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Spurious correlation #1,270 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Butter consumption and the second variable is Oracle's stock price (ORCL).  The chart goes from 2002 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

As butter consumption increased, so did the demand for buttery popcorn. This led to higher movie theater attendance. With more people at the movies, there was a greater need for comfortable seating, prompting theaters to invest in luxury recliner chairs. Coincidentally, Oracle's subsidiary company provided the data management software for a leading luxury recliner manufacturer. As the chair sales boomed, so did Oracle's stock price, all thanks to the ripple effect of a buttery connection!

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Prompt: Generate an image that embodies the essence of a vibrant city street in the style of Cyber folk. The scene is set at a lively breakfast cafe, where people are seen spreading generous amounts of butter on their toast, exuding happiness and joy. The atmosphere is illuminated by the sun as patrons engage in friendly conversation and laughter. Some individuals are seen checking stock prices on their phones, showcasing optimism and excitement. In the distance, a large building features a stock ticker displaying increasing numbers, particularly for companies like Oracle, adding to the overall atmosphere of hope and enthusiasm. 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 situation described. You respond only with the scene descriptions provided and say nothing else.
User prompt: Here is a situation: Because as butter consumption increases, so does the average happiness level, which leads to more positivity in the world. This positivity seeps into the stock market, causing people to feel optimistic about investing, therefore increasing the stock price of companies like Oracle.. Given that situation, which of the following image descriptions seems most appropriate? Pick the one that seems to be related to one of the variables at hand and the tone of the explanation. Please respond with only one of the following potential descriptions: Woodblock painting A TIME magazine cover image Cyber folk Cutsy art illustration Cyberpunk
ChatGPT: Cyber folk

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated and the explanation described. Do not reference graphs or charts; describe physical objects.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that depicts the following situation. Keep the description simple. Because as butter consumption increases, so does the average happiness level, which leads to more positivity in the world. This positivity seeps into the stock market, causing people to feel optimistic about investing, therefore increasing the stock price of companies like Oracle.
ChatGPT: Imagine a bustling city street, with people enjoying their morning routine. At a quaint breakfast café, patrons are spreading generous amounts of butter on their toast, while smiles and laughter fill the air. It's a sunny day, and the happiness of the people seems to brighten the surroundings. As the positive vibes spread, some individuals pull out their phones and start checking stock prices, visibly expressing optimism and excitement. Not far away, the stock ticker on a large building displays increasing numbers, particularly for companies like Oracle. The scene exudes an atmosphere of hope and enthusiasm, reflecting the link between butter consumption, happiness, and the positive impact on the stock market.

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: [ Cyber folk ] and depicting this scene: Imagine a bustling city street, with people enjoying their morning routine. At a quaint breakfast café, patrons are spreading generous amounts of butter on their toast, while smiles and laughter fill the air. It's a sunny day, and the happiness of the people seems to brighten the surroundings. As the positive vibes spread, some individuals pull out their phones and start checking stock prices, visibly expressing optimism and excitement. Not far away, the stock ticker on a large building displays increasing numbers, particularly for companies like Oracle. The scene exudes an atmosphere of hope and enthusiasm, reflecting the link between butter consumption, happiness, and the positive impact on the stock market. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Prompt: Generate an image that embodies the essence of a vibrant city street in the style of Cyber folk. The scene is set at a lively breakfast cafe, where people are seen spreading generous amounts of butter on their toast, exuding happiness and joy. The atmosphere is illuminated by the sun as patrons engage in friendly conversation and laughter. Some individuals are seen checking stock prices on their phones, showcasing optimism and excitement. In the distance, a large building features a stock ticker displaying increasing numbers, particularly for companies like Oracle, adding to the overall atmosphere of hope and enthusiasm.

*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 Butter consumption caused Oracle's stock price (ORCL) to increase.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Spreading Financial Wisdom: The Butter-Oracle Connection

The Journal of Whimsical Economics

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 goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.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 Butter consumption and Oracle's stock price (ORCL). Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Make the title seem clever.

Your research team used data from USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.9621973 and p < 0.01 for 2002 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]]
Spreading Financial Wisdom: The Butter-Oracle Connection

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we investigate the potential link between butter consumption and the stock price of Oracle Corporation (ORCL). Despite initial skepticism, the research unveils an unexpected correlation that challenges traditional notions of market analysis. Our findings shed light on a curious relationship that may butter up the understanding of financial markets, seasoning the discourse with a dash of dairy-based insights. By examining USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) data spanning nearly two decades, we uncover a statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.9621973 (p < 0.01) from 2002 to 2021. This study not only offers a surprising twist on traditional investment analysis but also provides a friendly reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected pairings can yield valuable insights.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.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 Butter consumption and Oracle's stock price (ORCL). Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Spreading Financial Wisdom: The Butter-Oracle Connection

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we investigate the potential link between butter consumption and the stock price of Oracle Corporation (ORCL). Despite initial skepticism, the research unveils an unexpected correlation that challenges traditional notions of market analysis. Our findings shed light on a curious relationship that may butter up the understanding of financial markets, seasoning the discourse with a dash of dairy-based insights. By examining USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) data spanning nearly two decades, we uncover a statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.9621973 (p < 0.01) from 2002 to 2021. This study not only offers a surprising twist on traditional investment analysis but also provides a friendly reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected pairings can yield valuable insights.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
**[[INTRODUCTION]]**

The stock market, with its perplexing ups and downs, often leaves investors in a churned state of uncertainty. Financial analysts tirelessly pore over data, seeking any morsel of insight that might hint at the future direction of stock prices. In this pursuit of financial enlightenment, unconventional factors are often overlooked. Today, we turn our attention to a rather unexpected contender in the realm of market influence - butter.

While some may dismiss the idea of butter influencing stock prices as sheer lunacy, our research delves into the creamy depths of this matter. Could there be a connection between the consumption of butter and the stock price of Oracle Corporation (ORCL)? The very notion may seem like the spread of a tall tale, but we assure you, dear reader, that our investigation is conducted with all due seriousness.

Butter, the dairy delight that adds richness to cuisines around the world, is not a typical player in the financial arena. Yet, as we spread our investigative efforts, we stumble upon a fascinating correlation that demands attention. It is an intersection where the tang of financial markets meets the creamy smoothness of dairy produce - a culinary and economic delight, if you will.

We are guided by the scent of curiosity and the commitment to uncover the unexpected. The purpose of this study is to lend a dollop of insight into the unexplored realms of market analysis. Through a rigorous examination of USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) data covering the timeframe from 2002 to 2021, we aim to reveal the buttery undercurrents that may sway the stock price of Oracle.

As we embark on this buttery odyssey, we invite you to open your mind to the unexpected. For in the serendipitous world of finance, where logic meets whimsy, it is often the unlikeliest of connections that churn out the most illuminating revelations. So, let us embark on this unusual journey - where the stock market and dairy aisle collide in a peculiar, but potentially insightful, duet.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.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 Butter consumption and Oracle's stock price (ORCL). Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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 name a few real TV shows that sound like they might be relevant to the topic that you watched as research.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Spreading Financial Wisdom: The Butter-Oracle Connection

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we investigate the potential link between butter consumption and the stock price of Oracle Corporation (ORCL). Despite initial skepticism, the research unveils an unexpected correlation that challenges traditional notions of market analysis. Our findings shed light on a curious relationship that may butter up the understanding of financial markets, seasoning the discourse with a dash of dairy-based insights. By examining USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) data spanning nearly two decades, we uncover a statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.9621973 (p < 0.01) from 2002 to 2021. This study not only offers a surprising twist on traditional investment analysis but also provides a friendly reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected pairings can yield valuable insights.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The stock market, with its perplexing ups and downs, often leaves investors in a churned state of uncertainty. Financial analysts tirelessly pore over data, seeking any morsel of insight that might hint at the future direction of stock prices. In this pursuit of financial enlightenment, unconventional factors are often overlooked. Today, we turn our attention to a rather unexpected contender in the realm of market influence - butter.
While some may dismiss the idea of butter influencing stock prices as sheer lunacy, our research delves into the creamy depths of this matter. Could there be a connection between the consumption of butter and the stock price of Oracle Corporation (ORCL)? The very notion may seem like the spread of a tall tale, but we assure you, dear reader, that our investigation is conducted with all due seriousness.
Butter, the dairy delight that adds richness to cuisines around the world, is not a typical player in the financial arena. Yet, as we spread our investigative efforts, we stumble upon a fascinating correlation that demands attention. It is an intersection where the tang of financial markets meets the creamy smoothness of dairy produce - a culinary and economic delight, if you will.
We are guided by the scent of curiosity and the commitment to uncover the unexpected. The purpose of this study is to lend a dollop of insight into the unexplored realms of market analysis. Through a rigorous examination of USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) data covering the timeframe from 2002 to 2021, we aim to reveal the buttery undercurrents that may sway the stock price of Oracle.
As we embark on this buttery odyssey, we invite you to open your mind to the unexpected. For in the serendipitous world of finance, where logic meets whimsy, it is often the unlikeliest of connections that churn out the most illuminating revelations. So, let us embark on this unusual journey - where the stock market and dairy aisle collide in a peculiar, but potentially insightful, duet.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

In "Smith et al.," the authors find a statistically significant correlation between butter consumption and the stock price of Oracle Corporation. This curious finding has sparked a flurry of academic interest, with researchers clamoring to churn out explanations for this unexpected relationship. The tangy aroma of butter seems to have wafted into the world of financial analysis, leaving many scratching their heads and pondering the creamy conundrum.

Furthermore, in "Doe's study," the authors present compelling evidence linking dairy product consumption to the fluctuations in stock prices. The notion of butter influencing the market has been met with skepticism, but as the data continues to unfold, it becomes increasingly difficult to ignore the piquant implications of this unorthodox association.

Jones, et al., in their exploration of market anomalies, raise eyebrows as they uncover a peculiar interplay between dairy sales and the financial performance of various companies. The insights gleaned from their study add a layer of richness to the discourse surrounding market forces, prompting both amusement and curiosity among the scholarly community.

As we delve deeper into the annals of literature that have grappled with the butter-stock price nexus, it is essential to consider a multitude of perspectives. "The Butter Effect" by Butterman and Spreadly offers a comprehensive analysis of the historical trends in butter consumption and their potential impact on the stock market. This seminal work presents a compelling argument for the inclusion of dairy products in the realm of financial forecasting, offering a thought-provoking blend of culinary and economic insights.

In "The Curious Case of Butter and Stocks" by Margarine and Moolah, the authors take a lighthearted yet thought-provoking approach to the examination of butter's influence on stock prices. Their whimsical exploration of this enigmatic connection serves as a delightful departure from traditional financial literature, reminding readers that even within the serious domain of market analysis, there is room for a sprinkle of humor and playfulness.

Turning our attention to fictional works that may indirectly shed light on the butter-stock price correlation, "The Butter Chronicles" series by M. Argarine immerses readers in a whimsical world where butter holds mystical powers, inspiring curiosity about the potential hidden forces at play in the financial markets. While this series may be rooted in fiction, its thematic exploration of unconventional connections serves as a whimsical backdrop for contemplating the unexpected intersections of seemingly unrelated phenomena.

In the realm of television, the ever-popular cooking show "The Great Butter Bake-Off" has garnered attention not only for its gastronomic delights but also for inadvertently fueling discussions about the potential financial impact of butter-centric creations. While the show's primary focus may be on epicurean delights, its subtle nods to economic influence provide an unexpected avenue for contemplating the butter-market relationship through the lens of culinary competition.

In "Financial Feasts," a reality TV show that pairs celebrity chefs with finance gurus to create sumptuous meals using ingredients that mirror stock market trends, viewers are treated to a unique fusion of gastronomy and investment analysis. The show's thematic exploration of the parallels between food and finance offers a playful yet insightful perspective on the potential interplay between butter consumption and stock prices.

With the diverse array of literary, fictional, and televised sources at our disposal, we are poised to approach the butter-Oracle stock price connection with a blend of scholarly rigor and playful curiosity. As we embark on this unconventional exploration, we invite readers to savor the whimsy and unanticipated revelations that may unfold in the creamy corridors of market analysis.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.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 Butter consumption and Oracle's stock price (ORCL). Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) . You used data from 2002 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]]
Spreading Financial Wisdom: The Butter-Oracle Connection

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we investigate the potential link between butter consumption and the stock price of Oracle Corporation (ORCL). Despite initial skepticism, the research unveils an unexpected correlation that challenges traditional notions of market analysis. Our findings shed light on a curious relationship that may butter up the understanding of financial markets, seasoning the discourse with a dash of dairy-based insights. By examining USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) data spanning nearly two decades, we uncover a statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.9621973 (p < 0.01) from 2002 to 2021. This study not only offers a surprising twist on traditional investment analysis but also provides a friendly reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected pairings can yield valuable insights.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The stock market, with its perplexing ups and downs, often leaves investors in a churned state of uncertainty. Financial analysts tirelessly pore over data, seeking any morsel of insight that might hint at the future direction of stock prices. In this pursuit of financial enlightenment, unconventional factors are often overlooked. Today, we turn our attention to a rather unexpected contender in the realm of market influence - butter.
While some may dismiss the idea of butter influencing stock prices as sheer lunacy, our research delves into the creamy depths of this matter. Could there be a connection between the consumption of butter and the stock price of Oracle Corporation (ORCL)? The very notion may seem like the spread of a tall tale, but we assure you, dear reader, that our investigation is conducted with all due seriousness.
Butter, the dairy delight that adds richness to cuisines around the world, is not a typical player in the financial arena. Yet, as we spread our investigative efforts, we stumble upon a fascinating correlation that demands attention. It is an intersection where the tang of financial markets meets the creamy smoothness of dairy produce - a culinary and economic delight, if you will.
We are guided by the scent of curiosity and the commitment to uncover the unexpected. The purpose of this study is to lend a dollop of insight into the unexplored realms of market analysis. Through a rigorous examination of USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) data covering the timeframe from 2002 to 2021, we aim to reveal the buttery undercurrents that may sway the stock price of Oracle.
As we embark on this buttery odyssey, we invite you to open your mind to the unexpected. For in the serendipitous world of finance, where logic meets whimsy, it is often the unlikeliest of connections that churn out the most illuminating revelations. So, let us embark on this unusual journey - where the stock market and dairy aisle collide in a peculiar, but potentially insightful, duet.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

In order to unravel the enigmatic link between butter consumption and the stock price of Oracle Corporation (ORCL), a comprehensive and quirky approach was employed. Data on butter consumption per capita was obtained from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), while stock price information for Oracle was sourced from the LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) database. The time frame for data collection spanned from 2002 to 2021, allowing for a robust examination of nearly two decades' worth of data.

To begin with, the methodology involved a churn of statistical analyses. We employed Pearson correlation coefficients to assess the association between butter consumption and Oracle's stock price. This method allowed us to quantify the strength and direction of the relationship, providing a numerical basis for our observations.

Furthermore, to capture potential lagged effects and seasonal variations, time-series analysis techniques were incorporated. This involved delving into the ebb and flow of butter consumption alongside the undulating trajectory of Oracle's stock price, unraveling any hidden patterns that may have otherwise slipped through the cracks.

In addition, given the unconventional nature of our investigation, we didn't want to spread ourselves too thin. Therefore, robustness checks were conducted to ensure the reliability of our findings. Sensitivity analyses were undertaken to assess the impact of outliers and alternative specifications, providing a sturdy foundation for our conclusions.

Moreover, given the whimsical nature of our research subject, we couldn't resist sprinkling in a bit of qualitative analysis. Anecdotal evidence and culinary musings were pondered over, to simmer over the potential cultural and contextual influences that might flavor our quantitative findings.

Last but not least, to tackle the potential confounding factors, a delectable mix of control variables was tossed into the analytical pot. Economic indicators, dietary trends, and technological advancements were considered as potential flavor enhancers or disruptors in the butter-Oracle relationship.

Together, this unusual amalgamation of methodological ingredients allowed us to thoroughly investigate the butter-Oracle connection, without getting too bogged down in the churn and butterfat. Now, with these methods in place, we can proceed to whip up the findings and serve them to the academic and financial community, in the hope of spreading a bit of financial wisdom alongside that buttery goodness.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.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 Butter consumption and Oracle's stock price (ORCL). Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) .

For the time period 2002 to 2021, you found a correlation 0.9621973, r-squared of 0.9258236, 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]]
Spreading Financial Wisdom: The Butter-Oracle Connection

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we investigate the potential link between butter consumption and the stock price of Oracle Corporation (ORCL). Despite initial skepticism, the research unveils an unexpected correlation that challenges traditional notions of market analysis. Our findings shed light on a curious relationship that may butter up the understanding of financial markets, seasoning the discourse with a dash of dairy-based insights. By examining USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) data spanning nearly two decades, we uncover a statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.9621973 (p < 0.01) from 2002 to 2021. This study not only offers a surprising twist on traditional investment analysis but also provides a friendly reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected pairings can yield valuable insights.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
The stock market, with its perplexing ups and downs, often leaves investors in a churned state of uncertainty. Financial analysts tirelessly pore over data, seeking any morsel of insight that might hint at the future direction of stock prices. In this pursuit of financial enlightenment, unconventional factors are often overlooked. Today, we turn our attention to a rather unexpected contender in the realm of market influence - butter.
While some may dismiss the idea of butter influencing stock prices as sheer lunacy, our research delves into the creamy depths of this matter. Could there be a connection between the consumption of butter and the stock price of Oracle Corporation (ORCL)? The very notion may seem like the spread of a tall tale, but we assure you, dear reader, that our investigation is conducted with all due seriousness.
Butter, the dairy delight that adds richness to cuisines around the world, is not a typical player in the financial arena. Yet, as we spread our investigative efforts, we stumble upon a fascinating correlation that demands attention. It is an intersection where the tang of financial markets meets the creamy smoothness of dairy produce - a culinary and economic delight, if you will.
We are guided by the scent of curiosity and the commitment to uncover the unexpected. The purpose of this study is to lend a dollop of insight into the unexplored realms of market analysis. Through a rigorous examination of USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) data covering the timeframe from 2002 to 2021, we aim to reveal the buttery undercurrents that may sway the stock price of Oracle.
As we embark on this buttery odyssey, we invite you to open your mind to the unexpected. For in the serendipitous world of finance, where logic meets whimsy, it is often the unlikeliest of connections that churn out the most illuminating revelations. So, let us embark on this unusual journey - where the stock market and dairy aisle collide in a peculiar, but potentially insightful, duet.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The data analysis yielded an intriguing discovery that may butter up the understanding of financial markets, offering a fresh perspective on the dynamics influencing stock prices. Our examination revealed a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.9621973, signifying a strong positive relationship between butter consumption and the stock price of Oracle Corporation (ORCL). The observed correlation was accompanied by an r-squared value of 0.9258236, indicating that approximately 92.6% of the variation in ORCL stock price can be explained by changes in butter consumption. This statistical relationship surpassed the conventional threshold of significance, with a p-value of less than 0.01, adding a sprinkle of statistical certainty to our findings.

To visually encapsulate this unanticipated connection, a scatterplot (Fig. 1) further emphasizes the robust nature of the correlation between butter consumption and ORCL stock price. The figure illustrates an almost symphonic alignment of data points, reinforcing the notion that the ebb and flow of butter consumption may indeed march in step with the fluctuations of ORCL stock price.

It is noteworthy that while correlation does not imply causation, the strength of the relationship uncovered in our research demands attention. This unexpected fusion of dairy consumption and financial performance introduces a flavorful dimension to the broader discourse on market analysis. These findings not only challenge traditional investment paradigms but also serve as a noteworthy reminder that in the complex tapestry of financial markets, the most unexpected pairings may yield valuable insights.

The robustness of the observed correlation urges further inquiry into the underlying mechanisms that potentially underpin this curious relationship. While our initial foray into the butter-ORCL terrain has unveiled an unanticipated partnership, future research endeavors should delve into the nuanced dynamics that may explain this linkage. It is evident that the blending of statistical rigor with whimsical exploration has unearthed a surprising intersection between dairy consumption and stock market performance, warranting continued investigation into this novel area of financial analysis.

In summary, our findings challenge conventional wisdom and compel a reconsideration of the factors that may influence stock prices. The butter-ORCL connection tantalizes the imagination, offering a captivating interplay between culinary indulgence and financial performance. As we savor the unexpected implications of this research, we must remain open to the possibility that in the ever-elusive world of finance, the most unlikely pairings can indeed churn out valuable insights.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.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 Butter consumption and Oracle's stock price (ORCL). Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

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]]
Spreading Financial Wisdom: The Butter-Oracle Connection

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we investigate the potential link between butter consumption and the stock price of Oracle Corporation (ORCL). Despite initial skepticism, the research unveils an unexpected correlation that challenges traditional notions of market analysis. Our findings shed light on a curious relationship that may butter up the understanding of financial markets, seasoning the discourse with a dash of dairy-based insights. By examining USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) data spanning nearly two decades, we uncover a statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.9621973 (p < 0.01) from 2002 to 2021. This study not only offers a surprising twist on traditional investment analysis but also provides a friendly reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected pairings can yield valuable insights.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
In "Smith et al.," the authors find a statistically significant correlation between butter consumption and the stock price of Oracle Corporation. This curious finding has sparked a flurry of academic interest, with researchers clamoring to churn out explanations for this unexpected relationship. The tangy aroma of butter seems to have wafted into the world of financial analysis, leaving many scratching their heads and pondering the creamy conundrum.
Furthermore, in "Doe's study," the authors present compelling evidence linking dairy product consumption to the fluctuations in stock prices. The notion of butter influencing the market has been met with skepticism, but as the data continues to unfold, it becomes increasingly difficult to ignore the piquant implications of this unorthodox association.
Jones, et al., in their exploration of market anomalies, raise eyebrows as they uncover a peculiar interplay between dairy sales and the financial performance of various companies. The insights gleaned from their study add a layer of richness to the discourse surrounding market forces, prompting both amusement and curiosity among the scholarly community.
As we delve deeper into the annals of literature that have grappled with the butter-stock price nexus, it is essential to consider a multitude of perspectives. "The Butter Effect" by Butterman and Spreadly offers a comprehensive analysis of the historical trends in butter consumption and their potential impact on the stock market. This seminal work presents a compelling argument for the inclusion of dairy products in the realm of financial forecasting, offering a thought-provoking blend of culinary and economic insights.
In "The Curious Case of Butter and Stocks" by Margarine and Moolah, the authors take a lighthearted yet thought-provoking approach to the examination of butter's influence on stock prices. Their whimsical exploration of this enigmatic connection serves as a delightful departure from traditional financial literature, reminding readers that even within the serious domain of market analysis, there is room for a sprinkle of humor and playfulness.
Turning our attention to fictional works that may indirectly shed light on the butter-stock price correlation, "The Butter Chronicles" series by M. Argarine immerses readers in a whimsical world where butter holds mystical powers, inspiring curiosity about the potential hidden forces at play in the financial markets. While this series may be rooted in fiction, its thematic exploration of unconventional connections serves as a whimsical backdrop for contemplating the unexpected intersections of seemingly unrelated phenomena.
In the realm of television, the ever-popular cooking show "The Great Butter Bake-Off" has garnered attention not only for its gastronomic delights but also for inadvertently fueling discussions about the potential financial impact of butter-centric creations. While the show's primary focus may be on epicurean delights, its subtle nods to economic influence provide an unexpected avenue for contemplating the butter-market relationship through the lens of culinary competition.
In "Financial Feasts," a reality TV show that pairs celebrity chefs with finance gurus to create sumptuous meals using ingredients that mirror stock market trends, viewers are treated to a unique fusion of gastronomy and investment analysis. The show's thematic exploration of the parallels between food and finance offers a playful yet insightful perspective on the potential interplay between butter consumption and stock prices.
With the diverse array of literary, fictional, and televised sources at our disposal, we are poised to approach the butter-Oracle stock price connection with a blend of scholarly rigor and playful curiosity. As we embark on this unconventional exploration, we invite readers to savor the whimsy and unanticipated revelations that may unfold in the creamy corridors of market analysis.

[[RESULTS]]
The data analysis yielded an intriguing discovery that may butter up the understanding of financial markets, offering a fresh perspective on the dynamics influencing stock prices. Our examination revealed a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.9621973, signifying a strong positive relationship between butter consumption and the stock price of Oracle Corporation (ORCL). The observed correlation was accompanied by an r-squared value of 0.9258236, indicating that approximately 92.6% of the variation in ORCL stock price can be explained by changes in butter consumption. This statistical relationship surpassed the conventional threshold of significance, with a p-value of less than 0.01, adding a sprinkle of statistical certainty to our findings.
To visually encapsulate this unanticipated connection, a scatterplot (Fig. 1) further emphasizes the robust nature of the correlation between butter consumption and ORCL stock price. The figure illustrates an almost symphonic alignment of data points, reinforcing the notion that the ebb and flow of butter consumption may indeed march in step with the fluctuations of ORCL stock price.
It is noteworthy that while correlation does not imply causation, the strength of the relationship uncovered in our research demands attention. This unexpected fusion of dairy consumption and financial performance introduces a flavorful dimension to the broader discourse on market analysis. These findings not only challenge traditional investment paradigms but also serve as a noteworthy reminder that in the complex tapestry of financial markets, the most unexpected pairings may yield valuable insights.
The robustness of the observed correlation urges further inquiry into the underlying mechanisms that potentially underpin this curious relationship. While our initial foray into the butter-ORCL terrain has unveiled an unanticipated partnership, future research endeavors should delve into the nuanced dynamics that may explain this linkage. It is evident that the blending of statistical rigor with whimsical exploration has unearthed a surprising intersection between dairy consumption and stock market performance, warranting continued investigation into this novel area of financial analysis.
In summary, our findings challenge conventional wisdom and compel a reconsideration of the factors that may influence stock prices. The butter-ORCL connection tantalizes the imagination, offering a captivating interplay between culinary indulgence and financial performance. As we savor the unexpected implications of this research, we must remain open to the possibility that in the ever-elusive world of finance, the most unlikely pairings can indeed churn out valuable insights.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The results of our investigation have unveiled a correlation between butter consumption and the stock price of Oracle Corporation (ORCL) that demands more than just a passing glance. Our findings align with prior research, notably the work of Smith et al., who initially brought attention to the potential connection between butter and ORCL stock performance. It is worth acknowledging that the tangy aroma of butter seemed to have sparked academic curiosity, eliciting a buttery avalanche of inquiries and speculations. While some may have initially brushed off the aroma of dairy as a mere culinary distraction, the statistical robustness of the observed correlation has certainly churned the tide of skepticism.

The statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.9621973 that we uncovered resonates with the piquant implications espoused by Doe's study on dairy product consumption and stock price fluctuations. The strength of this correlation, coupled with the r-squared value of 0.9258236, punctuates the overwhelming influence of butter consumption on the fluctuations in ORCL stock price. Indeed, the creamy relationship we have unraveled attests to the relevance of prior research in the domain of dairy-infused market analysis.

Furthermore, the whimsical explorations of Butterman and Spreadly in "The Butter Effect," and Margarine and Moolah in "The Curious Case of Butter and Stocks," have lent an air of levity to this scholarly pursuit. As buttered humor meandered through the corridors of financial literature, their playful yet thought-provoking take on the butter-stock price nexus has served as a delightful departure from traditional financial discourse, infusing the exploration with a zestful dose of mirth and curiosity.

The surprising fusion of dairy consumption and financial performance challenges conventional investment paradigms, reminding us that within the complex tapestry of financial markets, the most unexpected pairings may indeed yield valuable insights. The robustness of the observed correlation accentuates the need for further inquiry into the underlying mechanisms that potentially underpin this curious association, echoing the scholarly curiosity and palatable whimsy that have colored the annals of butter-ORCL literature.

As we embark on further forays into the seemingly incongruous realms of dairy and finance, our findings underscore the need to remain open to the possibility that in the ever-elusive world of finance, the most unlikely pairings can, in fact, churn out valuable insights. The butter-ORCL connection tantalizes the imagination, offering a flavorful interplay between culinary indulgence and financial performance. As we savor the unexpected implications of this research, we are reminded that even the creamiest of relationships can hold underlying kernels of financial wisdom.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.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 Butter consumption and Oracle's stock price (ORCL). Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

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]]
Spreading Financial Wisdom: The Butter-Oracle Connection

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we investigate the potential link between butter consumption and the stock price of Oracle Corporation (ORCL). Despite initial skepticism, the research unveils an unexpected correlation that challenges traditional notions of market analysis. Our findings shed light on a curious relationship that may butter up the understanding of financial markets, seasoning the discourse with a dash of dairy-based insights. By examining USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) data spanning nearly two decades, we uncover a statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.9621973 (p < 0.01) from 2002 to 2021. This study not only offers a surprising twist on traditional investment analysis but also provides a friendly reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected pairings can yield valuable insights.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The stock market, with its perplexing ups and downs, often leaves investors in a churned state of uncertainty. Financial analysts tirelessly pore over data, seeking any morsel of insight that might hint at the future direction of stock prices. In this pursuit of financial enlightenment, unconventional factors are often overlooked. Today, we turn our attention to a rather unexpected contender in the realm of market influence - butter.
While some may dismiss the idea of butter influencing stock prices as sheer lunacy, our research delves into the creamy depths of this matter. Could there be a connection between the consumption of butter and the stock price of Oracle Corporation (ORCL)? The very notion may seem like the spread of a tall tale, but we assure you, dear reader, that our investigation is conducted with all due seriousness.
Butter, the dairy delight that adds richness to cuisines around the world, is not a typical player in the financial arena. Yet, as we spread our investigative efforts, we stumble upon a fascinating correlation that demands attention. It is an intersection where the tang of financial markets meets the creamy smoothness of dairy produce - a culinary and economic delight, if you will.
We are guided by the scent of curiosity and the commitment to uncover the unexpected. The purpose of this study is to lend a dollop of insight into the unexplored realms of market analysis. Through a rigorous examination of USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) data covering the timeframe from 2002 to 2021, we aim to reveal the buttery undercurrents that may sway the stock price of Oracle.
As we embark on this buttery odyssey, we invite you to open your mind to the unexpected. For in the serendipitous world of finance, where logic meets whimsy, it is often the unlikeliest of connections that churn out the most illuminating revelations. So, let us embark on this unusual journey - where the stock market and dairy aisle collide in a peculiar, but potentially insightful, duet.

[[RESULTS]]
The data analysis yielded an intriguing discovery that may butter up the understanding of financial markets, offering a fresh perspective on the dynamics influencing stock prices. Our examination revealed a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.9621973, signifying a strong positive relationship between butter consumption and the stock price of Oracle Corporation (ORCL). The observed correlation was accompanied by an r-squared value of 0.9258236, indicating that approximately 92.6% of the variation in ORCL stock price can be explained by changes in butter consumption. This statistical relationship surpassed the conventional threshold of significance, with a p-value of less than 0.01, adding a sprinkle of statistical certainty to our findings.
To visually encapsulate this unanticipated connection, a scatterplot (Fig. 1) further emphasizes the robust nature of the correlation between butter consumption and ORCL stock price. The figure illustrates an almost symphonic alignment of data points, reinforcing the notion that the ebb and flow of butter consumption may indeed march in step with the fluctuations of ORCL stock price.
It is noteworthy that while correlation does not imply causation, the strength of the relationship uncovered in our research demands attention. This unexpected fusion of dairy consumption and financial performance introduces a flavorful dimension to the broader discourse on market analysis. These findings not only challenge traditional investment paradigms but also serve as a noteworthy reminder that in the complex tapestry of financial markets, the most unexpected pairings may yield valuable insights.
The robustness of the observed correlation urges further inquiry into the underlying mechanisms that potentially underpin this curious relationship. While our initial foray into the butter-ORCL terrain has unveiled an unanticipated partnership, future research endeavors should delve into the nuanced dynamics that may explain this linkage. It is evident that the blending of statistical rigor with whimsical exploration has unearthed a surprising intersection between dairy consumption and stock market performance, warranting continued investigation into this novel area of financial analysis.
In summary, our findings challenge conventional wisdom and compel a reconsideration of the factors that may influence stock prices. The butter-ORCL connection tantalizes the imagination, offering a captivating interplay between culinary indulgence and financial performance. As we savor the unexpected implications of this research, we must remain open to the possibility that in the ever-elusive world of finance, the most unlikely pairings can indeed churn out valuable insights.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In the world of finance, where the churn of market forces and the spread of unexpected correlations provoke curiosity, our study has unveiled a most buttery revelation. The statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.9621973 between butter consumption and Oracle's stock price (ORCL) from 2002 to 2021 not only tickles the imagination but also adds a creamy layer of insight to the thick soup of financial analysis. The near-symphony of aligned data points in the scatterplot (Fig. 1) certainly suggests a savory tango between butter and ORCL stock price, inviting further exploration into this dairy-dipped market territory.

While causation remains a conundrum, our findings remind us that in the financial domain, even the most unexpected connections can churn out noteworthy insights. Indeed, this study underscores the value of embracing the unexpected, for it is often the most unlikely pairings that sizzle with potential. As the aroma of this research lingers, we urge future researchers to explore the nuanced flavors underlying this buttery correlation while maintaining a sharp eye for market fluctuations and a soft spot for dairy products.

It is with a pinch of whimsy and a dollop of statistical rigor that we conclude our investigation, recognizing that this butter-ORCL entanglement has unveiled a rich layer of intrigue in the labyrinthine world of market analysis. As such, we firmly assert, with a hint of suppressed laughter, that no further research in this area is needed. After all, we've already uncovered the most a-peeling relationship between dairy indulgence and stock performance. Onward to new discoveries, for there is no churn in dwelling on past spreads!

No further research is needed in this area.


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 Spreading Financial Wisdom: The Butter-Oracle Connection. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Whimsical Economics


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 Spreading Financial Wisdom: The Butter-Oracle Connection. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The International Institute for Wealthy Spreads


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 Spreading Financial Wisdom: The Butter-Oracle Connection with an abstract of In this paper, we investigate the potential link between butter consumption and the stock price of Oracle Corporation (ORCL). Despite initial skepticism, the research unveils an unexpected correlation that challenges traditional notions of market analysis. Our findings shed light on a curious relationship that may butter up the understanding of financial markets, seasoning the discourse with a dash of dairy-based insights. By examining USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) data spanning nearly two decades, we uncover a statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.9621973 (p < 0.01) from 2002 to 2021. This study not only offers a surprising twist on traditional investment analysis but also provides a friendly reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected pairings can yield valuable insights.

ChatGPT:

Butter consumption, Oracle stock price, financial markets, market analysis, USDA data, LSEG Analytics, Refinitiv, correlation coefficient, investment analysis, unexpected pairings, stock price 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

Butter consumption
Detailed data title: Per capita consumption of Butter in the US
Source: USDA
See what else correlates with Butter consumption

Oracle's stock price (ORCL)
Detailed data title: Opening price of Oracle (ORCL) on the first trading day of the year
Source: LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv)
Additional Info: Via Microsoft Excel Stockhistory function

See what else correlates with Oracle's stock price (ORCL)

Correlation r = 0.9621973 (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 = 0.9258236 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 92.6% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Oracle's stock price (ORCL)) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Butter consumption) over the 20 years from 2002 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 1.31E-11. 0.0000000000130519723576848370
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 0.96 in 1.31E-9% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 76,616,772,745 random variables You don't actually need 76 billion 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 19 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 19 because we have two variables measured over a period of 20 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.

[ 0.91, 0.99 ] 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.
20022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021
Butter consumption (Pounds per person)4.44.54.54.54.74.7554.95.45.55.55.55.65.75.766.26.36.5
Oracle's stock price (ORCL) (Stock price)13.9810.9413.2513.8812.2317.2222.5517.6424.6631.5926.3334.0837.7845.0236.0138.4547.5744.4853.2764.69




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. Y-axis doesn't start at zero: I truncated the Y-axes of the graph 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. Below is the same chart but with both Y-axes starting at zero.




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([4.4,4.5,4.5,4.5,4.7,4.7,5,5,4.9,5.4,5.5,5.5,5.5,5.6,5.7,5.7,6,6.2,6.3,6.5,])
array_2 = np.array([13.98,10.94,13.25,13.88,12.23,17.22,22.55,17.64,24.66,31.59,26.33,34.08,37.78,45.02,36.01,38.45,47.57,44.48,53.27,64.69,])
array_1_name = "Butter consumption"
array_2_name = "Oracle's stock price (ORCL)"

# 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: 1270 · Black Variable ID: 557 · Red Variable ID: 1562
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