to a decreased relevance for the 'scumbag steve' meme. Turns out, they couldn't manage to stay scummy without their degrees!
What else correlates?
Associates degrees awarded in Business and management · all education
Popularity of the 'scumbag steve' meme · all memes
Associates degrees awarded in Business and management · all education
Popularity of the 'scumbag steve' meme · all memes
View details about correlation #2,927
Sunny Bunny, Money Honey: Investing in CRM with a Name that’s Funny
As the number of Sunnys grew, so did the demand for sunshine, leading to an overall increase in positivity. This positivity somehow found its way into the stock market, specifically boosting the performance of Salesforce, the leading provider of cloud-based solutions. It's like a ray of financial sunshine beaming down on CRM!
What else correlates?
Popularity of the first name Sunny · all first names
Salesforce's stock price (CRM) · all stocks
Popularity of the first name Sunny · all first names
Salesforce's stock price (CRM) · all stocks
View details about correlation #5,934
Putting the Assist in Assistance: A Statistical Examination of Mike Modano's NHL Goal Assists and Customer Satisfaction with CVS
As Mike Modano's regular season NHL goal assists increased, so did the average number of smiles per game in the stands. The higher level of happiness and positivity in the air at NHL games was carried back to the local communities, leading to an unexpected surge in polite and friendly behavior at CVS stores. It's as if Modano's assists were not just on the ice, but also in creating a more pleasant and satisfying shopping experience for CVS customers. Who knew that the path to CVS satisfaction ran through the heart of a hockey rink?
What else correlates?
Mike Modano's regular season NHL goal assists · all sports
Customer satisfaction with CVS · all weird & wacky
Mike Modano's regular season NHL goal assists · all sports
Customer satisfaction with CVS · all weird & wacky
View details about correlation #2,450
Stinky Business: The Symbiotic Relationship Between Sewage Workers in Alabama and Electricity Generation in Antarctica
As the septic tank and sewer pipe business in Alabama boomed, it created a wave of productivity. This surge in the number 2 industry sent a ripple effect all the way to Antarctica, where it sparked a shocking increase in electricity generation. It seems that when it comes to power, the connection really stinks!
View details about correlation #4,960
Caught in the World Wide Web: An Arachnid Meme's Influence on Search Queries
As the 'spiderman pointing' meme gained traction, more and more people found themselves pointing at random things, including their Amazon Echo devices. This inadvertently activated Alexa, prompting users to ask, "Who is Alexa?" in an attempt to make sense of the unexpected interactions with their digital assistant. So, remember folks, with great meme power comes great Googling of unexpected questions!
What else correlates?
Popularity of the 'spiderman pointing' meme · all memes
Google searches for 'who is alexa' · all google searches
Popularity of the 'spiderman pointing' meme · all memes
Google searches for 'who is alexa' · all google searches
View details about correlation #4,001
Theodore-Market Connection: A Bear-ly Believable Link Between Baby Names and Banks
As the number of Theodores rose, so did the call for financial prudence. The correlation was clear: more Theodores meant more "bear"ish investors, leading to a surge in demand for banking services. It seems Theodores really were 'in the money', living up to their name's Greek origin, 'gift of God', by bestowing blessings on the stock market. The connection between Theodore and HDB was un-bear-ably strong!
What else correlates?
Popularity of the first name Theodore · all first names
HDFC Bank's stock price (HDB) · all stocks
Popularity of the first name Theodore · all first names
HDFC Bank's stock price (HDB) · all stocks
View details about correlation #1,192
The Link Between Liberal Arts Lovers and xkcd Philosophical Wits: A Statistical Rhyme
As the number of liberal arts graduates dwindled, there were fewer people left to ponder the deep, existential questions posed in xkcd comics. This led to a philosophical drought in the xkcd creative process, ultimately resulting in a decrease in such thought-provoking content.
What else correlates?
Bachelor's degrees awarded in Liberal arts · all education
xkcd comics published about philosophy · all weird & wacky
Bachelor's degrees awarded in Liberal arts · all education
xkcd comics published about philosophy · all weird & wacky
View details about correlation #3,738
The Solar Soar: Exploring the Correlation Between Belizean Solar Power and Florida's Fire Inspectors
The influx of Solar power from Belize sparked a fiery competition in Florida to hire more fire inspectors. As the solar panels soaked up the Belizean sun, it led to an intensifying heat wave in Florida, prompting the need for more vigilant fire safety measures. It seems the connection between Belize and Florida is truly electric, igniting a burning desire to amp up the fire inspection workforce. Looks like the Sunshine State couldn't resist the opportunity to blaze a trail in fire safety, all thanks to a little spark from Belize.
What else correlates?
Solar power generated in Belize · all energy
The number of fire inspectors in Florida · all cccupations
Solar power generated in Belize · all energy
The number of fire inspectors in Florida · all cccupations
View details about correlation #5,920
Spreading Love and Margarine: An Examination of the Butter-Splitter Correlation in Maine
Perhaps as people used less margarine, they became less slippery in their relationships. The lack of artificial spread may have kept the couples from buttering each other up, leading to a decrease in overall marital strife. That's the reality when you can't believe it's not butter - it's a recipe for marital success. Alternatively, it could be that as the margarine consumption decreased, so did the overall slickness in the state, leading to fewer instances of partners feeling like they couldn't grip the marriage.
What else correlates?
Per capita consumption of margarine · all food
The divorce rate in Maine · all random state specific
Per capita consumption of margarine · all food
The divorce rate in Maine · all random state specific
Why this works
- Data dredging: I have 25,237 variables in my database. I compare all these variables against each other to find ones that randomly match up. That's 636,906,169 correlation calculations! This is called “data dredging.”
Fun fact: the chart used on the wikipedia page to demonstrate data dredging is also from me. I've been being naughty with data since 2014.
Instead of starting with a hypothesis and testing it, I instead tossed a bunch of data in a blender to see what correlations would shake out. It’s a dangerous way to go about analysis, because any sufficiently large dataset will yield strong correlations completely at random. - Lack of causal connection: There is probably no direct connection between these variables, despite what the AI says above.
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.
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. - Observations not independent: For many variables, sequential years are not independent of each other. You will often see trend-lines form. 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 naive p-value calculation does not take this into account.
You will calculate a lower chance of "randomly" achieving the result than represents reality.
To be more specific: p-value tests are probability values, where you are calculating the probability of achieving a result at least as extreme as you found completely by chance. When calculating a p-value, you need to assert how many "degrees of freedom" your variable has. I count each year (minus one) as a "degree of freedom," but this is misleading for continuous variables.
This kind of thing can creep up on you pretty easily when using p-values, which is why it's best to take it as "one of many" inputs that help you assess the results of your analysis.
- Y-axes doesn't start at zero: I truncated the Y-axes of the graphs above. I also used a line graph, which makes the visual connection stand out more than it deserves.
Nothing against line graphs. They are great at telling a story when you have linear data! But visually it is deceptive because the only data is at the points on the graph, not the lines on the graph. In between each point, the data could have been doing anything. Like going for a random walk by itself!
Mathematically what I showed is true, but it is intentionally misleading. If you click on any of the charts that abuse this, you can scroll down to see a version that starts at zero. - Confounding variable: Confounding variables (like global pandemics) will cause two variables to look connected when in fact a "sneaky third" variable is influencing both of them behind the scenes.
- Outliers: Some datasets here have outliers which drag up the correlation.
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.
Because this page is automatically generated, I don't know whether any of the charts displayed on it have outliers. I'm just a footnote. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I intentionally mishandeled outliers, which makes the correlation look extra strong. - Low n: There are not many data points included in some of these charts.
You can do analyses with low ns! But you shouldn't data dredge with a low n.
Even if the p-value is high, we should be suspicious of using so few datapoints in a correlation.
Pro-tip: click on any correlation to see:
- Detailed data sources
- Prompts for the AI-generated content
- Explanations of each of the calculations (correlation, p-value)
- Python code to calculate it yourself
