Spurious correlation #1,500 · View random
A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is GMO use in corn grown in North Dakota and the second variable is Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. The chart goes from 2005 to 2023, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is GMO use in corn grown in North Dakota and the second variable is Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. The chart goes from 2005 to 2023, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

Download png, svg

AI explanation

Fewer genetically modified corn means fewer corn circles for the aliens to create as a form of agricultural communication. Must be harder for them to navigate the non-GMO maze.

^{Show image generation prompt} Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Create a comic-book-style illustration with muted colors and a dotted halftone pattern from the 1960s depicting a sunlit cornfield in North Dakota. Tall stalks of genetically modified corn stand against the blue sky. A farmer operates a tractor, carefully tending to the crops. Nearby, a group of people huddle around a smartphone, eagerly typing "report UFO sighting" into the Google search bar. The artwork should capture the classic retro vibes with vibrant but muted colors and the iconic halftone effect for a nostalgic and vintage feel. 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: GMO use in corn grown in North Dakota and Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. 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: Hyper-realistic inspired by bauhaus A comic-book-style illustration with muted colors and a dotted halftone pattern from the 1960s Celtic art Low poly
ChatGPT: A comic-book-style illustration with muted colors and a dotted halftone pattern from the 1960s

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both GMO use in corn grown in North Dakota and Google searches for 'report UFO sighting' together. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a sunlit cornfield in North Dakota, tall stalks of genetically modified corn stand against the blue sky. A farmer operates a tractor, carefully tending to the crops. Meanwhile, nearby, a group of people huddle around a smartphone, eagerly typing "report UFO sighting" into the Google search bar.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You write and improve image generation prompts for DALLE-3. You maintain the same subjects, but enhance the visuals.
User prompt: Please respond with an image generation prompt that would be likely to create an interesting visual using DALLE-3, using the following style: [ A comic-book-style illustration with muted colors and a dotted halftone pattern from the 1960s ] and depicting this scene: In a sunlit cornfield in North Dakota, tall stalks of genetically modified corn stand against the blue sky. A farmer operates a tractor, carefully tending to the crops. Meanwhile, nearby, a group of people huddle around a smartphone, eagerly typing "report UFO sighting" into the Google search bar. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Create a comic-book-style illustration with muted colors and a dotted halftone pattern from the 1960s depicting a sunlit cornfield in North Dakota. Tall stalks of genetically modified corn stand against the blue sky. A farmer operates a tractor, carefully tending to the crops. Nearby, a group of people huddle around a smartphone, eagerly typing "report UFO sighting" into the Google search bar. The artwork should capture the classic retro vibes with vibrant but muted colors and the iconic halftone effect for a nostalgic and vintage feel.

*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.
^{Show prompt for explanation} Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how a decrease in GMO use in corn grown in North Dakota caused report UFO sighting (Google searches for 'report UFO sighting') to decrease.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)

Stalking the Corn-Stars: Exploring the GMO Connection to UFO Sightings in North Dakota

The Journal of Extraterrestrial Agriculture and Unexplained Phenomena

Jan 2024

Reminder: This paper is AI-generated. Not real!

^{Show prompt used to generate this paper} 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 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 GMO use in corn grown in North Dakota and Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. 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 cartoons and childrens' shows that you watched that are related to the topic.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Stalking the Corn-Stars: Exploring the GMO Connection to UFO Sightings in North Dakota"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper explores the intriguing relationship between the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in corn grown in North Dakota and the Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. Utilizing data from the USDA and Google Trends, we sought to elucidate any potential correlation between these seemingly unrelated phenomena. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9094311 and a statistically significant p-value less than 0.01 during the period from 2005 to 2023. The implications of this uncanny connection are as vast as the interstellar space itself, prompting further investigation into the extraterrestrial allure of GMO corn fields.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture has been a topic of great debate and inquiry. From concerns about environmental impact to potential effects on human health, the investigation into GMOs has been a fertile ground for scientific exploration. In a similar vein, the study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) has long captured the imagination of the public, spurring countless inquiries into the nature of these elusive phenomena. Although these two areas of study may seem as unrelated as a cow and a lunar rover, our research seeks to unravel the enigmatic connection between GMO corn cultivation in North Dakota and public fascination with UFO sightings.
Perhaps one might be inclined to think that the only "alien" presence in the cornfields would be the otherworldly yields obtained through genetic modification. However, as we delve into the depths of this peculiar association, one may be surprised to find that there is more to the GMO-UFO link than meets the eye – or the telescope, for that matter. This study aims to shed light on an unexpected correlation that leaves even the most astute researcher feeling a bit starry-eyed.
With the rise of internet search engines as a tool for investigating public interest and curiosity, we are afforded a unique opportunity to peek into the collective consciousness of society. Using Google Trends data, we are able to discern patterns and fluctuations in search behavior, including the prevalence of queries related to UFO sightings. Furthermore, the availability of comprehensive data on GMO corn cultivation provides a solid foundation for exploring potential relationships between agricultural practices and cosmic curiosity.
As we embark on this investigation, it is important to maintain a healthy skepticism while also embracing the spirit of discovery. After all, who can resist the allure of probing the cosmic conundrum lurking within the unsuspecting cornfields of North Dakota? In the words of Arthur C. Clarke, "Two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying – or, in the case of this study, equally corny." We invite the reader to join us on this scholarly sojourn into the cosmos, where the kernels of truth may just be more than meets the eye.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The authors find that the investigation into the unexpected correlation between the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in corn grown in North Dakota and the public's interest in UFO sightings presents a topic that hovers on the fringes of traditional agricultural and astronomical inquiry. Surprisingly, in "Smith et al.," the authors investigate the impact of GMOs on crop yields and environmental sustainability. "Doe and Jones" similarly examine the public fascination with UFO sightings, delving into the psychological and sociological underpinnings of this enduring enigma.

Turning to non-fiction literature in related fields, "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan offers a comprehensive analysis of modern agricultural practices, including the prevalence of GMOs in food production. Likewise, "The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects" by Edward J. Ruppelt provides a historical perspective on UFO sightings and government investigations. On a more fictional note, "The War of the Worlds" by H.G. Wells and "Communion" by Whitley Strieber introduce elements of alien encounters and otherworldly phenomena, captivating the public imagination.

A departure from conventional academic sources, it is worth noting the influence of popular culture on the perception of UFOs and extraterrestrial life. In particular, cartoons such as "The X-Files" and children's shows like "Scooby-Doo" have contributed to the proliferation of UFO mythology in the collective consciousness. Furthermore, the animated series "Courage the Cowardly Dog" presents a whimsical portrayal of otherworldly visitors, albeit in a more light-hearted and comical manner.

As the authors embark on this scholarly endeavor, it is imperative to maintain a critical lens while also embracing the humor and curiosity that permeate this peculiar investigation. With a nod to the surreal and a touch of whimsy, this literature review sets the stage for an exploration that promises to be both illuminating and, dare we say, out of this world.

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 GMO use in corn grown in North Dakota and Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. 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 USDA and Google Trends . You used data from 2005 to 2023

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]]
"Stalking the Corn-Stars: Exploring the GMO Connection to UFO Sightings in North Dakota"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper explores the intriguing relationship between the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in corn grown in North Dakota and the Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. Utilizing data from the USDA and Google Trends, we sought to elucidate any potential correlation between these seemingly unrelated phenomena. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9094311 and a statistically significant p-value less than 0.01 during the period from 2005 to 2023. The implications of this uncanny connection are as vast as the interstellar space itself, prompting further investigation into the extraterrestrial allure of GMO corn fields.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture has been a topic of great debate and inquiry. From concerns about environmental impact to potential effects on human health, the investigation into GMOs has been a fertile ground for scientific exploration. In a similar vein, the study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) has long captured the imagination of the public, spurring countless inquiries into the nature of these elusive phenomena. Although these two areas of study may seem as unrelated as a cow and a lunar rover, our research seeks to unravel the enigmatic connection between GMO corn cultivation in North Dakota and public fascination with UFO sightings.
Perhaps one might be inclined to think that the only "alien" presence in the cornfields would be the otherworldly yields obtained through genetic modification. However, as we delve into the depths of this peculiar association, one may be surprised to find that there is more to the GMO-UFO link than meets the eye – or the telescope, for that matter. This study aims to shed light on an unexpected correlation that leaves even the most astute researcher feeling a bit starry-eyed.
With the rise of internet search engines as a tool for investigating public interest and curiosity, we are afforded a unique opportunity to peek into the collective consciousness of society. Using Google Trends data, we are able to discern patterns and fluctuations in search behavior, including the prevalence of queries related to UFO sightings. Furthermore, the availability of comprehensive data on GMO corn cultivation provides a solid foundation for exploring potential relationships between agricultural practices and cosmic curiosity.
As we embark on this investigation, it is important to maintain a healthy skepticism while also embracing the spirit of discovery. After all, who can resist the allure of probing the cosmic conundrum lurking within the unsuspecting cornfields of North Dakota? In the words of Arthur C. Clarke, "Two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying – or, in the case of this study, equally corny." We invite the reader to join us on this scholarly sojourn into the cosmos, where the kernels of truth may just be more than meets the eye.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To commence this curious investigation, data on GMO corn cultivation in North Dakota was gathered from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) database. This included detailed records of the types of GMO traits incorporated into the corn, the acreage of cultivated land, and the associated agricultural practices. The collection of these data involved expert deciphering of agricultural jargon and perusing through what may seem to an outsider like an endless anthology of corn-related statistics.

Simultaneously, Google Trends provided a window into the digital sphere of public intrigue, allowing us to monitor the frequency of searches for 'report UFO sighting' originating from the geographical region of North Dakota. The utilization of this tool necessitated sifting through copious amounts of data to discern any discernible patterns or anomalous spikes in UFO-related inquiries.

Statistical analyses were conducted to assess the temporal relationship between GMO corn cultivation and UFO sighting searches. Utilizing sophisticated software, the data were subjected to complex algorithms and mathematical wizardry to determine correlation coefficients and p-values, all while attempting to avoid any cosmic interference from otherworldly beings.

It is imperative to note that, despite the meticulous nature of our data collection and analysis, the exploration of this peculiar linkage was not devoid of the occasional wry smile or lighthearted comment, as it is essential to maintain a sense of humor when traversing the extraterrestrial landscape of inquiry.

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 GMO use in corn grown in North Dakota and Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. 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 USDA and Google Trends .

For the time period 2005 to 2023, you found a correlation 0.9094311, r-squared of 0.8270649, 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]]
"Stalking the Corn-Stars: Exploring the GMO Connection to UFO Sightings in North Dakota"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper explores the intriguing relationship between the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in corn grown in North Dakota and the Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. Utilizing data from the USDA and Google Trends, we sought to elucidate any potential correlation between these seemingly unrelated phenomena. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9094311 and a statistically significant p-value less than 0.01 during the period from 2005 to 2023. The implications of this uncanny connection are as vast as the interstellar space itself, prompting further investigation into the extraterrestrial allure of GMO corn fields.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
The use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture has been a topic of great debate and inquiry. From concerns about environmental impact to potential effects on human health, the investigation into GMOs has been a fertile ground for scientific exploration. In a similar vein, the study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) has long captured the imagination of the public, spurring countless inquiries into the nature of these elusive phenomena. Although these two areas of study may seem as unrelated as a cow and a lunar rover, our research seeks to unravel the enigmatic connection between GMO corn cultivation in North Dakota and public fascination with UFO sightings.
Perhaps one might be inclined to think that the only "alien" presence in the cornfields would be the otherworldly yields obtained through genetic modification. However, as we delve into the depths of this peculiar association, one may be surprised to find that there is more to the GMO-UFO link than meets the eye – or the telescope, for that matter. This study aims to shed light on an unexpected correlation that leaves even the most astute researcher feeling a bit starry-eyed.
With the rise of internet search engines as a tool for investigating public interest and curiosity, we are afforded a unique opportunity to peek into the collective consciousness of society. Using Google Trends data, we are able to discern patterns and fluctuations in search behavior, including the prevalence of queries related to UFO sightings. Furthermore, the availability of comprehensive data on GMO corn cultivation provides a solid foundation for exploring potential relationships between agricultural practices and cosmic curiosity.
As we embark on this investigation, it is important to maintain a healthy skepticism while also embracing the spirit of discovery. After all, who can resist the allure of probing the cosmic conundrum lurking within the unsuspecting cornfields of North Dakota? In the words of Arthur C. Clarke, "Two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying – or, in the case of this study, equally corny." We invite the reader to join us on this scholarly sojourn into the cosmos, where the kernels of truth may just be more than meets the eye.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]

ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The analysis of the data revealed a remarkably strong correlation between the use of GMOs in corn grown in North Dakota and Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. The correlation coefficient, calculated to be 0.9094311, indicated a robust relationship between the two variables. The coefficient of determination (r-squared) of 0.8270649 suggested that approximately 83% of the variability in UFO sighting reports could be explained by the use of GMOs in corn cultivation. Moreover, the p-value, which was found to be less than 0.01, provided strong evidence against the null hypothesis of no relationship.

Fig. 1 illustrates the compelling correlation between GMO use in corn grown in North Dakota and Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. A scatterplot of the data points clearly demonstrates the pronounced association, leaving little room for doubt regarding the connection. The figure not only visually conveys the strength of the relationship but also serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching implications of this curious bond. One might say that the findings are "out of this world," if you'll pardon the astronomical pun.

This unexpected correlation between agricultural practices and extraterrestrial curiosity opens the door to a myriad of intriguing possibilities. It challenges conventional notions about the factors influencing public interest in UFO phenomena and underscores the need for further exploration at the intersection of agricultural science and cosmic inquiry. The implications of this research demand more than just a passing glance; they beckon us to gaze into the cosmic abyss with a newfound appreciation for the enigmatic allure of GMO corn fields.

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 GMO use in corn grown in North Dakota and Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. 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]]
"Stalking the Corn-Stars: Exploring the GMO Connection to UFO Sightings in North Dakota"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper explores the intriguing relationship between the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in corn grown in North Dakota and the Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. Utilizing data from the USDA and Google Trends, we sought to elucidate any potential correlation between these seemingly unrelated phenomena. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9094311 and a statistically significant p-value less than 0.01 during the period from 2005 to 2023. The implications of this uncanny connection are as vast as the interstellar space itself, prompting further investigation into the extraterrestrial allure of GMO corn fields.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The authors find that the investigation into the unexpected correlation between the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in corn grown in North Dakota and the public's interest in UFO sightings presents a topic that hovers on the fringes of traditional agricultural and astronomical inquiry. Surprisingly, in "Smith et al.," the authors investigate the impact of GMOs on crop yields and environmental sustainability. "Doe and Jones" similarly examine the public fascination with UFO sightings, delving into the psychological and sociological underpinnings of this enduring enigma.
Turning to non-fiction literature in related fields, "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan offers a comprehensive analysis of modern agricultural practices, including the prevalence of GMOs in food production. Likewise, "The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects" by Edward J. Ruppelt provides a historical perspective on UFO sightings and government investigations. On a more fictional note, "The War of the Worlds" by H.G. Wells and "Communion" by Whitley Strieber introduce elements of alien encounters and otherworldly phenomena, captivating the public imagination.
A departure from conventional academic sources, it is worth noting the influence of popular culture on the perception of UFOs and extraterrestrial life. In particular, cartoons such as "The X-Files" and children's shows like "Scooby-Doo" have contributed to the proliferation of UFO mythology in the collective consciousness. Furthermore, the animated series "Courage the Cowardly Dog" presents a whimsical portrayal of otherworldly visitors, albeit in a more light-hearted and comical manner.
As the authors embark on this scholarly endeavor, it is imperative to maintain a critical lens while also embracing the humor and curiosity that permeate this peculiar investigation. With a nod to the surreal and a touch of whimsy, this literature review sets the stage for an exploration that promises to be both illuminating and, dare we say, out of this world.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the data revealed a remarkably strong correlation between the use of GMOs in corn grown in North Dakota and Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. The correlation coefficient, calculated to be 0.9094311, indicated a robust relationship between the two variables. The coefficient of determination (r-squared) of 0.8270649 suggested that approximately 83% of the variability in UFO sighting reports could be explained by the use of GMOs in corn cultivation. Moreover, the p-value, which was found to be less than 0.01, provided strong evidence against the null hypothesis of no relationship.
Fig. 1 illustrates the compelling correlation between GMO use in corn grown in North Dakota and Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. A scatterplot of the data points clearly demonstrates the pronounced association, leaving little room for doubt regarding the connection. The figure not only visually conveys the strength of the relationship but also serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching implications of this curious bond. One might say that the findings are "out of this world," if you'll pardon the astronomical pun.
This unexpected correlation between agricultural practices and extraterrestrial curiosity opens the door to a myriad of intriguing possibilities. It challenges conventional notions about the factors influencing public interest in UFO phenomena and underscores the need for further exploration at the intersection of agricultural science and cosmic inquiry. The implications of this research demand more than just a passing glance; they beckon us to gaze into the cosmic abyss with a newfound appreciation for the enigmatic allure of GMO corn fields.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The findings of this study unearthed a remarkably strong correlation between the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in corn cultivation in North Dakota and the public's interest in reporting UFO sightings. These results are not to be taken lightly, resonating with previous studies that have delved into seemingly unrelated or whimsical connections. The unexpected pairing of GMOs and UFO sightings may have seemed as unlikely as a cosmic collision, but the data leave little room for doubt. As "Smith et al." and "Doe and Jones" have previously postulated, our findings provide empirical support for the notion that agricultural practices can intersect with peculiar public fascinations, much like spotting a UFO on a clear night.

Drawing from the literature review, we return to the influence of popular culture, as portrayed in works such as "The X-Files" and "Scooby-Doo." These cultural touchstones may not have been conceived with scholarly rigor in mind, but they have, in a way, laid the groundwork for the unexpected relationship we have uncovered. It is a reminder that sometimes truth can be stranger than fiction, as any avid UFO enthusiast might proclaim.

The robust correlation coefficient and statistically significant p-value provide compelling evidence in favor of this peculiar connection, lending credence to the hitherto unexplored bond between GMO corn fields and alien intrigue. One could even say that the correlation coefficient, at 0.9094311, is as striking as a close encounter of the third kind, and the p-value less than 0.01 is as rare as, well, a UFO sighting.

It is worth noting that our results, though tantalizing, do not imply causation. While we can establish a strong association between GMO use in corn and online searches for UFO sightings, we cannot definitively assert that one causes the other. The nature of this correlation, akin to the mystery of celestial objects, demands further scrutiny and perhaps a touch of cosmic humor. Our findings, while thought-provoking, merely represent a small step in unraveling the cosmic enigma that surrounds the allure of GMO corn fields and the unfathomable curiosity regarding extraterrestrial visitors.

In conclusion, the uncanny correlation uncovered in this study underscores the interdisciplinary nature of scholarly inquiry, illuminating the enthralling convergence of agricultural science and cosmic wonder. The research prompts us to look to the stars, not only in search of cosmic revelations but also to gain a deeper appreciation for the unexplored frontiers of the GMO universe.

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 GMO use in corn grown in North Dakota and Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. 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]]
"Stalking the Corn-Stars: Exploring the GMO Connection to UFO Sightings in North Dakota"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper explores the intriguing relationship between the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in corn grown in North Dakota and the Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. Utilizing data from the USDA and Google Trends, we sought to elucidate any potential correlation between these seemingly unrelated phenomena. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9094311 and a statistically significant p-value less than 0.01 during the period from 2005 to 2023. The implications of this uncanny connection are as vast as the interstellar space itself, prompting further investigation into the extraterrestrial allure of GMO corn fields.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture has been a topic of great debate and inquiry. From concerns about environmental impact to potential effects on human health, the investigation into GMOs has been a fertile ground for scientific exploration. In a similar vein, the study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) has long captured the imagination of the public, spurring countless inquiries into the nature of these elusive phenomena. Although these two areas of study may seem as unrelated as a cow and a lunar rover, our research seeks to unravel the enigmatic connection between GMO corn cultivation in North Dakota and public fascination with UFO sightings.
Perhaps one might be inclined to think that the only "alien" presence in the cornfields would be the otherworldly yields obtained through genetic modification. However, as we delve into the depths of this peculiar association, one may be surprised to find that there is more to the GMO-UFO link than meets the eye – or the telescope, for that matter. This study aims to shed light on an unexpected correlation that leaves even the most astute researcher feeling a bit starry-eyed.
With the rise of internet search engines as a tool for investigating public interest and curiosity, we are afforded a unique opportunity to peek into the collective consciousness of society. Using Google Trends data, we are able to discern patterns and fluctuations in search behavior, including the prevalence of queries related to UFO sightings. Furthermore, the availability of comprehensive data on GMO corn cultivation provides a solid foundation for exploring potential relationships between agricultural practices and cosmic curiosity.
As we embark on this investigation, it is important to maintain a healthy skepticism while also embracing the spirit of discovery. After all, who can resist the allure of probing the cosmic conundrum lurking within the unsuspecting cornfields of North Dakota? In the words of Arthur C. Clarke, "Two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying – or, in the case of this study, equally corny." We invite the reader to join us on this scholarly sojourn into the cosmos, where the kernels of truth may just be more than meets the eye.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the data revealed a remarkably strong correlation between the use of GMOs in corn grown in North Dakota and Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. The correlation coefficient, calculated to be 0.9094311, indicated a robust relationship between the two variables. The coefficient of determination (r-squared) of 0.8270649 suggested that approximately 83% of the variability in UFO sighting reports could be explained by the use of GMOs in corn cultivation. Moreover, the p-value, which was found to be less than 0.01, provided strong evidence against the null hypothesis of no relationship.
Fig. 1 illustrates the compelling correlation between GMO use in corn grown in North Dakota and Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. A scatterplot of the data points clearly demonstrates the pronounced association, leaving little room for doubt regarding the connection. The figure not only visually conveys the strength of the relationship but also serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching implications of this curious bond. One might say that the findings are "out of this world," if you'll pardon the astronomical pun.
This unexpected correlation between agricultural practices and extraterrestrial curiosity opens the door to a myriad of intriguing possibilities. It challenges conventional notions about the factors influencing public interest in UFO phenomena and underscores the need for further exploration at the intersection of agricultural science and cosmic inquiry. The implications of this research demand more than just a passing glance; they beckon us to gaze into the cosmic abyss with a newfound appreciation for the enigmatic allure of GMO corn fields.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our investigation into the perplexing relationship between GMO use in corn grown in North Dakota and Google searches for 'report UFO sighting' has yielded compelling findings that are, dare we say, otherworldly. The robust correlation coefficient of 0.9094311 and the statistically significant p-value less than 0.01 underscore the undeniable link between these seemingly disparate phenomena. It appears that the allure of GMO corn fields extends beyond Earthly matters and reaches for the cosmic unknown.

This study not only challenges conventional scientific paradigms but also ignites a sense of wonder about the interplay between agricultural practices and celestial curiosity. One may even be inclined to wonder if the aliens are seeking out our genetically modified delicacies for their own cosmic corn-on-the-cob feast -- a thought both amusing and thought-provoking.

However, as much as we relish these cosmic musings, it is crucial to approach these findings with the appropriate skepticism. We must take care not to leap to intergalactic conclusions just yet. Nevertheless, the implications of our research undeniably call for further investigation into the enigmatic allure of GMO corn fields and their unexpected nexus with extraterrestrial fascination.

In light of the revelations brought forth by this study, it behooves the scholarly community to look to the stars and consider the cosmic conundrum that lies within the unassuming cornfields of North Dakota. It is with a sense of both amusement and intrigue that we submit these findings to the scientific community, confident that they will inspire a new wave of inquiry that reaches for the stars.

In summary, the correlation between GMO use in North Dakota cornfields and Google searches for UFO sightings is, simply put, "out of this world." This leaves us with no option but to assert the completion of this investigation, for truly, no more research is needed to confirm the cosmic connection between GMOs and UFO sightings.

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 Stalking the Corn-Stars: Exploring the GMO Connection to UFO Sightings in North Dakota. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Extraterrestrial Agriculture and Unexplained Phenomena

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 Stalking the Corn-Stars: Exploring the GMO Connection to UFO Sightings in North Dakota. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Institute for Agricultural Anomalies Research and Analysis

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 Stalking the Corn-Stars: Exploring the GMO Connection to UFO Sightings in North Dakota with an abstract of This paper explores the intriguing relationship between the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in corn grown in North Dakota and the Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. Utilizing data from the USDA and Google Trends, we sought to elucidate any potential correlation between these seemingly unrelated phenomena. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9094311 and a statistically significant p-value less than 0.01 during the period from 2005 to 2023. The implications of this uncanny connection are as vast as the interstellar space itself, prompting further investigation into the extraterrestrial allure of GMO corn fields.

ChatGPT:

genetically modified organisms, GMO, corn, North Dakota, UFO sightings, Google searches, correlation, USDA, Google Trends, statistical significance, correlation coefficient, p-value, extraterrestrial, allure, investigation

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

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Data details

GMO use in corn grown in North Dakota
Detailed data title: Percent of all corn planted in North Dakota that is genetically modified to be insect-resistant (Bt), but not herbicide-tolerant (HT)
Source: USDA
See what else correlates with GMO use in corn grown in North Dakota

Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'
Detailed data title: Relative volume of Google searches for 'report UFO sighting' (Worldwide, without quotes)
Source: Google Trends
Additional Info: ^{See full details} Relative search volume (not absolute numbers)

See what else correlates with Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'

Correlation r = 0.9094311 (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 = 0.8270649 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 82.7% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Google searches for 'report UFO sighting') is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., GMO use in corn grown in North Dakota) over the 19 years from 2005 through 2023.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 6.901E-8.^Show 0.0000000690085100744106400000
The p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme.^Note 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 0.91 in 6.901E-6% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 14,490,966 random variables^Note You don't actually need 14 million variables to find a correlation like this one. I don't have that many variables in my database. You can also correlate variables that are not independent. I do this a lot.

p-value calculations are useful for understanding the probability of a result happening by chance. They are most useful when used to highlight the risk of a fluke outcome. For example, if you calculate a p-value of 0.30, the risk that the result is a fluke is high. It is good to know that! But there are lots of ways to get a p-value of less than 0.01, as evidenced by this project.

In this particular case, the values are so extreme as to be meaningless. That's why no one reports p-values with specificity after they drop below 0.01.

Just to be clear: I'm being completely transparent about the calculations. There is no math trickery. This is just how statistics shakes out when you calculate hundreds of millions of random correlations.
with the same 18 degrees of freedom, ^Note Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 18 because we have two variables measured over a period of 19 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.

[ 0.78, 0.97 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
^{Read more about the confidence interval} 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: ^Note 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.

	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
GMO use in corn grown in North Dakota (GMO corn %)	21	29	29	24	22	22	26	17	5	6	6	4	5	2	3	3	3	3	1
Google searches for 'report UFO sighting' (Rel. search volume)	12.4167	13.25	9.83333	9.16667	10.4167	11.8333	8.16667	6.5	5.41667	3.91667	5.33333	3.5	2.83333	3.58333	4.41667	4	4.5	3.16667	3.4

Why this works

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.
Lack of causal connection: There is probably^Note 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.
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^Note Personally I don't find any p-value calculation to be 'simple,' but you know what I mean.
p-value calculation does not take this into account, so mathematically it appears less probable than it really is.

Try it yourself

You can calculate the values on this page on your own! Try running the Python code to see the calculation results. ^{Show the steps to do this.} 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([21,29,29,24,22,22,26,17,5,6,6,4,5,2,3,3,3,3,1,])
array_2 = np.array([12.4167,13.25,9.83333,9.16667,10.4167,11.8333,8.16667,6.5,5.41667,3.91667,5.33333,3.5,2.83333,3.58333,4.41667,4,4.5,3.16667,3.4,])
array_1_name = "GMO use in corn grown in North Dakota"
array_2_name = "Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'"

# 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. ^Note 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:

High resolution line chart ^Note The image linked here is a Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG). It is the highest resolution that is possible to achieve. It scales up beyond the size of the observable universe without pixelating. You do not need to email me asking if I have a higher resolution image. I do not. The physical limitations of our universe prevent me from providing you with an image that is any higher resolution than this one.

If you insert it into a PowerPoint presentation (a tool well-known for managing things that are the scale of the universe), you can right-click > "Ungroup" or "Create Shape" and then edit the lines and text directly. You can also change the colors this way.

Alternatively you can use a tool like Inkscape.
High resolution line chart, optimized for mobile
Alternative high resolution line chart
Scatterplot
Portable line chart (png)
Portable line chart (png), optimized for mobile
Line chart for only GMO use in corn grown in North Dakota
Line chart for only Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'
AI-generated correlation image
The spurious research paper: Stalking the Corn-Stars: Exploring the GMO Connection to UFO Sightings in North Dakota

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Correlation ID: 1500 · Black Variable ID: 718 · Red Variable ID: 1392


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