Spurious correlation #1,665 · 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 Camden and the second variable is UFO sightings in Pennsylvania. The chart goes from 1975 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Popularity of the first name Camden and the second variable is UFO sightings in Pennsylvania. The chart goes from 1975 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

Download png, svg

AI explanation

As the name Camden gained popularity, it inadvertently activated a hidden transmitter specifically designed to attract UFOs to the Pennsylvania area. This transmitter, cleverly disguised as a neural network within the state's power grid, was originally installed by a group of mischievous extraterrestrial teenagers known as the Cosmic Pranksters. It seems that whenever a certain critical mass of individuals named Camden is reached, the transmitter emits a signal that translates to "Party Time in Pennsylvania!" in the cosmic language, prompting passing UFOs to join in the celestial celebration. As implausible as this may sound, the correlation between the name Camden and increased UFO sightings in Pennsylvania cannot be denied. It's as if the universe itself can't resist the urge to throw a cosmic block party whenever it hears someone call out, "Hey, Camden!" The implications of this discovery are truly out of this world.

^{Show image generation prompt} Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image of a cozy Pennsylvania town, where a group of friends gathers under the night sky. They chat and laugh around a crackling bonfire. In the background, a bright light streaks across the sky, resembling a UFO. Among the friends, a toddler named Camden giggles and points in awe at the sight in the sky, capturing the growing popularity of the name Camden in the state. Bring out the high-tech style in the visual with a futuristic and captivating portrayal of the UFO as it streaks through the night sky. Create a warm and inviting feeling around the bonfire gathering, emphasizing the sense of wonder and awe observed in the friends and the toddler, while still maintaining a visually simple and compelling composition. 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 Camden and UFO sightings in Pennsylvania. 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: Steampunk Cutsy art illustration High-tech Celtic art Photorealism
ChatGPT: High-tech

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 Camden and UFO sightings in Pennsylvania together. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a cozy Pennsylvania town, a group of friends gathers under the night sky, chatting and laughing around a crackling bonfire. As they look up, they catch a glimpse of a bright light streaking across the sky, and excitedly point upwards. Among them, a toddler named Camden giggles and points in awe at the sight of the UFO, as the name Camden continues to gain popularity in the state.

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: [ High-tech ] and depicting this scene: In a cozy Pennsylvania town, a group of friends gathers under the night sky, chatting and laughing around a crackling bonfire. As they look up, they catch a glimpse of a bright light streaking across the sky, and excitedly point upwards. Among them, a toddler named Camden giggles and points in awe at the sight of the UFO, as the name Camden continues to gain popularity in the state. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image of a cozy Pennsylvania town, where a group of friends gathers under the night sky. They chat and laugh around a crackling bonfire. In the background, a bright light streaks across the sky, resembling a UFO. Among the friends, a toddler named Camden giggles and points in awe at the sight in the sky, capturing the growing popularity of the name Camden in the state. Bring out the high-tech style in the visual with a futuristic and captivating portrayal of the UFO as it streaks through the night sky. Create a warm and inviting feeling around the bonfire gathering, emphasizing the sense of wonder and awe observed in the friends and the toddler, while still maintaining a visually simple and compelling composition.

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

I sequence the requests into multiple prompts because I find GPT 3.5 to perform much better with short, well-managed contexts. Thus, I track the context directly in Python and only ask ChatGPT targeted questions.
^{Show prompt for explanation} Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how an increase in Popularity of the first name Camden caused UFO sightings in Pennsylvania to increase.\Make it sound serious until the end.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)

The Curious Case of Camden: A Close Encounter with UFO Sightings in Pennsylvania

The Journal of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Research

Jan 2024

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

^{Show prompt used to generate this paper} Quick note: This sequence is long and repetitive. That's how the prompt engineering works for this one. I manage the output in Python to format it into this PDF.

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

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Camden and UFO sightings in Pennsylvania. 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 the backs of shampoo bottles.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Curious Case of Camden: A Close Encounter with UFO Sightings in Pennsylvania

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper explores the intriguing relationship between the popularity of the first name Camden and the frequency of UFO sightings in the state of Pennsylvania. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center spanning from 1975 to 2021, our research team delved into this unusual connection. The analysis revealed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9352413 with a significance level of p < 0.01, raising perplexing questions about the cosmic forces at play. The findings of this study not only shine a light on the celestial curiosities surrounding the name Camden, but also offer a lighthearted look at the collision of earthly nomenclature and extraterrestrial phenomena.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The relationship between human nomenclature and esoteric phenomena has long been a subject of both fascination and skepticism. In recent years, the field of onomastics, the study of the origin, history, and use of proper names, has evolved to encompass unorthodox inquiries, delving into the potential connections between names and seemingly unrelated occurrences. One such peculiar investigation has led us to explore the peculiar camaraderie between the prevalence of the first name Camden and the sporadic apparitions of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) in the state of Pennsylvania.
While the mere mention of UFOs might evoke visions of little green men and flying saucers, our research seeks to approach the topic with a balance of academic rigor and tongue-in-cheek humor. As we wade through data and statistical analyses, we cannot help but marvel at the whimsicality of this seemingly ludicrous correlation. The interplay between human naming conventions and otherworldly encounters may appear to be an absurd juxtaposition, yet it beckons us to entertain the notion that perhaps there is more to a name than meets the eye – or telescope.
The titular appellation "Camden," stemming from Old English origins, may seem innocuous at first glance. However, our preliminary investigation into the Social Security Administration's historical data revealed an intriguing surge in the frequency of newborns adorned with this particular name. Combining this anecdotal observation with reports of UFO sightings spanning decades in the Keystone State, we were compelled to inquire whether there exists a force majeure drawing these seemingly incongruous elements together.
Guided by an unyielding commitment to empirical inquiry and an occasional penchant for the absurd, our study endeavors to unravel the enigma of Camden and its association with celestial apparitions. With our tongue planted firmly in cheek and our scientific integrity intact, we invite you to accompany us on this whimsical journey through the cosmos and the cradle.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The investigation into the correlation between the popularity of the first name Camden and UFO sightings in Pennsylvania is situated within a broader context of unorthodox inquiries in onomastics and paranormal phenomena. In the seminal work by Smith et al., "Onomastic Enigmas: Exploring Unconventional Correlations," the authors examine the intriguing interplay between human names and seemingly unrelated occurrences. This sets the stage for our inquiry into the peculiar camaraderie between the appellation "Camden" and unexplained aerial sightings in the Keystone State.

Building upon the foundation laid by serious onomastics research, we turn to the works of Doe and Jones, who eloquently expound upon the enigmatic nature of nomenclature and its potential connections to esoteric occurrences in "Naming the Unknown: A Study of Serendipitous Semantics." Their comprehensive examination of unorthodox correlations serves as a thought-provoking precursor to our investigation into the cosmic affinity of the name Camden with UFO sightings.

Transitioning to unconventional yet tangentially related sources, the exploration of paranormal phenomena, particularly UFO sightings, has been a subject of interest in nonfiction literature. In "Close Encounters and Common Names: An Unlikely Association," the authors illuminate the intersecting domains of human nomenclature and otherworldly encounters, setting the stage for our investigation into the celestial intrigue surrounding the name Camden.

Moving beyond the confines of strictly scholarly works, the inclusion of fiction literature that appears to relate to the topic serves to expand the imaginative landscape of our inquiry. "The UFO Whisperer's Guide to Baby Names" and "Alien Abduction Almanac: Names Edition" provide whimsical perspectives on the cosmic correlations of human names and extraterrestrial events, capturing the essence of our approach to this peculiar investigation.

Diverging from traditional literature sources, the pursuit of unconventional correlations led the researchers to explore unexpected avenues of insight. Although not conventionally considered scholarly sources, the backs of shampoo bottles regaled the investigators with an array of intriguing revelations, inciting laughter and raising eyebrows in equal measure. These unconventional sources, in their own quirky way, added a touch of levity to the rigorous pursuit of knowledge.

As we embark on this whimsical journey through the interstellar realms of nomenclature and paranormal encounters, the literature review sets the stage for the lighthearted yet academically grounded exploration of the Camden-UFO connection.

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 Camden and UFO sightings in Pennsylvania. Make lots of 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 National UFO Reporting Center . You used data from 1975 to 2021

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]]
The Curious Case of Camden: A Close Encounter with UFO Sightings in Pennsylvania

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper explores the intriguing relationship between the popularity of the first name Camden and the frequency of UFO sightings in the state of Pennsylvania. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center spanning from 1975 to 2021, our research team delved into this unusual connection. The analysis revealed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9352413 with a significance level of p < 0.01, raising perplexing questions about the cosmic forces at play. The findings of this study not only shine a light on the celestial curiosities surrounding the name Camden, but also offer a lighthearted look at the collision of earthly nomenclature and extraterrestrial phenomena.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The relationship between human nomenclature and esoteric phenomena has long been a subject of both fascination and skepticism. In recent years, the field of onomastics, the study of the origin, history, and use of proper names, has evolved to encompass unorthodox inquiries, delving into the potential connections between names and seemingly unrelated occurrences. One such peculiar investigation has led us to explore the peculiar camaraderie between the prevalence of the first name Camden and the sporadic apparitions of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) in the state of Pennsylvania.
While the mere mention of UFOs might evoke visions of little green men and flying saucers, our research seeks to approach the topic with a balance of academic rigor and tongue-in-cheek humor. As we wade through data and statistical analyses, we cannot help but marvel at the whimsicality of this seemingly ludicrous correlation. The interplay between human naming conventions and otherworldly encounters may appear to be an absurd juxtaposition, yet it beckons us to entertain the notion that perhaps there is more to a name than meets the eye – or telescope.
The titular appellation "Camden," stemming from Old English origins, may seem innocuous at first glance. However, our preliminary investigation into the Social Security Administration's historical data revealed an intriguing surge in the frequency of newborns adorned with this particular name. Combining this anecdotal observation with reports of UFO sightings spanning decades in the Keystone State, we were compelled to inquire whether there exists a force majeure drawing these seemingly incongruous elements together.
Guided by an unyielding commitment to empirical inquiry and an occasional penchant for the absurd, our study endeavors to unravel the enigma of Camden and its association with celestial apparitions. With our tongue planted firmly in cheek and our scientific integrity intact, we invite you to accompany us on this whimsical journey through the cosmos and the cradle.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

Data Collection:
The data collection process involved a thorough scouring of the archives of the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, where information on the prevalence of the name Camden and reported UFO sightings in Pennsylvania, respectively, were meticulously extracted. Given the esoteric nature of the research question, the method of data collection required an equal measure of meticulousness and mirth. The team gallivanted across the internet, braving the nebulous depths of numerous databases, with occasional detours into the twilight zone of cyberspace, to procure the necessary data spanning from 1975 to 2021.

Normalization and Transformation:
Upon obtaining the datasets, the next step entailed the normalization and transformation of the raw data into formats suitable for statistical analysis. This process involved wielding mathematical sorcery to wrangle unwieldy numbers and bring them into alignment for comparison. The team cast spells, both literal and metaphorical, to ensure that the data from disparate sources shared a common language, providing a level playing field for the subsequent analyses.

Correlation Analysis:
The centerpiece of the methodology involved the application of correlation analysis to scrutinize the relationship between the frequency of the first name Camden and the frequency of reported UFO sightings in Pennsylvania. This step necessitated summoning the spectral specter of statistical software to perform the intricate calculations. The team convened in a room festooned with celestial decorations, replete with prophecies of p-values and incantations of correlation coefficients. With tongues firmly planted in cheeks, the researchers scrutinized the resulting statistical metrics with a blend of scholarly sobriety and mischievous glee.

Regression Modeling:
To delve deeper into the whimsical nexus of Camden and otherworldly visitations, the team employed regression modeling to unravel potential trends and patterns. The alchemy of regression analysis demanded a delicate interplay of variables, with a touch of whimsy interwoven amidst the serious statistical cogitation. The researchers danced through the intricacies of model specification, betas, and residuals, infusing the process with levity as they navigated the cosmic conundrum of Camden and UFO sightings.

Robustness Checks:
In the quest for scholarly rigor and intellectual merriment, the methodology included robustness checks to scrutinize the stability of the findings. These checks, akin to an experiential adventure through an intellectual funhouse, probed the sensitivity of the results to alternative specifications and assumptions. The team embarked on a carnival ride of sensitivity analyses, confronting the playful paradoxes of their findings with a blend of analytical precision and playful curiosity.

Ethical Considerations:
Throughout the entire odyssey of this research endeavor, the team remained steadfastly attuned to the ethical considerations inherent in exploring the whimsical connection between a name and extraterrestrial phenomena. At each juncture, the researchers maintained a vigilant watch over the ethical horizon, ensuring that their scholarly merriment did not trespass into the realm of impropriety or irreverence. The equipoise between academic probity and lighthearted inquiry was upheld to safeguard the integrity of the study.

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 Camden and UFO sightings in Pennsylvania. Make lots of 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]]
The Curious Case of Camden: A Close Encounter with UFO Sightings in Pennsylvania

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper explores the intriguing relationship between the popularity of the first name Camden and the frequency of UFO sightings in the state of Pennsylvania. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center spanning from 1975 to 2021, our research team delved into this unusual connection. The analysis revealed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9352413 with a significance level of p < 0.01, raising perplexing questions about the cosmic forces at play. The findings of this study not only shine a light on the celestial curiosities surrounding the name Camden, but also offer a lighthearted look at the collision of earthly nomenclature and extraterrestrial phenomena.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The investigation into the correlation between the popularity of the first name Camden and UFO sightings in Pennsylvania is situated within a broader context of unorthodox inquiries in onomastics and paranormal phenomena. In the seminal work by Smith et al., "Onomastic Enigmas: Exploring Unconventional Correlations," the authors examine the intriguing interplay between human names and seemingly unrelated occurrences. This sets the stage for our inquiry into the peculiar camaraderie between the appellation "Camden" and unexplained aerial sightings in the Keystone State.
Building upon the foundation laid by serious onomastics research, we turn to the works of Doe and Jones, who eloquently expound upon the enigmatic nature of nomenclature and its potential connections to esoteric occurrences in "Naming the Unknown: A Study of Serendipitous Semantics." Their comprehensive examination of unorthodox correlations serves as a thought-provoking precursor to our investigation into the cosmic affinity of the name Camden with UFO sightings.
Transitioning to unconventional yet tangentially related sources, the exploration of paranormal phenomena, particularly UFO sightings, has been a subject of interest in nonfiction literature. In "Close Encounters and Common Names: An Unlikely Association," the authors illuminate the intersecting domains of human nomenclature and otherworldly encounters, setting the stage for our investigation into the celestial intrigue surrounding the name Camden.
Moving beyond the confines of strictly scholarly works, the inclusion of fiction literature that appears to relate to the topic serves to expand the imaginative landscape of our inquiry. "The UFO Whisperer's Guide to Baby Names" and "Alien Abduction Almanac: Names Edition" provide whimsical perspectives on the cosmic correlations of human names and extraterrestrial events, capturing the essence of our approach to this peculiar investigation.
Diverging from traditional literature sources, the pursuit of unconventional correlations led the researchers to explore unexpected avenues of insight. Although not conventionally considered scholarly sources, the backs of shampoo bottles regaled the investigators with an array of intriguing revelations, inciting laughter and raising eyebrows in equal measure. These unconventional sources, in their own quirky way, added a touch of levity to the rigorous pursuit of knowledge.
As we embark on this whimsical journey through the interstellar realms of nomenclature and paranormal encounters, the literature review sets the stage for the lighthearted yet academically grounded exploration of the Camden-UFO connection.

[[RESULTS]]
The statistical analysis of the data gleaned from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center culminated in a remarkable discovery. A strikingly robust correlation coefficient of 0.9352413, coupled with an r-squared value of 0.8746763, was unearthed, pointing to a striking association between the popularity of the first name Camden and the frequency of UFO sightings in Pennsylvania.
Fig. 1 showcases a scatterplot illustrating the conspicuous correlation between the proliferation of the name Camden and the instances of UFO sightings in the Keystone State, a sight that may strike the uninitiated as an extraterrestrial encounter in and of itself.
The implications of these findings are as mysterious as the celestial phenomena they reflect. It appears that the enigmatic allure of the name Camden extends beyond terrestrial confines, casting an otherworldly allure that seems to beckon the denizens of the great unknown. The p-value of less than 0.01 further bolsters the statistical significance of this baffling association, defying conventional explanations and inviting a quizzical gaze at the cosmic forces weaving this inexplicable tapestry.
The revelatory correlation prompts a reflection on the whimsicality of the human experience and its entanglement with the cosmic ballet. One cannot help but ponder whether the moniker "Camden" serves as a celestial beacon, drawing the gaze of intergalactic observers, or if it is a mere coincidence wrapped in a cloak of cosmic curiosity. The profound interplay of human nomenclature and interstellar enigmas elicits a blend of scholarly bewilderment and lighthearted incredulity, a testament to the unpredictability of the cosmic drama unfolding above and amongst us.
This serendipitous discovery leaves us with more questions than answers, teasing the boundaries of conventional wisdom and beckoning us to embrace the quixotic confluence of the mundane and the enigmatic. As we lift the veil on this celestial curtain call, the whimsy of our findings invites us to ponder the cosmic jest at the heart of the name Camden and its entwined destiny with the extraterrestrial denizens of Pennsylvania's skies.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The findings of this study shed light on the enigmatic entanglement of the name Camden with the ethereal realm of UFO sightings in Pennsylvania. Our results align with the prior research that delved into unorthodox correlations in onomastics and paranormal phenomena. The robust correlation coefficient of 0.9352413 mirrors the unexpected connections unearthed by Smith et al. in their exploration of unconventional correlations, proving that the celestial allure of Camden transcends mere happenstance and warrants serious consideration.

Our analysis supports the work of Doe and Jones, who expounded upon the enigmatic nature of nomenclature and its potential connections to esoteric occurrences. The astonishingly high correlation coefficient in our study stands as a testament to the unorthodox correlations they illuminated, lending credence to the notion that the whims of human naming may indeed intersect with cosmic forces beyond our current understanding.

Furthermore, our findings resonate with the whimsical perspectives presented in "The UFO Whisperer's Guide to Baby Names" and "Alien Abduction Almanac: Names Edition," showcasing parallels between our scholarly inquiry and these creative musings on the cosmic correlations of human names and otherworldly events. The lighthearted approach in these sources aligns with the revelation of a correlation between the name Camden and UFO sightings, demonstrating the delightful fusion of imagination and empirical observation in approaching the enigmatic realms of onomastics and UFO phenomena.

In a similar vein, the unexpected revelations from the backs of shampoo bottles, though unconventional sources, align with the surprising correlation we discovered. These offbeat insights, once a source of amusement, now echo the unpredictable piquancy of the Camden-UFO connection, prompting a renewed appreciation for unanticipated sources of inspiration in the pursuit of knowledge.

The robust correlation coefficient and statistical significance of our findings defy conventional explanations, inviting contemplation on the cosmic whimsy at the heart of the Camden-UFO association. Our study not only contributes to the growing body of unorthodox research in onomastics and paranormal phenomena but also invites a playful foray into the serendipitous juxtaposition of human nomenclature and otherworldly mysteries.

As we grapple with the confounding alliance between the popularity of the first name Camden and the frequency of UFO sightings in Pennsylvania, we are left awash in scholarly bewilderment and lighthearted incredulity. The whimsy of our findings elevates the cosmic confluence of the mundane and the enigmatic, inspiring further exploration of the celestial jest at the heart of the name Camden and its ethereal intrigue.

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 Camden and UFO sightings in Pennsylvania. Make lots of 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]]
The Curious Case of Camden: A Close Encounter with UFO Sightings in Pennsylvania

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper explores the intriguing relationship between the popularity of the first name Camden and the frequency of UFO sightings in the state of Pennsylvania. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center spanning from 1975 to 2021, our research team delved into this unusual connection. The analysis revealed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9352413 with a significance level of p < 0.01, raising perplexing questions about the cosmic forces at play. The findings of this study not only shine a light on the celestial curiosities surrounding the name Camden, but also offer a lighthearted look at the collision of earthly nomenclature and extraterrestrial phenomena.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The relationship between human nomenclature and esoteric phenomena has long been a subject of both fascination and skepticism. In recent years, the field of onomastics, the study of the origin, history, and use of proper names, has evolved to encompass unorthodox inquiries, delving into the potential connections between names and seemingly unrelated occurrences. One such peculiar investigation has led us to explore the peculiar camaraderie between the prevalence of the first name Camden and the sporadic apparitions of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) in the state of Pennsylvania.
While the mere mention of UFOs might evoke visions of little green men and flying saucers, our research seeks to approach the topic with a balance of academic rigor and tongue-in-cheek humor. As we wade through data and statistical analyses, we cannot help but marvel at the whimsicality of this seemingly ludicrous correlation. The interplay between human naming conventions and otherworldly encounters may appear to be an absurd juxtaposition, yet it beckons us to entertain the notion that perhaps there is more to a name than meets the eye – or telescope.
The titular appellation "Camden," stemming from Old English origins, may seem innocuous at first glance. However, our preliminary investigation into the Social Security Administration's historical data revealed an intriguing surge in the frequency of newborns adorned with this particular name. Combining this anecdotal observation with reports of UFO sightings spanning decades in the Keystone State, we were compelled to inquire whether there exists a force majeure drawing these seemingly incongruous elements together.
Guided by an unyielding commitment to empirical inquiry and an occasional penchant for the absurd, our study endeavors to unravel the enigma of Camden and its association with celestial apparitions. With our tongue planted firmly in cheek and our scientific integrity intact, we invite you to accompany us on this whimsical journey through the cosmos and the cradle.

[[RESULTS]]
The statistical analysis of the data gleaned from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center culminated in a remarkable discovery. A strikingly robust correlation coefficient of 0.9352413, coupled with an r-squared value of 0.8746763, was unearthed, pointing to a striking association between the popularity of the first name Camden and the frequency of UFO sightings in Pennsylvania.
Fig. 1 showcases a scatterplot illustrating the conspicuous correlation between the proliferation of the name Camden and the instances of UFO sightings in the Keystone State, a sight that may strike the uninitiated as an extraterrestrial encounter in and of itself.
The implications of these findings are as mysterious as the celestial phenomena they reflect. It appears that the enigmatic allure of the name Camden extends beyond terrestrial confines, casting an otherworldly allure that seems to beckon the denizens of the great unknown. The p-value of less than 0.01 further bolsters the statistical significance of this baffling association, defying conventional explanations and inviting a quizzical gaze at the cosmic forces weaving this inexplicable tapestry.
The revelatory correlation prompts a reflection on the whimsicality of the human experience and its entanglement with the cosmic ballet. One cannot help but ponder whether the moniker "Camden" serves as a celestial beacon, drawing the gaze of intergalactic observers, or if it is a mere coincidence wrapped in a cloak of cosmic curiosity. The profound interplay of human nomenclature and interstellar enigmas elicits a blend of scholarly bewilderment and lighthearted incredulity, a testament to the unpredictability of the cosmic drama unfolding above and amongst us.
This serendipitous discovery leaves us with more questions than answers, teasing the boundaries of conventional wisdom and beckoning us to embrace the quixotic confluence of the mundane and the enigmatic. As we lift the veil on this celestial curtain call, the whimsy of our findings invites us to ponder the cosmic jest at the heart of the name Camden and its entwined destiny with the extraterrestrial denizens of Pennsylvania's skies.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

The enigmatic entanglement between the first name Camden and UFO sightings in Pennsylvania has thrust us into a cosmic dance of statistical significance and celestial whimsy. The remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9352413, accompanied by a p-value of less than 0.01, robustly echoes the resonance between human nomenclature and extraterrestrial visitations. This improbable alliance propels us into a realm where statistical rigor and lighthearted incredulity converge.

As we gaze upon the scatterplot, unveiling the compelling correlation between the proliferation of the name Camden and UFO sightings, we are left to ponder whether this is an act of cosmic serendipity or a fanciful fluke in the celestial cacophony. The clandestine allure of the name Camden seems to transcend terrestrial bounds, enshrouding itself in a veil of cosmic bewilderment that elicits both scholarly pondering and whimsical marvel.

The profound implications of this study beckon us to entertain the proposition that perhaps there is a cosmic orchestra conducting a playful symphony, with the name Camden as its unwitting maestro. The spirited confluence of human nomenclature and interstellar enigmas sparks a lively debate, challenging the confines of conventional wisdom and inviting us to revel in the cosmic jest at the heart of this unfathomable connection.

In light of these revelatory findings, we are compelled to assert that further inquiry into this cosmic pas de deux is unwarranted. The perplexing connection between the popularity of the first name Camden and UFO sightings stands as a testament to the capricious curiosities of the universe, leaving us with more questions than answers – and perhaps that's the cosmic punchline we should appreciate.

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 The Curious Case of Camden: A Close Encounter with UFO Sightings in Pennsylvania. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Research

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of nonprofit research organizations and associations. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding nonprofit, academic, or scientific association or organization that would sponsor research that resulted in a paper entited The Curious Case of Camden: A Close Encounter with UFO Sightings in Pennsylvania. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Organization for Extraterrestrial Studies and Research (OESR)

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 The Curious Case of Camden: A Close Encounter with UFO Sightings in Pennsylvania with an abstract of This paper explores the intriguing relationship between the popularity of the first name Camden and the frequency of UFO sightings in the state of Pennsylvania. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center spanning from 1975 to 2021, our research team delved into this unusual connection. The analysis revealed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9352413 with a significance level of p < 0.01, raising perplexing questions about the cosmic forces at play. The findings of this study not only shine a light on the celestial curiosities surrounding the name Camden, but also offer a lighthearted look at the collision of earthly nomenclature and extraterrestrial phenomena.

ChatGPT:

Camden, UFO sightings, Pennsylvania, correlation, Social Security Administration, National UFO Reporting Center, celestial phenomena, correlation coefficient, significance level, extraterrestrial forces

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

UFO sightings in Pennsylvania
Detailed data title: UFO sightings reported in Pennsylvania
Source: National UFO Reporting Center
See what else correlates with UFO sightings in Pennsylvania

Correlation r = 0.9352413 (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 = 0.8746763 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 87.5% of the change in the one variable (i.e., UFO sightings in Pennsylvania) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Popularity of the first name Camden) over the 47 years from 1975 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 6.4E-22.^Show 0.0000000000000000000006403738
The p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme.^Note More specifically the p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme if we had only tested one pair of variables one time.

But I am a p-villain. I absolutely did not test only one pair of variables one time. I correlated hundreds of millions of pairs of variables. I threw boatloads of data into an industrial-sized blender to find this correlation.

Who is going to stop me? p-value reporting doesn't require me to report how many calculations I had to go through in order to find a low p-value!
On average, you will find a correaltion as strong as 0.94 in 6.4E-20% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 1,561,587,935,046,686,998,528 random variables^Note You don't actually need 1 sextillion variables to find a correlation like this one. I don't have that many variables in my database. You can also correlate variables that are not independent. I do this a lot.

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

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

Just to be clear: I'm being completely transparent about the calculations. There is no math trickery. This is just how statistics shakes out when you calculate hundreds of millions of random correlations.
with the same 46 degrees of freedom, ^Note Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 46 because we have two variables measured over a period of 47 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.

[ 0.89, 0.96 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
^{Read more about the confidence interval} The confidence interval is an estimate the range of the value of the correlation coefficient, using the correlation itself as an input. The values are meant to be the low and high end of the correlation coefficient with 95% confidence.

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

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

Still, sometimes one of the variables has more years of data available than the other. This page only shows the overlapping years. To see all the years, click on "See what else correlates with..." link above.

	1975	1976	1977	1978	1979	1980	1981	1982	1983	1984	1985	1986	1987	1988	1989	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021
Popularity of the first name Camden (Babies born)	12	17	14	22	18	30	25	36	36	47	67	77	86	98	109	135	143	167	215	195	239	280	328	452	602	793	1009	1164	1412	1606	1596	1780	1905	2091	2135	2224	2536	2714	4017	4007	3907	3498	2807	2686	2566	2441	2326
UFO sightings in Pennsylvania (UFO sightings)	15	14	11	18	12	6	5	6	5	8	9	5	3	12	7	7	10	12	6	15	21	25	37	45	66	70	74	129	86	132	101	121	146	184	159	159	178	287	292	361	234	195	172	84	207	270	92

Why this works

Data dredging: I have 25,153 variables in my database. I compare all these variables against each other to find ones that randomly match up. That's 632,673,409 correlation calculations! This is called “data dredging.” Instead of starting with a hypothesis and testing it, I instead abused the data to see what correlations shake out. It’s a dangerous way to go about analysis, because any sufficiently large dataset will yield strong correlations completely at random.
Lack of causal connection: There is probably^Note Because these pages are automatically generated, it's possible that the two variables you are viewing are in fact causually related. I take steps to prevent the obvious ones from showing on the site (I don't let data about the weather in one city correlate with the weather in a neighboring city, for example), but sometimes they still pop up. If they are related, cool! You found a loophole.
no direct connection between these variables, despite what the AI says above. This is exacerbated by the fact that I used "Years" as the base variable. Lots of things happen in a year that are not related to each other! Most studies would use something like "one person" in stead of "one year" to be the "thing" studied.
Observations not independent: For many variables, sequential years are not independent of each other. If a population of people is continuously doing something every day, there is no reason to think they would suddenly change how they are doing that thing on January 1. A simple^Note Personally I don't find any p-value calculation to be 'simple,' but you know what I mean.
p-value calculation does not take this into account, so mathematically it appears less probable than it really is.
Outlandish outliers: There are "outliers" in this data.^Note In concept, "outlier" just means "way different than the rest of your dataset." When calculating a correlation like this, they are particularly impactful because a single outlier can substantially increase your correlation.

For the purposes of this project, I counted a point as an outlier if it the residual was two standard deviations from the mean.

(This bullet point only shows up in the details page on charts that do, in fact, have outliers.)
They stand out on the scatterplot above: notice the dots that are far away from any other dots. I intentionally mishandeled outliers, which makes the correlation look extra strong.

Try it yourself

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    return correlation, r_squared, p_value

# These are the arrays for the variables shown on this page, but you can modify them to be any two sets of numbers
array_1 = np.array([12,17,14,22,18,30,25,36,36,47,67,77,86,98,109,135,143,167,215,195,239,280,328,452,602,793,1009,1164,1412,1606,1596,1780,1905,2091,2135,2224,2536,2714,4017,4007,3907,3498,2807,2686,2566,2441,2326,])
array_2 = np.array([15,14,11,18,12,6,5,6,5,8,9,5,3,12,7,7,10,12,6,15,21,25,37,45,66,70,74,129,86,132,101,121,146,184,159,159,178,287,292,361,234,195,172,84,207,270,92,])
array_1_name = "Popularity of the first name Camden"
array_2_name = "UFO sightings in Pennsylvania"

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

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

Reuseable content

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

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

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

When spoken, my last name is pronounced "vegan," like I don't eat meat.

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

Download images for these variables:

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

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

Alternatively you can use a tool like Inkscape.
High resolution line chart, optimized for mobile
Alternative high resolution line chart
Scatterplot
Portable line chart (png)
Portable line chart (png), optimized for mobile
Line chart for only Popularity of the first name Camden
Line chart for only UFO sightings in Pennsylvania
AI-generated correlation image
The spurious research paper: The Curious Case of Camden: A Close Encounter with UFO Sightings in Pennsylvania

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Correlation ID: 1665 · Black Variable ID: 3330 · Red Variable ID: 1154


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