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Spurious correlation #1,547 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Popularity of the first name Erin and the second variable is Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon.  The chart goes from 1987 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

As the name Erin fell out of favor, fewer babies were named after her. This led to a decline in the number of tree-huggers, ultimately reducing the collective effort to save the Amazon. It seems that without enough Erins, the Amazon couldn't 'leaf' up to its full potential for protection! But hey, maybe we just need a 're-leaf' of faith in the next generation of nature lovers.

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image of "Erin Park" in a metropolitan city, where amidst the urban bustle, an open green sanctuary named "Erin Park" stands. The park is adorned with vibrant foliage and towering trees, evoking the lush greenery of the Brazilian Amazon. In the foreground, diverse groups of people of all ages commune, symbolizing the universal appeal of the park and the significance of preserving the Amazon's forest cover. The scene should reflect a sense of magic realism, blending the urban and natural worlds in a harmonious and mesmerizing manner. The depiction should include only scenes, people, and objects, it should not include text or speech bubbles.
This image generation prompt was also generated by AI, using the following sequence:

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You select one of a few potential scene descriptors that seems to go along with the variables described. You respond only with the scene descriptions provided and say nothing else.
User prompt: Here are two variables: Popularity of the first name Erin and Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Given these, which of the following image style descriptions seems most appropriate? Pick the one that seems to be related to one of the variables at hand. Please respond with only one of the following potential descriptions: Cybernetic art Magic realism inspired by bauhaus Oragami 3D Pixar Style
ChatGPT: Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon: Magic realism

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both Popularity of the first name Erin and Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon together. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a bustling city, a park named "Erin Park" is a popular spot for people to gather. In the background, the lush green trees of the Brazilian Amazon stand tall, representing the remaining forest cover. The park is filled with people of all ages, enjoying the natural beauty of the area, symbolizing the popularity of the name Erin and the importance of preserving forest cover.

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: [ Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon: Magic realism ] and depicting this scene: In a bustling city, a park named "Erin Park" is a popular spot for people to gather. In the background, the lush green trees of the Brazilian Amazon stand tall, representing the remaining forest cover. The park is filled with people of all ages, enjoying the natural beauty of the area, symbolizing the popularity of the name Erin and the importance of preserving forest cover. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image of "Erin Park" in a metropolitan city, where amidst the urban bustle, an open green sanctuary named "Erin Park" stands. The park is adorned with vibrant foliage and towering trees, evoking the lush greenery of the Brazilian Amazon. In the foreground, diverse groups of people of all ages commune, symbolizing the universal appeal of the park and the significance of preserving the Amazon's forest cover. The scene should reflect a sense of magic realism, blending the urban and natural worlds in a harmonious and mesmerizing manner.

*Variations in the User Prompts from chart to chart are just the result of random number generation in Python. I wrote a few arrays of various styles and methods to ask questions to change up the results. Every time this site writes an explanation or generates an image, the script picks from each at random.

I sequence the requests into multiple prompts because I find GPT 3.5 to perform much better with short, well-managed contexts. Thus, I track the context directly in Python and only ask ChatGPT targeted questions.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how a decrease in Popularity of the first name Erin caused Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon to decrease. Include one good pun.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Evaluating Erin: Exploring the Entertaining Effect of Ecstaticly Named Entities on Ecosystem Earthiness

Journal of Ecstatic Ecological Entertainments

Jan 2024

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




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

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Erin and Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Make the title an alliteration.

Your research team used data from US Social Security Administration and Mongabay to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.9959516 and p < 0.01 for 1987 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]]
Evaluating Erin: Exploring the Entertaining Effect of Ecstaticly Named Entities on Ecosystem Earthiness

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research delves into the unprecedented perplexity of the relationship between the proliferation of the first name Erin and the preservation of the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Utilizing an unconventional approach, our study reunites the realms of sociology and ecology in an attempt to disentangle this enigmatic connection. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and the illuminating information from Mongabay, we embarked on a journey to quantify the curious correlation between the popularity of the name Erin and the enduring forest canopy in the Brazilian Amazon. Remarkably, our analysis uncovered a tantalizing correlation coefficient of 0.9959516 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the period spanning from 1987 to 2022. The implications of these findings are as thrilling as a rollercoaster ride - they not only inspire a reevaluation of the enigmatic nature of human-nature interactions but also provoke a moment of lighthearted contemplation on the influence of nomenclature on environmental conservation. As we navigate through the labyrinth of science, our study shines a light on the whimsical and wondrous connections that can be discovered when one dares to look beyond the ordinary.


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

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Erin and Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Evaluating Erin: Exploring the Entertaining Effect of Ecstaticly Named Entities on Ecosystem Earthiness

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research delves into the unprecedented perplexity of the relationship between the proliferation of the first name Erin and the preservation of the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Utilizing an unconventional approach, our study reunites the realms of sociology and ecology in an attempt to disentangle this enigmatic connection. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and the illuminating information from Mongabay, we embarked on a journey to quantify the curious correlation between the popularity of the name Erin and the enduring forest canopy in the Brazilian Amazon. Remarkably, our analysis uncovered a tantalizing correlation coefficient of 0.9959516 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the period spanning from 1987 to 2022. The implications of these findings are as thrilling as a rollercoaster ride - they not only inspire a reevaluation of the enigmatic nature of human-nature interactions but also provoke a moment of lighthearted contemplation on the influence of nomenclature on environmental conservation. As we navigate through the labyrinth of science, our study shines a light on the whimsical and wondrous connections that can be discovered when one dares to look beyond the ordinary.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

What's in a name, you ask? Well, if you're Erin, it turns out there might be a whole lot more than just a few vowels and consonants! In this zany, off-the-wall research paper, we're diving headfirst into the perplexing puzzle of how the popularity of the first name Erin might be linked to the lush, green forests of the Brazilian Amazon. It's a study that's as surprising and unexpected as finding a pineapple growing on a cactus!

To set the stage for this wild ride, let's take a moment to appreciate the sheer magnitude of curiosity that drove us to embark on this hilariously entertaining endeavor. After all, who would have guessed that a seemingly innocuous name like Erin could be tangled up in the fate of one of the most iconic and ecologically vital ecosystems on the planet?

Armed with data from the US Social Security Administration and the illuminating insights from Mongabay, we set off on an odyssey that's as wild and unpredictable as an episode of "The Great British Bake Off." And what did we find? Well, let's just say that the results were so mind-boggling, they made us do a double-take faster than a cat trying to catch a laser pointer!

You see, our analysis revealed a mind-boggling correlation coefficient of 0.9959516 between the popularity of the name Erin and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. If that doesn't make you do a spit-take with your morning coffee, I don't know what will! And just to add a cherry on top of this wacky cake, the p-value was less than 0.01. It's as if the universe itself was grinning mischievously and saying, "See? I told you there's more to a name than meets the eye!"

So, get ready to hop aboard the Erin Express as we unravel the rib-tickling riddle of how a name can be entwined with the earthiness of an entire ecosystem. It's a rollercoaster of a study that'll leave you both scratching your head in disbelief and chuckling at the absurdity of it all. After all, who said academic research has to be as serious as a heart attack?


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

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Erin and Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Make lots of 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 devolve ever further, and mention something completely ridiculous, like you conducted literature review by reading CVS receipts.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Evaluating Erin: Exploring the Entertaining Effect of Ecstaticly Named Entities on Ecosystem Earthiness

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research delves into the unprecedented perplexity of the relationship between the proliferation of the first name Erin and the preservation of the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Utilizing an unconventional approach, our study reunites the realms of sociology and ecology in an attempt to disentangle this enigmatic connection. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and the illuminating information from Mongabay, we embarked on a journey to quantify the curious correlation between the popularity of the name Erin and the enduring forest canopy in the Brazilian Amazon. Remarkably, our analysis uncovered a tantalizing correlation coefficient of 0.9959516 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the period spanning from 1987 to 2022. The implications of these findings are as thrilling as a rollercoaster ride - they not only inspire a reevaluation of the enigmatic nature of human-nature interactions but also provoke a moment of lighthearted contemplation on the influence of nomenclature on environmental conservation. As we navigate through the labyrinth of science, our study shines a light on the whimsical and wondrous connections that can be discovered when one dares to look beyond the ordinary.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
What's in a name, you ask? Well, if you're Erin, it turns out there might be a whole lot more than just a few vowels and consonants! In this zany, off-the-wall research paper, we're diving headfirst into the perplexing puzzle of how the popularity of the first name Erin might be linked to the lush, green forests of the Brazilian Amazon. It's a study that's as surprising and unexpected as finding a pineapple growing on a cactus!
To set the stage for this wild ride, let's take a moment to appreciate the sheer magnitude of curiosity that drove us to embark on this hilariously entertaining endeavor. After all, who would have guessed that a seemingly innocuous name like Erin could be tangled up in the fate of one of the most iconic and ecologically vital ecosystems on the planet?
Armed with data from the US Social Security Administration and the illuminating insights from Mongabay, we set off on an odyssey that's as wild and unpredictable as an episode of "The Great British Bake Off." And what did we find? Well, let's just say that the results were so mind-boggling, they made us do a double-take faster than a cat trying to catch a laser pointer!
You see, our analysis revealed a mind-boggling correlation coefficient of 0.9959516 between the popularity of the name Erin and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. If that doesn't make you do a spit-take with your morning coffee, I don't know what will! And just to add a cherry on top of this wacky cake, the p-value was less than 0.01. It's as if the universe itself was grinning mischievously and saying, "See? I told you there's more to a name than meets the eye!"
So, get ready to hop aboard the Erin Express as we unravel the rib-tickling riddle of how a name can be entwined with the earthiness of an entire ecosystem. It's a rollercoaster of a study that'll leave you both scratching your head in disbelief and chuckling at the absurdity of it all. After all, who said academic research has to be as serious as a heart attack?

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

In "Smith et al." meticulously reviewed various socio-environmental factors influencing ecological conservation efforts. Their groundbreaking study delved into the nuanced interplay of human naming patterns and environmental phenomena, shedding light on the unexplored connection between nomenclature and natural ecosystems.

Similarly, "Doe and Jones" articulated the complex relationship between cultural trends and ecological sustainability in their seminal work. Their exploration of societal influences on environmental conservation offered thought-provoking insights into the potential synergy between naming conventions and biodiversity preservation.

Moreover, the scholarly works of "National Geographic" and "Mongabay" provided invaluable empirical evidence of the ecological dynamics at play in the Brazilian Amazon. Offering a rich tapestry of facts and figures, these publications laid the foundation for understanding the intricate web of factors shaping the region's diverse and vital ecosystems.

Transitioning from non-fiction exploration, the realm of fiction also holds clues to the whimsical world of nomenclature and ecological marvels. From J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," where the mythical forests of Lothlórien and Fangorn forest come alive with enchanting allure, to the lush and mysterious jungles of "Tarzan" by Edgar Rice Burroughs, literature has long weaved fantastical narratives that captivate the imagination with the lush vibrancy of Earth's natural marvels.

As we descend deeper into the literature abyss, we cannot overlook the treasure trove of unconventional sources that shed light on the captivating link between naming traditions and environmental phenomena. From decoding mystic prophecies of ancient scrolls to deciphering the hieroglyphs etched on the walls of forgotten ruins, our exploration spared no avenue in our quest for understanding.

And, after exhaustive research and countless hours of immersion in the data, it seems only fitting to acknowledge the unexpected sources that made their way into our study. From deciphering the cryptic messages hidden within ancient parchment scrolls to unraveling the enigmatic symbols scrawled on the back of CVS receipts, our quest for knowledge knew no bounds. After all, who would have thought that a crumpled piece of paper from the checkout line would hold the key to unlocking the ecological mysteries of the Amazon?


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

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Erin and Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from US Social Security Administration and Mongabay . You used data from 1987 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]]
Evaluating Erin: Exploring the Entertaining Effect of Ecstaticly Named Entities on Ecosystem Earthiness

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research delves into the unprecedented perplexity of the relationship between the proliferation of the first name Erin and the preservation of the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Utilizing an unconventional approach, our study reunites the realms of sociology and ecology in an attempt to disentangle this enigmatic connection. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and the illuminating information from Mongabay, we embarked on a journey to quantify the curious correlation between the popularity of the name Erin and the enduring forest canopy in the Brazilian Amazon. Remarkably, our analysis uncovered a tantalizing correlation coefficient of 0.9959516 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the period spanning from 1987 to 2022. The implications of these findings are as thrilling as a rollercoaster ride - they not only inspire a reevaluation of the enigmatic nature of human-nature interactions but also provoke a moment of lighthearted contemplation on the influence of nomenclature on environmental conservation. As we navigate through the labyrinth of science, our study shines a light on the whimsical and wondrous connections that can be discovered when one dares to look beyond the ordinary.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
What's in a name, you ask? Well, if you're Erin, it turns out there might be a whole lot more than just a few vowels and consonants! In this zany, off-the-wall research paper, we're diving headfirst into the perplexing puzzle of how the popularity of the first name Erin might be linked to the lush, green forests of the Brazilian Amazon. It's a study that's as surprising and unexpected as finding a pineapple growing on a cactus!
To set the stage for this wild ride, let's take a moment to appreciate the sheer magnitude of curiosity that drove us to embark on this hilariously entertaining endeavor. After all, who would have guessed that a seemingly innocuous name like Erin could be tangled up in the fate of one of the most iconic and ecologically vital ecosystems on the planet?
Armed with data from the US Social Security Administration and the illuminating insights from Mongabay, we set off on an odyssey that's as wild and unpredictable as an episode of "The Great British Bake Off." And what did we find? Well, let's just say that the results were so mind-boggling, they made us do a double-take faster than a cat trying to catch a laser pointer!
You see, our analysis revealed a mind-boggling correlation coefficient of 0.9959516 between the popularity of the name Erin and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. If that doesn't make you do a spit-take with your morning coffee, I don't know what will! And just to add a cherry on top of this wacky cake, the p-value was less than 0.01. It's as if the universe itself was grinning mischievously and saying, "See? I told you there's more to a name than meets the eye!"
So, get ready to hop aboard the Erin Express as we unravel the rib-tickling riddle of how a name can be entwined with the earthiness of an entire ecosystem. It's a rollercoaster of a study that'll leave you both scratching your head in disbelief and chuckling at the absurdity of it all. After all, who said academic research has to be as serious as a heart attack?

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To dissect the hilarious and hitherto undisclosed correlation between the popularity of the name Erin and the preservation of the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon, we concocted a methodology as whimsical as Cinderella's glass slipper. Our approach blended the precision of a Swiss watch with the curiosity of a toddler, resulting in a zany adventure through the world of data collection and analysis.

First, like intrepid treasure hunters mapping out new territory, we scoured the digital landscapes of the US Social Security Administration to extract a bounty of data on Erin's popularity. We tapped into the records of newborn names from 1987 to 2022, documenting the rise and fall of Erin in the cutthroat world of first names. It was like trying to catch a unicorn - elusive, fascinating, and occasionally prone to unexpected fits of galloping!

Then, with our trusty compass firmly in hand, we ventured into the tangled jungle of data provided by Mongabay, like explorers hacking through the dense foliage of the Amazon. This virtual trek led us to the discovery of the intricate tapestry of the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. It was a bit like hacking our way through the tall grass in Pokémon - you never know what you'll encounter, but the journey is half the fun!

Once we had unearthed these bountiful datasets, we employed the analytical sorcery of statistical software to conjure up the correlation coefficient and p-value. This involved performing a series of calculations so complicated, they made the Higgs boson look like a light pre-dinner appetizer!

To ensure the scientific integrity of our analysis, we also got a little creative with our array of statistical methods. We shimmied and shook the data through regression analysis and time series modeling, like enthusiastic dancers at a salsa class. Our goal? To reveal the hidden dance of the data, and boy, did we uncover some moves that would make even the most seasoned statistician do a double take!

Finally, like intrepid sleuths unraveling a mystery, we subjected our findings to rigorous scrutiny, scrutinizing every detail with the precision of a detective inspecting a crime scene. This scrutiny included sensitivity analysis and cross-validation, making sure our results were as sturdy as a medieval castle and not as flimsy as a house of cards.

In a nutshell, our methodology was a rollercoaster ride, complete with unexpected twists and turns, that served as the perfect vehicle for probing the perplexing relationship between Erin's popularity and the Amazon's leafy canopy. And just like any thrilling amusement park attraction, our methodology left us exhilarated, a little breathless, and hungry for more silly adventures in the wilds of research.


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

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Erin and Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from US Social Security Administration and Mongabay .

For the time period 1987 to 2022, you found a correlation 0.9959516, r-squared of 0.9919196, 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]]
Evaluating Erin: Exploring the Entertaining Effect of Ecstaticly Named Entities on Ecosystem Earthiness

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research delves into the unprecedented perplexity of the relationship between the proliferation of the first name Erin and the preservation of the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Utilizing an unconventional approach, our study reunites the realms of sociology and ecology in an attempt to disentangle this enigmatic connection. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and the illuminating information from Mongabay, we embarked on a journey to quantify the curious correlation between the popularity of the name Erin and the enduring forest canopy in the Brazilian Amazon. Remarkably, our analysis uncovered a tantalizing correlation coefficient of 0.9959516 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the period spanning from 1987 to 2022. The implications of these findings are as thrilling as a rollercoaster ride - they not only inspire a reevaluation of the enigmatic nature of human-nature interactions but also provoke a moment of lighthearted contemplation on the influence of nomenclature on environmental conservation. As we navigate through the labyrinth of science, our study shines a light on the whimsical and wondrous connections that can be discovered when one dares to look beyond the ordinary.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
What's in a name, you ask? Well, if you're Erin, it turns out there might be a whole lot more than just a few vowels and consonants! In this zany, off-the-wall research paper, we're diving headfirst into the perplexing puzzle of how the popularity of the first name Erin might be linked to the lush, green forests of the Brazilian Amazon. It's a study that's as surprising and unexpected as finding a pineapple growing on a cactus!
To set the stage for this wild ride, let's take a moment to appreciate the sheer magnitude of curiosity that drove us to embark on this hilariously entertaining endeavor. After all, who would have guessed that a seemingly innocuous name like Erin could be tangled up in the fate of one of the most iconic and ecologically vital ecosystems on the planet?
Armed with data from the US Social Security Administration and the illuminating insights from Mongabay, we set off on an odyssey that's as wild and unpredictable as an episode of "The Great British Bake Off." And what did we find? Well, let's just say that the results were so mind-boggling, they made us do a double-take faster than a cat trying to catch a laser pointer!
You see, our analysis revealed a mind-boggling correlation coefficient of 0.9959516 between the popularity of the name Erin and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. If that doesn't make you do a spit-take with your morning coffee, I don't know what will! And just to add a cherry on top of this wacky cake, the p-value was less than 0.01. It's as if the universe itself was grinning mischievously and saying, "See? I told you there's more to a name than meets the eye!"
So, get ready to hop aboard the Erin Express as we unravel the rib-tickling riddle of how a name can be entwined with the earthiness of an entire ecosystem. It's a rollercoaster of a study that'll leave you both scratching your head in disbelief and chuckling at the absurdity of it all. After all, who said academic research has to be as serious as a heart attack?

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

In this section, we present the absolutely astonishing, mind-boggling, and downright side-splitting results of our study on the positively titillating connection between the popularity of the first name Erin and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Hold onto your hats, folks, because what we've unearthed is as shocking as finding a penguin at the North Pole!

Our analysis, carried out over the period from 1987 to 2022, unveiled a correlation coefficient of 0.9959516 between the frequency of the name Erin and the extent of forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. If there ever was a "smoking gun" in the world of ecological quirkiness, this just might be it! The strength of this correlation was so robust, it could rival the fortitude of a superhero battling supervillains.

Furthermore, the r-squared value of 0.9919196 indicated that a whopping 99.19% of the variation in remaining forest cover could be explained by the popularity of the name Erin. It's as if Mother Nature herself was whispering, "Hold onto your branches, folks, because Erin is here to save the day!"

To drive the point home with the unrelenting force of a hurricane, the p-value came in at less than 0.01. As far as statistical significance goes, that's like winning the lottery while discovering a four-leaf clover and spotting a shooting star all in the same day!

But hold onto your scientific hats, because we're not done yet! The pièce de résistance of our findings comes in the form of Fig. 1, a scatterplot that showcases the undeniable correlation between the frequency of the name Erin and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. If this plot were a piece of artwork, it would be the Mona Lisa of ecological hilarity!

In summary, our results point to a jaw-dropping connection between the name Erin and the preservation of the Brazilian Amazon's treasured greenery. It's a discovery that not only leaves us scratching our heads in sheer bewilderment but also invites us to ponder the whimsical ways in which the universe weaves its cosmic tapestry of ecological intrigue. Oh, what a riotous adventure it has been!


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

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Erin and Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Make lots of 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]]
Evaluating Erin: Exploring the Entertaining Effect of Ecstaticly Named Entities on Ecosystem Earthiness

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research delves into the unprecedented perplexity of the relationship between the proliferation of the first name Erin and the preservation of the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Utilizing an unconventional approach, our study reunites the realms of sociology and ecology in an attempt to disentangle this enigmatic connection. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and the illuminating information from Mongabay, we embarked on a journey to quantify the curious correlation between the popularity of the name Erin and the enduring forest canopy in the Brazilian Amazon. Remarkably, our analysis uncovered a tantalizing correlation coefficient of 0.9959516 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the period spanning from 1987 to 2022. The implications of these findings are as thrilling as a rollercoaster ride - they not only inspire a reevaluation of the enigmatic nature of human-nature interactions but also provoke a moment of lighthearted contemplation on the influence of nomenclature on environmental conservation. As we navigate through the labyrinth of science, our study shines a light on the whimsical and wondrous connections that can be discovered when one dares to look beyond the ordinary.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
In "Smith et al." meticulously reviewed various socio-environmental factors influencing ecological conservation efforts. Their groundbreaking study delved into the nuanced interplay of human naming patterns and environmental phenomena, shedding light on the unexplored connection between nomenclature and natural ecosystems.
Similarly, "Doe and Jones" articulated the complex relationship between cultural trends and ecological sustainability in their seminal work. Their exploration of societal influences on environmental conservation offered thought-provoking insights into the potential synergy between naming conventions and biodiversity preservation.
Moreover, the scholarly works of "National Geographic" and "Mongabay" provided invaluable empirical evidence of the ecological dynamics at play in the Brazilian Amazon. Offering a rich tapestry of facts and figures, these publications laid the foundation for understanding the intricate web of factors shaping the region's diverse and vital ecosystems.
Transitioning from non-fiction exploration, the realm of fiction also holds clues to the whimsical world of nomenclature and ecological marvels. From J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," where the mythical forests of Lothlórien and Fangorn forest come alive with enchanting allure, to the lush and mysterious jungles of "Tarzan" by Edgar Rice Burroughs, literature has long weaved fantastical narratives that captivate the imagination with the lush vibrancy of Earth's natural marvels.
As we descend deeper into the literature abyss, we cannot overlook the treasure trove of unconventional sources that shed light on the captivating link between naming traditions and environmental phenomena. From decoding mystic prophecies of ancient scrolls to deciphering the hieroglyphs etched on the walls of forgotten ruins, our exploration spared no avenue in our quest for understanding.
And, after exhaustive research and countless hours of immersion in the data, it seems only fitting to acknowledge the unexpected sources that made their way into our study. From deciphering the cryptic messages hidden within ancient parchment scrolls to unraveling the enigmatic symbols scrawled on the back of CVS receipts, our quest for knowledge knew no bounds. After all, who would have thought that a crumpled piece of paper from the checkout line would hold the key to unlocking the ecological mysteries of the Amazon?

[[RESULTS]]
In this section, we present the absolutely astonishing, mind-boggling, and downright side-splitting results of our study on the positively titillating connection between the popularity of the first name Erin and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Hold onto your hats, folks, because what we've unearthed is as shocking as finding a penguin at the North Pole!
Our analysis, carried out over the period from 1987 to 2022, unveiled a correlation coefficient of 0.9959516 between the frequency of the name Erin and the extent of forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. If there ever was a "smoking gun" in the world of ecological quirkiness, this just might be it! The strength of this correlation was so robust, it could rival the fortitude of a superhero battling supervillains.
Furthermore, the r-squared value of 0.9919196 indicated that a whopping 99.19% of the variation in remaining forest cover could be explained by the popularity of the name Erin. It's as if Mother Nature herself was whispering, "Hold onto your branches, folks, because Erin is here to save the day!"
To drive the point home with the unrelenting force of a hurricane, the p-value came in at less than 0.01. As far as statistical significance goes, that's like winning the lottery while discovering a four-leaf clover and spotting a shooting star all in the same day!
But hold onto your scientific hats, because we're not done yet! The pièce de résistance of our findings comes in the form of Fig. 1, a scatterplot that showcases the undeniable correlation between the frequency of the name Erin and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. If this plot were a piece of artwork, it would be the Mona Lisa of ecological hilarity!
In summary, our results point to a jaw-dropping connection between the name Erin and the preservation of the Brazilian Amazon's treasured greenery. It's a discovery that not only leaves us scratching our heads in sheer bewilderment but also invites us to ponder the whimsical ways in which the universe weaves its cosmic tapestry of ecological intrigue. Oh, what a riotous adventure it has been!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The riveting riddle of the relationship between the name Erin and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon has been unveiled, and the findings are as uproarious as a barrel of monkeys! Our results have not only elevated eyebrow arches but have also set the stage for a diverting debate on the delightful dance between nomenclature and nature.

Our study's findings not only aligned with prior research but also added an extra layer of eccentric enigma to the nature-naming nexus. The ability of the name Erin to hold such extraordinary sway over the preservation of the Brazilian Amazon's green canopy echoes the melodic musings of previous scholars. Just as Smith et al. and Doe and Jones dared to delve into the depths of odd environmental correlations, our research has amplified the captivating chorus of scholarly wanderings in this delightfully bizarre domain.

The literature review, with its wild visage of mystical prophecies and hieroglyphics, has been validated by our own analysis, as though the whimsical world of naming traditions was nudging us toward a harmonious tale of ecological enchantment. The playful, unorthodox sources that sprinkled our study with a pinch of pizzazz have not only been vindicated but also embraced as serenely strange guideposts in our quest for knowledge. After all, who would have guessed that a penciled prophecy or supermarket scribbles would unfurl the verdant secrets of the Amazon?

It's clear that our results corroborate the hypothesis that the popularity of the name Erin possesses a spellbinding influence on the longevity of the Brazilian Amazon's emerald expanse. This revelation is akin to discovering a pot of gold at the end of a name-laden rainbow, quickening the pulse of both researchers and laymen as we pause to admire the sheer inexplicable allure of this ecological oddity. And if statistical significance were a fruit, our p-value is riper than a tropical mango plucked at the peak of its ripeness, teasing us with the tantalizing taste of truth.

However, as we bid farewell to this whimsically woven tapestry of enchanting ecological oddities, let us not lose sight of the hilarity and merriment that accompany our newfound depth of understanding. The cosmic comedy of ecological intrigue has unfurled a pandora's box of puzzling parlance, inviting us to revel in the uncanny and the unexpected. Our findings implore us to pause, ponder, and perhaps share a chuckle at the utterly eccentric ways in which the universe seams together the quilt of ecological interconnectedness. So, let's raise a toast to the fantastic forest-faring Erin as we peel back the layers of novelty and nod in amusement at the comically enchanting synchronization of Erin and the Amazon's arboreal abundance. Cheers to ecological oddities and their inexplicable hilarity!


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

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Erin and Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Make lots of 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]]
Evaluating Erin: Exploring the Entertaining Effect of Ecstaticly Named Entities on Ecosystem Earthiness

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research delves into the unprecedented perplexity of the relationship between the proliferation of the first name Erin and the preservation of the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Utilizing an unconventional approach, our study reunites the realms of sociology and ecology in an attempt to disentangle this enigmatic connection. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and the illuminating information from Mongabay, we embarked on a journey to quantify the curious correlation between the popularity of the name Erin and the enduring forest canopy in the Brazilian Amazon. Remarkably, our analysis uncovered a tantalizing correlation coefficient of 0.9959516 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the period spanning from 1987 to 2022. The implications of these findings are as thrilling as a rollercoaster ride - they not only inspire a reevaluation of the enigmatic nature of human-nature interactions but also provoke a moment of lighthearted contemplation on the influence of nomenclature on environmental conservation. As we navigate through the labyrinth of science, our study shines a light on the whimsical and wondrous connections that can be discovered when one dares to look beyond the ordinary.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
What's in a name, you ask? Well, if you're Erin, it turns out there might be a whole lot more than just a few vowels and consonants! In this zany, off-the-wall research paper, we're diving headfirst into the perplexing puzzle of how the popularity of the first name Erin might be linked to the lush, green forests of the Brazilian Amazon. It's a study that's as surprising and unexpected as finding a pineapple growing on a cactus!
To set the stage for this wild ride, let's take a moment to appreciate the sheer magnitude of curiosity that drove us to embark on this hilariously entertaining endeavor. After all, who would have guessed that a seemingly innocuous name like Erin could be tangled up in the fate of one of the most iconic and ecologically vital ecosystems on the planet?
Armed with data from the US Social Security Administration and the illuminating insights from Mongabay, we set off on an odyssey that's as wild and unpredictable as an episode of "The Great British Bake Off." And what did we find? Well, let's just say that the results were so mind-boggling, they made us do a double-take faster than a cat trying to catch a laser pointer!
You see, our analysis revealed a mind-boggling correlation coefficient of 0.9959516 between the popularity of the name Erin and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. If that doesn't make you do a spit-take with your morning coffee, I don't know what will! And just to add a cherry on top of this wacky cake, the p-value was less than 0.01. It's as if the universe itself was grinning mischievously and saying, "See? I told you there's more to a name than meets the eye!"
So, get ready to hop aboard the Erin Express as we unravel the rib-tickling riddle of how a name can be entwined with the earthiness of an entire ecosystem. It's a rollercoaster of a study that'll leave you both scratching your head in disbelief and chuckling at the absurdity of it all. After all, who said academic research has to be as serious as a heart attack?

[[RESULTS]]
In this section, we present the absolutely astonishing, mind-boggling, and downright side-splitting results of our study on the positively titillating connection between the popularity of the first name Erin and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Hold onto your hats, folks, because what we've unearthed is as shocking as finding a penguin at the North Pole!
Our analysis, carried out over the period from 1987 to 2022, unveiled a correlation coefficient of 0.9959516 between the frequency of the name Erin and the extent of forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. If there ever was a "smoking gun" in the world of ecological quirkiness, this just might be it! The strength of this correlation was so robust, it could rival the fortitude of a superhero battling supervillains.
Furthermore, the r-squared value of 0.9919196 indicated that a whopping 99.19% of the variation in remaining forest cover could be explained by the popularity of the name Erin. It's as if Mother Nature herself was whispering, "Hold onto your branches, folks, because Erin is here to save the day!"
To drive the point home with the unrelenting force of a hurricane, the p-value came in at less than 0.01. As far as statistical significance goes, that's like winning the lottery while discovering a four-leaf clover and spotting a shooting star all in the same day!
But hold onto your scientific hats, because we're not done yet! The pièce de résistance of our findings comes in the form of Fig. 1, a scatterplot that showcases the undeniable correlation between the frequency of the name Erin and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. If this plot were a piece of artwork, it would be the Mona Lisa of ecological hilarity!
In summary, our results point to a jaw-dropping connection between the name Erin and the preservation of the Brazilian Amazon's treasured greenery. It's a discovery that not only leaves us scratching our heads in sheer bewilderment but also invites us to ponder the whimsical ways in which the universe weaves its cosmic tapestry of ecological intrigue. Oh, what a riotous adventure it has been!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In wrapping up our uproarious exploration of the preposterously preposterous connection between the popularity of the first name Erin and the preservation of forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon, it's clear that we've stumbled upon an oddball revelation that is as surprising as finding a polar bear at the equator! Our findings, with a correlation coefficient that could knock your socks off and a p-value more significant than a celebrity's entourage, leave us not just scratching our heads in bemusement but also marveling at the inexplicable and delightful dance of correlation. So, what does this all mean? Well, it's as if the universe itself is murmuring, "Hey there, eco-warriors, maybe the secret to saving the rainforest lies in the syllables of a name!"

But amidst the merriment and amusement, we conclude that we've reached the pinnacle of preposterousness. It's time to bid adieu to this jovial journey, pack our puns away, and declare that the curtain has closed on this uproarious act. Further exploration in this area is as unnecessary as a kangaroo in a cooking competition - it's safe to say that the chapter on Erin and Amazonian forests has been delightfully, and amusingly, closed.


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 Evaluating Erin: Exploring the Entertaining Effect of Ecstaticly Named Entities on Ecosystem Earthiness. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

Journal of Ecstatic Ecological Entertainments


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 Evaluating Erin: Exploring the Entertaining Effect of Ecstaticly Named Entities on Ecosystem Earthiness. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Institute for Zany Zoological Zest 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 Evaluating Erin: Exploring the Entertaining Effect of Ecstaticly Named Entities on Ecosystem Earthiness with an abstract of This research delves into the unprecedented perplexity of the relationship between the proliferation of the first name Erin and the preservation of the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Utilizing an unconventional approach, our study reunites the realms of sociology and ecology in an attempt to disentangle this enigmatic connection. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and the illuminating information from Mongabay, we embarked on a journey to quantify the curious correlation between the popularity of the name Erin and the enduring forest canopy in the Brazilian Amazon. Remarkably, our analysis uncovered a tantalizing correlation coefficient of 0.9959516 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the period spanning from 1987 to 2022. The implications of these findings are as thrilling as a rollercoaster ride - they not only inspire a reevaluation of the enigmatic nature of human-nature interactions but also provoke a moment of lighthearted contemplation on the influence of nomenclature on environmental conservation. As we navigate through the labyrinth of science, our study shines a light on the whimsical and wondrous connections that can be discovered when one dares to look beyond the ordinary.

ChatGPT:

Erin, first name, forest cover, Brazilian Amazon, sociology, ecology, correlation, US Social Security Administration, Mongabay, popularity, enduring forest canopy, correlation coefficient, p-value, human-nature interactions, nomenclature, environmental conservation, whimsical connections, science research

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



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Data details

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

Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon
Detailed data title: Estimated Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon
Source: Mongabay
See what else correlates with Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon

Correlation r = 0.9959516 (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 = 0.9919196 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 99.2% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Popularity of the first name Erin) over the 36 years from 1987 through 2022.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 0. 0.0000000000000000000000000000
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 1 in 0% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated
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inf random variables
Warning: Division by zero in /var/www/html/spurious/_CORRELATION_VIEW_PAGE.php on line 633
You don't actually need
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Notice: Undefined offset: 10 in /var/www/html/spurious/_CORRELATION_VIEW_PAGE.php on line 567
INF variables to find a correlation like this one.
Warning: Division by zero in /var/www/html/spurious/_CORRELATION_VIEW_PAGE.php on line 638
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.
Warning: Division by zero in /var/www/html/spurious/_CORRELATION_VIEW_PAGE.php on line 641


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 35 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 35 because we have two variables measured over a period of 36 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.

[ 0.99, 1 ] 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.
198719881989199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022
Popularity of the first name Erin (Babies born)90398469837482287381723068857077677563986064558553445282506642404014345629762716254721301761149814051297121310731031966830779683622562450
Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon (Sq. KM)374457037235203705750369202036809903667200365231036374103608350359019035769603559580354232035241003505930348428034588803431110341210033978103386160337325033657903358790335237033478003341910333690033306903322800331585033083103298550329012032796503268050




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([9039,8469,8374,8228,7381,7230,6885,7077,6775,6398,6064,5585,5344,5282,5066,4240,4014,3456,2976,2716,2547,2130,1761,1498,1405,1297,1213,1073,1031,966,830,779,683,622,562,450,])
array_2 = np.array([3744570,3723520,3705750,3692020,3680990,3667200,3652310,3637410,3608350,3590190,3576960,3559580,3542320,3524100,3505930,3484280,3458880,3431110,3412100,3397810,3386160,3373250,3365790,3358790,3352370,3347800,3341910,3336900,3330690,3322800,3315850,3308310,3298550,3290120,3279650,3268050,])
array_1_name = "Popularity of the first name Erin"
array_2_name = "Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon"

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

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



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You 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.

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