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Spurious correlation #5,370 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Votes for Republican Senators in Massachusetts and the second variable is Google searches for 'velociraptor'.  The chart goes from 2004 to 2020, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

As more Republican Senators were elected in Massachusetts, their leadership decided to adopt velociraptors as the official state mascot. This led to a surge in interest and enthusiasm for the prehistoric predators, prompting people to search for velociraptor information and memorabilia. The unexpected alliance between politics and paleontology created a dino-mite trend that swept the nation.

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image in the style of pop art depicting a bustling town square in Massachusetts. In the center, there's a large interactive digital display showing a dramatic increase in Google searches for "velociraptor." A group of people gather around it, some looking surprised, others excited. Nearby, a banner is unfurled, displaying the new official state mascot, a fierce velociraptor. The overall scene should have vibrant colors and bold lines, characteristic of pop art. 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: Votes for Republican Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor'. 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: Voxel art Futuristic Scalar art Pop art Cyberpunk
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 Votes for Republican Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor', in the following situation: As more Republican Senators were elected in Massachusetts, their leadership decided to adopt velociraptors as the official state mascot. This led to a surge in interest and enthusiasm for the prehistoric predators, prompting people to search for velociraptor information and memorabilia. The unexpected alliance between politics and paleontology created a dino-mite trend that swept the nation.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a bustling town square in Massachusetts, a group of people gather to cast their votes for Republican Senators. Nearby, a large interactive digital display shows a dramatic increase in Google searches for "velociraptor." Meanwhile, a banner is unfurled, displaying the new official state mascot: a fierce velociraptor, symbolizing the unexpected fusion of politics and paleontology.

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 town square in Massachusetts, a group of people gather to cast their votes for Republican Senators. Nearby, a large interactive digital display shows a dramatic increase in Google searches for "velociraptor." Meanwhile, a banner is unfurled, displaying the new official state mascot: a fierce velociraptor, symbolizing the unexpected fusion of politics and paleontology. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image in the style of pop art depicting a bustling town square in Massachusetts. In the center, there's a large interactive digital display showing a dramatic increase in Google searches for "velociraptor." A group of people gather around it, some looking surprised, others excited. Nearby, a banner is unfurled, displaying the new official state mascot, a fierce velociraptor. The overall scene should have vibrant colors and bold lines, characteristic of pop art.

*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 Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts caused velociraptor (Google searches for 'velociraptor') to increase.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Revelation of Republican Votes and Raptor Research: A Ridiculous Relationship?

The Journal of Satirical Science

Jan 2024

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




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

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Make the title an alliteration.

Your research team used data from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse and Google Trends to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.9488655 and p < 0.01 for 2004 to 2020.

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]]
Revelation of Republican Votes and Raptor Research: A Ridiculous Relationship?

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the apparently preposterous connection between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor'. Utilizing data from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and Google Trends, we seek to determine if there is a legitimate association between these seemingly disparate variables. Our analysis reveals a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9488655 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period from 2004 to 2020. The findings suggest an unexpected correlation that is both curious and comical, prompting amusing musings on the curious captivation with ancient predators in the context of modern politics.


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

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Revelation of Republican Votes and Raptor Research: A Ridiculous Relationship?

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the apparently preposterous connection between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor'. Utilizing data from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and Google Trends, we seek to determine if there is a legitimate association between these seemingly disparate variables. Our analysis reveals a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9488655 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period from 2004 to 2020. The findings suggest an unexpected correlation that is both curious and comical, prompting amusing musings on the curious captivation with ancient predators in the context of modern politics.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

The intersection of politics and paleontology may seem like an unlikely battleground for statistical analysis. Nevertheless, this study delves into the peculiar relationship between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor'. While it may appear absurd at first glance, our investigation aims to unravel the enigmatic connection between these seemingly incongruous phenomena.

The pursuit of this seemingly nonsensical linkage was not undertaken lightly. After all, as researchers, we generally attempt to avoid getting our feathers ruffled by strange correlations. However, the allure of exploring something so delightfully bizarre proved to be irresistibly tantalizing, much like the prospect of a thrilling expedition to uncover fossilized relics of a bygone era.

It is essential to note that this study does not aim to suggest any underlying causality between the two variables. We are not asserting that Google searches for 'velociraptor' compel citizens to cast votes for Republican Senators, nor are we proposing that conservative political ideologies somehow stimulate an interest in prehistoric predators. No, we leave such wild conjectures to the realm of speculative fiction, where velociraptors might campaign for office and the T-Rex reigns supreme as a legislative authority.

The incongruity of this investigation does not go unnoticed. In fact, the sheer absurdity of the relationship we intend to explore has generated a significant level of amusement among our research team. However, as devoted scholars, we have set aside the urge to engage in endless puns about "extinction-level politics" or "Jurassic partisan divides" in favor of a rigorous and methodical approach to uncovering the truth behind this unexpected correlation.

As we embark on this academic safari into the curious world of data analysis, we invite readers to join us in the spirit of lighthearted curiosity. After all, who could resist the opportunity to peer into the intricate web of statistical quirks that bind ancient reptilian predators and modern electoral behavior? While the findings may not have immediate practical implications, they promise to illuminate a peculiar and, dare we say, dino-mite aspect of human behavior that transcends the predictable confines of conventional political research. Let us embark on this adventure with the lightheartedness of a playful raptor and the analytical precision of a seasoned statistician, in pursuit of knowledge that is as exhilarating as it is unexpected.


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

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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

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

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

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Revelation of Republican Votes and Raptor Research: A Ridiculous Relationship?

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the apparently preposterous connection between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor'. Utilizing data from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and Google Trends, we seek to determine if there is a legitimate association between these seemingly disparate variables. Our analysis reveals a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9488655 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period from 2004 to 2020. The findings suggest an unexpected correlation that is both curious and comical, prompting amusing musings on the curious captivation with ancient predators in the context of modern politics.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The intersection of politics and paleontology may seem like an unlikely battleground for statistical analysis. Nevertheless, this study delves into the peculiar relationship between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor'. While it may appear absurd at first glance, our investigation aims to unravel the enigmatic connection between these seemingly incongruous phenomena.
The pursuit of this seemingly nonsensical linkage was not undertaken lightly. After all, as researchers, we generally attempt to avoid getting our feathers ruffled by strange correlations. However, the allure of exploring something so delightfully bizarre proved to be irresistibly tantalizing, much like the prospect of a thrilling expedition to uncover fossilized relics of a bygone era.
It is essential to note that this study does not aim to suggest any underlying causality between the two variables. We are not asserting that Google searches for 'velociraptor' compel citizens to cast votes for Republican Senators, nor are we proposing that conservative political ideologies somehow stimulate an interest in prehistoric predators. No, we leave such wild conjectures to the realm of speculative fiction, where velociraptors might campaign for office and the T-Rex reigns supreme as a legislative authority.
The incongruity of this investigation does not go unnoticed. In fact, the sheer absurdity of the relationship we intend to explore has generated a significant level of amusement among our research team. However, as devoted scholars, we have set aside the urge to engage in endless puns about "extinction-level politics" or "Jurassic partisan divides" in favor of a rigorous and methodical approach to uncovering the truth behind this unexpected correlation.
As we embark on this academic safari into the curious world of data analysis, we invite readers to join us in the spirit of lighthearted curiosity. After all, who could resist the opportunity to peer into the intricate web of statistical quirks that bind ancient reptilian predators and modern electoral behavior? While the findings may not have immediate practical implications, they promise to illuminate a peculiar and, dare we say, dino-mite aspect of human behavior that transcends the predictable confines of conventional political research. Let us embark on this adventure with the lightheartedness of a playful raptor and the analytical precision of a seasoned statistician, in pursuit of knowledge that is as exhilarating as it is unexpected.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The research literature on the connection between seemingly unrelated phenomena often overlooks their potential for humor and absurdity. However, the authors of this study, in their pursuit of uncovering the mysterious relationship between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor', aspire to illuminate this peculiar intersection of statistical analysis and amusement.

Smith and Doe (2010) make no mention of such a correlation in their exploration of political voting behaviors, nor do Jones et al. (2015) in their comprehensive investigation of online search trends. However, the authors stumble upon an unexpected trail in their review of the literature related to extinct reptilian predators and their curious renaissance in popular culture. In "Raptors and Republicans" (2017), the authors propose a speculative discourse on how ancient predatory species might navigate the complex political landscape of modern society, perhaps even launching their own campaigns for office. While the plausibility of such scenarios remains dubious, it is a compelling demonstration of the imaginative leaps that some researchers are willing to take.

Turning to non-fiction books, the authors note the works of renowned paleontologist Jack Horner, whose gripping accounts of excavating fossilized raptor remains have captured the imagination of many. Likewise, the exhaustive study by Alan Grant and Ellie Sattler in "The Paleontological Politics of Massachusetts" (2019) delves into the cultural fascination with prehistoric creatures and its unlikely correlation with contemporary political behaviors, providing valuable insights into the interdisciplinary nature of this research.

In the realm of fiction, the authors cannot overlook Ian Malcolm's "Chaos Theory and Conservative Beliefs" (1990), a philosophical journey that intertwines extinct species with political ideologies in a manner that can only be described as delightfully chaotic. The popular novel "Jurassic Elections" (2005) by Michael Crichton offers a satirical take on how ancient reptilian creatures may be entwined in the fabric of modern democratic processes, providing an amusing yet thought-provoking context for the authors' investigation.

Embracing the spirit of tangential relevance, the authors reflect on the unexpected inspiration derived from various Hollywood productions. The cinematic experiences of "Jurassic Park Politics" and "Raptor Run: The Senate Saga" serve as vivid reminders of the outlandish yet captivating entanglement of ancient predators and contemporary governmental processes, offering a lighthearted lens through which to view the enigmatic correlation under scrutiny in this study. While these films veer far from documentaries, they nevertheless evoke chuckles and curious contemplation, making them oddly pertinent to the subject matter at hand.

In the pursuit of understanding the connection between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor', the authors draw upon a rich and diverse tapestry of literature, both serious and whimsical. In doing so, they embrace the idiosyncratic nature of their inquiry, inviting readers to embark on an inexplicably entertaining journey through the curiosities of interdisciplinary research and the delightfully unexpected correlations that may ensue.


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

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse and Google Trends . You used data from 2004 to 2020

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]]
Revelation of Republican Votes and Raptor Research: A Ridiculous Relationship?

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the apparently preposterous connection between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor'. Utilizing data from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and Google Trends, we seek to determine if there is a legitimate association between these seemingly disparate variables. Our analysis reveals a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9488655 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period from 2004 to 2020. The findings suggest an unexpected correlation that is both curious and comical, prompting amusing musings on the curious captivation with ancient predators in the context of modern politics.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The intersection of politics and paleontology may seem like an unlikely battleground for statistical analysis. Nevertheless, this study delves into the peculiar relationship between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor'. While it may appear absurd at first glance, our investigation aims to unravel the enigmatic connection between these seemingly incongruous phenomena.
The pursuit of this seemingly nonsensical linkage was not undertaken lightly. After all, as researchers, we generally attempt to avoid getting our feathers ruffled by strange correlations. However, the allure of exploring something so delightfully bizarre proved to be irresistibly tantalizing, much like the prospect of a thrilling expedition to uncover fossilized relics of a bygone era.
It is essential to note that this study does not aim to suggest any underlying causality between the two variables. We are not asserting that Google searches for 'velociraptor' compel citizens to cast votes for Republican Senators, nor are we proposing that conservative political ideologies somehow stimulate an interest in prehistoric predators. No, we leave such wild conjectures to the realm of speculative fiction, where velociraptors might campaign for office and the T-Rex reigns supreme as a legislative authority.
The incongruity of this investigation does not go unnoticed. In fact, the sheer absurdity of the relationship we intend to explore has generated a significant level of amusement among our research team. However, as devoted scholars, we have set aside the urge to engage in endless puns about "extinction-level politics" or "Jurassic partisan divides" in favor of a rigorous and methodical approach to uncovering the truth behind this unexpected correlation.
As we embark on this academic safari into the curious world of data analysis, we invite readers to join us in the spirit of lighthearted curiosity. After all, who could resist the opportunity to peer into the intricate web of statistical quirks that bind ancient reptilian predators and modern electoral behavior? While the findings may not have immediate practical implications, they promise to illuminate a peculiar and, dare we say, dino-mite aspect of human behavior that transcends the predictable confines of conventional political research. Let us embark on this adventure with the lightheartedness of a playful raptor and the analytical precision of a seasoned statistician, in pursuit of knowledge that is as exhilarating as it is unexpected.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To unravel the confounding connection between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor', our research team employed a multifaceted approach akin to stalking a cunning dinosaur through dense statistical thickets. First, we gathered data on Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts from the MIT Election Data and Science Lab, taking care to ensure the integrity of the information by scrutinizing it with the vigilance of a Velociraptor surveying its territory. Simultaneously, we harnessed the power of Harvard Dataverse to procure historical archives of Google search volumes for the term 'velociraptor', meticulously sieving through the digital sediment like dedicated paleontologists sifting through layers of earth in search of ancient bones.

With the requisite data in hand, we painstakingly assembled the strands of these seemingly disparate narratives into a coherent statistical tapestry. Employing rigorous time series analysis, we meticulously examined the temporal dynamics of Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts alongside the fluctuations in Google searches for 'velociraptor', navigating through the tempestuous sea of data with the skill of seasoned navigators aboard the HMS Statistical Rigor.

The collaboration of the MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and Google Trends yielded a comprehensive dataset spanning the time period from 2004 to 2020, providing a robust foundation for our quantitative inquiry into this curious correlation. Utilizing sophisticated statistical software, we morphed into bespectacled detectives armed with calculators and magnifying glasses, delving deep into the numerical enigma in search of hidden patterns and unsuspecting surprises.

Furthermore, our methodical investigation involved the application of advanced statistical techniques, including correlation analysis, time series modeling, and hypothesis testing, all of which were expertly wielded with a level of finesse that would have made even the most agile dinosaurs green with envy. Through meticulous model diagnostics and sensitivity analyses, we probed the limits of statistical inference with the precision and ingenuity of a Velociraptor hunting its prey, leaving no stone unturned in our quest to decipher the perplexing association between political preferences and prehistoric predilections.

In this pursuit, we also conducted robustness checks and sensitivity analyses to ensure the reliability and consistency of our findings, maintaining a level of skepticism that would make any discerning dinosaur proud. Our methodology, although unorthodox in its subject matter, adhered to the principles of scientific inquiry and statistical rigor, signaling to both skeptical peers and inquisitive onlookers that our investigation was conducted with all the seriousness and solemnity worthy of such an inherently zany and captivating subject.


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

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse and Google Trends .

For the time period 2004 to 2020, you found a correlation 0.9488655, r-squared of 0.9003457, 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]]
Revelation of Republican Votes and Raptor Research: A Ridiculous Relationship?

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the apparently preposterous connection between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor'. Utilizing data from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and Google Trends, we seek to determine if there is a legitimate association between these seemingly disparate variables. Our analysis reveals a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9488655 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period from 2004 to 2020. The findings suggest an unexpected correlation that is both curious and comical, prompting amusing musings on the curious captivation with ancient predators in the context of modern politics.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
The intersection of politics and paleontology may seem like an unlikely battleground for statistical analysis. Nevertheless, this study delves into the peculiar relationship between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor'. While it may appear absurd at first glance, our investigation aims to unravel the enigmatic connection between these seemingly incongruous phenomena.
The pursuit of this seemingly nonsensical linkage was not undertaken lightly. After all, as researchers, we generally attempt to avoid getting our feathers ruffled by strange correlations. However, the allure of exploring something so delightfully bizarre proved to be irresistibly tantalizing, much like the prospect of a thrilling expedition to uncover fossilized relics of a bygone era.
It is essential to note that this study does not aim to suggest any underlying causality between the two variables. We are not asserting that Google searches for 'velociraptor' compel citizens to cast votes for Republican Senators, nor are we proposing that conservative political ideologies somehow stimulate an interest in prehistoric predators. No, we leave such wild conjectures to the realm of speculative fiction, where velociraptors might campaign for office and the T-Rex reigns supreme as a legislative authority.
The incongruity of this investigation does not go unnoticed. In fact, the sheer absurdity of the relationship we intend to explore has generated a significant level of amusement among our research team. However, as devoted scholars, we have set aside the urge to engage in endless puns about "extinction-level politics" or "Jurassic partisan divides" in favor of a rigorous and methodical approach to uncovering the truth behind this unexpected correlation.
As we embark on this academic safari into the curious world of data analysis, we invite readers to join us in the spirit of lighthearted curiosity. After all, who could resist the opportunity to peer into the intricate web of statistical quirks that bind ancient reptilian predators and modern electoral behavior? While the findings may not have immediate practical implications, they promise to illuminate a peculiar and, dare we say, dino-mite aspect of human behavior that transcends the predictable confines of conventional political research. Let us embark on this adventure with the lightheartedness of a playful raptor and the analytical precision of a seasoned statistician, in pursuit of knowledge that is as exhilarating as it is unexpected.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

A seemingly ludicrous journey into the realm of statistical inquiry has unearthed a rather astonishing revelation. Our analysis of the relationship between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor' for the period spanning from 2004 to 2020 has led us to a correlation coefficient of 0.9488655. It seems that our foray into the world of delightful absurdity has not been in vain, as the strength of this correlation is strikingly formidable, akin to the powerful bite of a velociraptor.

Furthermore, the r-squared value of 0.9003457 indicates that a considerable proportion of the variability in Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts can be explained by the fluctuations in Google searches for 'velociraptor'. This unexpected association has surpassed our initial expectations, much like stumbling upon a hidden trove of fossilized dinosaur remains in an unlikely location.

Notably, the p-value of less than 0.01 provides compelling evidence of the statistical significance of this unanticipated linkage. This finding remains robust even after considering the potential influence of extraneous variables that could muddy the waters of our analysis, akin to an unexpected storm cloud threatening to disrupt a paleontological dig.

Fig. 1 showcases a scatterplot illustrating the remarkably strong positive relationship between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor'. The striking pattern depicted in this visualization reaffirms the surprising coherence between these seemingly disparate entities, reminiscent of the unexpected discovery of a complete dinosaur skeleton in an unconventional geological formation.

In essence, this quirky confluence of modern politics and ancient reptilian fascination has produced a result that not only defies conventional wisdom but also invites playful speculation about the idiosyncrasies of human behavior. These findings serve as a reminder that in the elaborately woven tapestry of statistical analyses, there are occasional threads that lead us into the delightfully bizarre and unearth unexpected connections that elicit both amusement and scholarly curiosity.


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

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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]]
Revelation of Republican Votes and Raptor Research: A Ridiculous Relationship?

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the apparently preposterous connection between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor'. Utilizing data from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and Google Trends, we seek to determine if there is a legitimate association between these seemingly disparate variables. Our analysis reveals a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9488655 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period from 2004 to 2020. The findings suggest an unexpected correlation that is both curious and comical, prompting amusing musings on the curious captivation with ancient predators in the context of modern politics.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The research literature on the connection between seemingly unrelated phenomena often overlooks their potential for humor and absurdity. However, the authors of this study, in their pursuit of uncovering the mysterious relationship between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor', aspire to illuminate this peculiar intersection of statistical analysis and amusement.
Smith and Doe (2010) make no mention of such a correlation in their exploration of political voting behaviors, nor do Jones et al. (2015) in their comprehensive investigation of online search trends. However, the authors stumble upon an unexpected trail in their review of the literature related to extinct reptilian predators and their curious renaissance in popular culture. In "Raptors and Republicans" (2017), the authors propose a speculative discourse on how ancient predatory species might navigate the complex political landscape of modern society, perhaps even launching their own campaigns for office. While the plausibility of such scenarios remains dubious, it is a compelling demonstration of the imaginative leaps that some researchers are willing to take.
Turning to non-fiction books, the authors note the works of renowned paleontologist Jack Horner, whose gripping accounts of excavating fossilized raptor remains have captured the imagination of many. Likewise, the exhaustive study by Alan Grant and Ellie Sattler in "The Paleontological Politics of Massachusetts" (2019) delves into the cultural fascination with prehistoric creatures and its unlikely correlation with contemporary political behaviors, providing valuable insights into the interdisciplinary nature of this research.
In the realm of fiction, the authors cannot overlook Ian Malcolm's "Chaos Theory and Conservative Beliefs" (1990), a philosophical journey that intertwines extinct species with political ideologies in a manner that can only be described as delightfully chaotic. The popular novel "Jurassic Elections" (2005) by Michael Crichton offers a satirical take on how ancient reptilian creatures may be entwined in the fabric of modern democratic processes, providing an amusing yet thought-provoking context for the authors' investigation.
Embracing the spirit of tangential relevance, the authors reflect on the unexpected inspiration derived from various Hollywood productions. The cinematic experiences of "Jurassic Park Politics" and "Raptor Run: The Senate Saga" serve as vivid reminders of the outlandish yet captivating entanglement of ancient predators and contemporary governmental processes, offering a lighthearted lens through which to view the enigmatic correlation under scrutiny in this study. While these films veer far from documentaries, they nevertheless evoke chuckles and curious contemplation, making them oddly pertinent to the subject matter at hand.
In the pursuit of understanding the connection between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor', the authors draw upon a rich and diverse tapestry of literature, both serious and whimsical. In doing so, they embrace the idiosyncratic nature of their inquiry, inviting readers to embark on an inexplicably entertaining journey through the curiosities of interdisciplinary research and the delightfully unexpected correlations that may ensue.

[[RESULTS]]
A seemingly ludicrous journey into the realm of statistical inquiry has unearthed a rather astonishing revelation. Our analysis of the relationship between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor' for the period spanning from 2004 to 2020 has led us to a correlation coefficient of 0.9488655. It seems that our foray into the world of delightful absurdity has not been in vain, as the strength of this correlation is strikingly formidable, akin to the powerful bite of a velociraptor.
Furthermore, the r-squared value of 0.9003457 indicates that a considerable proportion of the variability in Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts can be explained by the fluctuations in Google searches for 'velociraptor'. This unexpected association has surpassed our initial expectations, much like stumbling upon a hidden trove of fossilized dinosaur remains in an unlikely location.
Notably, the p-value of less than 0.01 provides compelling evidence of the statistical significance of this unanticipated linkage. This finding remains robust even after considering the potential influence of extraneous variables that could muddy the waters of our analysis, akin to an unexpected storm cloud threatening to disrupt a paleontological dig.
Fig. 1 showcases a scatterplot illustrating the remarkably strong positive relationship between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor'. The striking pattern depicted in this visualization reaffirms the surprising coherence between these seemingly disparate entities, reminiscent of the unexpected discovery of a complete dinosaur skeleton in an unconventional geological formation.
In essence, this quirky confluence of modern politics and ancient reptilian fascination has produced a result that not only defies conventional wisdom but also invites playful speculation about the idiosyncrasies of human behavior. These findings serve as a reminder that in the elaborately woven tapestry of statistical analyses, there are occasional threads that lead us into the delightfully bizarre and unearth unexpected connections that elicit both amusement and scholarly curiosity.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The provocative correlation uncovered in this study has left us grappling with the whimsical intertwining of political leanings and prehistoric predation. Our findings, which align with a prior storyline that seemed more fitting for a novel than a research paper, underscore the profoundly peculiar association between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor'. It appears that the political landscape in Massachusetts has unwittingly become intertwined with an unexpected fascination with long-extinct reptilian creatures, much like an ancient fossil unexpectedly wedged within the clay of contemporary culture.

Our results echo the remarkable speculations put forth by Smith and Doe (2010), who ventured into the landscape of political voting behaviors and laid bare the intriguing possibility of an underlying connection with ancient predators. The formidable correlation coefficient of 0.9488655 serves as a resounding echo of the outlandish yet plausible reverberations proposed by these earlier researchers, akin to the thundering footsteps of a prehistoric creature looming large over the political terrain. In a delightful twist, it appears that the theoretical musings of "Raptors and Republicans" (2017) may hold more substance than initially anticipated, challenging us to step into the realm of imaginative intellectual leaps with cautious enthusiasm, much like carefully navigating through a once-thought extinct swamp to find remnants of ancient creatures.

Moreover, our results are in concert with the colorful narrative woven by Alan Grant and Ellie Sattler in "The Paleontological Politics of Massachusetts" (2019), which eloquently captured the enigmatic allure of extinct reptilian species and their curious entanglement with contemporary political behaviors. The unexpected strength of our correlation, akin to the formidable jaws of a velociraptor, cements the relevance of their insights and invites us to delve deeper into the ancient sediments of societal influences that have given rise to this unlikely relationship.

The compelling statistical significance of our findings, underscored by a p-value of less than 0.01, serves as a noteworthy nod to the delightful chaos elucidated in Ian Malcolm's "Chaos Theory and Conservative Beliefs" (1990). Much like the captivating interplay of unpredictability and order expounded in this philosophical journey, our results beckon us to embrace the unpredictability of human behavior and the unexpectedly coherent patterns that emerge from the meandering pathways of statistical analyses. In a playful nod to the wild imaginings of "Jurassic Elections" (2005), our exploration of the comically perplexing correlation between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor' has ventured beyond the realm of dry empirical inquiry and into the realm of unexpected hilarity, much like a whimsical cameo in an otherwise serious political drama.

In conclusion, our findings have illuminated a captivating correlation that, while appearing whimsical on the surface, invites us to rethink the delightful intertwining of the serious and the absurd in the tapestry of statistical inquiry. The unexpected coherence between contemporary political behaviors and an age-old fascination with extinct reptilian creatures challenges us to embrace the hilariously unexpected, reminding us that even in the most unlikely of juxtapositions, there are hidden strands of meaning waiting to be unearthed.


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

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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]]
Revelation of Republican Votes and Raptor Research: A Ridiculous Relationship?

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the apparently preposterous connection between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor'. Utilizing data from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and Google Trends, we seek to determine if there is a legitimate association between these seemingly disparate variables. Our analysis reveals a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9488655 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period from 2004 to 2020. The findings suggest an unexpected correlation that is both curious and comical, prompting amusing musings on the curious captivation with ancient predators in the context of modern politics.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The intersection of politics and paleontology may seem like an unlikely battleground for statistical analysis. Nevertheless, this study delves into the peculiar relationship between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor'. While it may appear absurd at first glance, our investigation aims to unravel the enigmatic connection between these seemingly incongruous phenomena.
The pursuit of this seemingly nonsensical linkage was not undertaken lightly. After all, as researchers, we generally attempt to avoid getting our feathers ruffled by strange correlations. However, the allure of exploring something so delightfully bizarre proved to be irresistibly tantalizing, much like the prospect of a thrilling expedition to uncover fossilized relics of a bygone era.
It is essential to note that this study does not aim to suggest any underlying causality between the two variables. We are not asserting that Google searches for 'velociraptor' compel citizens to cast votes for Republican Senators, nor are we proposing that conservative political ideologies somehow stimulate an interest in prehistoric predators. No, we leave such wild conjectures to the realm of speculative fiction, where velociraptors might campaign for office and the T-Rex reigns supreme as a legislative authority.
The incongruity of this investigation does not go unnoticed. In fact, the sheer absurdity of the relationship we intend to explore has generated a significant level of amusement among our research team. However, as devoted scholars, we have set aside the urge to engage in endless puns about "extinction-level politics" or "Jurassic partisan divides" in favor of a rigorous and methodical approach to uncovering the truth behind this unexpected correlation.
As we embark on this academic safari into the curious world of data analysis, we invite readers to join us in the spirit of lighthearted curiosity. After all, who could resist the opportunity to peer into the intricate web of statistical quirks that bind ancient reptilian predators and modern electoral behavior? While the findings may not have immediate practical implications, they promise to illuminate a peculiar and, dare we say, dino-mite aspect of human behavior that transcends the predictable confines of conventional political research. Let us embark on this adventure with the lightheartedness of a playful raptor and the analytical precision of a seasoned statistician, in pursuit of knowledge that is as exhilarating as it is unexpected.

[[RESULTS]]
A seemingly ludicrous journey into the realm of statistical inquiry has unearthed a rather astonishing revelation. Our analysis of the relationship between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor' for the period spanning from 2004 to 2020 has led us to a correlation coefficient of 0.9488655. It seems that our foray into the world of delightful absurdity has not been in vain, as the strength of this correlation is strikingly formidable, akin to the powerful bite of a velociraptor.
Furthermore, the r-squared value of 0.9003457 indicates that a considerable proportion of the variability in Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts can be explained by the fluctuations in Google searches for 'velociraptor'. This unexpected association has surpassed our initial expectations, much like stumbling upon a hidden trove of fossilized dinosaur remains in an unlikely location.
Notably, the p-value of less than 0.01 provides compelling evidence of the statistical significance of this unanticipated linkage. This finding remains robust even after considering the potential influence of extraneous variables that could muddy the waters of our analysis, akin to an unexpected storm cloud threatening to disrupt a paleontological dig.
Fig. 1 showcases a scatterplot illustrating the remarkably strong positive relationship between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor'. The striking pattern depicted in this visualization reaffirms the surprising coherence between these seemingly disparate entities, reminiscent of the unexpected discovery of a complete dinosaur skeleton in an unconventional geological formation.
In essence, this quirky confluence of modern politics and ancient reptilian fascination has produced a result that not only defies conventional wisdom but also invites playful speculation about the idiosyncrasies of human behavior. These findings serve as a reminder that in the elaborately woven tapestry of statistical analyses, there are occasional threads that lead us into the delightfully bizarre and unearth unexpected connections that elicit both amusement and scholarly curiosity.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our investigation into the connection between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor' has yielded a preposterously high correlation coefficient of 0.9488655, indicating a statistically significant association. This unexpected correlation has, quite literally, piqued our interest and led us down a rather unexpected rabbit hole of statistical whimsy. While we did not anticipate uncovering such a robust relationship, it seems that even in the realm of data analysis, there are uncharted territories that beckon with the allure of the peculiar and the comical.

The implications of these findings, though seemingly absurd, hint at the possibility of a curious intersection between political inclination and an inexplicable fascination with ancient predators. We cannot help but muse on the amusing image of citizens casting their votes while envisioning themselves as modern-day velociraptors of the political arena. The strength of the correlation, much like the powerful claws of a velociraptor, leaves a lasting impression as a testament to the capriciousness of human behavior and the unforeseen connections that underlie it.

As entertaining as this foray into the preposterous may be, we must acknowledge the limitations of our study, including the absence of an explanatory framework for this unlikely association. While we are tempted to suggest that perhaps Republicans are drawn to candidates who embody the swiftness and ferocity of a velociraptor in their pursuit of political goals, we recognize that such whimsical conjectures lie beyond the scope of rigorous scientific inquiry. Nonetheless, the sheer delight of unraveling this perplexing correlation has added a touch of levity to our academic pursuits and has underscored the joy of venturing into the whimsical wilderness of statistical exploration.

In summation, the discovery of this farcical link between political proclivities and prehistoric interests serves as a charming reminder that amidst the rigidity of statistical analyses, there exists an occasional moment of light-hearted absurdity, akin to stumbling upon a fossilized footprint in unexpected terrain. As such, we assert with a wry smile and a nod to statistical probability, that further research in this particular domain may be considered, quite appropriately, extinct.


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 Revelation of Republican Votes and Raptor Research: A Ridiculous Relationship?. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Satirical Science


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 Revelation of Republican Votes and Raptor Research: A Ridiculous Relationship?. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Institute for Avian Political Studies


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 Revelation of Republican Votes and Raptor Research: A Ridiculous Relationship? with an abstract of This paper investigates the apparently preposterous connection between Republican votes for Senators in Massachusetts and Google searches for 'velociraptor'. Utilizing data from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and Google Trends, we seek to determine if there is a legitimate association between these seemingly disparate variables. Our analysis reveals a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9488655 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period from 2004 to 2020. The findings suggest an unexpected correlation that is both curious and comical, prompting amusing musings on the curious captivation with ancient predators in the context of modern politics.

ChatGPT:

Republican votes, Senators, Massachusetts, Google searches, velociraptor, correlation, association, data analysis, MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, Google Trends, correlation coefficient, p-value, statistics, ancient predators, modern politics

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



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Data details

Votes for Republican Senators in Massachusetts
Detailed data title: Total number of votes cast for Federal Republican Senate candidates in Massachusetts
Source: MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse
See what else correlates with Votes for Republican Senators in Massachusetts

Google searches for 'velociraptor'
Detailed data title: Relative volume of Google searches for 'velociraptor' (Worldwide, without quotes)
Source: Google Trends
Additional Info: Relative search volume (not absolute numbers)

See what else correlates with Google searches for 'velociraptor'

Correlation r = 0.9488655 (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 = 0.9003457 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 90% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Google searches for 'velociraptor') is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Votes for Republican Senators in Massachusetts) over the 6 years from 2004 through 2020.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 0.0039. 0.0038552546574220950000000000
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 0.95 in 0.39% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 259 random variables Which I absolutely did.
with the same 5 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 5 because we have two variables measured over a period of 6 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.

[ 0.6, 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.
200620082012201420182020
Votes for Republican Senators in Massachusetts (Total votes)66153292604414580507919509792101177760
Google searches for 'velociraptor' (Rel. search volume)11.083322.333339.833321.833330.416734.1667




Why this works

  1. Data dredging: I have 25,237 variables in my database. I compare all these variables against each other to find ones that randomly match up. That's 636,906,169 correlation calculations! This is called “data dredging.” Instead of starting with a hypothesis and testing it, I instead abused the data to see what correlations shake out. It’s a dangerous way to go about analysis, because any sufficiently large dataset will yield strong correlations completely at random.
  2. Lack of causal connection: There is probably Because these pages are automatically generated, it's possible that the two variables you are viewing are in fact causually related. I take steps to prevent the obvious ones from showing on the site (I don't let data about the weather in one city correlate with the weather in a neighboring city, for example), but sometimes they still pop up. If they are related, cool! You found a loophole.
    no direct connection between these variables, despite what the AI says above. This is exacerbated by the fact that I used "Years" as the base variable. Lots of things happen in a year that are not related to each other! Most studies would use something like "one person" in stead of "one year" to be the "thing" studied.
  3. Observations not independent: For many variables, sequential years are not independent of each other. If a population of people is continuously doing something every day, there is no reason to think they would suddenly change how they are doing that thing on January 1. A simple Personally I don't find any p-value calculation to be 'simple,' but you know what I mean.
    p-value calculation does not take this into account, so mathematically it appears less probable than it really is.
  4. Very low n: There are not many data points included in this analysis. Even if the p-value is high, we should be suspicious of using so few datapoints in a correlation.




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([661532,926044,1458050,791950,979210,1177760,])
array_2 = np.array([11.0833,22.3333,39.8333,21.8333,30.4167,34.1667,])
array_1_name = "Votes for Republican Senators in Massachusetts"
array_2_name = "Google searches for 'velociraptor'"

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

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



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

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

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

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Correlation ID: 5370 · Black Variable ID: 26256 · Red Variable ID: 1516
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