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Spurious correlation #1,646 · 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 Sarah and the second variable is Arson in New Jersey.  The chart goes from 1985 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

Fewer Saras led to less hot air, preventing fire starters in the Garden State. It seems the name Sarah was just too incendiary for New Jersey!

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Create a photo-realistic image depicting a bustling town in New Jersey on a cool evening. A group of teenagers is gathered around a crackling bonfire, their silhouettes illuminated by the warm glow. In the center, a girl named Sarah is surrounded by her friends, engaged in lively conversation and laughter. Meanwhile, in the distance, the fading glow of flames from a recent arson incident captures the attention of concerned onlookers, casting a subtle sense of unease over the otherwise serene scene. 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 Sarah and Arson in New Jersey. 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: A photo-realistic image Cute 2D animation An image that looks like it is a scene from 'Star Wars' Futuristic a Polaroid photo
ChatGPT: A photo-realistic image

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 Sarah and Arson in New Jersey together. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a bustling town in New Jersey, a group of teenagers gather around a bonfire on a cool evening. Among them, a girl named Sarah is at the center of attention, chatting and laughing with her friends. In the distance, the glow of flames from a recent arson incident slowly fades, drawing the gaze of concerned onlookers.

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 photo-realistic image ] and depicting this scene: In a bustling town in New Jersey, a group of teenagers gather around a bonfire on a cool evening. Among them, a girl named Sarah is at the center of attention, chatting and laughing with her friends. In the distance, the glow of flames from a recent arson incident slowly fades, drawing the gaze of concerned onlookers. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Create a photo-realistic image depicting a bustling town in New Jersey on a cool evening. A group of teenagers is gathered around a crackling bonfire, their silhouettes illuminated by the warm glow. In the center, a girl named Sarah is surrounded by her friends, engaged in lively conversation and laughter. Meanwhile, in the distance, the fading glow of flames from a recent arson incident captures the attention of concerned onlookers, casting a subtle sense of unease over the otherwise serene scene.

*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 Sarah caused Arson in New Jersey to decrease. Include one good pun.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Sarah's Success in Sparking Suspicious Scenarios: A Statistical Study on the Popularity of the Name Sarah and Arson in New Jersey

Journal of Unusual Statistical Correlations

Jan 2024

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




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

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Sarah and Arson in New Jersey. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Make the title an alliteration.

Your research team used data from US Social Security Administration and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.9851795 and p < 0.01 for 1985 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]]
Sarah's Success in Sparking Suspicious Scenarios: A Statistical Study on the Popularity of the Name Sarah and Arson in New Jersey

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study investigates the potential association between the popularity of the first name Sarah and the occurrence of arson in the state of New Jersey. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services, we aimed to quantify the correlation between the frequency of the name Sarah and instances of arson from 1985 to 2022. Our analysis revealed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9851795, with a p-value less than 0.01, indicating a statistically significant relationship between the two variables. While causation cannot be inferred from our findings, one cannot help but wonder if there is a hotter trend of mischievous behavior among those bearing the name Sarah. Whether it be due to the fiery temperament associated with the name or sheer coincidence, this peculiar link between nomenclature and pyromania certainly ignites scholarly curiosity.


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

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Sarah and Arson in New Jersey. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Sarah's Success in Sparking Suspicious Scenarios: A Statistical Study on the Popularity of the Name Sarah and Arson in New Jersey

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study investigates the potential association between the popularity of the first name Sarah and the occurrence of arson in the state of New Jersey. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services, we aimed to quantify the correlation between the frequency of the name Sarah and instances of arson from 1985 to 2022. Our analysis revealed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9851795, with a p-value less than 0.01, indicating a statistically significant relationship between the two variables. While causation cannot be inferred from our findings, one cannot help but wonder if there is a hotter trend of mischievous behavior among those bearing the name Sarah. Whether it be due to the fiery temperament associated with the name or sheer coincidence, this peculiar link between nomenclature and pyromania certainly ignites scholarly curiosity.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

The relationship between personal names and social behavior has long been a subject of fascination and conjecture. From the etymological significance of names to the potential impact on individual destinies, the influence of nomenclature has woven a curious thread throughout human history. In the modern era, as statistical methodologies advance, researchers have sought to explore the connection between names and various societal phenomena, including but not limited to education, occupation, and even criminal activity.

This study delves into the intriguing realm of name-based correlations by examining the interplay between the popularity of the first name Sarah and instances of arson in the state of New Jersey. One cannot help but ponder the potential implications of such an unexpected association. Could there be a fiery significance behind the unwavering allure of the name Sarah in the Garden State, or is this merely an amusing statistical anomaly? Regardless, the findings outlined in this report offer a thought-provoking glimpse into the enigmatic world of nomenclatural influence, infusing a touch of whimsy into the realm of empirical inquiry.

The state of New Jersey serves as a compelling backdrop for this investigation, given its rich history and diverse population. New Jersey's intricate tapestry of communities and cultures presents a fertile ground for exploring the subtle nuances of human behavior and societal trends. Amidst the bustling urban centers and tranquil suburbs, the potential interplay between the popularity of the name Sarah and the manifestation of incendiary behavior awaits elucidation – or perhaps further puzzlement. The juxtaposition of these seemingly disparate elements underscores the idiosyncratic nature of statistical analysis and the potential for unexpected discoveries within ostensibly unrelated domains.

As such, the purpose of this study is to ascertain whether there exists a quantifiable correlation between the frequency of the name Sarah and reported incidents of arson in New Jersey from 1985 to 2022. The pursuit of this inquiry is driven not only by academic curiosity, but also by the prospect of uncovering a tantalizing yet hitherto overlooked pattern that may shed light on the peculiar interplay between nomenclature and societal phenomena. The potential implications of this investigation reverberate beyond the realm of statistical analysis, offering a whimsical lens through which to view the intersection of human behavior, nomenclature, and the enigmatic tendencies of social trends.


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 Popularity of the first name Sarah and Arson in New Jersey. 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]]
Sarah's Success in Sparking Suspicious Scenarios: A Statistical Study on the Popularity of the Name Sarah and Arson in New Jersey

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study investigates the potential association between the popularity of the first name Sarah and the occurrence of arson in the state of New Jersey. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services, we aimed to quantify the correlation between the frequency of the name Sarah and instances of arson from 1985 to 2022. Our analysis revealed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9851795, with a p-value less than 0.01, indicating a statistically significant relationship between the two variables. While causation cannot be inferred from our findings, one cannot help but wonder if there is a hotter trend of mischievous behavior among those bearing the name Sarah. Whether it be due to the fiery temperament associated with the name or sheer coincidence, this peculiar link between nomenclature and pyromania certainly ignites scholarly curiosity.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The relationship between personal names and social behavior has long been a subject of fascination and conjecture. From the etymological significance of names to the potential impact on individual destinies, the influence of nomenclature has woven a curious thread throughout human history. In the modern era, as statistical methodologies advance, researchers have sought to explore the connection between names and various societal phenomena, including but not limited to education, occupation, and even criminal activity.
This study delves into the intriguing realm of name-based correlations by examining the interplay between the popularity of the first name Sarah and instances of arson in the state of New Jersey. One cannot help but ponder the potential implications of such an unexpected association. Could there be a fiery significance behind the unwavering allure of the name Sarah in the Garden State, or is this merely an amusing statistical anomaly? Regardless, the findings outlined in this report offer a thought-provoking glimpse into the enigmatic world of nomenclatural influence, infusing a touch of whimsy into the realm of empirical inquiry.
The state of New Jersey serves as a compelling backdrop for this investigation, given its rich history and diverse population. New Jersey's intricate tapestry of communities and cultures presents a fertile ground for exploring the subtle nuances of human behavior and societal trends. Amidst the bustling urban centers and tranquil suburbs, the potential interplay between the popularity of the name Sarah and the manifestation of incendiary behavior awaits elucidation – or perhaps further puzzlement. The juxtaposition of these seemingly disparate elements underscores the idiosyncratic nature of statistical analysis and the potential for unexpected discoveries within ostensibly unrelated domains.
As such, the purpose of this study is to ascertain whether there exists a quantifiable correlation between the frequency of the name Sarah and reported incidents of arson in New Jersey from 1985 to 2022. The pursuit of this inquiry is driven not only by academic curiosity, but also by the prospect of uncovering a tantalizing yet hitherto overlooked pattern that may shed light on the peculiar interplay between nomenclature and societal phenomena. The potential implications of this investigation reverberate beyond the realm of statistical analysis, offering a whimsical lens through which to view the intersection of human behavior, nomenclature, and the enigmatic tendencies of social trends.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The potential impact of nomenclature on human behavior has been a subject of fascination and speculation for decades. Smith et al. (2009) studied the association between given names and criminal activities, citing the curious case of individuals named Jack who, surprisingly, were found to be frequently involved in theft-related offenses. Similarly, Doe and Johnson (2015) examined the implications of name popularity on occupational choices, revealing correlations between certain names and professions.

Turning to the realm of nomenclature and societal phenomena, Jones et al. (2017) delved into the influence of names on educational achievement, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of name-based associations.

In a different vein, the non-fiction works "The Power of Names" by John Doe (2012) and "Title of a Serious Book About Names" by Jane Smith (2018) provide introspective analyses on the psychological and sociological dimensions of personal names, invoking thought-provoking discussions on the potential far-reaching effects of nomenclature in various spheres of life.

More tangentially related sources include "The Arsonist's Guide to Writer's Homes in New England" by Brock Clarke (2007) and "Playing with Fire" by Tess Gerritsen (2015), which, while not directly pertinent to the investigation at hand, offer an amusing nod to the thematic undercurrents of the present study.

Supplementing the academic literature with a touch of levity, it is worth noting the subtle yet effectual influence of iconic cartoons and children's shows, such as "Fireman Sam" and "The Magic School Bus: Inside the Earth." While ostensibly divergent from scholarly inquiry, these cultural touchstones subtly underscore the intrigue surrounding the correlation between names and incendiary phenomena, infusing a lighthearted dimension into the scholarly exploration of the improbable nexus between the popularity of the name Sarah and instances of arson in New Jersey.


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 Popularity of the first name Sarah and Arson in New Jersey. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from US Social Security Administration and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services . You used data from 1985 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]]
Sarah's Success in Sparking Suspicious Scenarios: A Statistical Study on the Popularity of the Name Sarah and Arson in New Jersey

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study investigates the potential association between the popularity of the first name Sarah and the occurrence of arson in the state of New Jersey. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services, we aimed to quantify the correlation between the frequency of the name Sarah and instances of arson from 1985 to 2022. Our analysis revealed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9851795, with a p-value less than 0.01, indicating a statistically significant relationship between the two variables. While causation cannot be inferred from our findings, one cannot help but wonder if there is a hotter trend of mischievous behavior among those bearing the name Sarah. Whether it be due to the fiery temperament associated with the name or sheer coincidence, this peculiar link between nomenclature and pyromania certainly ignites scholarly curiosity.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The relationship between personal names and social behavior has long been a subject of fascination and conjecture. From the etymological significance of names to the potential impact on individual destinies, the influence of nomenclature has woven a curious thread throughout human history. In the modern era, as statistical methodologies advance, researchers have sought to explore the connection between names and various societal phenomena, including but not limited to education, occupation, and even criminal activity.
This study delves into the intriguing realm of name-based correlations by examining the interplay between the popularity of the first name Sarah and instances of arson in the state of New Jersey. One cannot help but ponder the potential implications of such an unexpected association. Could there be a fiery significance behind the unwavering allure of the name Sarah in the Garden State, or is this merely an amusing statistical anomaly? Regardless, the findings outlined in this report offer a thought-provoking glimpse into the enigmatic world of nomenclatural influence, infusing a touch of whimsy into the realm of empirical inquiry.
The state of New Jersey serves as a compelling backdrop for this investigation, given its rich history and diverse population. New Jersey's intricate tapestry of communities and cultures presents a fertile ground for exploring the subtle nuances of human behavior and societal trends. Amidst the bustling urban centers and tranquil suburbs, the potential interplay between the popularity of the name Sarah and the manifestation of incendiary behavior awaits elucidation – or perhaps further puzzlement. The juxtaposition of these seemingly disparate elements underscores the idiosyncratic nature of statistical analysis and the potential for unexpected discoveries within ostensibly unrelated domains.
As such, the purpose of this study is to ascertain whether there exists a quantifiable correlation between the frequency of the name Sarah and reported incidents of arson in New Jersey from 1985 to 2022. The pursuit of this inquiry is driven not only by academic curiosity, but also by the prospect of uncovering a tantalizing yet hitherto overlooked pattern that may shed light on the peculiar interplay between nomenclature and societal phenomena. The potential implications of this investigation reverberate beyond the realm of statistical analysis, offering a whimsical lens through which to view the intersection of human behavior, nomenclature, and the enigmatic tendencies of social trends.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To conduct this investigation into the purported correlation between the popularity of the first name Sarah and instances of arson in New Jersey, a multi-faceted methodological approach was employed, incorporating data collection, statistical analysis, and semantic exploration.

Data Collection:
The first step in this exploration involved procuring comprehensive datasets pertaining to both the frequency of the name Sarah and reported incidents of arson in New Jersey from 1985 to 2022. The primary sources of data for the frequency of the name Sarah were derived from the US Social Security Administration's database, encompassing a vast array of nomenclatural occurrences. Concurrently, information regarding reported incidents of arson in New Jersey was obtained from the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services, ensuring a comprehensive representation of pyrotechnic activities within the state. Secondary data sources were also consulted to further validate the integrity of the primary datasets, resulting in a robust compilation of name-based frequencies and incendiary events.

Statistical Analysis:
Upon the aggregation of pertinent datasets, an assortment of statistical analyses were deployed to ascertain the potential association between the frequency of the name Sarah and instances of arson in New Jersey. The correlation coefficient was calculated to quantify the strength and direction of any observed relationship, providing a numerical synthesis of the purported link between nomenclature and conflagration. Furthermore, a p-value analysis was performed to elucidate the statistical significance of any discovered associations, thereby establishing the validity of the purported correlation within the context of the dataset. Concurrently, time series analysis was conducted to discern temporal patterns in the frequency of the name Sarah and reported incidents of arson, thereby amplifying the breadth of insights derived from the statistical analyses.

Semantic Exploration:
In tandem with the quantitative analyses, a qualitative exploration of semantic associations and cultural connotations pertaining to the name Sarah was undertaken. This process involved delving into the historical, cultural, and literary representations of the name Sarah, elucidating potential symbolic resonances that may underpin the purported correlation with arson in New Jersey. The compilation of semantic data served to enrich the findings of the statistical analyses and furnish a more holistic understanding of the interdisciplinary interplay between nomenclature, cultural symbolism, and societal phenomena.

In summary, the methodological framework employed in this study synthesized diverse approaches to comprehensively investigate the potential correlation between the popularity of the first name Sarah and instances of arson in New Jersey, yielding a multifaceted analysis that intertwines statistical rigor with qualitative nuance. This intricate methodological synthesis engendered an expansive exploration of the purported link between nomenclature and incendiary behavior, encompassing both quantitative patterns and qualitative resonances within the realm of human nomenclatural influence.


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 Popularity of the first name Sarah and Arson in New Jersey. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from US Social Security Administration and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services .

For the time period 1985 to 2022, you found a correlation 0.9851795, r-squared of 0.9705787, 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]]
Sarah's Success in Sparking Suspicious Scenarios: A Statistical Study on the Popularity of the Name Sarah and Arson in New Jersey

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study investigates the potential association between the popularity of the first name Sarah and the occurrence of arson in the state of New Jersey. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services, we aimed to quantify the correlation between the frequency of the name Sarah and instances of arson from 1985 to 2022. Our analysis revealed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9851795, with a p-value less than 0.01, indicating a statistically significant relationship between the two variables. While causation cannot be inferred from our findings, one cannot help but wonder if there is a hotter trend of mischievous behavior among those bearing the name Sarah. Whether it be due to the fiery temperament associated with the name or sheer coincidence, this peculiar link between nomenclature and pyromania certainly ignites scholarly curiosity.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
The relationship between personal names and social behavior has long been a subject of fascination and conjecture. From the etymological significance of names to the potential impact on individual destinies, the influence of nomenclature has woven a curious thread throughout human history. In the modern era, as statistical methodologies advance, researchers have sought to explore the connection between names and various societal phenomena, including but not limited to education, occupation, and even criminal activity.
This study delves into the intriguing realm of name-based correlations by examining the interplay between the popularity of the first name Sarah and instances of arson in the state of New Jersey. One cannot help but ponder the potential implications of such an unexpected association. Could there be a fiery significance behind the unwavering allure of the name Sarah in the Garden State, or is this merely an amusing statistical anomaly? Regardless, the findings outlined in this report offer a thought-provoking glimpse into the enigmatic world of nomenclatural influence, infusing a touch of whimsy into the realm of empirical inquiry.
The state of New Jersey serves as a compelling backdrop for this investigation, given its rich history and diverse population. New Jersey's intricate tapestry of communities and cultures presents a fertile ground for exploring the subtle nuances of human behavior and societal trends. Amidst the bustling urban centers and tranquil suburbs, the potential interplay between the popularity of the name Sarah and the manifestation of incendiary behavior awaits elucidation – or perhaps further puzzlement. The juxtaposition of these seemingly disparate elements underscores the idiosyncratic nature of statistical analysis and the potential for unexpected discoveries within ostensibly unrelated domains.
As such, the purpose of this study is to ascertain whether there exists a quantifiable correlation between the frequency of the name Sarah and reported incidents of arson in New Jersey from 1985 to 2022. The pursuit of this inquiry is driven not only by academic curiosity, but also by the prospect of uncovering a tantalizing yet hitherto overlooked pattern that may shed light on the peculiar interplay between nomenclature and societal phenomena. The potential implications of this investigation reverberate beyond the realm of statistical analysis, offering a whimsical lens through which to view the intersection of human behavior, nomenclature, and the enigmatic tendencies of social trends.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The analysis of the data from 1985 to 2022 revealed a striking correlation between the frequency of the name Sarah and reported incidents of arson in the state of New Jersey. The correlation coefficient of 0.9851795 indicates a remarkably strong positive relationship between the two variables. This high correlation exceeded our initial expectations and raised intriguing questions about the potential underlying mechanisms driving this unexpected association. One cannot help but succumb to a fiery curiosity about the factors contributing to this peculiar link, prompting playful speculation about the combustible nature of the name Sarah.

The coefficient of determination (r-squared) of 0.9705787 further underscored the robustness of the relationship between the popularity of the name Sarah and occurrences of arson in New Jersey. This statistical measure revealed that approximately 97.06% of the variation in arson incidents could be explained by the frequency of the name Sarah. Such a high r-squared value reinforces our confidence in the strength of the observed correlation and piques one's interest in unpacking the underlying dynamics that may underpin this curious connection.

The p-value of less than 0.01 indicated a high level of statistical significance, providing compelling evidence to reject the null hypothesis of no association between the name Sarah and arson in New Jersey. This finding further fueled our intellectual fascination with the potential implications of this statistical anomaly, as we contemplated the fiery implications – both literal and metaphorical – of the name Sarah in relation to incendiary behavior.

The visually encapsulating figure (Fig. 1) depicts the scatterplot illustrating the strong positive correlation between the frequency of the name Sarah and reported incidents of arson in New Jersey. The compelling visual representation of this relationship conveys the intriguing nature of our findings, offering a whimsical lens through which to examine the enigmatic interplay of nomenclature and societal phenomena.

In light of these compelling results, one cannot help but marvel at the unforeseen sparks of insight that emerge from the most unexpected corners of statistical inquiry. The dramatic correlation between the first name Sarah and arson in New Jersey adds a playful, if not incendiary, dimension to the study of nomenclatural influence, providing ample food for thought and serving as a cautionary tale for those who may ill-advisedly play with matches – or names.


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 Popularity of the first name Sarah and Arson in New Jersey. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Limit your response to 500 tokens.

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

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

[[TITLE]]
Sarah's Success in Sparking Suspicious Scenarios: A Statistical Study on the Popularity of the Name Sarah and Arson in New Jersey

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study investigates the potential association between the popularity of the first name Sarah and the occurrence of arson in the state of New Jersey. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services, we aimed to quantify the correlation between the frequency of the name Sarah and instances of arson from 1985 to 2022. Our analysis revealed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9851795, with a p-value less than 0.01, indicating a statistically significant relationship between the two variables. While causation cannot be inferred from our findings, one cannot help but wonder if there is a hotter trend of mischievous behavior among those bearing the name Sarah. Whether it be due to the fiery temperament associated with the name or sheer coincidence, this peculiar link between nomenclature and pyromania certainly ignites scholarly curiosity.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The potential impact of nomenclature on human behavior has been a subject of fascination and speculation for decades. Smith et al. (2009) studied the association between given names and criminal activities, citing the curious case of individuals named Jack who, surprisingly, were found to be frequently involved in theft-related offenses. Similarly, Doe and Johnson (2015) examined the implications of name popularity on occupational choices, revealing correlations between certain names and professions.
Turning to the realm of nomenclature and societal phenomena, Jones et al. (2017) delved into the influence of names on educational achievement, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of name-based associations.
In a different vein, the non-fiction works "The Power of Names" by John Doe (2012) and "Title of a Serious Book About Names" by Jane Smith (2018) provide introspective analyses on the psychological and sociological dimensions of personal names, invoking thought-provoking discussions on the potential far-reaching effects of nomenclature in various spheres of life.
More tangentially related sources include "The Arsonist's Guide to Writer's Homes in New England" by Brock Clarke (2007) and "Playing with Fire" by Tess Gerritsen (2015), which, while not directly pertinent to the investigation at hand, offer an amusing nod to the thematic undercurrents of the present study.
Supplementing the academic literature with a touch of levity, it is worth noting the subtle yet effectual influence of iconic cartoons and children's shows, such as "Fireman Sam" and "The Magic School Bus: Inside the Earth." While ostensibly divergent from scholarly inquiry, these cultural touchstones subtly underscore the intrigue surrounding the correlation between names and incendiary phenomena, infusing a lighthearted dimension into the scholarly exploration of the improbable nexus between the popularity of the name Sarah and instances of arson in New Jersey.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the data from 1985 to 2022 revealed a striking correlation between the frequency of the name Sarah and reported incidents of arson in the state of New Jersey. The correlation coefficient of 0.9851795 indicates a remarkably strong positive relationship between the two variables. This high correlation exceeded our initial expectations and raised intriguing questions about the potential underlying mechanisms driving this unexpected association. One cannot help but succumb to a fiery curiosity about the factors contributing to this peculiar link, prompting playful speculation about the combustible nature of the name Sarah.
The coefficient of determination (r-squared) of 0.9705787 further underscored the robustness of the relationship between the popularity of the name Sarah and occurrences of arson in New Jersey. This statistical measure revealed that approximately 97.06% of the variation in arson incidents could be explained by the frequency of the name Sarah. Such a high r-squared value reinforces our confidence in the strength of the observed correlation and piques one's interest in unpacking the underlying dynamics that may underpin this curious connection.
The p-value of less than 0.01 indicated a high level of statistical significance, providing compelling evidence to reject the null hypothesis of no association between the name Sarah and arson in New Jersey. This finding further fueled our intellectual fascination with the potential implications of this statistical anomaly, as we contemplated the fiery implications – both literal and metaphorical – of the name Sarah in relation to incendiary behavior.
The visually encapsulating figure (Fig. 1) depicts the scatterplot illustrating the strong positive correlation between the frequency of the name Sarah and reported incidents of arson in New Jersey. The compelling visual representation of this relationship conveys the intriguing nature of our findings, offering a whimsical lens through which to examine the enigmatic interplay of nomenclature and societal phenomena.
In light of these compelling results, one cannot help but marvel at the unforeseen sparks of insight that emerge from the most unexpected corners of statistical inquiry. The dramatic correlation between the first name Sarah and arson in New Jersey adds a playful, if not incendiary, dimension to the study of nomenclatural influence, providing ample food for thought and serving as a cautionary tale for those who may ill-advisedly play with matches – or names.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The findings of this study provide compelling evidence of a strong positive association between the popularity of the name Sarah and reported incidents of arson in New Jersey. Our results align with prior research by Smith et al. (2009) and Doe and Johnson (2015), who explored the intriguing links between given names and various behavioral and occupational outcomes. While these studies may have appeared whimsical or speculative at first glance, our rigorous statistical analysis not only corroborates their findings but also adds a fiery twist to the discourse on nomenclatural influence.

The strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.9851795 reinforces the notion that the frequency of the name Sarah is inexplicably entwined with instances of arson, compelling us to delve into the possible explanations for this improbable association. The robustness of the observed relationship, as indicated by the high coefficient of determination (r-squared) of 0.9705787, underscores the significance of our findings. In light of the literature's humorous allusions to pop culture references like "Fireman Sam" and "The Magic School Bus: Inside the Earth," one cannot discount the possibility of a deeper narrative emerging from this statistical quirk.

It is worth noting that the p-value of less than 0.01 reflects a high level of statistical significance, lending credence to the notion that the correlations uncovered in this study are not merely a fluke. This lends weight to the arguments put forward by Jones et al. (2017) regarding the multifaceted nature of name-based associations in various spheres of life. Our study introduces a novel twist to this discourse, igniting scholarly curiosity and prompting pun-laden conversations about the potentially "incendiary" implications of nomenclature.

The results of our study, while undoubtedly thought-provoking, should be interpreted within the constraints of our data and methodology. Caution must be exercised in inferring causality from correlation, and further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving this curious relationship. Perhaps future studies could explore the potential mediating factors, such as socio-economic variables or psychological predispositions, that may contribute to the observed association.

In sum, our study adds an unexpected dimension to the discourse on name-based associations and behavioral outcomes. The seemingly improbable nexus between the popularity of the name Sarah and instances of arson in New Jersey serves as a reminder that statistical inquiry, much like the unpredictable nature of fire itself, can yield surprising insights when least expected. This study injects a dash of playful curiosity into the scholarly arena, inviting researchers to contemplate the fiery implications of nomenclature and embrace the unanticipated sparks of intellectual 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 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 Sarah and Arson in New Jersey. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

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

Here are the title, abstract, introduction, and results sections.
[[TITLE]]
Sarah's Success in Sparking Suspicious Scenarios: A Statistical Study on the Popularity of the Name Sarah and Arson in New Jersey

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study investigates the potential association between the popularity of the first name Sarah and the occurrence of arson in the state of New Jersey. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services, we aimed to quantify the correlation between the frequency of the name Sarah and instances of arson from 1985 to 2022. Our analysis revealed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9851795, with a p-value less than 0.01, indicating a statistically significant relationship between the two variables. While causation cannot be inferred from our findings, one cannot help but wonder if there is a hotter trend of mischievous behavior among those bearing the name Sarah. Whether it be due to the fiery temperament associated with the name or sheer coincidence, this peculiar link between nomenclature and pyromania certainly ignites scholarly curiosity.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The relationship between personal names and social behavior has long been a subject of fascination and conjecture. From the etymological significance of names to the potential impact on individual destinies, the influence of nomenclature has woven a curious thread throughout human history. In the modern era, as statistical methodologies advance, researchers have sought to explore the connection between names and various societal phenomena, including but not limited to education, occupation, and even criminal activity.
This study delves into the intriguing realm of name-based correlations by examining the interplay between the popularity of the first name Sarah and instances of arson in the state of New Jersey. One cannot help but ponder the potential implications of such an unexpected association. Could there be a fiery significance behind the unwavering allure of the name Sarah in the Garden State, or is this merely an amusing statistical anomaly? Regardless, the findings outlined in this report offer a thought-provoking glimpse into the enigmatic world of nomenclatural influence, infusing a touch of whimsy into the realm of empirical inquiry.
The state of New Jersey serves as a compelling backdrop for this investigation, given its rich history and diverse population. New Jersey's intricate tapestry of communities and cultures presents a fertile ground for exploring the subtle nuances of human behavior and societal trends. Amidst the bustling urban centers and tranquil suburbs, the potential interplay between the popularity of the name Sarah and the manifestation of incendiary behavior awaits elucidation – or perhaps further puzzlement. The juxtaposition of these seemingly disparate elements underscores the idiosyncratic nature of statistical analysis and the potential for unexpected discoveries within ostensibly unrelated domains.
As such, the purpose of this study is to ascertain whether there exists a quantifiable correlation between the frequency of the name Sarah and reported incidents of arson in New Jersey from 1985 to 2022. The pursuit of this inquiry is driven not only by academic curiosity, but also by the prospect of uncovering a tantalizing yet hitherto overlooked pattern that may shed light on the peculiar interplay between nomenclature and societal phenomena. The potential implications of this investigation reverberate beyond the realm of statistical analysis, offering a whimsical lens through which to view the intersection of human behavior, nomenclature, and the enigmatic tendencies of social trends.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the data from 1985 to 2022 revealed a striking correlation between the frequency of the name Sarah and reported incidents of arson in the state of New Jersey. The correlation coefficient of 0.9851795 indicates a remarkably strong positive relationship between the two variables. This high correlation exceeded our initial expectations and raised intriguing questions about the potential underlying mechanisms driving this unexpected association. One cannot help but succumb to a fiery curiosity about the factors contributing to this peculiar link, prompting playful speculation about the combustible nature of the name Sarah.
The coefficient of determination (r-squared) of 0.9705787 further underscored the robustness of the relationship between the popularity of the name Sarah and occurrences of arson in New Jersey. This statistical measure revealed that approximately 97.06% of the variation in arson incidents could be explained by the frequency of the name Sarah. Such a high r-squared value reinforces our confidence in the strength of the observed correlation and piques one's interest in unpacking the underlying dynamics that may underpin this curious connection.
The p-value of less than 0.01 indicated a high level of statistical significance, providing compelling evidence to reject the null hypothesis of no association between the name Sarah and arson in New Jersey. This finding further fueled our intellectual fascination with the potential implications of this statistical anomaly, as we contemplated the fiery implications – both literal and metaphorical – of the name Sarah in relation to incendiary behavior.
The visually encapsulating figure (Fig. 1) depicts the scatterplot illustrating the strong positive correlation between the frequency of the name Sarah and reported incidents of arson in New Jersey. The compelling visual representation of this relationship conveys the intriguing nature of our findings, offering a whimsical lens through which to examine the enigmatic interplay of nomenclature and societal phenomena.
In light of these compelling results, one cannot help but marvel at the unforeseen sparks of insight that emerge from the most unexpected corners of statistical inquiry. The dramatic correlation between the first name Sarah and arson in New Jersey adds a playful, if not incendiary, dimension to the study of nomenclatural influence, providing ample food for thought and serving as a cautionary tale for those who may ill-advisedly play with matches – or names.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, the findings of this study offer a thought-provoking glimpse into the enigmatic world of nomenclatural influence, infusing a touch of whimsy into the realm of empirical inquiry. The substantial correlation coefficient of 0.9851795, accompanied by a p-value of less than 0.01, provides compelling evidence of a statistically significant relationship between the frequency of the name Sarah and occurrences of arson in the state of New Jersey. While the causal mechanisms underlying this association remain elusive, the robustness of the observed correlation prompts a lighthearted reflection on the potential combustible nature of the name Sarah.

The high coefficient of determination (r-squared) of 0.9705787 further underscores the intriguing interplay between the popularity of the name Sarah and reported incidents of arson in New Jersey. This statistical measure hints at the compelling influence of nomenclature on societal trends, igniting scholarly curiosity while evoking a playful sense of bewilderment at the fiery implications – both literal and metaphorical – of the name Sarah in relation to incendiary behavior.

The visually encapsulating scatterplot offers a whimsical lens through which to examine the unexpected relationship between the frequency of the name Sarah and instances of arson in New Jersey, serving as a vivid reminder of the serendipitous sparks that can emerge from the most unlikely corners of empirical investigation.

In light of these findings, we cannot help but chuckle at the unexpected twists of statistical inquiry, and the potential for fiery discoveries lurking in the realm of nomenclatural influence. Further research in this domain may shed additional light on the curious interplay between names and societal phenomena, but for now, it seems that we have sufficiently fanned the flames of curiosity surrounding the correlation between the popularity of the name Sarah and arson in New Jersey. It may be time to extinguish, for the moment, the burning desire for further scholarly investigation in this particular area.


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 Sarah's Success in Sparking Suspicious Scenarios: A Statistical Study on the Popularity of the Name Sarah and Arson in New Jersey. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

Journal of Unusual Statistical Correlations


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 Sarah's Success in Sparking Suspicious Scenarios: A Statistical Study on the Popularity of the Name Sarah and Arson in New Jersey. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Institute for Quirky Social Phenomena Research


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 Sarah's Success in Sparking Suspicious Scenarios: A Statistical Study on the Popularity of the Name Sarah and Arson in New Jersey with an abstract of This study investigates the potential association between the popularity of the first name Sarah and the occurrence of arson in the state of New Jersey. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services, we aimed to quantify the correlation between the frequency of the name Sarah and instances of arson from 1985 to 2022. Our analysis revealed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9851795, with a p-value less than 0.01, indicating a statistically significant relationship between the two variables. While causation cannot be inferred from our findings, one cannot help but wonder if there is a hotter trend of mischievous behavior among those bearing the name Sarah. Whether it be due to the fiery temperament associated with the name or sheer coincidence, this peculiar link between nomenclature and pyromania certainly ignites scholarly curiosity.

ChatGPT:

Sarah, first name popularity, arson, New Jersey, statistical study, correlation, US Social Security Administration, FBI Criminal Justice Information Services, name association, name frequency, pyromania, nomenclature, Sarah's Success, suspicious scenarios

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

Arson in New Jersey
Detailed data title: The arson rate per 100,000 residents in New Jersey
Source: FBI Criminal Justice Information Services
See what else correlates with Arson in New Jersey

Correlation r = 0.9851795 (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 = 0.9705787 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 97.1% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Arson in New Jersey) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Popularity of the first name Sarah) over the 38 years from 1985 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 0.99 in 0% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated
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inf random variables
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You don't actually need
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INF variables to find a correlation like this one.
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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.
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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 37 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 37 because we have two variables measured over a period of 38 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.

[ 0.97, 0.99 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
The confidence interval is an estimate the range of the value of the correlation coefficient, using the correlation itself as an input. The values are meant to be the low and high end of the correlation coefficient with 95% confidence.

This one is a bit more complciated than the other calculations, but I include it because many people have been pushing for confidence intervals instead of p-value calculations (for example: NEJM. However, if you are dredging data, you can reliably find yourself in the 5%. That's my goal!


All values for the years included above: If I were being very sneaky, I could trim years from the beginning or end of the datasets to increase the correlation on some pairs of variables. I don't do that because there are already plenty of correlations in my database without monkeying with the years.

Still, sometimes one of the variables has more years of data available than the other. This page only shows the overlapping years. To see all the years, click on "See what else correlates with..." link above.
19851986198719881989199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022
Popularity of the first name Sarah (Babies born)2498128278280042846027938258792526524689243002233921426210742073119918191281773815942147931380512804115651117410016906577986343557052074715471045394432403937743316306828552780
Arson in New Jersey (Arson rate)38.539.135.134.332.636.935.932.830.832.431.729.930.826.223.122.324.421.518.315.916.117.815.214.112.611.310.39.37.27.46.86.46.54.64.63.92.63.9




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.




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([24981,28278,28004,28460,27938,25879,25265,24689,24300,22339,21426,21074,20731,19918,19128,17738,15942,14793,13805,12804,11565,11174,10016,9065,7798,6343,5570,5207,4715,4710,4539,4432,4039,3774,3316,3068,2855,2780,])
array_2 = np.array([38.5,39.1,35.1,34.3,32.6,36.9,35.9,32.8,30.8,32.4,31.7,29.9,30.8,26.2,23.1,22.3,24.4,21.5,18.3,15.9,16.1,17.8,15.2,14.1,12.6,11.3,10.3,9.3,7.2,7.4,6.8,6.4,6.5,4.6,4.6,3.9,2.6,3.9,])
array_1_name = "Popularity of the first name Sarah"
array_2_name = "Arson in New Jersey"

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

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



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

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

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Correlation ID: 1646 · Black Variable ID: 1994 · Red Variable ID: 20057
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