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Spurious correlation #3,159 · 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 Sonny and the second variable is The Sherwin-Williams Company's stock price (SHW).  The chart goes from 2002 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

As the name Sonny gained popularity, more parents were subliminally influenced to associate the sunny disposition of their child with bright, cheerful colors. This led to an overall increase in demand for paint, specifically from The Sherwin-Williams Company. It seems the stock price was on the rise, painting a picture of success for the company.

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: "DALLE-3, generate a pop art-style image of a bustling neighborhood scene with the name "Sonny" trending, cheerful faces emerging, and a Sherwin-Williams store with customers excitedly picking out paint colors as the company's stock price graph shows a steady upward trend, radiating sunny optimism. Use vibrant colors and bold, graphic elements to capture the energetic and optimistic atmosphere of the scene." 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 Sonny and The Sherwin-Williams Company's stock price (SHW). 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: Cubism Brutalism Magic realism Surrealism Pop art
ChatGPT: Pop art

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 Sonny and The Sherwin-Williams Company's stock price (SHW), in the following situation: Because the increase in popularity of the first name Sonny led to more people wanting to live up to the name by renovating their homes with Sherwin-Williams paint, thus driving up demand and boosting the company's stock price. It's a stroke of sunny luck for Sherwin-Williams!. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a bustling neighborhood, the name "Sonny" is trending as more cheerful faces emerge in the community with that name. On the same street, the Sherwin-Williams store is bustling with customers excitedly picking out paint colors, as the company's stock price graph shows a steady upward trend, radiating a sunny optimism.

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: [ Pop art ] and depicting this scene: In a bustling neighborhood, the name "Sonny" is trending as more cheerful faces emerge in the community with that name. On the same street, the Sherwin-Williams store is bustling with customers excitedly picking out paint colors, as the company's stock price graph shows a steady upward trend, radiating a sunny optimism. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: "DALLE-3, generate a pop art-style image of a bustling neighborhood scene with the name "Sonny" trending, cheerful faces emerging, and a Sherwin-Williams store with customers excitedly picking out paint colors as the company's stock price graph shows a steady upward trend, radiating sunny optimism. Use vibrant colors and bold, graphic elements to capture the energetic and optimistic atmosphere of the scene."

*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 Sonny caused The Sherwin-Williams Company's stock price (SHW) to increase. Include one good pun.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
A Stroke of Stock: The Sonny-Sherwin-Williams Connection

Journal of Colorful Connections

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 Popularity of the first name Sonny and The Sherwin-Williams Company's stock price (SHW). Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Make the title a clever pun.

Your research team used data from US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.9827596 and p < 0.01 for 2002 to 2022.

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]]
A Stroke of Stock: The Sonny-Sherwin-Williams Connection

[[ABSTRACT]]
Recent academic research has delved into the peculiar phenomenon of a potential link between the popularity of the first name "Sonny" and the stock price of The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW). Utilizing data from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), this study aimed to uncover the quirky correlation that seems to exist between these seemingly unrelated entities. Employing statistical analysis, the research team discovered a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.9827596 with a p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 2002 to 2022. These findings suggest an unmistakable association between the prevalence of the name "Sonny" and the fluctuations of SHW stock, shedding new light on the idiosyncrasies of market influences. While the nature of this relationship remains enigmatic, this research contributes to the understanding of the unexpected connections that permeate the world of finance and nomenclature.


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 Popularity of the first name Sonny and The Sherwin-Williams Company's stock price (SHW). Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
A Stroke of Stock: The Sonny-Sherwin-Williams Connection

[[ABSTRACT]]
Recent academic research has delved into the peculiar phenomenon of a potential link between the popularity of the first name "Sonny" and the stock price of The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW). Utilizing data from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), this study aimed to uncover the quirky correlation that seems to exist between these seemingly unrelated entities. Employing statistical analysis, the research team discovered a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.9827596 with a p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 2002 to 2022. These findings suggest an unmistakable association between the prevalence of the name "Sonny" and the fluctuations of SHW stock, shedding new light on the idiosyncrasies of market influences. While the nature of this relationship remains enigmatic, this research contributes to the understanding of the unexpected connections that permeate the world of finance and nomenclature.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
INTRODUCTION

Money and monikers have long been parallel paths in the road of life. We have witnessed the rise and fall of fortunes, just as we have seen the wax and wane of baby names. But, who could have fathomed that these two divergent trajectories might intersect in a manner so remarkably peculiar? In this paper, we delve into the curious case of the connection between the popularity of the first name "Sonny" and the stock price of The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW).

The notion that the popularity of a given first name could somehow influence stock prices may seem as whimsical as a unicorn sighting in a statistical analysis textbook. However, as scholars and merrymakers alike are aware, the world is replete with unexpected connections. And so, armed with this ethos, we embarked on a quest to unravel the mysterious thread that appears to link the name "Sonny" and the financial fate of Sherwin-Williams.

The Sherwin-Williams Company has stood as a stalwart in the coatings and paint industry, a titan whose financial fortunes are typically discussed in the hallowed halls of high finance. Yet, could it be that the name "Sonny," with its charismatic charm and warm association with sunshine and cheer, holds sway over the market movements of this venerable corporation? The answer may surprise you as much as the lingering scent of fresh paint.

But, before we delve too deep into the enigmatic entanglement of names and numbers, let us consider the scope and methodology employed to unravel this riddle. We combed through decades of data from the US Social Security Administration, tracing the ebbs and flows of the name "Sonny" as it danced its way through birth certificates. In tandem, we delved into the financial annals of Sherwin-Williams, meticulously charting the rises and dips of SHW stock prices. The convergence of these disparate datasets brought forth a revelation that would baffle statisticians and tickle the curiosity of even the most seasoned market pundits.

As we tread further into this uncharted territory of name-based market influences, it is essential to approach our findings with a sense of wonder and curiosity. We shall venture forth armed with statistical analysis, armed not with swords and shields, but with correlation coefficients and p-values. For in the realm of academic inquiry, a well-placed pun is as potent as a well-constructed hypothesis. So, dear reader, come along as we journey into the realm of nomenclature and numerical whimsy.

The aim of this paper is not merely to unravel the connection between Sonny and Sherwin-Williams, but also to appreciate the quirky conundrums that pepper the landscape of finance and nomenclature. Through the lens of this offbeat correlation, we seek to shed new light on the idiosyncrasies that underpin the machinations of markets and the naming of generations. As we navigate this unconventional adventure, we hope that our findings will both entertain and inspire new avenues of inquiry into the delightful dance between names and numbers.


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 Popularity of the first name Sonny and The Sherwin-Williams Company's stock price (SHW). Make lots of 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 you might move on to cartoons and children's shows that you watched for research.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
A Stroke of Stock: The Sonny-Sherwin-Williams Connection

[[ABSTRACT]]
Recent academic research has delved into the peculiar phenomenon of a potential link between the popularity of the first name "Sonny" and the stock price of The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW). Utilizing data from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), this study aimed to uncover the quirky correlation that seems to exist between these seemingly unrelated entities. Employing statistical analysis, the research team discovered a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.9827596 with a p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 2002 to 2022. These findings suggest an unmistakable association between the prevalence of the name "Sonny" and the fluctuations of SHW stock, shedding new light on the idiosyncrasies of market influences. While the nature of this relationship remains enigmatic, this research contributes to the understanding of the unexpected connections that permeate the world of finance and nomenclature.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
INTRODUCTION
Money and monikers have long been parallel paths in the road of life. We have witnessed the rise and fall of fortunes, just as we have seen the wax and wane of baby names. But, who could have fathomed that these two divergent trajectories might intersect in a manner so remarkably peculiar? In this paper, we delve into the curious case of the connection between the popularity of the first name "Sonny" and the stock price of The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW).
The notion that the popularity of a given first name could somehow influence stock prices may seem as whimsical as a unicorn sighting in a statistical analysis textbook. However, as scholars and merrymakers alike are aware, the world is replete with unexpected connections. And so, armed with this ethos, we embarked on a quest to unravel the mysterious thread that appears to link the name "Sonny" and the financial fate of Sherwin-Williams.
The Sherwin-Williams Company has stood as a stalwart in the coatings and paint industry, a titan whose financial fortunes are typically discussed in the hallowed halls of high finance. Yet, could it be that the name "Sonny," with its charismatic charm and warm association with sunshine and cheer, holds sway over the market movements of this venerable corporation? The answer may surprise you as much as the lingering scent of fresh paint.
But, before we delve too deep into the enigmatic entanglement of names and numbers, let us consider the scope and methodology employed to unravel this riddle. We combed through decades of data from the US Social Security Administration, tracing the ebbs and flows of the name "Sonny" as it danced its way through birth certificates. In tandem, we delved into the financial annals of Sherwin-Williams, meticulously charting the rises and dips of SHW stock prices. The convergence of these disparate datasets brought forth a revelation that would baffle statisticians and tickle the curiosity of even the most seasoned market pundits.
As we tread further into this uncharted territory of name-based market influences, it is essential to approach our findings with a sense of wonder and curiosity. We shall venture forth armed with statistical analysis, armed not with swords and shields, but with correlation coefficients and p-values. For in the realm of academic inquiry, a well-placed pun is as potent as a well-constructed hypothesis. So, dear reader, come along as we journey into the realm of nomenclature and numerical whimsy.
The aim of this paper is not merely to unravel the connection between Sonny and Sherwin-Williams, but also to appreciate the quirky conundrums that pepper the landscape of finance and nomenclature. Through the lens of this offbeat correlation, we seek to shed new light on the idiosyncrasies that underpin the machinations of markets and the naming of generations. As we navigate this unconventional adventure, we hope that our findings will both entertain and inspire new avenues of inquiry into the delightful dance between names and numbers.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The intersection of nomenclature and financial markets has long been a subject of intrigue, leading scholars to explore the unexpected ways in which names and numbers might intertwine. While the idea of a connection between a first name's popularity and stock prices may initially appear as quixotic as searching for a needle in a haystack (or perhaps a stock tip in a pun-filled academic paper), recent studies have begun to shed light on this whimsically curious phenomenon.

In the seminal work of Smith et al. (2018), researchers initially brought attention to the intriguing possibility of a correlation between first names and stock prices, paving the way for further exploration in this uncharted territory. Subsequent studies by Doe and Jones (2020) expanded upon this groundwork, delving into the idiosyncrasies of market influences and the societal nuances that could potentially influence such a connection.

Turning now to the world beyond academic research, non-fiction works such as "Freakonomics" and "Outliers" have brought attention to the often unexpected and unorthodox factors that may impact economic and social phenomena. Furthermore, fictional works such as "The Joy Luck Club" and "The Great Gatsby" have woven narratives around the intricacies of societal influences and individual identities, offering allegorical insights into the complexities of human behavior and cultural trends.

In a lighthearted departure from conventional sources, the authors found themselves revisiting beloved childhood cartoons and shows, from "SpongeBob SquarePants" to "Sesame Street," in an effort to glean insights from the most unlikely of sources. After all, who better to understand the ebbs and flows of popular sentiment than the characters who have whimsically waltzed their way into the hearts and minds of generations?

As the academic winds of inquiry blew them from serious studies to whimsical readings, the authors found themselves pondering the notion that perhaps, just perhaps, there might be more to the Sonny-Sherwin-Williams connection than meets the eye. With an open mind and a touch of humor, this paper endeavors to navigate the juncture where financial markets and nomenclature playfully collide, inviting readers to join in the delightfully unorthodox exploration of this intriguing phenomenon.


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 Popularity of the first name Sonny and The Sherwin-Williams Company's stock price (SHW). Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. 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 LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) . You used data from 2002 to 2022

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]]
A Stroke of Stock: The Sonny-Sherwin-Williams Connection

[[ABSTRACT]]
Recent academic research has delved into the peculiar phenomenon of a potential link between the popularity of the first name "Sonny" and the stock price of The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW). Utilizing data from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), this study aimed to uncover the quirky correlation that seems to exist between these seemingly unrelated entities. Employing statistical analysis, the research team discovered a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.9827596 with a p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 2002 to 2022. These findings suggest an unmistakable association between the prevalence of the name "Sonny" and the fluctuations of SHW stock, shedding new light on the idiosyncrasies of market influences. While the nature of this relationship remains enigmatic, this research contributes to the understanding of the unexpected connections that permeate the world of finance and nomenclature.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
INTRODUCTION
Money and monikers have long been parallel paths in the road of life. We have witnessed the rise and fall of fortunes, just as we have seen the wax and wane of baby names. But, who could have fathomed that these two divergent trajectories might intersect in a manner so remarkably peculiar? In this paper, we delve into the curious case of the connection between the popularity of the first name "Sonny" and the stock price of The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW).
The notion that the popularity of a given first name could somehow influence stock prices may seem as whimsical as a unicorn sighting in a statistical analysis textbook. However, as scholars and merrymakers alike are aware, the world is replete with unexpected connections. And so, armed with this ethos, we embarked on a quest to unravel the mysterious thread that appears to link the name "Sonny" and the financial fate of Sherwin-Williams.
The Sherwin-Williams Company has stood as a stalwart in the coatings and paint industry, a titan whose financial fortunes are typically discussed in the hallowed halls of high finance. Yet, could it be that the name "Sonny," with its charismatic charm and warm association with sunshine and cheer, holds sway over the market movements of this venerable corporation? The answer may surprise you as much as the lingering scent of fresh paint.
But, before we delve too deep into the enigmatic entanglement of names and numbers, let us consider the scope and methodology employed to unravel this riddle. We combed through decades of data from the US Social Security Administration, tracing the ebbs and flows of the name "Sonny" as it danced its way through birth certificates. In tandem, we delved into the financial annals of Sherwin-Williams, meticulously charting the rises and dips of SHW stock prices. The convergence of these disparate datasets brought forth a revelation that would baffle statisticians and tickle the curiosity of even the most seasoned market pundits.
As we tread further into this uncharted territory of name-based market influences, it is essential to approach our findings with a sense of wonder and curiosity. We shall venture forth armed with statistical analysis, armed not with swords and shields, but with correlation coefficients and p-values. For in the realm of academic inquiry, a well-placed pun is as potent as a well-constructed hypothesis. So, dear reader, come along as we journey into the realm of nomenclature and numerical whimsy.
The aim of this paper is not merely to unravel the connection between Sonny and Sherwin-Williams, but also to appreciate the quirky conundrums that pepper the landscape of finance and nomenclature. Through the lens of this offbeat correlation, we seek to shed new light on the idiosyncrasies that underpin the machinations of markets and the naming of generations. As we navigate this unconventional adventure, we hope that our findings will both entertain and inspire new avenues of inquiry into the delightful dance between names and numbers.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To unravel the enigmatic connection between the popularity of the first name "Sonny" and the stock price of The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW), our research team embarked on a journey that was as riveting as it was quirky. We combined data from the US Social Security Administration, which holds the key to the ebb and flow of baby names, with information from LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), delving into the financial annals of Sherwin-Williams to capture the whimsical dance between names and numbers from 2002 to 2022.

Our intrepid methodology began by harnessing the power of data mining, as we scoured the vast expanse of the internet, much like adventurous explorers seeking treasure, to collect the evolving popularity of the name "Sonny" from official birth registries. We diligently followed the trails of this moniker, tracking its movements with the precision of a sleuth on the trail of a captivating mystery novel. Each instance of "Sonny" was meticulously logged, creating a vivid tapestry of the name's fluctuating favor across different epochs.

Concurrently, our team delved into the financial domain, tapping into the repositories of LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) to extract the historical stock price data of The Sherwin-Williams Company. Like seasoned financial detectives, we pored over the labyrinthine labyrinth of stock prices, unraveling the intricate patterns and surprises lurking within the winding corridors of market fluctuations. Much like uncovering the hidden treasures of a stock market-themed escape room, we combed through the numerical landscapes to capture the soaring highs and plunging lows of SHW stock.

Once both datasets were securely in our clutches, we employed the hallowed tools of statistical analysis to bring order to the seeming chaos of names and numbers. With the precision of a conductor leading a symphony, we unleashed the full might of correlation coefficients and p-values, revealing the harmonious interplay between the popularity of "Sonny" and the twists and turns of SHW stock prices. Our statistical foray was as rigorous as it was exuberant, resembling a scholarly tango between data points and regression models.

The intertwining of these diverse datasets culminated in a revelatory analysis, uncovering a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.9827596 with a p-value of less than 0.01. The robustness of this correlation, akin to the unyielding grip of a particularly sticky name tag, pointed to an unmistakable association between the prevalence of "Sonny" and the nuanced machinations of SHW stock. As we gazed upon this whimsical correlation, we were reminded that in the realm of research, discovery is often a delightful blend of meticulous analysis and unexpected serendipity.

With our quirky methodology and statistical prowess, we painted a portrait of an unconventional relationship, shedding new light on the delightful quirks that infuse the realm of finance and nomenclature. This methodology, though unconventional in its journey, yielded insights that not only tickled the intellect but also ignited a sense of wonder about the myriad connections that grace our world.


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 Popularity of the first name Sonny and The Sherwin-Williams Company's stock price (SHW). Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. 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 LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) .

For the time period 2002 to 2022, you found a correlation 0.9827596, r-squared of 0.9658165, 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]]
A Stroke of Stock: The Sonny-Sherwin-Williams Connection

[[ABSTRACT]]
Recent academic research has delved into the peculiar phenomenon of a potential link between the popularity of the first name "Sonny" and the stock price of The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW). Utilizing data from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), this study aimed to uncover the quirky correlation that seems to exist between these seemingly unrelated entities. Employing statistical analysis, the research team discovered a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.9827596 with a p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 2002 to 2022. These findings suggest an unmistakable association between the prevalence of the name "Sonny" and the fluctuations of SHW stock, shedding new light on the idiosyncrasies of market influences. While the nature of this relationship remains enigmatic, this research contributes to the understanding of the unexpected connections that permeate the world of finance and nomenclature.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
INTRODUCTION
Money and monikers have long been parallel paths in the road of life. We have witnessed the rise and fall of fortunes, just as we have seen the wax and wane of baby names. But, who could have fathomed that these two divergent trajectories might intersect in a manner so remarkably peculiar? In this paper, we delve into the curious case of the connection between the popularity of the first name "Sonny" and the stock price of The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW).
The notion that the popularity of a given first name could somehow influence stock prices may seem as whimsical as a unicorn sighting in a statistical analysis textbook. However, as scholars and merrymakers alike are aware, the world is replete with unexpected connections. And so, armed with this ethos, we embarked on a quest to unravel the mysterious thread that appears to link the name "Sonny" and the financial fate of Sherwin-Williams.
The Sherwin-Williams Company has stood as a stalwart in the coatings and paint industry, a titan whose financial fortunes are typically discussed in the hallowed halls of high finance. Yet, could it be that the name "Sonny," with its charismatic charm and warm association with sunshine and cheer, holds sway over the market movements of this venerable corporation? The answer may surprise you as much as the lingering scent of fresh paint.
But, before we delve too deep into the enigmatic entanglement of names and numbers, let us consider the scope and methodology employed to unravel this riddle. We combed through decades of data from the US Social Security Administration, tracing the ebbs and flows of the name "Sonny" as it danced its way through birth certificates. In tandem, we delved into the financial annals of Sherwin-Williams, meticulously charting the rises and dips of SHW stock prices. The convergence of these disparate datasets brought forth a revelation that would baffle statisticians and tickle the curiosity of even the most seasoned market pundits.
As we tread further into this uncharted territory of name-based market influences, it is essential to approach our findings with a sense of wonder and curiosity. We shall venture forth armed with statistical analysis, armed not with swords and shields, but with correlation coefficients and p-values. For in the realm of academic inquiry, a well-placed pun is as potent as a well-constructed hypothesis. So, dear reader, come along as we journey into the realm of nomenclature and numerical whimsy.
The aim of this paper is not merely to unravel the connection between Sonny and Sherwin-Williams, but also to appreciate the quirky conundrums that pepper the landscape of finance and nomenclature. Through the lens of this offbeat correlation, we seek to shed new light on the idiosyncrasies that underpin the machinations of markets and the naming of generations. As we navigate this unconventional adventure, we hope that our findings will both entertain and inspire new avenues of inquiry into the delightful dance between names and numbers.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The analysis of the data collected from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) yielded insights that would make even the most stoic of stockbrokers do a double-take. For the time period 2002 to 2022, the correlation coefficient between the popularity of the first name "Sonny" and the stock price of The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW) was a staggering 0.9827596. This finding indicates a near-perfect positive relationship between the prevalence of the name "Sonny" and the fluctuations in SHW stock prices. It's as if every time a "Sonny" is born, Sherwin-Williams stock gets an extra coat of optimism!

Furthermore, the r-squared value of 0.9658165 suggests that a whopping 96.58% of the variance in SHW stock prices can be explained by changes in the popularity of the name "Sonny." It's almost as if every time someone decides to name their child "Sonny," the stock market collectively exclaims, "Suns out, funds out!"

The p-value of less than 0.01 indicates that the likelihood of observing such a strong relationship between the name "Sonny" and Sherwin-Williams stock prices by random chance is about as probable as finding a four-leaf clover in a statistics textbook.

Fig. 1 showcases the visually striking scatterplot, depicting the undeniable correlation between the frequency of the name "Sonny" and the fickle fortunes of Sherwin-Williams stock. It's as clear as day that the rise and fall of SHW stock prices mirror the ebbs and flows of "Sonny" name popularity, almost as though the stock market is whispering, "You're my Sonny, the one and only!"

In conclusion, this unexpected connection challenges conventional wisdom and emphasizes the whimsical nature of market influences. While the causal mechanism behind this correlation remains as mysterious as a black cat in a statistics lab, the findings from this research contribute to a growing body of evidence that underscores the quirky and unpredictable relationships lurking within the world of finance and nomenclature.


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 Popularity of the first name Sonny and The Sherwin-Williams Company's stock price (SHW). Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. 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]]
A Stroke of Stock: The Sonny-Sherwin-Williams Connection

[[ABSTRACT]]
Recent academic research has delved into the peculiar phenomenon of a potential link between the popularity of the first name "Sonny" and the stock price of The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW). Utilizing data from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), this study aimed to uncover the quirky correlation that seems to exist between these seemingly unrelated entities. Employing statistical analysis, the research team discovered a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.9827596 with a p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 2002 to 2022. These findings suggest an unmistakable association between the prevalence of the name "Sonny" and the fluctuations of SHW stock, shedding new light on the idiosyncrasies of market influences. While the nature of this relationship remains enigmatic, this research contributes to the understanding of the unexpected connections that permeate the world of finance and nomenclature.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The intersection of nomenclature and financial markets has long been a subject of intrigue, leading scholars to explore the unexpected ways in which names and numbers might intertwine. While the idea of a connection between a first name's popularity and stock prices may initially appear as quixotic as searching for a needle in a haystack (or perhaps a stock tip in a pun-filled academic paper), recent studies have begun to shed light on this whimsically curious phenomenon.
In the seminal work of Smith et al. (2018), researchers initially brought attention to the intriguing possibility of a correlation between first names and stock prices, paving the way for further exploration in this uncharted territory. Subsequent studies by Doe and Jones (2020) expanded upon this groundwork, delving into the idiosyncrasies of market influences and the societal nuances that could potentially influence such a connection.
Turning now to the world beyond academic research, non-fiction works such as "Freakonomics" and "Outliers" have brought attention to the often unexpected and unorthodox factors that may impact economic and social phenomena. Furthermore, fictional works such as "The Joy Luck Club" and "The Great Gatsby" have woven narratives around the intricacies of societal influences and individual identities, offering allegorical insights into the complexities of human behavior and cultural trends.
In a lighthearted departure from conventional sources, the authors found themselves revisiting beloved childhood cartoons and shows, from "SpongeBob SquarePants" to "Sesame Street," in an effort to glean insights from the most unlikely of sources. After all, who better to understand the ebbs and flows of popular sentiment than the characters who have whimsically waltzed their way into the hearts and minds of generations?
As the academic winds of inquiry blew them from serious studies to whimsical readings, the authors found themselves pondering the notion that perhaps, just perhaps, there might be more to the Sonny-Sherwin-Williams connection than meets the eye. With an open mind and a touch of humor, this paper endeavors to navigate the juncture where financial markets and nomenclature playfully collide, inviting readers to join in the delightfully unorthodox exploration of this intriguing phenomenon.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the data collected from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) yielded insights that would make even the most stoic of stockbrokers do a double-take. For the time period 2002 to 2022, the correlation coefficient between the popularity of the first name "Sonny" and the stock price of The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW) was a staggering 0.9827596. This finding indicates a near-perfect positive relationship between the prevalence of the name "Sonny" and the fluctuations in SHW stock prices. It's as if every time a "Sonny" is born, Sherwin-Williams stock gets an extra coat of optimism!
Furthermore, the r-squared value of 0.9658165 suggests that a whopping 96.58% of the variance in SHW stock prices can be explained by changes in the popularity of the name "Sonny." It's almost as if every time someone decides to name their child "Sonny," the stock market collectively exclaims, "Suns out, funds out!"
The p-value of less than 0.01 indicates that the likelihood of observing such a strong relationship between the name "Sonny" and Sherwin-Williams stock prices by random chance is about as probable as finding a four-leaf clover in a statistics textbook.
Fig. 1 showcases the visually striking scatterplot, depicting the undeniable correlation between the frequency of the name "Sonny" and the fickle fortunes of Sherwin-Williams stock. It's as clear as day that the rise and fall of SHW stock prices mirror the ebbs and flows of "Sonny" name popularity, almost as though the stock market is whispering, "You're my Sonny, the one and only!"
In conclusion, this unexpected connection challenges conventional wisdom and emphasizes the whimsical nature of market influences. While the causal mechanism behind this correlation remains as mysterious as a black cat in a statistics lab, the findings from this research contribute to a growing body of evidence that underscores the quirky and unpredictable relationships lurking within the world of finance and nomenclature.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The results of this study paint a picture that is as intriguing as it is enigmatically amusing. Building upon the foundational research that hinted at the tantalizing link between the first name "Sonny" and the stock price of The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW), our findings not only corroborate these earlier indications but also provide a deeper understanding of this delightfully idiosyncratic relationship.

First, let's address the elephant in the room: the near-perfect positive correlation coefficient of 0.9827596. It's almost as if the universe itself has conspired to declare, "Sonny, I'd like to paint with you," as an ode to the uncanny synchronization between the name's popularity and SHW stock prices. This connection is so remarkably robust that one can't help but wonder if there's a Sher-Win situation in the name "Sherwin-Williams" after all!

The substantial variance in SHW stock prices explained by the prevalence of the name "Sonny" is a statistical marvel. It's akin to saying that every time a "Sonny" is added to the roster, the stock market experiences a surge of sunny dispositions and optimistic brushstrokes, as if every new "Sonny" brings with them a fresh coat of market confidence.

Delving further, the mere p-value of less than 0.01 is nothing short of a statistical cliffhanger. The likelihood of stumbling upon such a robust association by sheer chance is about as probable as stumbling upon a lab-coat-wearing unicorn in a research facility. Indeed, it seems that the universe has conspired to blend the whimsical nature of nomenclature with the unyielding tides of financial markets.

The visually striking scatterplot encapsulates the essence of this correlation, revealing a narrative that intertwines the ebbs and flows of Sonny-name popularity with the fickle fortunes of SHW stock. It's as though the stock market itself is proclaiming, "You're my Sonny, the one and only!" with each fluctuation.

In light of these findings, it becomes increasingly clear that this unexpected phenomenon challenges conventional notions of market predictability and beckons us to embrace the serendipitous nature of these offbeat connections. While the causal mechanism behind this correlation continues to elude our grasp like a mischievous statistical sprite, the implications of this research resonate far beyond the realms of nomenclature and finance, reinforcing the whimsical, unorthodox, and undeniably delightful intersections that define our ever-curious exploration of the world around us.


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 Popularity of the first name Sonny and The Sherwin-Williams Company's stock price (SHW). Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. 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]]
A Stroke of Stock: The Sonny-Sherwin-Williams Connection

[[ABSTRACT]]
Recent academic research has delved into the peculiar phenomenon of a potential link between the popularity of the first name "Sonny" and the stock price of The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW). Utilizing data from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), this study aimed to uncover the quirky correlation that seems to exist between these seemingly unrelated entities. Employing statistical analysis, the research team discovered a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.9827596 with a p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 2002 to 2022. These findings suggest an unmistakable association between the prevalence of the name "Sonny" and the fluctuations of SHW stock, shedding new light on the idiosyncrasies of market influences. While the nature of this relationship remains enigmatic, this research contributes to the understanding of the unexpected connections that permeate the world of finance and nomenclature.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
INTRODUCTION
Money and monikers have long been parallel paths in the road of life. We have witnessed the rise and fall of fortunes, just as we have seen the wax and wane of baby names. But, who could have fathomed that these two divergent trajectories might intersect in a manner so remarkably peculiar? In this paper, we delve into the curious case of the connection between the popularity of the first name "Sonny" and the stock price of The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW).
The notion that the popularity of a given first name could somehow influence stock prices may seem as whimsical as a unicorn sighting in a statistical analysis textbook. However, as scholars and merrymakers alike are aware, the world is replete with unexpected connections. And so, armed with this ethos, we embarked on a quest to unravel the mysterious thread that appears to link the name "Sonny" and the financial fate of Sherwin-Williams.
The Sherwin-Williams Company has stood as a stalwart in the coatings and paint industry, a titan whose financial fortunes are typically discussed in the hallowed halls of high finance. Yet, could it be that the name "Sonny," with its charismatic charm and warm association with sunshine and cheer, holds sway over the market movements of this venerable corporation? The answer may surprise you as much as the lingering scent of fresh paint.
But, before we delve too deep into the enigmatic entanglement of names and numbers, let us consider the scope and methodology employed to unravel this riddle. We combed through decades of data from the US Social Security Administration, tracing the ebbs and flows of the name "Sonny" as it danced its way through birth certificates. In tandem, we delved into the financial annals of Sherwin-Williams, meticulously charting the rises and dips of SHW stock prices. The convergence of these disparate datasets brought forth a revelation that would baffle statisticians and tickle the curiosity of even the most seasoned market pundits.
As we tread further into this uncharted territory of name-based market influences, it is essential to approach our findings with a sense of wonder and curiosity. We shall venture forth armed with statistical analysis, armed not with swords and shields, but with correlation coefficients and p-values. For in the realm of academic inquiry, a well-placed pun is as potent as a well-constructed hypothesis. So, dear reader, come along as we journey into the realm of nomenclature and numerical whimsy.
The aim of this paper is not merely to unravel the connection between Sonny and Sherwin-Williams, but also to appreciate the quirky conundrums that pepper the landscape of finance and nomenclature. Through the lens of this offbeat correlation, we seek to shed new light on the idiosyncrasies that underpin the machinations of markets and the naming of generations. As we navigate this unconventional adventure, we hope that our findings will both entertain and inspire new avenues of inquiry into the delightful dance between names and numbers.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the data collected from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) yielded insights that would make even the most stoic of stockbrokers do a double-take. For the time period 2002 to 2022, the correlation coefficient between the popularity of the first name "Sonny" and the stock price of The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW) was a staggering 0.9827596. This finding indicates a near-perfect positive relationship between the prevalence of the name "Sonny" and the fluctuations in SHW stock prices. It's as if every time a "Sonny" is born, Sherwin-Williams stock gets an extra coat of optimism!
Furthermore, the r-squared value of 0.9658165 suggests that a whopping 96.58% of the variance in SHW stock prices can be explained by changes in the popularity of the name "Sonny." It's almost as if every time someone decides to name their child "Sonny," the stock market collectively exclaims, "Suns out, funds out!"
The p-value of less than 0.01 indicates that the likelihood of observing such a strong relationship between the name "Sonny" and Sherwin-Williams stock prices by random chance is about as probable as finding a four-leaf clover in a statistics textbook.
Fig. 1 showcases the visually striking scatterplot, depicting the undeniable correlation between the frequency of the name "Sonny" and the fickle fortunes of Sherwin-Williams stock. It's as clear as day that the rise and fall of SHW stock prices mirror the ebbs and flows of "Sonny" name popularity, almost as though the stock market is whispering, "You're my Sonny, the one and only!"
In conclusion, this unexpected connection challenges conventional wisdom and emphasizes the whimsical nature of market influences. While the causal mechanism behind this correlation remains as mysterious as a black cat in a statistics lab, the findings from this research contribute to a growing body of evidence that underscores the quirky and unpredictable relationships lurking within the world of finance and nomenclature.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In closing, our foray into the realm of monikers and moolah has left us marveling at the serendipitous connection between the first name "Sonny" and Sherwin-Williams stock prices. The correlation coefficient of 0.9827596 has not merely raised eyebrows; it's practically given them a workout in astonishment! It's as if every "Sonny" born heralds a sunny day for SHW stock, sprinkling a little ray of financial sunshine onto the market.

The stellar r-squared value of 0.9658165 feels like discovering a pot of gold at the end of the statistical rainbow. It's almost as if every new "Sonny" glows like a statistical beacon, guiding the stock market toward prosperity.

The p-value of less than 0.01, akin to finding a needle in a data haystack, accentuates the implausible nature of this correlation. It's about as likely as spotting a unicorn doing regression analysis in a finance textbook!

As we reflect on the unexpected camaraderie between a name and a stock, it's clear that this venture has widened our vista on the capricious nature of market influences. It's a reminder that beneath the surface of dry data and numerical analyses, there lies a world teeming with quirks, quips, and curious connections.

Therefore, we solemnly declare that further research in this field is as unnecessary as a beach umbrella in a blizzard. This peculiar correlation stands as a testament to the delightful enigma of finance and nomenclature, urging us to embrace the whimsy that lurks beneath the veneer of serious scholarship. Let this conclusion serve as a vibrant exclamation mark in the annals of academic inquiry, reminding us that even in the staid world of research, a touch of whimsy can paint a brighter, sunnier picture.

No more research needed – we've struck gold!


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 A Stroke of Stock: The Sonny-Sherwin-Williams Connection. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

Journal of Colorful Connections


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 A Stroke of Stock: The Sonny-Sherwin-Williams Connection. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Society for Colorful Coatings Research


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 A Stroke of Stock: The Sonny-Sherwin-Williams Connection with an abstract of Recent academic research has delved into the peculiar phenomenon of a potential link between the popularity of the first name "Sonny" and the stock price of The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW). Utilizing data from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), this study aimed to uncover the quirky correlation that seems to exist between these seemingly unrelated entities. Employing statistical analysis, the research team discovered a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.9827596 with a p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 2002 to 2022. These findings suggest an unmistakable association between the prevalence of the name "Sonny" and the fluctuations of SHW stock, shedding new light on the idiosyncrasies of market influences. While the nature of this relationship remains enigmatic, this research contributes to the understanding of the unexpected connections that permeate the world of finance and nomenclature.

ChatGPT:

"Sonny name popularity, Sherwin-Williams stock correlation, US Social Security Administration data, LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) data, statistical analysis in finance, stock price correlation with personal names, market influences, unexpected connections in finance, nomenclature study"

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

The Sherwin-Williams Company's stock price (SHW)
Detailed data title: Opening price of The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW) on the first trading day of the year
Source: LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv)
Additional Info: Via Microsoft Excel Stockhistory function

See what else correlates with The Sherwin-Williams Company's stock price (SHW)

Correlation r = 0.9827596 (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 = 0.9658165 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 96.6% of the change in the one variable (i.e., The Sherwin-Williams Company's stock price (SHW)) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Popularity of the first name Sonny) over the 21 years from 2002 through 2022.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 2.2E-15. 0.0000000000000021624071967028
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 0.98 in 2.2E-13% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 462,447,591,519,665 random variables You don't actually need 462 trillion 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 20 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 20 because we have two variables measured over a period of 21 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.

[ 0.96, 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.
200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022
Popularity of the first name Sonny (Babies born)220240222250236249258260230254241265259301286332415454572641766
The Sherwin-Williams Company's stock price (SHW) (Stock price)9.179.511.414.8614.721.0319.219.9520.7127.9730.135260.6887.3985.7790.24136.86129.79195.01244.99348.48




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.




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([220,240,222,250,236,249,258,260,230,254,241,265,259,301,286,332,415,454,572,641,766,])
array_2 = np.array([9.17,9.5,11.4,14.86,14.7,21.03,19.2,19.95,20.71,27.97,30.13,52,60.68,87.39,85.77,90.24,136.86,129.79,195.01,244.99,348.48,])
array_1_name = "Popularity of the first name Sonny"
array_2_name = "The Sherwin-Williams Company's stock price (SHW)"

# 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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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."

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Correlation ID: 3159 · Black Variable ID: 3904 · Red Variable ID: 1681
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