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Spurious correlation #3,742 · 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 Nicholas and the second variable is Motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee.  The chart goes from 1985 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

Fewer Nicholases means fewer people trying to nick cars, ultimately leading to a decrease in motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee. It's a case of nomenclature ultimately steering the stats in a different direction.

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image of a bustling Tennessee neighborhood with a 1960s comic-book style. The scene is a playground filled with children, and the focus is on the fewer Nicks playing among them. The muted colors, dotted halftone pattern, and vintage comic-book style will bring out the nostalgia of the past. The image should convey the decrease in Nicks over time, and how it coincided with a reduction in motor vehicle thefts, contributing to a safer and more peaceful community. 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 Nicholas and Motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee. 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: Cybernetic art Celtic art A comic-book-style illustration with muted colors and a dotted halftone pattern from the 1960s A TIME magazine cover image An image that looks like it is a scene from a Pixar movie
ChatGPT: A comic-book-style illustration with muted colors and a dotted halftone pattern from the 1960s

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 Nicholas and Motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee, in the following situation: As the popularity of the name Nicholas decreased, so did the number of car thieves named Nick! With fewer Nicks around, there were fewer Nicks stealing cars in Tennessee, leading to a decrease in motor vehicle thefts. It's a case of "Nick" of time, or maybe just a case of good old-fashioned nick-of-theft prevention!. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a bustling Tennessee neighborhood, a playground is filled with children. A few years ago, there were numerous Nicks among them, playing and running around. However, as time passed, fewer children were named Nick, and now only a couple of Nicks are seen. Simultaneously, in the same neighborhood, there were reports of motor vehicle thefts. But as the number of Nicks decreased, the incidents of car thefts also reduced. It's as if the decrease in Nicks led to a decrease in car thefts, creating a safer and more peaceful community.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You write and improve image generation prompts for DALLE-3. You maintain the same subjects, but enhance the visuals.
User prompt: Please respond with an image generation prompt that would be likely to create an interesting visual using DALLE-3, using the following style: [ A comic-book-style illustration with muted colors and a dotted halftone pattern from the 1960s ] and depicting this scene: In a bustling Tennessee neighborhood, a playground is filled with children. A few years ago, there were numerous Nicks among them, playing and running around. However, as time passed, fewer children were named Nick, and now only a couple of Nicks are seen. Simultaneously, in the same neighborhood, there were reports of motor vehicle thefts. But as the number of Nicks decreased, the incidents of car thefts also reduced. It's as if the decrease in Nicks led to a decrease in car thefts, creating a safer and more peaceful community. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image of a bustling Tennessee neighborhood with a 1960s comic-book style. The scene is a playground filled with children, and the focus is on the fewer Nicks playing among them. The muted colors, dotted halftone pattern, and vintage comic-book style will bring out the nostalgia of the past. The image should convey the decrease in Nicks over time, and how it coincided with a reduction in motor vehicle thefts, contributing to a safer and more peaceful community.

*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 a decrease in Popularity of the first name Nicholas caused Motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee to decrease.\Make it sound serious until the end.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
The Nick of Time: An Analysis of the Relationship Between the Popularity of the First Name Nicholas and Motor Vehicle Thefts in Tennessee

The Journal of Quirky Socio-Cultural Studies

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 researcher writing an academic paper.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 Nicholas and Motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Make the title seem clever.

Your research team used data from US Social Security Administration and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.9258348 and p < 0.01 for 1985 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]]
The Nick of Time: An Analysis of the Relationship Between the Popularity of the First Name Nicholas and Motor Vehicle Thefts in Tennessee

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we delve into the intriguing connection between the frequency of the first name Nicholas and the occurrence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Tennessee. Our research team employed data collected from the US Social Security Administration and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services to tackle this puzzling correlation. The statistical analysis revealed a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.9258348 with a p-value less than 0.01, spanning from the years 1985 to 2022.

Our findings suggest a compelling association between the prevalence of individuals named Nicholas and the incidence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Tennessee. The presence of such a strong correlation prompts consideration of potential causative factors, as we seek to unravel the enigmatic link between the two variables. However, it is essential to remember that correlation does not imply causation – because after all, being named Nicholas does not necessarily equate to criminal tendencies. Unraveling this association may reveal fascinating insights into societal trends and possible implications for crime prevention strategies.

To lighten the mood, we share a relevant dad joke: "Why did the car thief have trouble sleeping? He kept getting locked up behind bars!" This research has broader implications, serving as a reminder that unexpected correlations can lead to meaningful discoveries. Our study contributes to the body of knowledge in criminology and social sciences, paving the way for further exploration of name-popularity correlations and their potential impact on societal phenomena.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a researcher writing an academic paper.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 Nicholas and Motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. 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]]
The Nick of Time: An Analysis of the Relationship Between the Popularity of the First Name Nicholas and Motor Vehicle Thefts in Tennessee

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we delve into the intriguing connection between the frequency of the first name Nicholas and the occurrence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Tennessee. Our research team employed data collected from the US Social Security Administration and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services to tackle this puzzling correlation. The statistical analysis revealed a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.9258348 with a p-value less than 0.01, spanning from the years 1985 to 2022.

Our findings suggest a compelling association between the prevalence of individuals named Nicholas and the incidence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Tennessee. The presence of such a strong correlation prompts consideration of potential causative factors, as we seek to unravel the enigmatic link between the two variables. However, it is essential to remember that correlation does not imply causation – because after all, being named Nicholas does not necessarily equate to criminal tendencies. Unraveling this association may reveal fascinating insights into societal trends and possible implications for crime prevention strategies.

To lighten the mood, we share a relevant dad joke: "Why did the car thief have trouble sleeping? He kept getting locked up behind bars!" This research has broader implications, serving as a reminder that unexpected correlations can lead to meaningful discoveries. Our study contributes to the body of knowledge in criminology and social sciences, paving the way for further exploration of name-popularity correlations and their potential impact on societal phenomena.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

The relationship between seemingly unrelated phenomena has always intrigued researchers and sparked curiosity about the underlying mechanisms at play. In this vein, our study set out to explore the unexpected and peculiar connection between the prevalence of the first name Nicholas and the incidence of motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee. While the initial inclination might be to dismiss such an association as purely coincidental, as researchers, we cannot resist the lure of a mystery begging to be unraveled.

Dad joke time! "Why don't thieves like to steal from car dealerships? Because the cars are always locked up in a garage!" It seems that even in the world of research, a good pun can drive the point home.

Our investigation delves into the realm of social demographics and criminology, probing for any discernible pattern that might shed light on this correlation. The choice of Tennessee as our focal point stems from the availability of comprehensive data on both the popularity of the name Nicholas and motor vehicle thefts over several decades, thanks to the diligent record-keeping of the US Social Security Administration and the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services.

While one might be tempted to quip, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet," our findings suggest that there might indeed be something substantial in a name. As we dig deeper into the statistical analyses and tease out the intricate threads of correlation, it becomes apparent that the Nick of Time may hold more significance than previously envisaged.

"Did you hear about the car thief who accidentally broke into a bakery? He made off with a dozen rolls!" As amusing as the anecdote may be, our investigation seeks to extract serious implications from this seemingly improbable relationship. It is imperative to approach the interpretation of our results with the gravitas they warrant, while still appreciating the serendipitous humor that arises from unexpected connections.

Stay tuned for the subsequent sections where we unravel the intricacies of our analyses and dive into the potential implications of this unique correlation!


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a researcher writing an academic paper.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 Nicholas and Motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

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

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

Start by naming serious-sounding studies by authors like Smith, Doe, and Jones - but then quickly devolve. Name some real non-fiction books that would be related to the topic. Then name some real fiction books that sound like they could be related. Then name some cartoons and childrens' shows that you watched that are related to the topic.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Nick of Time: An Analysis of the Relationship Between the Popularity of the First Name Nicholas and Motor Vehicle Thefts in Tennessee

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we delve into the intriguing connection between the frequency of the first name Nicholas and the occurrence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Tennessee. Our research team employed data collected from the US Social Security Administration and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services to tackle this puzzling correlation. The statistical analysis revealed a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.9258348 with a p-value less than 0.01, spanning from the years 1985 to 2022.

Our findings suggest a compelling association between the prevalence of individuals named Nicholas and the incidence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Tennessee. The presence of such a strong correlation prompts consideration of potential causative factors, as we seek to unravel the enigmatic link between the two variables. However, it is essential to remember that correlation does not imply causation – because after all, being named Nicholas does not necessarily equate to criminal tendencies. Unraveling this association may reveal fascinating insights into societal trends and possible implications for crime prevention strategies.

To lighten the mood, we share a relevant dad joke: "Why did the car thief have trouble sleeping? He kept getting locked up behind bars!" This research has broader implications, serving as a reminder that unexpected correlations can lead to meaningful discoveries. Our study contributes to the body of knowledge in criminology and social sciences, paving the way for further exploration of name-popularity correlations and their potential impact on societal phenomena.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The relationship between seemingly unrelated phenomena has always intrigued researchers and sparked curiosity about the underlying mechanisms at play. In this vein, our study set out to explore the unexpected and peculiar connection between the prevalence of the first name Nicholas and the incidence of motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee. While the initial inclination might be to dismiss such an association as purely coincidental, as researchers, we cannot resist the lure of a mystery begging to be unraveled.
Dad joke time! "Why don't thieves like to steal from car dealerships? Because the cars are always locked up in a garage!" It seems that even in the world of research, a good pun can drive the point home.
Our investigation delves into the realm of social demographics and criminology, probing for any discernible pattern that might shed light on this correlation. The choice of Tennessee as our focal point stems from the availability of comprehensive data on both the popularity of the name Nicholas and motor vehicle thefts over several decades, thanks to the diligent record-keeping of the US Social Security Administration and the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services.
While one might be tempted to quip, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet," our findings suggest that there might indeed be something substantial in a name. As we dig deeper into the statistical analyses and tease out the intricate threads of correlation, it becomes apparent that the Nick of Time may hold more significance than previously envisaged.
"Did you hear about the car thief who accidentally broke into a bakery? He made off with a dozen rolls!" As amusing as the anecdote may be, our investigation seeks to extract serious implications from this seemingly improbable relationship. It is imperative to approach the interpretation of our results with the gravitas they warrant, while still appreciating the serendipitous humor that arises from unexpected connections.
Stay tuned for the subsequent sections where we unravel the intricacies of our analyses and dive into the potential implications of this unique correlation!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
As we embark on our quest to unravel the mysterious correlation between the frequency of the first name Nicholas and the occurrence of motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee, we delve into existing literature that has ventured into the realm of unexpected correlations and statistical enigmas. Smith et al. (2010) and Doe (2015) have expounded upon the intricacies of name popularity and its potential influence on social dynamics, delving into the cultural and demographic factors at play. However, none of the aforementioned studies have ventured into the lighthearted territory of dad jokes to break up the academic seriousness.

Keeping in line with the theme of unexpected connections, "Freakonomics" by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner ventures into the realm of unconventional correlations, shedding light on peculiar relationships such as the link between baby names and socio-economic status. Moreover, "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell explores the tipping points and the viral spread of trends and phenomena, providing insights into how seemingly unrelated factors can converge to create significant outcomes. However, neither of these works have investigated the correlation between a specific name and criminal activities, leaving us in uncharted territory—just like a thief in the night!

On a lighter note, works of fiction such as "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald and "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger delve into the complexities of social interactions and the impact of personal identities, albeit not in the context of statistical analyses related to criminal activities in Tennessee. These novels provide a rich tapestry for exploring the multifaceted nature of human behavior and the idiosyncrasies of societal trends. However, they lack the direct correlation to our specific investigation involving the name Nicholas and motor vehicle thefts, which leaves us feeling like a car with no wheels—just a little "tire-d."

As we navigate this uncharted terrain of quirky correlations, it's essential to draw inspiration from unexpected sources. Animated shows such as "Scooby-Doo" and "Inspector Gadget" foster a spirit of investigation and problem-solving, just like our own research. While these shows may not directly address the correlation between names and crime, they instill a sense of adventure and curiosity that mirrors our exploration of the Nick of Time. After all, just like Scooby and the gang, we're on the trail of a mystery—zoinks!


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a researcher writing an academic paper.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 Nicholas and Motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. 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 US Social Security Administration and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services . You used data from 1985 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]]
The Nick of Time: An Analysis of the Relationship Between the Popularity of the First Name Nicholas and Motor Vehicle Thefts in Tennessee

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we delve into the intriguing connection between the frequency of the first name Nicholas and the occurrence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Tennessee. Our research team employed data collected from the US Social Security Administration and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services to tackle this puzzling correlation. The statistical analysis revealed a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.9258348 with a p-value less than 0.01, spanning from the years 1985 to 2022.

Our findings suggest a compelling association between the prevalence of individuals named Nicholas and the incidence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Tennessee. The presence of such a strong correlation prompts consideration of potential causative factors, as we seek to unravel the enigmatic link between the two variables. However, it is essential to remember that correlation does not imply causation – because after all, being named Nicholas does not necessarily equate to criminal tendencies. Unraveling this association may reveal fascinating insights into societal trends and possible implications for crime prevention strategies.

To lighten the mood, we share a relevant dad joke: "Why did the car thief have trouble sleeping? He kept getting locked up behind bars!" This research has broader implications, serving as a reminder that unexpected correlations can lead to meaningful discoveries. Our study contributes to the body of knowledge in criminology and social sciences, paving the way for further exploration of name-popularity correlations and their potential impact on societal phenomena.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The relationship between seemingly unrelated phenomena has always intrigued researchers and sparked curiosity about the underlying mechanisms at play. In this vein, our study set out to explore the unexpected and peculiar connection between the prevalence of the first name Nicholas and the incidence of motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee. While the initial inclination might be to dismiss such an association as purely coincidental, as researchers, we cannot resist the lure of a mystery begging to be unraveled.
Dad joke time! "Why don't thieves like to steal from car dealerships? Because the cars are always locked up in a garage!" It seems that even in the world of research, a good pun can drive the point home.
Our investigation delves into the realm of social demographics and criminology, probing for any discernible pattern that might shed light on this correlation. The choice of Tennessee as our focal point stems from the availability of comprehensive data on both the popularity of the name Nicholas and motor vehicle thefts over several decades, thanks to the diligent record-keeping of the US Social Security Administration and the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services.
While one might be tempted to quip, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet," our findings suggest that there might indeed be something substantial in a name. As we dig deeper into the statistical analyses and tease out the intricate threads of correlation, it becomes apparent that the Nick of Time may hold more significance than previously envisaged.
"Did you hear about the car thief who accidentally broke into a bakery? He made off with a dozen rolls!" As amusing as the anecdote may be, our investigation seeks to extract serious implications from this seemingly improbable relationship. It is imperative to approach the interpretation of our results with the gravitas they warrant, while still appreciating the serendipitous humor that arises from unexpected connections.
Stay tuned for the subsequent sections where we unravel the intricacies of our analyses and dive into the potential implications of this unique correlation!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To chart the course of our investigation into the correlation between the prevalence of the first name Nicholas and motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee, we undertook a rigorous and comprehensive methodology. Our team navigated through an ocean of data, primarily sourced from the US Social Security Administration and the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services, spanning the years from 1985 to 2022. We conscientiously selected this wide temporal range to capture any tidal shifts in the frequency of the name Nicholas and the ebb and flow of motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee.

Our first port of call involved employing advanced statistical techniques to wrangle the vast datasets into submission. Dad joke incoming: "Why did the statistician go broke? Because he used up all his 'mean' savings!" Our data analysts expertly wielded statistical software to calculate correlation coefficients and perform regression analyses, navigating the turbulent seas of statistical significance with the earnestness of intrepid sailors on a quest for knowledge.

Amidst the clatter of keyboards and the symphony of data crunching, our team conducted a waveform analysis to identify temporal patterns in the prevalence of the name Nicholas and the fluctuation of motor vehicle thefts. Dad joke intermission: "Why should you never trust stairs? They’re always up to something!" As we ascended the peaks and descended the troughs of our data, we encountered the rhythmic undulations of societal trends, seeking to establish whether the rise and fall of Nicholases mirrored the swells and lulls of car thefts.

Having filtered out the noise and static that often envelop vast datasets, we steered our analysis toward elucidating any potential confounding variables that might cast stormy shadows over our findings. Our quest for clarity led us to explore demographic shifts, economic conditions, and other sociocultural dynamics that could serve as sirens luring us off the course of causation. Dad joke alert: "I told my wife she should embrace her mistakes. She gave me a hug." While our demeanor remained serious in scrutinizing these confounders, we couldn’t resist the occasional groan-inducing joke to keep spirits buoyant during the long analytical voyages.

Furthermore, we embarked on a comparative analysis across different geographic regions to discern whether the Nicholas-car theft connection unfurled its sails beyond the Tennessee horizon. Research riddle inbound: "What do statisticians use to catch fish? A regression net!" Our foray into comparative analysis aimed to reveal whether our findings weathered the storm of regional variations, or whether the Nicholas-named individuals and car thefts shared a bespoke rapport exclusive to the Tennessee climes.

As the multifaceted layers of our analysis unraveled, we remained vigilant against the siren song of spurious correlations and the whirlpools of false causation. Dad joke resurfaces: "Why don't we ever tell secrets on a farm? Because the potatoes have eyes and the corn has ears!" Navigating the unpredictable straits of correlation and causation, we upheld our commitment to dissect the results with critical acumen, balancing the gravity of our quest for knowledge with the levity of momentary humor.

Our navigation of the scientific terrain forged a methodological blueprint befitting the complexity of our research endeavor, guiding us through the challenging waters of data synthesis, statistical analyses, and the quest for meaningful insights. With this robust and nimble methodology as our compass, we set sail toward the shores of discovery, driven by the inexorable curiosity to unravel the enigmatic connection between the name Nicholas and motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a researcher writing an academic paper.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 Nicholas and Motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. 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 US Social Security Administration and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services .

For the time period 1985 to 2022, you found a correlation 0.9258348, r-squared of 0.8571701, 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]]
The Nick of Time: An Analysis of the Relationship Between the Popularity of the First Name Nicholas and Motor Vehicle Thefts in Tennessee

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we delve into the intriguing connection between the frequency of the first name Nicholas and the occurrence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Tennessee. Our research team employed data collected from the US Social Security Administration and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services to tackle this puzzling correlation. The statistical analysis revealed a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.9258348 with a p-value less than 0.01, spanning from the years 1985 to 2022.

Our findings suggest a compelling association between the prevalence of individuals named Nicholas and the incidence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Tennessee. The presence of such a strong correlation prompts consideration of potential causative factors, as we seek to unravel the enigmatic link between the two variables. However, it is essential to remember that correlation does not imply causation – because after all, being named Nicholas does not necessarily equate to criminal tendencies. Unraveling this association may reveal fascinating insights into societal trends and possible implications for crime prevention strategies.

To lighten the mood, we share a relevant dad joke: "Why did the car thief have trouble sleeping? He kept getting locked up behind bars!" This research has broader implications, serving as a reminder that unexpected correlations can lead to meaningful discoveries. Our study contributes to the body of knowledge in criminology and social sciences, paving the way for further exploration of name-popularity correlations and their potential impact on societal phenomena.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
The relationship between seemingly unrelated phenomena has always intrigued researchers and sparked curiosity about the underlying mechanisms at play. In this vein, our study set out to explore the unexpected and peculiar connection between the prevalence of the first name Nicholas and the incidence of motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee. While the initial inclination might be to dismiss such an association as purely coincidental, as researchers, we cannot resist the lure of a mystery begging to be unraveled.
Dad joke time! "Why don't thieves like to steal from car dealerships? Because the cars are always locked up in a garage!" It seems that even in the world of research, a good pun can drive the point home.
Our investigation delves into the realm of social demographics and criminology, probing for any discernible pattern that might shed light on this correlation. The choice of Tennessee as our focal point stems from the availability of comprehensive data on both the popularity of the name Nicholas and motor vehicle thefts over several decades, thanks to the diligent record-keeping of the US Social Security Administration and the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services.
While one might be tempted to quip, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet," our findings suggest that there might indeed be something substantial in a name. As we dig deeper into the statistical analyses and tease out the intricate threads of correlation, it becomes apparent that the Nick of Time may hold more significance than previously envisaged.
"Did you hear about the car thief who accidentally broke into a bakery? He made off with a dozen rolls!" As amusing as the anecdote may be, our investigation seeks to extract serious implications from this seemingly improbable relationship. It is imperative to approach the interpretation of our results with the gravitas they warrant, while still appreciating the serendipitous humor that arises from unexpected connections.
Stay tuned for the subsequent sections where we unravel the intricacies of our analyses and dive into the potential implications of this unique correlation!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

Our analysis of the data from 1985 to 2022 unveiled a remarkably strong correlation between the frequency of the first name Nicholas and the incidence of motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9258348, an r-squared of 0.8571701, and a p-value of less than 0.01. These statistical measures suggest a robust relationship between the two variables, casting a spotlight on the intriguing interplay between nomenclature and criminal activity.

Fig. 1 depicts a scatterplot illustrating the striking correlation between the prevalence of the name Nicholas and the occurrences of motor vehicle thefts. It's clear that when it comes to this connection, there's no "need for speed" – the data speaks for itself.

To add a touch of levity to our discussion, here's a relevant dad joke: "What do you call a group of car thieves? An exhaust pipe – they'll just take off!" While the correlation we uncovered is no laughing matter in terms of its statistical significance, it does provide an unexpected source of amusement in the realm of social research.

Our findings indicate a compelling association between the frequency of individuals named Nicholas and the incidence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Tennessee. While the correlation is striking, we must exercise caution in extrapolating causation from these results. After all, just because your neighbor is named Nicholas doesn't mean you need to hide your car keys!

In summary, our research highlights a potent correlation between the popularity of the first name Nicholas and motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee, signaling the need for further investigation into the underlying factors at play. This inquiry represents a peculiar yet intriguing avenue for exploration, showcasing the unexpected intersections that arise in the vast tapestry of societal dynamics.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a researcher writing an academic paper.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 Nicholas and Motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. 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]]
The Nick of Time: An Analysis of the Relationship Between the Popularity of the First Name Nicholas and Motor Vehicle Thefts in Tennessee

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we delve into the intriguing connection between the frequency of the first name Nicholas and the occurrence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Tennessee. Our research team employed data collected from the US Social Security Administration and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services to tackle this puzzling correlation. The statistical analysis revealed a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.9258348 with a p-value less than 0.01, spanning from the years 1985 to 2022.

Our findings suggest a compelling association between the prevalence of individuals named Nicholas and the incidence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Tennessee. The presence of such a strong correlation prompts consideration of potential causative factors, as we seek to unravel the enigmatic link between the two variables. However, it is essential to remember that correlation does not imply causation – because after all, being named Nicholas does not necessarily equate to criminal tendencies. Unraveling this association may reveal fascinating insights into societal trends and possible implications for crime prevention strategies.

To lighten the mood, we share a relevant dad joke: "Why did the car thief have trouble sleeping? He kept getting locked up behind bars!" This research has broader implications, serving as a reminder that unexpected correlations can lead to meaningful discoveries. Our study contributes to the body of knowledge in criminology and social sciences, paving the way for further exploration of name-popularity correlations and their potential impact on societal phenomena.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
As we embark on our quest to unravel the mysterious correlation between the frequency of the first name Nicholas and the occurrence of motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee, we delve into existing literature that has ventured into the realm of unexpected correlations and statistical enigmas. Smith et al. (2010) and Doe (2015) have expounded upon the intricacies of name popularity and its potential influence on social dynamics, delving into the cultural and demographic factors at play. However, none of the aforementioned studies have ventured into the lighthearted territory of dad jokes to break up the academic seriousness.
Keeping in line with the theme of unexpected connections, "Freakonomics" by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner ventures into the realm of unconventional correlations, shedding light on peculiar relationships such as the link between baby names and socio-economic status. Moreover, "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell explores the tipping points and the viral spread of trends and phenomena, providing insights into how seemingly unrelated factors can converge to create significant outcomes. However, neither of these works have investigated the correlation between a specific name and criminal activities, leaving us in uncharted territory—just like a thief in the night!
On a lighter note, works of fiction such as "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald and "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger delve into the complexities of social interactions and the impact of personal identities, albeit not in the context of statistical analyses related to criminal activities in Tennessee. These novels provide a rich tapestry for exploring the multifaceted nature of human behavior and the idiosyncrasies of societal trends. However, they lack the direct correlation to our specific investigation involving the name Nicholas and motor vehicle thefts, which leaves us feeling like a car with no wheels—just a little "tire-d."
As we navigate this uncharted terrain of quirky correlations, it's essential to draw inspiration from unexpected sources. Animated shows such as "Scooby-Doo" and "Inspector Gadget" foster a spirit of investigation and problem-solving, just like our own research. While these shows may not directly address the correlation between names and crime, they instill a sense of adventure and curiosity that mirrors our exploration of the Nick of Time. After all, just like Scooby and the gang, we're on the trail of a mystery—zoinks!

[[RESULTS]]
Our analysis of the data from 1985 to 2022 unveiled a remarkably strong correlation between the frequency of the first name Nicholas and the incidence of motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9258348, an r-squared of 0.8571701, and a p-value of less than 0.01. These statistical measures suggest a robust relationship between the two variables, casting a spotlight on the intriguing interplay between nomenclature and criminal activity.
Fig. 1 depicts a scatterplot illustrating the striking correlation between the prevalence of the name Nicholas and the occurrences of motor vehicle thefts. It's clear that when it comes to this connection, there's no "need for speed" – the data speaks for itself.
To add a touch of levity to our discussion, here's a relevant dad joke: "What do you call a group of car thieves? An exhaust pipe – they'll just take off!" While the correlation we uncovered is no laughing matter in terms of its statistical significance, it does provide an unexpected source of amusement in the realm of social research.
Our findings indicate a compelling association between the frequency of individuals named Nicholas and the incidence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Tennessee. While the correlation is striking, we must exercise caution in extrapolating causation from these results. After all, just because your neighbor is named Nicholas doesn't mean you need to hide your car keys!
In summary, our research highlights a potent correlation between the popularity of the first name Nicholas and motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee, signaling the need for further investigation into the underlying factors at play. This inquiry represents a peculiar yet intriguing avenue for exploration, showcasing the unexpected intersections that arise in the vast tapestry of societal dynamics.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

In dissecting the unanticipated association between the prevalence of the first name Nicholas and the occurrence of motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee, our investigation echoed the spirit of exploration and curiosity seen in animated shows such as "Scooby-Doo" and "Inspector Gadget." While we may not have solved the mystery with a catchy theme song and a meddling dog, our findings significantly substantiated the prior research into quirky correlations. The statistical measures we unearthed lent credence to the notion that unexpected connections can yield substantial insights into societal phenomena. It's like uncovering the Scooby Snacks of statistical discoveries!

As we reflected on the literature's playful forays into offbeat correlations and speculated on the potential causative factors, our results aligned with the previous studies by Smith et al. (2010) and Doe (2015). The high correlation coefficient we observed reinforced the captivating link between name popularity and social dynamics, shedding light on the interplay between nomenclature and criminal activities. It's as if the mystery of the correlation was unraveled by the brilliant deduction of an interdisciplinary "Scooby Gang," with each researcher playing a pivotal role in solving the statistical conundrum.

Our investigation echoed the tenets of Levitt and Dubner's "Freakonomics" and Gladwell's "The Tipping Point," showcasing how seemingly disparate elements can converge to create substantial outcomes. The correlation between the name Nicholas and motor vehicle thefts underscored the unexpected intersections in societal dynamics, providing a dose of academic insight with a dash of humor – just like a clever pun in a serious conversation. It’s almost as if our findings drove home the point that in the realm of statistical anomalies, truth may indeed be stranger than fiction.

Sure, the correlation we uncovered is no reason to attribute criminal tendencies to individuals named Nicholas – after all, not all Nicks are quick to pick locks! But our study has illuminated a peculiar yet potent correlation, showcasing the unforeseen avenues for exploration that exist in the domain of social research. Our findings serve as a testament to the tantalizing unpredictability of statistical analyses and the unexpected correlations that may lead to significant discoveries.

To keep the academic mood light-hearted, let's revel in another dad joke: "Why did the car thief install a GPS in his vehicle? He wanted to steer clear of trouble!" While our findings uphold the academic rigor, a sprinkle of humor undoubtedly adds an element of amusement to the discussion. After all, juxtaposing the serious with the whimsical is akin to unlocking the hidden depths of statistical enigmas – just like solving the mystery behind the Nick of Time.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a researcher writing an academic paper.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 Nicholas and Motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. 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]]
The Nick of Time: An Analysis of the Relationship Between the Popularity of the First Name Nicholas and Motor Vehicle Thefts in Tennessee

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we delve into the intriguing connection between the frequency of the first name Nicholas and the occurrence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Tennessee. Our research team employed data collected from the US Social Security Administration and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services to tackle this puzzling correlation. The statistical analysis revealed a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.9258348 with a p-value less than 0.01, spanning from the years 1985 to 2022.

Our findings suggest a compelling association between the prevalence of individuals named Nicholas and the incidence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Tennessee. The presence of such a strong correlation prompts consideration of potential causative factors, as we seek to unravel the enigmatic link between the two variables. However, it is essential to remember that correlation does not imply causation – because after all, being named Nicholas does not necessarily equate to criminal tendencies. Unraveling this association may reveal fascinating insights into societal trends and possible implications for crime prevention strategies.

To lighten the mood, we share a relevant dad joke: "Why did the car thief have trouble sleeping? He kept getting locked up behind bars!" This research has broader implications, serving as a reminder that unexpected correlations can lead to meaningful discoveries. Our study contributes to the body of knowledge in criminology and social sciences, paving the way for further exploration of name-popularity correlations and their potential impact on societal phenomena.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The relationship between seemingly unrelated phenomena has always intrigued researchers and sparked curiosity about the underlying mechanisms at play. In this vein, our study set out to explore the unexpected and peculiar connection between the prevalence of the first name Nicholas and the incidence of motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee. While the initial inclination might be to dismiss such an association as purely coincidental, as researchers, we cannot resist the lure of a mystery begging to be unraveled.
Dad joke time! "Why don't thieves like to steal from car dealerships? Because the cars are always locked up in a garage!" It seems that even in the world of research, a good pun can drive the point home.
Our investigation delves into the realm of social demographics and criminology, probing for any discernible pattern that might shed light on this correlation. The choice of Tennessee as our focal point stems from the availability of comprehensive data on both the popularity of the name Nicholas and motor vehicle thefts over several decades, thanks to the diligent record-keeping of the US Social Security Administration and the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services.
While one might be tempted to quip, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet," our findings suggest that there might indeed be something substantial in a name. As we dig deeper into the statistical analyses and tease out the intricate threads of correlation, it becomes apparent that the Nick of Time may hold more significance than previously envisaged.
"Did you hear about the car thief who accidentally broke into a bakery? He made off with a dozen rolls!" As amusing as the anecdote may be, our investigation seeks to extract serious implications from this seemingly improbable relationship. It is imperative to approach the interpretation of our results with the gravitas they warrant, while still appreciating the serendipitous humor that arises from unexpected connections.
Stay tuned for the subsequent sections where we unravel the intricacies of our analyses and dive into the potential implications of this unique correlation!

[[RESULTS]]
Our analysis of the data from 1985 to 2022 unveiled a remarkably strong correlation between the frequency of the first name Nicholas and the incidence of motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9258348, an r-squared of 0.8571701, and a p-value of less than 0.01. These statistical measures suggest a robust relationship between the two variables, casting a spotlight on the intriguing interplay between nomenclature and criminal activity.
Fig. 1 depicts a scatterplot illustrating the striking correlation between the prevalence of the name Nicholas and the occurrences of motor vehicle thefts. It's clear that when it comes to this connection, there's no "need for speed" – the data speaks for itself.
To add a touch of levity to our discussion, here's a relevant dad joke: "What do you call a group of car thieves? An exhaust pipe – they'll just take off!" While the correlation we uncovered is no laughing matter in terms of its statistical significance, it does provide an unexpected source of amusement in the realm of social research.
Our findings indicate a compelling association between the frequency of individuals named Nicholas and the incidence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Tennessee. While the correlation is striking, we must exercise caution in extrapolating causation from these results. After all, just because your neighbor is named Nicholas doesn't mean you need to hide your car keys!
In summary, our research highlights a potent correlation between the popularity of the first name Nicholas and motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee, signaling the need for further investigation into the underlying factors at play. This inquiry represents a peculiar yet intriguing avenue for exploration, showcasing the unexpected intersections that arise in the vast tapestry of societal dynamics.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our study unraveled a strikingly strong correlation between the prevalence of the first name Nicholas and the incidence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Tennessee. It seems that when it comes to naming trends and criminal activity, we're not just talking about a "car"ma sutra but a solid statistical link. We delved into this unexpected correlation from various angles, analyzing the data with meticulous precision and unraveling the enthralling interplay between nomenclature and unlawful vehicular acquisition.

As we wrap up, here's a fitting dad joke: "Why don't car thieves ever get anywhere? They always stall!" It's clear that when it comes to correlations, we've hit the road with some unexpected detours.

Our findings encourage us to ponder the intriguing implications of this correlation. While we cannot attribute causation solely to a name, as parents, we might want to keep an eye on our little Nicholases and Nicoles. But, of course, let's not jump to conclusions – they might just be innocent bystanders in this vehicular saga.

In the grand scheme of societal dynamics, our study contributes a unique thread to the tapestry of correlations, shedding light on the unexpected intersections that lurk beneath the surface. This research stands as a testament to the notion that even the most improbable relationships can lead to illuminating discoveries.

And finally, as for further research in this area, we confidently assert: "No more 'Nick' of time needed!"


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 The Nick of Time: An Analysis of the Relationship Between the Popularity of the First Name Nicholas and Motor Vehicle Thefts in Tennessee. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Quirky Socio-Cultural Studies


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 The Nick of Time: An Analysis of the Relationship Between the Popularity of the First Name Nicholas and Motor Vehicle Thefts in Tennessee. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Institute for Socio-Anthropological Studies on Uncommon Name Correlations (ISASUNC)


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 The Nick of Time: An Analysis of the Relationship Between the Popularity of the First Name Nicholas and Motor Vehicle Thefts in Tennessee with an abstract of In this paper, we delve into the intriguing connection between the frequency of the first name Nicholas and the occurrence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Tennessee. Our research team employed data collected from the US Social Security Administration and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services to tackle this puzzling correlation. The statistical analysis revealed a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.9258348 with a p-value less than 0.01, spanning from the years 1985 to 2022.
Our findings suggest a compelling association between the prevalence of individuals named Nicholas and the incidence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Tennessee. The presence of such a strong correlation prompts consideration of potential causative factors, as we seek to unravel the enigmatic link between the two variables. However, it is essential to remember that correlation does not imply causation – because after all, being named Nicholas does not necessarily equate to criminal tendencies. Unraveling this association may reveal fascinating insights into societal trends and possible implications for crime prevention strategies.
To lighten the mood, we share a relevant dad joke: "Why did the car thief have trouble sleeping? He kept getting locked up behind bars!" This research has broader implications, serving as a reminder that unexpected correlations can lead to meaningful discoveries. Our study contributes to the body of knowledge in criminology and social sciences, paving the way for further exploration of name-popularity correlations and their potential impact on societal phenomena.

ChatGPT:

nick of time, first name Nicholas, relationship, popularity, motor vehicle thefts, Tennessee, statistical analysis, correlation coefficient, p-value, causative factors, societal trends, crime prevention strategies, criminology, social sciences, name-popularity correlations, societal phenomena

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

Motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee
Detailed data title: The motor vehicle theft rate per 100,000 residents in Tennessee
Source: FBI Criminal Justice Information Services
See what else correlates with Motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee

Correlation r = 0.9258348 (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 = 0.8571701 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 85.7% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Popularity of the first name Nicholas) over the 38 years from 1985 through 2022.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 8.7E-17. 0.0000000000000000869159088103
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 0.93 in 8.7E-15% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 11,505,373,569,556,402 random variables You don't actually need 11 quadrillion 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 37 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 37 because we have two variables measured over a period of 38 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.

[ 0.86, 0.96 ] 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.
19851986198719881989199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022
Popularity of the first name Nicholas (Babies born)225532293523412254342834927980274392784128199278322921227772273082667125678246922288221429197401859117100156901437512548108739661861377477158678862605763536748374640406138473629
Motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee (Motor Vehicle Theft rate)485.2543.6566.9542.8532.9571.5613.6575.9591560.3648.5647.1628.6517.4460.6483.9491.7458.4452.9420.4423.6375.1352.8309238.5233.3221200.8183.2193.2197.6229.2276.8304.9282.4306.4297.5362.3




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([22553,22935,23412,25434,28349,27980,27439,27841,28199,27832,29212,27772,27308,26671,25678,24692,22882,21429,19740,18591,17100,15690,14375,12548,10873,9661,8613,7747,7158,6788,6260,5763,5367,4837,4640,4061,3847,3629,])
array_2 = np.array([485.2,543.6,566.9,542.8,532.9,571.5,613.6,575.9,591,560.3,648.5,647.1,628.6,517.4,460.6,483.9,491.7,458.4,452.9,420.4,423.6,375.1,352.8,309,238.5,233.3,221,200.8,183.2,193.2,197.6,229.2,276.8,304.9,282.4,306.4,297.5,362.3,])
array_1_name = "Popularity of the first name Nicholas"
array_2_name = "Motor vehicle thefts in Tennessee"

# 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: 3742 · Black Variable ID: 1979 · Red Variable ID: 20163
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