spurious correlations
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don't miss spurious scholar,
where each of these is an academic paper
View details about correlation #1,433
Astonishing Affinity: Associates degrees in Arts and the Attraction of the Zombie Apocalypse
As the number of visual and performing arts degrees decreased, there were fewer people with the skills to create lifelike zombie special effects. This led to a decline in realistic zombie portrayals in movies and TV shows. In other words, it seems the art of crafting undead characters was on its way to a dead end.
View details about correlation #5,139
Trollywood: A Meme-orable Connection between Alaina's Popularity and the Trollface Trend
Because every time someone heard the name Alaina, they couldn't help but grin from Alaina ear to Alaina ear, just like the trollface! It's like they say, Alaina's bring the joy, and the trollface brings the lolz.
What else correlates?
Popularity of the first name Alaina · all first names
Popularity of the 'trollface' meme · all memes
Popularity of the first name Alaina · all first names
Popularity of the 'trollface' meme · all memes
View details about correlation #1,775
Blown Away: The Impact of Wind Power Generation in Taiwan on Google Searches for 'I Am Tired'
As wind power in Taiwan increased, it led to higher air circulation which in turn stirred up more dust. This surge in dust levels caused an uptick in respiratory issues among the population, leading to people feeling constantly tired as they navigated through the dusty doldrums. It seems the winds of change have blown in a new kind of fatigue, leaving everyone in Taiwan exclaiming, "I'm turbine out!"
What else correlates?
Wind power generated in Taiwan · all energy
Google searches for 'i am tired' · all google searches
Wind power generated in Taiwan · all energy
Google searches for 'i am tired' · all google searches
View details about correlation #4,622
Sizzle and Fizzle: The Relationship Between Stand-up Maths Onscreen Pizzazz and Arson in North Dakota
As the mathematical intensity of the video titles rises, so does the unexpected urge in North Dakota to set things ablaze. It's as if the fiery passion for numbers somehow ignites a spark in the locals, leading to a whole new kind of math - arsons and crafts. Who knew that mathematical comedy could multiply the flames of mischief in the Peace Garden State!
What else correlates?
How cool Matt Parker's YouTube video titles are · all YouTube
Arson in North Dakota · all random state specific
How cool Matt Parker's YouTube video titles are · all YouTube
Arson in North Dakota · all random state specific
View details about correlation #2,845
The Big Cheese: A Gouda Connection Between American Cheese Consumption and US Edible Fishery Product Imports
As American cheese consumption increased, so did the demand for cheesy fish filet sandwiches, leading to a surge in imports of deliciously breaded and fried fish from around the world. It's a gouda thing for the fishery industry, as they're reeling in the cheddar and making a splash with these fin-tastic imports. It's an unexpected twist in the sea of culinary trends, but hey, who can resist a taste of that grate American cheese with a side of fish-nomenal flavor? Whether it's for the halibut or just for the love of a good old-fashioned melt, one thing's for sure – this dairy delight is causing quite a stir in the deep blue sea of seafood imports!
What else correlates?
American cheese consumption · all food
US edible fishery product imports · all food
American cheese consumption · all food
US edible fishery product imports · all food
View details about correlation #5,918
Ambulance Chasers: A Statistical Analysis of the Relationship Between Associates Degrees Awarded in Emergency Medical Technology and the Age of Miss America
As more people became qualified to provide emergency medical care, the number of beauty pageant contestants experiencing sudden health crises decreased. This led to a decrease in the demand for younger, quick-thinking Miss Americas who could administer first aid with precision and poise. As a result, the pageant committee adjusted its criteria, placing greater emphasis on life experience and maturity. This shift ultimately favored older, more seasoned contestants, leading to the crowning of Miss Americas who were not just beautiful, but also had a wealth of knowledge on handling medical emergencies, securing their sashes with expertise and their crowns with CPR proficiency.
What else correlates?
Associates degrees awarded in Emergency medical tech · all education
Miss America's age · all weird & wacky
Associates degrees awarded in Emergency medical tech · all education
Miss America's age · all weird & wacky
View details about correlation #5,850
Bloom and Gloom: The Surprising Connection Between Air Quality in Union City, Tennessee and Orlando Bloom's Filmography
Orlando Bloom saw how clear the air was in Union City and just couldn't resist the opportunity to film more movies in such pristine conditions. You could say he really wanted to 'breathe new life' into his career!
What else correlates?
Air quality in Union City, Tennessee · all weather
The number of movies Orlando Bloom appeared in · all films & actors
Air quality in Union City, Tennessee · all weather
The number of movies Orlando Bloom appeared in · all films & actors
View details about correlation #2,725
Planetary Proximity and Stock Prosperity: The Link Between Jupiter-Venus Space and Anheuser-Busch InBev's Market Face
As the planets moved further apart, gravitational beer waves were strengthened, leading to an uptick in beer consumption and BUD stock prices. Remember, when it comes to stocks, even the stars are drunk on profits!
What else correlates?
The distance between Jupiter and Venus · all planets
Anheuser-Busch InBev's stock price (BUD) · all stocks
The distance between Jupiter and Venus · all planets
Anheuser-Busch InBev's stock price (BUD) · all stocks
View details about correlation #2,716
Charging into the Future: Exploring the Shocking Relationship Between Engineering Degrees and Electricity Generation in Cambodia
As the number of engineering graduates rose, so did their current knowledge, sparking a surge in innovative and power-packed ideas. This electrifying boost in expertise led to more efficient energy solutions being constructed, ultimately shocking the nation with a jolt of progress. It seems these bright sparks of academia were truly amped up to switch on the power of Cambodia's electricity generation!
What else correlates?
Bachelor's degrees awarded in Engineering · all education
Electricity generation in Cambodia · all energy
Bachelor's degrees awarded in Engineering · all education
Electricity generation in Cambodia · all energy
View details about correlation #2,204
Ahoy, Matey! Navigating the High Seas of Internet Search Behavior: A Correlational Analysis of Pirate Attacks and Google Searches for 'Download Firefox'
As pirate attacks decreased, more pirates decided to pursue careers in technology. These ex-pirates, with their love for the sea and all things nautical, joined forces with the Firefox web browser team, leading to the development of a new sea-themed update. This update, complete with a swashbuckling interface and an 'arrr-some' new features, created a wave of excitement in the tech world. As a result, people no longer just wanted to download Firefox, they wanted to 'yo-ho-ho' and download Firefox for the high seas of the internet! This ultimately led to a decrease in searches for 'download Firefox' as the browser became the go-to choice for anyone looking for a more 'ship-shape' internet browsing experience. So, remember, matey, it's not just about navigating the web, it's about setting sail on the digital seas with Firefox!
What else correlates?
Pirate attacks globally · all weird & wacky
Google searches for 'download firefox' · all google searches
Pirate attacks globally · all weird & wacky
Google searches for 'download firefox' · all google searches
View details about correlation #1,038
Got Milk? The Dairy Do-s and Don't-s of Divorce: A Statistical Analysis of Milk Consumption and the Divorce Rate in Colorado
As milk consumption decreased, people became less lactose intolerant. This led to fewer cases of dairy-related tummy aches, reducing overall irritability in marriages. Plus, with less milk being poured, there were fewer opportunities for milk-related kitchen arguments. And as we all know, a household free of lactose-fueled bickering is a recipe for marital bliss. So, drink your milk, save a marriage – it's udderly ridiculous but apparently, there's whey to happiness!
What else correlates?
Milk consumption · all food
The divorce rate in Colorado · all random state specific
Milk consumption · all food
The divorce rate in Colorado · all random state specific
View details about correlation #2,103
Air Pollution in Sioux City: A Shock to Tesla's Stock?
The smog in Sioux City created a higher demand for electric cars, leading to a spike in interest and purchases of Tesla vehicles. As more people sought environmentally friendly transportation options, Tesla's stock price soared, proving that even pollution has a way of inadvertently promoting clean energy!
What else correlates?
Air pollution in Sioux City, Iowa · all weather
Tesla's stock price (TSLA) · all stocks
Air pollution in Sioux City, Iowa · all weather
Tesla's stock price (TSLA) · all stocks
View details about correlation #3,081
Mastering the Routes: The Intersect of Transportation Master's Degrees and Cartographers in New Mexico
As fewer people mastered the art of transportation, there was a breakdown in the cartographic community, leading to a shortage of map-making expertise in New Mexico. It seems the path to becoming a master cartographer hit a roadblock with the decline in transportation-related knowledge. Maybe they just couldn't navigate their way to obtaining those advanced degrees. It's a bumpy road for cartography in the Land of Enchantment. But in reality, it's more likely that the demand for cartographers in New Mexico also decreased, independent of the number of Master's degrees awarded in Transportation.
What else correlates?
Master's degrees awarded in Transportation · all education
The number of cartographers in New Mexico · all cccupations
Master's degrees awarded in Transportation · all education
The number of cartographers in New Mexico · all cccupations
View details about correlation #1,505
Director's Age: A Snake Bite or a Bait? A Correlational Analysis of Best Picture Winners and Google Searches for Snake Bite Treatment
As directors get older, they become more skilled at storytelling. This newfound expertise in captivating audiences translates to creating more engaging educational content about snake bites. Their advanced age also means they have accumulated wisdom and experience, leading to more thorough and effective snake bite treatment methods being depicted in their films. The connection between aging filmmakers and snake bite knowledge may be serpentine, but it’s definitely not a plot twist!
View details about correlation #2,048
Stalks and Volcanoes: Exploring the Cornnection Between GMO Corn in Illinois and Icelandic Geothermal Power
As more GMO corn was grown in Illinois, the surplus corn husks were shipped to Iceland, where they were used as insulation around geothermal power plants, leading to greater efficiency and higher power generation. This basically meant that the corn was finally getting its "ear-responsibility" for powering up homes.
What else correlates?
GMO use in corn grown in Illinois · all food
Geothermal power generated in Iceland · all energy
GMO use in corn grown in Illinois · all food
Geothermal power generated in Iceland · all energy
View details about correlation #1,211
Out of This World Name: The Kenzie Phenomenon and Unidentified Flying Objects in South Dakota
As the number of Kenzies grew, so did the collective cosmic energy they emitted, inadvertently attracting UFOs to South Dakota like trendy, intergalactic hotspots. It seems the universe just couldn't resist a chance to meet the cool, new Kens and Zies on Earth, leading to some otherworldly encounters in the Mount Rushmore State. Who knew that the secret to making contact with extraterrestrial beings was simply to have more Kenzies around, creating a celestial phenomenon that's truly out of this world!
What else correlates?
Popularity of the first name Kenzie · all first names
UFO sightings in South Dakota · all random state specific
Popularity of the first name Kenzie · all first names
UFO sightings in South Dakota · all random state specific
View details about correlation #3,072
Out of This World Pollution: Exploring the Neptune-Sun Distance and Air Quality in Washington, D.C.
As Neptune cozied up to the Sun, its mysterious space vibes disrupted the fossil fuel particles in D.C., rendering them into clean, sustainable air. Now introducing the revolutionary new planetary air purifier - Neptune: The Eco-Friendly Gas Giant!
What else correlates?
The distance between Neptune and the Sun · all planets
Air pollution in Washington, D.C. · all weather
The distance between Neptune and the Sun · all planets
Air pollution in Washington, D.C. · all weather
View details about correlation #1,049
The Technician Tonic: A Statistical Analysis of the Relationship Between Biological Technicians in Maryland and Customer Satisfaction with Sprint
As the number of biological technicians in Maryland increased, so did the local flora and fauna. The lush greenery and vibrant ecosystem had an unexpected side effect - it boosted people's moods and overall happiness. This ripple of joy spread throughout the state, reaching Sprint customers and leading to a surge in their satisfaction. Who would have thought that a couple of extra technicians could lead to such a wild connection?
What else correlates?
The number of biological technicians in Maryland · all cccupations
Customer satisfaction with Sprint · all weird & wacky
The number of biological technicians in Maryland · all cccupations
Customer satisfaction with Sprint · all weird & wacky
View details about correlation #2,700
Fueling Laughter: Exploring the Comedic Connection Between 'Two and a Half Men' Season Ratings and Jet Fuel Consumption in Serbia
As the laughter from the show echoed across the globe, it somehow harmonized with the molecular structure of jet fuel, prompting a spontaneous and inexplicable multiplication effect. It's as if the antics of Charlie, Alan, and Jake contained some elusive comedic element that acted as a catalyst for the combustion of aviation fuel. This unforeseen consequence has left experts both baffled and oddly entertained.
What else correlates?
Season rating of "Two and a Half Men" · all films & actors
Jet fuel used in Serbia · all energy
Season rating of "Two and a Half Men" · all films & actors
Jet fuel used in Serbia · all energy
View details about correlation #5,920
Spreading Love and Margarine: An Examination of the Butter-Splitter Correlation in Maine
Perhaps as people used less margarine, they became less slippery in their relationships. The lack of artificial spread may have kept the couples from buttering each other up, leading to a decrease in overall marital strife. That's the reality when you can't believe it's not butter - it's a recipe for marital success. Alternatively, it could be that as the margarine consumption decreased, so did the overall slickness in the state, leading to fewer instances of partners feeling like they couldn't grip the marriage.
What else correlates?
Per capita consumption of margarine · all food
The divorce rate in Maine · all random state specific
Per capita consumption of margarine · all food
The divorce rate in Maine · all random state specific
Why this works
- Data dredging: I have 25,237 variables in my database. I compare all these variables against each other to find ones that randomly match up. That's 636,906,169 correlation calculations! This is called “data dredging.”
Fun fact: the chart used on the wikipedia page to demonstrate data dredging is also from me. I've been being naughty with data since 2014.
Instead of starting with a hypothesis and testing it, I instead tossed a bunch of data in a blender to see what correlations would shake out. It’s a dangerous way to go about analysis, because any sufficiently large dataset will yield strong correlations completely at random. - Lack of causal connection: There is probably no direct connection between these variables, despite what the AI says above.
Because these pages are automatically generated, it's possible that the two variables you are viewing are in fact causually related. I take steps to prevent the obvious ones from showing on the site (I don't let data about the weather in one city correlate with the weather in a neighboring city, for example), but sometimes they still pop up. If they are related, cool! You found a loophole.
This is exacerbated by the fact that I used "Years" as the base variable. Lots of things happen in a year that are not related to each other! Most studies would use something like "one person" in stead of "one year" to be the "thing" studied. - Observations not independent: For many variables, sequential years are not independent of each other. You will often see trend-lines form. If a population of people is continuously doing something every day, there is no reason to think they would suddenly change how they are doing that thing on January 1. A naive p-value calculation does not take this into account.
You will calculate a lower chance of "randomly" achieving the result than represents reality.
To be more specific: p-value tests are probability values, where you are calculating the probability of achieving a result at least as extreme as you found completely by chance. When calculating a p-value, you need to assert how many "degrees of freedom" your variable has. I count each year (minus one) as a "degree of freedom," but this is misleading for continuous variables.
This kind of thing can creep up on you pretty easily when using p-values, which is why it's best to take it as "one of many" inputs that help you assess the results of your analysis.
- Y-axes doesn't start at zero: I truncated the Y-axes of the graphs above. I also used a line graph, which makes the visual connection stand out more than it deserves.
Nothing against line graphs. They are great at telling a story when you have linear data! But visually it is deceptive because the only data is at the points on the graph, not the lines on the graph. In between each point, the data could have been doing anything. Like going for a random walk by itself!
Mathematically what I showed is true, but it is intentionally misleading. If you click on any of the charts that abuse this, you can scroll down to see a version that starts at zero. - Confounding variable: Confounding variables (like global pandemics) will cause two variables to look connected when in fact a "sneaky third" variable is influencing both of them behind the scenes.
- Outliers: Some datasets here have outliers which drag up the correlation.
In concept, "outlier" just means "way different than the rest of your dataset." When calculating a correlation like this, they are particularly impactful because a single outlier can substantially increase your correlation.
Because this page is automatically generated, I don't know whether any of the charts displayed on it have outliers. I'm just a footnote. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I intentionally mishandeled outliers, which makes the correlation look extra strong. - Low n: There are not many data points included in some of these charts.
You can do analyses with low ns! But you shouldn't data dredge with a low n.
Even if the p-value is high, we should be suspicious of using so few datapoints in a correlation.
Pro-tip: click on any correlation to see:
- Detailed data sources
- Prompts for the AI-generated content
- Explanations of each of the calculations (correlation, p-value)
- Python code to calculate it yourself
