about · email me · subscribe
Spurious correlation #1,164 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is xkcd comics published about time and the second variable is Hotdogs consumed by Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition Champion.  The chart goes from 2007 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

As the number of xkcd comics about time increased, so did the champion's ability to perceive time slowing down, allowing them to eat more hotdogs in the same amount of time. They say time flies when you're eating sausages!

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image of a room split into two distinct areas. In one corner, show a stack of xkcd comics about time, with intricate graphs and complex mathematical jokes being displayed. On the opposite side, depict a table with an impressive pile of hot dogs, with the reigning champion of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition standing next to it. As each xkcd comic about time is placed on the stack, show the champion noticeably increasing their consumption of hot dogs, devouring them at an exponential rate. Render the researchers in the room, left stunned, trying to understand the unexpected connection between the webcomic and the champion's insatiable hunger for hot dogs. As the scene unfolds, ensure that the cybernetic art style is reflected in the futuristic and abstract aesthetic of the room and its elements. The depiction should include only scenes, people, and objects, it should not include text or speech bubbles.
This image generation prompt was also generated by AI, using the following sequence:

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You select one of a few potential scene descriptors that seems to go along with the situation described. You respond only with the scene descriptions provided and say nothing else.
User prompt: Here is a situation: New Study Finds Surprising Correlation Between xkcd Comics About Time and Hot Dogs Consumed by Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition Champion - Researchers stunned by discovery that for every xkcd comic published about time, the number of hot dogs consumed by the reigning champion of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition increases exponentially. One leading theory posits that the intricate graphs and complex mathematical jokes in the popular webcomic somehow trigger an insatiable hunger for processed meat products in competitive eaters, leading to record-breaking consumption levels. While the scientific community is still baffled by this unexpected connection, it seems that the fate of competitive hot dog eating may be more entwined with webcomics than anyone could have ever imagined.. Given that situation, which of the following image descriptions seems most appropriate? Pick the one that seems to be related to one of the variables at hand and the tone of the explanation. Please respond with only one of the following potential descriptions: An image that looks like it is a scene from a Pixar movie A black-and-white newspaper illustration inspired by bauhaus Cybernetic art Concept art
ChatGPT: Cybernetic art

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated and the explanation described. Do not reference graphs or charts; describe physical objects.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that depicts the following situation. Keep the description simple. New Study Finds Surprising Correlation Between xkcd Comics About Time and Hot Dogs Consumed by Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition Champion - Researchers stunned by discovery that for every xkcd comic published about time, the number of hot dogs consumed by the reigning champion of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition increases exponentially. One leading theory posits that the intricate graphs and complex mathematical jokes in the popular webcomic somehow trigger an insatiable hunger for processed meat products in competitive eaters, leading to record-breaking consumption levels. While the scientific community is still baffled by this unexpected connection, it seems that the fate of competitive hot dog eating may be more entwined with webcomics than anyone could have ever imagined.
ChatGPT: Imagine a room with two distinct areas. In one corner, there is a stack of xkcd comics about time, with intricate graphs and complex mathematical jokes being displayed. On the opposite side, there is a table with an impressive pile of hot dogs, with the reigning champion of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition standing next to it. As each xkcd comic about time is placed on the stack, the champion noticeably increases their consumption of hot dogs, devouring them at an exponential rate. The researchers in the room are left stunned, trying to understand the unexpected connection between the webcomic and the champion's insatiable hunger for hot dogs.

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: [ Cybernetic art ] and depicting this scene: Imagine a room with two distinct areas. In one corner, there is a stack of xkcd comics about time, with intricate graphs and complex mathematical jokes being displayed. On the opposite side, there is a table with an impressive pile of hot dogs, with the reigning champion of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition standing next to it. As each xkcd comic about time is placed on the stack, the champion noticeably increases their consumption of hot dogs, devouring them at an exponential rate. The researchers in the room are left stunned, trying to understand the unexpected connection between the webcomic and the champion's insatiable hunger for hot dogs. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image of a room split into two distinct areas. In one corner, show a stack of xkcd comics about time, with intricate graphs and complex mathematical jokes being displayed. On the opposite side, depict a table with an impressive pile of hot dogs, with the reigning champion of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition standing next to it. As each xkcd comic about time is placed on the stack, show the champion noticeably increasing their consumption of hot dogs, devouring them at an exponential rate. Render the researchers in the room, left stunned, trying to understand the unexpected connection between the webcomic and the champion's insatiable hunger for hot dogs. As the scene unfolds, ensure that the cybernetic art style is reflected in the futuristic and abstract aesthetic of the room and its elements.

*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 increases in xkcd comics published about time positively influenced Hotdogs consumed by Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition Champion. Add a funny one-liner at the end.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Time and Frankfurters: A Rhyming Analysis of xkcd Comics and Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Victories

The Journal of Food Rhymes Research

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 dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics 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 xkcd comics published about time and Hotdogs consumed by Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition Champion. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Rhyme words in the title.

Your research team used data from AI analysis of xkcd comics and Wikipedia to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.8251628 and p < 0.01 for 2007 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]]
Time and Frankfurters: A Rhyming Analysis of xkcd Comics and Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Victories

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study presents an analysis of the relationship between xkcd comics referencing time and the hotdogs consumed by the champion of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition. Utilizing data extracted from xkcd comics published from 2007 to 2022 and the historical records of hot dog consumption at the renowned competition, our research team employed advanced AI analysis and referenced Wikipedia to extract and collate the relevant information. Our findings reveal a notable correlation coefficient of 0.8251628 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, suggesting a compelling association between the themes of time in xkcd comics and the competitive consumption of frankfurters. This investigation not only offers quantitative insights into the comedic influence of time-related xkcd comics but also provides a surprising connection to the voracious appetite of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest champion.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics 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 xkcd comics published about time and Hotdogs consumed by Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition Champion. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Time and Frankfurters: A Rhyming Analysis of xkcd Comics and Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Victories

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study presents an analysis of the relationship between xkcd comics referencing time and the hotdogs consumed by the champion of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition. Utilizing data extracted from xkcd comics published from 2007 to 2022 and the historical records of hot dog consumption at the renowned competition, our research team employed advanced AI analysis and referenced Wikipedia to extract and collate the relevant information. Our findings reveal a notable correlation coefficient of 0.8251628 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, suggesting a compelling association between the themes of time in xkcd comics and the competitive consumption of frankfurters. This investigation not only offers quantitative insights into the comedic influence of time-related xkcd comics but also provides a surprising connection to the voracious appetite of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest champion.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

Time and hotdogs, two seemingly unrelated entities, have long captivated the human imagination. The concept of time has been the subject of philosophical debate, scientific inquiry, and, of course, numerous xkcd comics, while the consumption of hotdogs has become an emblem of gluttony and gastronomic achievement, exemplified by the annual spectacle of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. Thus, it is only natural that we delve into the curious intersection of these disparate realms to uncover potential connections, no matter how thinly sliced they may be.

The ubiquitous webcomic, xkcd, a bastion of scientific and nerdy humor, has often delved into the enigmatic nature of time, employing whimsical illustrations and clever wordplay to jest about temporal paradoxes and the human experience of temporal passage. At the same time, the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, a tradition dating back to 1916, has seen champions rise to worldwide fame by consuming seemingly impossible quantities of cylindrical meat products in a time-limited setting, tantalizing the taste buds of gourmands and the curiosity of onlookers alike.

Thus, the impetus for this investigation was to scrutinize the potential relationship between these seemingly incongruous phenomena. By applying rigorous statistical analysis, linguistic semantics, and a dash of bizarre curiosity, our study aims to shed light on the connections, if any, between the humorous yet thoughtful musings on time in xkcd comics and the seemingly bottomless appetite of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest victors. A close examination of the patterns and themes in xkcd comics alongside the historical tally of hotdog consumption at the esteemed contest presents an unorthodox opportunity to explore the correlation, or perhaps even the relativity, between these disparate domains.

In the following sections, we present the methodological approach, the data examination process, the statistical analyses, and, of course, the unavoidably amusing findings that emerge from this unusual juxtaposition. It is our hope that this investigation will not only contribute to the fields of comic analysis and competitive eating research but also elicit a chuckle or two from the audience – much like the unexpected yet strangely harmonious pairing of time and frankfurters itself.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics 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 xkcd comics published about time and Hotdogs consumed by Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition Champion. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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

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

Start by naming serious-sounding studies by authors like Smith, Doe, and Jones - but then quickly devolve. Name some real non-fiction books that would be related to the topic. Then name some real fiction books that sound like they could be related. Then name a few real TV shows that sound like they might be relevant to the topic that you watched as research.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Time and Frankfurters: A Rhyming Analysis of xkcd Comics and Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Victories

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study presents an analysis of the relationship between xkcd comics referencing time and the hotdogs consumed by the champion of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition. Utilizing data extracted from xkcd comics published from 2007 to 2022 and the historical records of hot dog consumption at the renowned competition, our research team employed advanced AI analysis and referenced Wikipedia to extract and collate the relevant information. Our findings reveal a notable correlation coefficient of 0.8251628 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, suggesting a compelling association between the themes of time in xkcd comics and the competitive consumption of frankfurters. This investigation not only offers quantitative insights into the comedic influence of time-related xkcd comics but also provides a surprising connection to the voracious appetite of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest champion.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
Time and hotdogs, two seemingly unrelated entities, have long captivated the human imagination. The concept of time has been the subject of philosophical debate, scientific inquiry, and, of course, numerous xkcd comics, while the consumption of hotdogs has become an emblem of gluttony and gastronomic achievement, exemplified by the annual spectacle of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. Thus, it is only natural that we delve into the curious intersection of these disparate realms to uncover potential connections, no matter how thinly sliced they may be.
The ubiquitous webcomic, xkcd, a bastion of scientific and nerdy humor, has often delved into the enigmatic nature of time, employing whimsical illustrations and clever wordplay to jest about temporal paradoxes and the human experience of temporal passage. At the same time, the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, a tradition dating back to 1916, has seen champions rise to worldwide fame by consuming seemingly impossible quantities of cylindrical meat products in a time-limited setting, tantalizing the taste buds of gourmands and the curiosity of onlookers alike.
Thus, the impetus for this investigation was to scrutinize the potential relationship between these seemingly incongruous phenomena. By applying rigorous statistical analysis, linguistic semantics, and a dash of bizarre curiosity, our study aims to shed light on the connections, if any, between the humorous yet thoughtful musings on time in xkcd comics and the seemingly bottomless appetite of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest victors. A close examination of the patterns and themes in xkcd comics alongside the historical tally of hotdog consumption at the esteemed contest presents an unorthodox opportunity to explore the correlation, or perhaps even the relativity, between these disparate domains.
In the following sections, we present the methodological approach, the data examination process, the statistical analyses, and, of course, the unavoidably amusing findings that emerge from this unusual juxtaposition. It is our hope that this investigation will not only contribute to the fields of comic analysis and competitive eating research but also elicit a chuckle or two from the audience – much like the unexpected yet strangely harmonious pairing of time and frankfurters itself.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

Several previous studies have attempted to elucidate the intricacies of time and its influence in various cultural phenomena. Smith, in "Temporal Musings: A Literary Analysis," explores the portrayal of time in classic literature, while Doe, in "Time as a Social Construct," investigates the societal implications of temporal perception. Similarly, Jones, in "Chronological Chronicles: A Historical Perspective," delves into the historical conceptions of time and its impact on human civilization. However, none of these studies have ventured into the realm of webcomics and competitive eating, as we boldly endeavor to do in this research.

Turning to the broader context of popular culture and humorous reflections on temporal themes, "Time's Arrow: The Evolution of Time in Pop Culture" by A. Clockwise provides an in-depth examination of time-related motifs in various forms of entertainment. Furthermore, "Temporal Tickles: Comedy and Time in Modern Media" by W. Witty offers a comprehensive analysis of comedic representations of time in popular media, shedding light on the intrinsic relation between humor and temporal concepts.

Shifting to the realm of fiction, works such as "Chrono-laughter: A Time-Travel Farce" by H.G. Jest and "The Clockwork Comedy Club" by A. Hilarious present fictitious explorations of time-related humor, providing an imaginative backdrop for the interplay between time and comedic expression. These literary forays into the realm of temporal wit offer a unique lens through which to view the intersection of time-themed xkcd comics and the spectacle of hot dog consumption.

Taking a somewhat unorthodox approach to familiarizing oneself with the cultural nuances and comedic representations of time, our research team sought inspiration from a selection of television programs. Documentaries such as "Temporal Tidings: A Journey Through Time and Space" and "The Quantum Quandary: Time, Tacos, and Travel" provided valuable insights into the popular fascination with temporality, inadvertently fueling our intellectual pursuit of the enigmatic ties between time-centric humor and competitive hot dog consumption.

These literary and visual sources served as both scholarly foundations and light-hearted inspirations for our endeavor to unravel the interwoven strands of time and franks, leading us to embark on a comically inclined yet rigorously scientific analysis of the correlation between xkcd comics depicting time and the astonishing feats of devouring hotdogs at Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics 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 xkcd comics published about time and Hotdogs consumed by Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition Champion. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from AI analysis of xkcd comics and Wikipedia . You used data from 2007 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]]
Time and Frankfurters: A Rhyming Analysis of xkcd Comics and Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Victories

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study presents an analysis of the relationship between xkcd comics referencing time and the hotdogs consumed by the champion of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition. Utilizing data extracted from xkcd comics published from 2007 to 2022 and the historical records of hot dog consumption at the renowned competition, our research team employed advanced AI analysis and referenced Wikipedia to extract and collate the relevant information. Our findings reveal a notable correlation coefficient of 0.8251628 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, suggesting a compelling association between the themes of time in xkcd comics and the competitive consumption of frankfurters. This investigation not only offers quantitative insights into the comedic influence of time-related xkcd comics but also provides a surprising connection to the voracious appetite of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest champion.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
Time and hotdogs, two seemingly unrelated entities, have long captivated the human imagination. The concept of time has been the subject of philosophical debate, scientific inquiry, and, of course, numerous xkcd comics, while the consumption of hotdogs has become an emblem of gluttony and gastronomic achievement, exemplified by the annual spectacle of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. Thus, it is only natural that we delve into the curious intersection of these disparate realms to uncover potential connections, no matter how thinly sliced they may be.
The ubiquitous webcomic, xkcd, a bastion of scientific and nerdy humor, has often delved into the enigmatic nature of time, employing whimsical illustrations and clever wordplay to jest about temporal paradoxes and the human experience of temporal passage. At the same time, the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, a tradition dating back to 1916, has seen champions rise to worldwide fame by consuming seemingly impossible quantities of cylindrical meat products in a time-limited setting, tantalizing the taste buds of gourmands and the curiosity of onlookers alike.
Thus, the impetus for this investigation was to scrutinize the potential relationship between these seemingly incongruous phenomena. By applying rigorous statistical analysis, linguistic semantics, and a dash of bizarre curiosity, our study aims to shed light on the connections, if any, between the humorous yet thoughtful musings on time in xkcd comics and the seemingly bottomless appetite of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest victors. A close examination of the patterns and themes in xkcd comics alongside the historical tally of hotdog consumption at the esteemed contest presents an unorthodox opportunity to explore the correlation, or perhaps even the relativity, between these disparate domains.
In the following sections, we present the methodological approach, the data examination process, the statistical analyses, and, of course, the unavoidably amusing findings that emerge from this unusual juxtaposition. It is our hope that this investigation will not only contribute to the fields of comic analysis and competitive eating research but also elicit a chuckle or two from the audience – much like the unexpected yet strangely harmonious pairing of time and frankfurters itself.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

Utilizing a whimsical yet methodical approach, the research team employed advanced AI technology to sift through the extensive archives of xkcd comics, isolating those that prominently featured themes related to time. These time-related comics were identified and categorized based on their publication dates, ensuring a comprehensive representation of the temporal musings present in the xkcd canon from 2007 to 2022.

In parallel, the historical records of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, including the entrants' consumption rates, championship victories, and, of course, condiment preferences, were meticulously compiled from reputable sources, with a notable reliance on the omniscient database of human knowledge, Wikipedia.

The collected data underwent a series of quirkily convoluted analyses involving linguistic semantics, visual pun detection, and the surprising integration of gastronomic astuteness, resulting in the identification of subtle yet potentially substantial correlations between the temporal ponderings of xkcd comics and the consumptive triumphs of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest champions.

Furthermore, statistical methodologies, including correlation coefficient computations and significance testing at alpha levels resembling the relish on a well-dressed hotdog, were applied to ascertain the strength and robustness of the identified associations, or as we'd like to think of it, the würst-case scenario.

The meticulous and unconventional nature of the data examination process, underscored by the utilization of AI, linguistic analytics, and gustatory wit, allowed for the emergence of hitherto unexplored insights into the interplay between temporal humor and competitive hotdog ingestion. The findings stemming from this engaging melange of statistical wizardry and comedic whimsy are expounded upon in the ensuing sections, offering a distinctly palatable, if not outright delicious, elucidation of our unique research endeavor.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics 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 xkcd comics published about time and Hotdogs consumed by Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition Champion. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from AI analysis of xkcd comics and Wikipedia .

For the time period 2007 to 2022, you found a correlation 0.8251628, r-squared of 0.6808936, 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]]
Time and Frankfurters: A Rhyming Analysis of xkcd Comics and Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Victories

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study presents an analysis of the relationship between xkcd comics referencing time and the hotdogs consumed by the champion of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition. Utilizing data extracted from xkcd comics published from 2007 to 2022 and the historical records of hot dog consumption at the renowned competition, our research team employed advanced AI analysis and referenced Wikipedia to extract and collate the relevant information. Our findings reveal a notable correlation coefficient of 0.8251628 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, suggesting a compelling association between the themes of time in xkcd comics and the competitive consumption of frankfurters. This investigation not only offers quantitative insights into the comedic influence of time-related xkcd comics but also provides a surprising connection to the voracious appetite of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest champion.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
Time and hotdogs, two seemingly unrelated entities, have long captivated the human imagination. The concept of time has been the subject of philosophical debate, scientific inquiry, and, of course, numerous xkcd comics, while the consumption of hotdogs has become an emblem of gluttony and gastronomic achievement, exemplified by the annual spectacle of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. Thus, it is only natural that we delve into the curious intersection of these disparate realms to uncover potential connections, no matter how thinly sliced they may be.
The ubiquitous webcomic, xkcd, a bastion of scientific and nerdy humor, has often delved into the enigmatic nature of time, employing whimsical illustrations and clever wordplay to jest about temporal paradoxes and the human experience of temporal passage. At the same time, the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, a tradition dating back to 1916, has seen champions rise to worldwide fame by consuming seemingly impossible quantities of cylindrical meat products in a time-limited setting, tantalizing the taste buds of gourmands and the curiosity of onlookers alike.
Thus, the impetus for this investigation was to scrutinize the potential relationship between these seemingly incongruous phenomena. By applying rigorous statistical analysis, linguistic semantics, and a dash of bizarre curiosity, our study aims to shed light on the connections, if any, between the humorous yet thoughtful musings on time in xkcd comics and the seemingly bottomless appetite of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest victors. A close examination of the patterns and themes in xkcd comics alongside the historical tally of hotdog consumption at the esteemed contest presents an unorthodox opportunity to explore the correlation, or perhaps even the relativity, between these disparate domains.
In the following sections, we present the methodological approach, the data examination process, the statistical analyses, and, of course, the unavoidably amusing findings that emerge from this unusual juxtaposition. It is our hope that this investigation will not only contribute to the fields of comic analysis and competitive eating research but also elicit a chuckle or two from the audience – much like the unexpected yet strangely harmonious pairing of time and frankfurters itself.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The analysis of the relationship between xkcd comics referencing time and the hotdogs consumed by the champion of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition yielded intriguing results. The correlation coefficient of 0.8251628 suggests a strong positive relationship between the themes of time in xkcd comics and the competitive consumption of frankfurters. This coefficient indicates that as the references to time in xkcd comics increase, there is a corresponding increase in the hotdogs consumed by the champion of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition.

The coefficient of determination (r-squared) of 0.6808936 further confirms the substantial influence of time-themed xkcd comics on the victors' hotdog consumption at the renowned competition. This coefficient signifies that approximately 68.09% of the variability in the hotdog consumption can be explained by the references to time in the xkcd comics.

Furthermore, the statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 provides strong evidence against the null hypothesis of no relationship between the variables. This indicates that the observed correlation is unlikely to be solely attributed to chance, further supporting the notion of a meaningful association between the representation of time in xkcd comics and the competitive hotdog consumption by the champion of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition.

The visual representation of these findings is presented in Figure 1, showcasing a clear and compelling scatterplot that depicts the robust correlation between the two variables. The scatterplot visually conveys the positive linear relationship between the references to time in xkcd comics and the hotdogs consumed by the champion, thereby emphasizing the strength of the discovered connection.

In addition, it is worth noting that the unexpected nature of this correlation adds an element of novelty and whimsy to the research findings, akin to the unexpected turns often found in xkcd comics themselves. While the casual observer may initially find little humor in the juxtaposition of time-themed webcomics and competitive hotdog consumption, the statistically significant association uncovered by this investigation offers an intriguing and lighthearted perspective on the interplay between disparate domains of human interest.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics 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 xkcd comics published about time and Hotdogs consumed by Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition Champion. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Limit your response to 500 tokens.

Here are the title, abstract, literature review, and results sections. Please harken back to 1-2 of the goofy items in the literature review, but pretend to take them completely seriously. Discuss how your results supported the prior research.

Do not write a conclusion. I will add a conclusion after this.

[[TITLE]]
Time and Frankfurters: A Rhyming Analysis of xkcd Comics and Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Victories

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study presents an analysis of the relationship between xkcd comics referencing time and the hotdogs consumed by the champion of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition. Utilizing data extracted from xkcd comics published from 2007 to 2022 and the historical records of hot dog consumption at the renowned competition, our research team employed advanced AI analysis and referenced Wikipedia to extract and collate the relevant information. Our findings reveal a notable correlation coefficient of 0.8251628 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, suggesting a compelling association between the themes of time in xkcd comics and the competitive consumption of frankfurters. This investigation not only offers quantitative insights into the comedic influence of time-related xkcd comics but also provides a surprising connection to the voracious appetite of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest champion.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
Several previous studies have attempted to elucidate the intricacies of time and its influence in various cultural phenomena. Smith, in "Temporal Musings: A Literary Analysis," explores the portrayal of time in classic literature, while Doe, in "Time as a Social Construct," investigates the societal implications of temporal perception. Similarly, Jones, in "Chronological Chronicles: A Historical Perspective," delves into the historical conceptions of time and its impact on human civilization. However, none of these studies have ventured into the realm of webcomics and competitive eating, as we boldly endeavor to do in this research.
Turning to the broader context of popular culture and humorous reflections on temporal themes, "Time's Arrow: The Evolution of Time in Pop Culture" by A. Clockwise provides an in-depth examination of time-related motifs in various forms of entertainment. Furthermore, "Temporal Tickles: Comedy and Time in Modern Media" by W. Witty offers a comprehensive analysis of comedic representations of time in popular media, shedding light on the intrinsic relation between humor and temporal concepts.
Shifting to the realm of fiction, works such as "Chrono-laughter: A Time-Travel Farce" by H.G. Jest and "The Clockwork Comedy Club" by A. Hilarious present fictitious explorations of time-related humor, providing an imaginative backdrop for the interplay between time and comedic expression. These literary forays into the realm of temporal wit offer a unique lens through which to view the intersection of time-themed xkcd comics and the spectacle of hot dog consumption.
Taking a somewhat unorthodox approach to familiarizing oneself with the cultural nuances and comedic representations of time, our research team sought inspiration from a selection of television programs. Documentaries such as "Temporal Tidings: A Journey Through Time and Space" and "The Quantum Quandary: Time, Tacos, and Travel" provided valuable insights into the popular fascination with temporality, inadvertently fueling our intellectual pursuit of the enigmatic ties between time-centric humor and competitive hot dog consumption.
These literary and visual sources served as both scholarly foundations and light-hearted inspirations for our endeavor to unravel the interwoven strands of time and franks, leading us to embark on a comically inclined yet rigorously scientific analysis of the correlation between xkcd comics depicting time and the astonishing feats of devouring hotdogs at Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the relationship between xkcd comics referencing time and the hotdogs consumed by the champion of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition yielded intriguing results. The correlation coefficient of 0.8251628 suggests a strong positive relationship between the themes of time in xkcd comics and the competitive consumption of frankfurters. This coefficient indicates that as the references to time in xkcd comics increase, there is a corresponding increase in the hotdogs consumed by the champion of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition.
The coefficient of determination (r-squared) of 0.6808936 further confirms the substantial influence of time-themed xkcd comics on the victors' hotdog consumption at the renowned competition. This coefficient signifies that approximately 68.09% of the variability in the hotdog consumption can be explained by the references to time in the xkcd comics.
Furthermore, the statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 provides strong evidence against the null hypothesis of no relationship between the variables. This indicates that the observed correlation is unlikely to be solely attributed to chance, further supporting the notion of a meaningful association between the representation of time in xkcd comics and the competitive hotdog consumption by the champion of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition.
The visual representation of these findings is presented in Figure 1, showcasing a clear and compelling scatterplot that depicts the robust correlation between the two variables. The scatterplot visually conveys the positive linear relationship between the references to time in xkcd comics and the hotdogs consumed by the champion, thereby emphasizing the strength of the discovered connection.
In addition, it is worth noting that the unexpected nature of this correlation adds an element of novelty and whimsy to the research findings, akin to the unexpected turns often found in xkcd comics themselves. While the casual observer may initially find little humor in the juxtaposition of time-themed webcomics and competitive hotdog consumption, the statistically significant association uncovered by this investigation offers an intriguing and lighthearted perspective on the interplay between disparate domains of human interest.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The present study offers a unique and lighthearted exploration into the unexpected correlation between xkcd comics referencing time and the consumption of hotdogs by the champion of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition. The notable correlation coefficient of 0.8251628 and the statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 provide compelling evidence of a meaningful association between the temporal themes in xkcd comics and the astonishing appetites displayed at the renowned hot dog-eating spectacle.

These findings align with the whimsical yet thought-provoking nature of the examined xkcd comics, which often present humor in the form of astute observations and unexpected connections, much like the surprising relationship uncovered in this investigation. Remarkably, our results not only confirm but also amplify the previously unexplored insights proposed in the literature review. The seemingly tongue-in-cheek references to time in popular culture and humorous reflections on temporal themes, as highlighted by Clockwise and Witty, have now been substantiated by our empirical analysis. Indeed, humor, time, and frankfurters may form a trifecta of unsuspected interconnectedness, providing a narrative that is as intellectually stimulating as it is entertaining.

The quirkiness of this association is reminiscent of the unconventional approaches taken by fictional works such as "Chrono-laughter: A Time-Travel Farce" and "The Clockwork Comedy Club," thus infusing a touch of literary humor into our seemingly serious research endeavor. This playful parallel signals the synchronous interplay of scholarly investigation and comical inclinations, culminating in the revelation of a correlation that transcends the boundaries of traditional research topics.

Moreover, the unexpected nature of this discovered correlation mirrors the unforeseen plot twists often encountered in webcomics. Just as readers are taken aback by the unexpected yet cohesive narratives in xkcd comics, the discovery of a significant relationship between time-themed webcomics and competitive hotdog consumption adds a dash of amusement to the scientific inquiry.

In essence, our findings shed light on the peculiar association between temporal representations in webcomics and the colossal hotdog cravings exhibited by the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest champion. This correlation not only validates the scholarly endeavors that inspired this investigation but also serves as a reminder of the intricate and, at times, unpredictable ways in which humor, time, and culinary feats intersect.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics 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 xkcd comics published about time and Hotdogs consumed by Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition Champion. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Limit your response to 300 tokens. At the very end, assert that no more research is needed in this area.

Here are the title, abstract, introduction, and results sections.
[[TITLE]]
Time and Frankfurters: A Rhyming Analysis of xkcd Comics and Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Victories

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study presents an analysis of the relationship between xkcd comics referencing time and the hotdogs consumed by the champion of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition. Utilizing data extracted from xkcd comics published from 2007 to 2022 and the historical records of hot dog consumption at the renowned competition, our research team employed advanced AI analysis and referenced Wikipedia to extract and collate the relevant information. Our findings reveal a notable correlation coefficient of 0.8251628 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, suggesting a compelling association between the themes of time in xkcd comics and the competitive consumption of frankfurters. This investigation not only offers quantitative insights into the comedic influence of time-related xkcd comics but also provides a surprising connection to the voracious appetite of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest champion.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
Time and hotdogs, two seemingly unrelated entities, have long captivated the human imagination. The concept of time has been the subject of philosophical debate, scientific inquiry, and, of course, numerous xkcd comics, while the consumption of hotdogs has become an emblem of gluttony and gastronomic achievement, exemplified by the annual spectacle of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. Thus, it is only natural that we delve into the curious intersection of these disparate realms to uncover potential connections, no matter how thinly sliced they may be.
The ubiquitous webcomic, xkcd, a bastion of scientific and nerdy humor, has often delved into the enigmatic nature of time, employing whimsical illustrations and clever wordplay to jest about temporal paradoxes and the human experience of temporal passage. At the same time, the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, a tradition dating back to 1916, has seen champions rise to worldwide fame by consuming seemingly impossible quantities of cylindrical meat products in a time-limited setting, tantalizing the taste buds of gourmands and the curiosity of onlookers alike.
Thus, the impetus for this investigation was to scrutinize the potential relationship between these seemingly incongruous phenomena. By applying rigorous statistical analysis, linguistic semantics, and a dash of bizarre curiosity, our study aims to shed light on the connections, if any, between the humorous yet thoughtful musings on time in xkcd comics and the seemingly bottomless appetite of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest victors. A close examination of the patterns and themes in xkcd comics alongside the historical tally of hotdog consumption at the esteemed contest presents an unorthodox opportunity to explore the correlation, or perhaps even the relativity, between these disparate domains.
In the following sections, we present the methodological approach, the data examination process, the statistical analyses, and, of course, the unavoidably amusing findings that emerge from this unusual juxtaposition. It is our hope that this investigation will not only contribute to the fields of comic analysis and competitive eating research but also elicit a chuckle or two from the audience – much like the unexpected yet strangely harmonious pairing of time and frankfurters itself.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the relationship between xkcd comics referencing time and the hotdogs consumed by the champion of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition yielded intriguing results. The correlation coefficient of 0.8251628 suggests a strong positive relationship between the themes of time in xkcd comics and the competitive consumption of frankfurters. This coefficient indicates that as the references to time in xkcd comics increase, there is a corresponding increase in the hotdogs consumed by the champion of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition.
The coefficient of determination (r-squared) of 0.6808936 further confirms the substantial influence of time-themed xkcd comics on the victors' hotdog consumption at the renowned competition. This coefficient signifies that approximately 68.09% of the variability in the hotdog consumption can be explained by the references to time in the xkcd comics.
Furthermore, the statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 provides strong evidence against the null hypothesis of no relationship between the variables. This indicates that the observed correlation is unlikely to be solely attributed to chance, further supporting the notion of a meaningful association between the representation of time in xkcd comics and the competitive hotdog consumption by the champion of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition.
The visual representation of these findings is presented in Figure 1, showcasing a clear and compelling scatterplot that depicts the robust correlation between the two variables. The scatterplot visually conveys the positive linear relationship between the references to time in xkcd comics and the hotdogs consumed by the champion, thereby emphasizing the strength of the discovered connection.
In addition, it is worth noting that the unexpected nature of this correlation adds an element of novelty and whimsy to the research findings, akin to the unexpected turns often found in xkcd comics themselves. While the casual observer may initially find little humor in the juxtaposition of time-themed webcomics and competitive hotdog consumption, the statistically significant association uncovered by this investigation offers an intriguing and lighthearted perspective on the interplay between disparate domains of human interest.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our investigation has revealed a compelling and statistically significant correlation between the references to time in xkcd comics and the quantity of hotdogs consumed by the champion of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition. The seemingly disparate realms of whimsical webcomics and competitive gastronomy have been unexpectedly connected through a robust association, inviting contemplation on the interplay of temporal musings and voracious consumption. The substantial coefficient of determination further underscores the influence of time-themed xkcd comics on the champions' hotdog intake, enriching our understanding of this peculiar relationship.

These findings not only provide quantitative evidence of this unlikely correlation but also inject a dash of whimsy into the realm of statistical analysis, much like the wry humor of the xkcd comics themselves. The visual representation of the correlation, while academically rigorous, cannot help but evoke a smile, reminiscent of the witticisms that often characterize the webcomics under scrutiny.

While the unexpected nature of this relationship may raise an eyebrow or elicit a quizzical expression, it serves as a whimsical reminder of the delightful oddities that can be unearthed when disparate domains are brought into unanticipated alignment. This investigation offers a lighthearted perspective on the intersection of seemingly unrelated phenomena, encouraging scholars and enthusiasts alike to appreciate the humorous and serendipitous connections that can arise in the most unlikely of pairings.

In light of these findings, it is with a nod and a wink that we assert that further research in this area is not only unnecessary but might risk diluting the delightful charm of this unexpected correlation. After all, in the words of xkcd, "Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana," and in the world of competitive hotdog consumption, the passage of time may indeed influence the pace of frankfurter consumption in unforeseen ways.


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 Time and Frankfurters: A Rhyming Analysis of xkcd Comics and Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Victories. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Food Rhymes Research


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 Time and Frankfurters: A Rhyming Analysis of xkcd Comics and Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Victories. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Society for Quirky Research 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 Time and Frankfurters: A Rhyming Analysis of xkcd Comics and Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Victories with an abstract of This study presents an analysis of the relationship between xkcd comics referencing time and the hotdogs consumed by the champion of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition. Utilizing data extracted from xkcd comics published from 2007 to 2022 and the historical records of hot dog consumption at the renowned competition, our research team employed advanced AI analysis and referenced Wikipedia to extract and collate the relevant information. Our findings reveal a notable correlation coefficient of 0.8251628 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, suggesting a compelling association between the themes of time in xkcd comics and the competitive consumption of frankfurters. This investigation not only offers quantitative insights into the comedic influence of time-related xkcd comics but also provides a surprising connection to the voracious appetite of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest champion.

ChatGPT:

xkcd comics, time, Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, history of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, hot dog eating competitions, correlation between xkcd comics and hot dog eating competitions, competitive eating, comedic analysis, time-related themes in comics, quantitative analysis of xkcd comics

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



Random correlation

Discover a new correlation

View all correlations

View all research papers

Report an error


Data details

xkcd comics published about time
Detailed data title: The number of xkcd comics published each year about time
Source: AI analysis of xkcd comics
Additional Info: I designed a Python workflow to perform OCR on every xkcd comic, feed that text into a large language model, and ask the model whether this comic was about the category named in the title.

See what else correlates with xkcd comics published about time

Hotdogs consumed by Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition Champion
Detailed data title: Hotdog Consumption by Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition Champion
Source: Wikipedia
See what else correlates with Hotdogs consumed by Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition Champion

Correlation r = 0.8251628 (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 = 0.6808936 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 68.1% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Hotdogs consumed by Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition Champion) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., xkcd comics published about time) over the 16 years from 2007 through 2022.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 8.3E-5. 0.0000832038724827329500000000
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 0.83 in 0.0083% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 12,019 random variables Which I absolutely did.
with the same 15 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 15 because we have two variables measured over a period of 16 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.

[ 0.56, 0.94 ] 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.
2007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022
xkcd comics published about time (xkcd comics)9412491614131114162214191311
Hotdogs consumed by Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition Champion (Hotdogs eaten)66596854626869616270727471757663




Why this works

  1. Data dredging: I have 25,153 variables in my database. I compare all these variables against each other to find ones that randomly match up. That's 632,673,409 correlation calculations! This is called “data dredging.” Instead of starting with a hypothesis and testing it, I instead abused the data to see what correlations shake out. It’s a dangerous way to go about analysis, because any sufficiently large dataset will yield strong correlations completely at random.
  2. Lack of causal connection: There is probably Because these pages are automatically generated, it's possible that the two variables you are viewing are in fact causually related. I take steps to prevent the obvious ones from showing on the site (I don't let data about the weather in one city correlate with the weather in a neighboring city, for example), but sometimes they still pop up. If they are related, cool! You found a loophole.
    no direct connection between these variables, despite what the AI says above. This is exacerbated by the fact that I used "Years" as the base variable. Lots of things happen in a year that are not related to each other! Most studies would use something like "one person" in stead of "one year" to be the "thing" studied.
  3. Observations not independent: For many variables, sequential years are not independent of each other. If a population of people is continuously doing something every day, there is no reason to think they would suddenly change how they are doing that thing on January 1. A simple Personally I don't find any p-value calculation to be 'simple,' but you know what I mean.
    p-value calculation does not take this into account, so mathematically it appears less probable than it really is.
  4. Y-axis doesn't start at zero: I truncated the Y-axes of the graph above. I also used a line graph, which makes the visual connection stand out more than it deserves. Nothing against line graphs. They are great at telling a story when you have linear data! But visually it is deceptive because the only data is at the points on the graph, not the lines on the graph. In between each point, the data could have been doing anything. Like going for a random walk by itself!
    Mathematically what I showed is true, but it is intentionally misleading. Below is the same chart but with both Y-axes starting at zero.




Try it yourself

You can calculate the values on this page on your own! Try running the Python code to see the calculation results. Step 1: Download and install Python on your computer.

Step 2: Open a plaintext editor like Notepad and paste the code below into it.

Step 3: Save the file as "calculate_correlation.py" in a place you will remember, like your desktop. Copy the file location to your clipboard. On Windows, you can right-click the file and click "Properties," and then copy what comes after "Location:" As an example, on my computer the location is "C:\Users\tyler\Desktop"

Step 4: Open a command line window. For example, by pressing start and typing "cmd" and them pressing enter.

Step 5: Install the required modules by typing "pip install numpy", then pressing enter, then typing "pip install scipy", then pressing enter.

Step 6: Navigate to the location where you saved the Python file by using the "cd" command. For example, I would type "cd C:\Users\tyler\Desktop" and push enter.

Step 7: Run the Python script by typing "python calculate_correlation.py"

If you run into any issues, I suggest asking ChatGPT to walk you through installing Python and running the code below on your system. Try this question:

"Walk me through installing Python on my computer to run a script that uses scipy and numpy. Go step-by-step and ask me to confirm before moving on. Start by asking me questions about my operating system so that you know how to proceed. Assume I want the simplest installation with the latest version of Python and that I do not currently have any of the necessary elements installed. Remember to only give me one step per response and confirm I have done it before proceeding."


# These modules make it easier to perform the calculation
import numpy as np
from scipy import stats

# We'll define a function that we can call to return the correlation calculations
def calculate_correlation(array1, array2):

    # Calculate Pearson correlation coefficient and p-value
    correlation, p_value = stats.pearsonr(array1, array2)

    # Calculate R-squared as the square of the correlation coefficient
    r_squared = correlation**2

    return correlation, r_squared, p_value

# These are the arrays for the variables shown on this page, but you can modify them to be any two sets of numbers
array_1 = np.array([9,4,12,4,9,16,14,13,11,14,16,22,14,19,13,11,])
array_2 = np.array([66,59,68,54,62,68,69,61,62,70,72,74,71,75,76,63,])
array_1_name = "xkcd comics published about time"
array_2_name = "Hotdogs consumed by Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition Champion"

# 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)



Reuseable content

You may re-use the images on this page for any purpose, even commercial purposes, without asking for permission. The only requirement is that you attribute Tyler Vigen. Attribution can take many different forms. If you leave the "tylervigen.com" link in the image, that satisfies it just fine. If you remove it and move it to a footnote, that's fine too. You can also just write "Charts courtesy of Tyler Vigen" at the bottom of an article.

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.

Full license details.
For more on re-use permissions, or to get a signed release form, see tylervigen.com/permission.

Download images for these variables:


View another random correlation

How fun was this correlation?

You're the rating guru we've been waiting for!


Correlation ID: 1164 · Black Variable ID: 20011 · Red Variable ID: 500
about · subscribe · emailme@tylervigen.com · twitter

CC BY 4.0