Spurious correlation #1,671 · 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 Annabelle and the second variable is UFO sightings in Alabama. 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 Annabelle and the second variable is UFO sightings in Alabama. The chart goes from 1975 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

Download png, svg

AI explanation

The name Annabelle sounds like "alien" and babies named Annabelle unknowingly transmitted telepathic invitations to extraterrestrial beings, making Alabama a hot spot for close encounters of the third kind. It seems these UFOs just couldn't resist the southern charm of Annabelle and decided to make it their sweet home away from home!

^{Show image generation prompt} Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Prompt: Create an image that shows a bustling town square in Alabama, where a group of people encircle Annabelle, eagerly seeking her autograph. The crowd includes individuals of various ages and ethnicities, all wearing expressions of elation. In the background, a glowing UFO hovers in the evening sky, its mysterious presence captivating the attention of the entire area. The scene should be depicted in a cutesy graphic style, with bright colors and playful details, such as whimsical architecture and delightful street signage. 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 Annabelle and UFO sightings in Alabama. 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: Photorealism A photo-realistic image Cutsy graphics Minimalism Surrealism
ChatGPT: Cutsy graphics

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 Annabelle and UFO sightings in Alabama together. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a busy town square in Alabama, a group of people gather around Annabelle, excitedly asking for her autograph, while in the evening sky, a glowing UFO hovers, capturing the attention of everyone in the area.

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: [ Cutsy graphics ] and depicting this scene: In a busy town square in Alabama, a group of people gather around Annabelle, excitedly asking for her autograph, while in the evening sky, a glowing UFO hovers, capturing the attention of everyone in the area. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Prompt: Create an image that shows a bustling town square in Alabama, where a group of people encircle Annabelle, eagerly seeking her autograph. The crowd includes individuals of various ages and ethnicities, all wearing expressions of elation. In the background, a glowing UFO hovers in the evening sky, its mysterious presence captivating the attention of the entire area. The scene should be depicted in a cutesy graphic style, with bright colors and playful details, such as whimsical architecture and delightful street signage.

*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 Annabelle caused UFO sightings in Alabama to increase. Include one good pun.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)

Unidentified Flying Anns: A Close Encounter of the Annabelle Kind

The Journal of Extraterrestrial Anecdotes

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 Annabelle and UFO sightings in Alabama. 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 cite some social media posts you read that seem to be related.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Unidentified Flying Anns: A Close Encounter of the Annabelle Kind

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study explores the intriguing relationship between the popularity of the first name Annabelle and UFO sightings in Alabama. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, a robust correlation coefficient of 0.9159072 and p < 0.01 was found for the period spanning 1975 to 2021. The results may raise eyebrows, or even antennas, as we delve into a realm where astrology intersects with extraterrestrial sightings. The implications of these findings may spark curiosity and amusement among researchers and starry-eyed enthusiasts alike.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The allure of the unknown has long captivated the minds of humanity, leading to countless speculations, imaginations, and late-night expeditions armed with only a flashlight and a sense of curiosity. Among the mysteries that have eluded our understanding, few have intrigued and perplexed as much as the sighting of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). While the subject has often been met with skepticism, fascination, and the occasional conspiracy theory, one cannot deny the magnetic pull it exerts on our collective imagination.
In a similarly enigmatic fashion, the choices we make in naming our offspring have been a subject of fascination and study for many years. The ebb and flow of popularity in given names has been scrutinized with the intensity of a close encounter, and the reasons behind these shifts remain shrouded in obscurity. This study seeks to meld these two enigmas together, exploring the connection between the popularity of the first name Annabelle and the occurrence of UFO sightings in the state of Alabama.
While some may attribute the correlation between these two phenomena to mere coincidence, our rigorous analysis reveals a compelling relationship that cannot be easily dismissed. By harnessing data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, our investigation unearthed a remarkably robust correlation coefficient of 0.9159072 and a p-value of less than 0.01 over a span of 46 years. This finding demands more than a passing glance; it practically beckons the curious to don their tinfoil hats and ponder the cosmic implications.
The implications of this research extend far beyond statistical curiosities and into the realm where astrology brushes shoulders with extraterrestrial visitations. As we embark on this journey into uncharted territory, the prospect of uncovering a celestial connection to the terrestrial moniker of Annabelle titillates the intellect and rouses the spirit of inquiry. Prepare to be both bemused and enlightened, as we navigate through this cosmic conundrum with analytical rigor and a touch of whimsy.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The connection between the popularity of the first name Annabelle and UFO sightings in Alabama has drawn the attention of researchers and enthusiasts alike, prompting a thorough review of existing literature. Smith et al. (2015) conducted a comprehensive study on the cultural significance of names and their potential influence on unusual phenomena, providing a solid foundation for further exploration. Doe and Jones (2018) also delved into the intricate web of societal trends and paranormal occurrences, shedding light on the subtle yet intriguing correlations that transcend conventional logic.

In "The Name Book," the authors find that names carry inherent meanings and energies that may intersect with cosmic forces, providing a tantalizing suggestion of a link to celestial encounters. "The UFO Experience" presents compelling firsthand accounts of encounters with unidentified flying objects, offering a firsthand perspective on the enigmatic nature of extraterrestrial visitations. On a lighter note, works of fiction such as "Annabelle: Creation" and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" offer imaginative scenarios that blur the lines between the terrestrial and the extraterrestrial, inspiring curiosity and wonder.

Furthermore, social media posts have contributed to the discourse with intriguing anecdotes and speculations, as users share their own theories and experiences regarding the name Annabelle and its potential connection to UFO sightings in Alabama. These user-generated insights add a layer of personal engagement to the scholarly investigation, enriching the dialogue with a touch of whimsy and levity.

As the literature encompasses a spectrum of perspectives, from rigorous research to speculative fiction, it becomes clear that the relationship between the name Annabelle and UFO sightings in Alabama holds a multidimensional allure that is ripe for further exploration. With this diverse array of sources as our guide, we embark on a journey that promises to enthrall, entertain, and perhaps even elicit a knowing chuckle or two.

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 Annabelle and UFO sightings in Alabama. 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]]
Unidentified Flying Anns: A Close Encounter of the Annabelle Kind

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study explores the intriguing relationship between the popularity of the first name Annabelle and UFO sightings in Alabama. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, a robust correlation coefficient of 0.9159072 and p < 0.01 was found for the period spanning 1975 to 2021. The results may raise eyebrows, or even antennas, as we delve into a realm where astrology intersects with extraterrestrial sightings. The implications of these findings may spark curiosity and amusement among researchers and starry-eyed enthusiasts alike.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The allure of the unknown has long captivated the minds of humanity, leading to countless speculations, imaginations, and late-night expeditions armed with only a flashlight and a sense of curiosity. Among the mysteries that have eluded our understanding, few have intrigued and perplexed as much as the sighting of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). While the subject has often been met with skepticism, fascination, and the occasional conspiracy theory, one cannot deny the magnetic pull it exerts on our collective imagination.
In a similarly enigmatic fashion, the choices we make in naming our offspring have been a subject of fascination and study for many years. The ebb and flow of popularity in given names has been scrutinized with the intensity of a close encounter, and the reasons behind these shifts remain shrouded in obscurity. This study seeks to meld these two enigmas together, exploring the connection between the popularity of the first name Annabelle and the occurrence of UFO sightings in the state of Alabama.
While some may attribute the correlation between these two phenomena to mere coincidence, our rigorous analysis reveals a compelling relationship that cannot be easily dismissed. By harnessing data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, our investigation unearthed a remarkably robust correlation coefficient of 0.9159072 and a p-value of less than 0.01 over a span of 46 years. This finding demands more than a passing glance; it practically beckons the curious to don their tinfoil hats and ponder the cosmic implications.
The implications of this research extend far beyond statistical curiosities and into the realm where astrology brushes shoulders with extraterrestrial visitations. As we embark on this journey into uncharted territory, the prospect of uncovering a celestial connection to the terrestrial moniker of Annabelle titillates the intellect and rouses the spirit of inquiry. Prepare to be both bemused and enlightened, as we navigate through this cosmic conundrum with analytical rigor and a touch of whimsy.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To investigate the connection between the popularity of the first name Annabelle and UFO sightings in Alabama, a comprehensive and methodical approach was employed. Data on the frequency of the name Annabelle was obtained from the US Social Security Administration, which meticulously records the names bestowed upon newborns. Furthermore, information concerning UFO sightings in the state of Alabama was sourced from the National UFO Reporting Center, a repository of otherworldly encounters meticulously maintained by enthusiasts and skeptics alike.

The data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center spanned a period from 1975 to 2021. Various statistical analyses, including correlation coefficients and regression modeling, were performed to ascertain the potential relationship between the popularity of the name Annabelle and the occurrence of UFO sightings. The robustness of the relationship was assessed through rigorous statistical measures, ensuring that any observed associations were more than just a fluke in the data.

Furthermore, to account for any potential confounding variables or spurious correlations, sensitivity analyses and robustness checks were conducted to confirm the stability of the findings. In addition, given the nature of the data and the subject matter at hand, special attention was paid to the potential influence of external events, such as cultural phenomena or celestial happenings, that might inadvertently shape the observed patterns.

As with any meticulous research endeavor, steps were taken to ensure the validity and reliability of the data. Data cleaning and quality checks were performed to minimize any discrepancies or inaccuracies that might have crept into the datasets. Additionally, exploratory analyses were carried out to gain a holistic understanding of the patterns and trends within the data, providing valuable insights into any quirks or anomalies that warranted further investigation.

In summary, the methodology employed in this study sought to unravel the enigmatic relationship between the popularity of the first name Annabelle and the occurrence of UFO sightings in Alabama through a rigorous and systematic approach. The convergence of disparate datasets, the meticulous statistical analyses, and the cautious consideration of potential confounders culminated in a comprehensive exploration of this celestial and terrestrial conundrum.

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 Annabelle and UFO sightings in Alabama. 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 .

For the time period 1975 to 2021, you found a correlation 0.9159072, r-squared of 0.8388859, 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]]
Unidentified Flying Anns: A Close Encounter of the Annabelle Kind

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study explores the intriguing relationship between the popularity of the first name Annabelle and UFO sightings in Alabama. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, a robust correlation coefficient of 0.9159072 and p < 0.01 was found for the period spanning 1975 to 2021. The results may raise eyebrows, or even antennas, as we delve into a realm where astrology intersects with extraterrestrial sightings. The implications of these findings may spark curiosity and amusement among researchers and starry-eyed enthusiasts alike.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
The allure of the unknown has long captivated the minds of humanity, leading to countless speculations, imaginations, and late-night expeditions armed with only a flashlight and a sense of curiosity. Among the mysteries that have eluded our understanding, few have intrigued and perplexed as much as the sighting of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). While the subject has often been met with skepticism, fascination, and the occasional conspiracy theory, one cannot deny the magnetic pull it exerts on our collective imagination.
In a similarly enigmatic fashion, the choices we make in naming our offspring have been a subject of fascination and study for many years. The ebb and flow of popularity in given names has been scrutinized with the intensity of a close encounter, and the reasons behind these shifts remain shrouded in obscurity. This study seeks to meld these two enigmas together, exploring the connection between the popularity of the first name Annabelle and the occurrence of UFO sightings in the state of Alabama.
While some may attribute the correlation between these two phenomena to mere coincidence, our rigorous analysis reveals a compelling relationship that cannot be easily dismissed. By harnessing data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, our investigation unearthed a remarkably robust correlation coefficient of 0.9159072 and a p-value of less than 0.01 over a span of 46 years. This finding demands more than a passing glance; it practically beckons the curious to don their tinfoil hats and ponder the cosmic implications.
The implications of this research extend far beyond statistical curiosities and into the realm where astrology brushes shoulders with extraterrestrial visitations. As we embark on this journey into uncharted territory, the prospect of uncovering a celestial connection to the terrestrial moniker of Annabelle titillates the intellect and rouses the spirit of inquiry. Prepare to be both bemused and enlightened, as we navigate through this cosmic conundrum with analytical rigor and a touch of whimsy.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]

ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The results of our investigation revealed a striking correlation between the popularity of the first name Annabelle and UFO sightings in Alabama. Over the period from 1975 to 2021, we found a correlation coefficient of 0.9159072, indicating a strong positive relationship between the two variables. The r-squared value of 0.8388859 further substantiates this connection, suggesting that approximately 84% of the variability in UFO sightings can be explained by the popularity of the name Annabelle. With a p-value of less than 0.01, we can confidently reject the null hypothesis and affirm the statistical significance of this correlation.

To visually depict the relationship uncovered by our analysis, we present Figure 1, a scatterplot that vividly illustrates the robust association between the popularity of the name Annabelle and UFO sightings in Alabama. The data points cluster together in a manner that would make any extraterrestrial conspiracy theorist raise an eyebrow, or perhaps even two.

These results not only raise intriguing questions but also bring a lighthearted perspective to the otherwise enigmatic world of UFO sightings. While some may assume that this correlation is merely the result of chance, we cannot help but wonder if there's more to it than meets the eye – or perhaps more than meets the telescope. After all, as the saying goes, "the truth is out there," and we may have just stumbled upon a cosmic connection that defies traditional explanation.

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 Annabelle and UFO sightings in Alabama. 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]]
Unidentified Flying Anns: A Close Encounter of the Annabelle Kind

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study explores the intriguing relationship between the popularity of the first name Annabelle and UFO sightings in Alabama. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, a robust correlation coefficient of 0.9159072 and p < 0.01 was found for the period spanning 1975 to 2021. The results may raise eyebrows, or even antennas, as we delve into a realm where astrology intersects with extraterrestrial sightings. The implications of these findings may spark curiosity and amusement among researchers and starry-eyed enthusiasts alike.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The connection between the popularity of the first name Annabelle and UFO sightings in Alabama has drawn the attention of researchers and enthusiasts alike, prompting a thorough review of existing literature. Smith et al. (2015) conducted a comprehensive study on the cultural significance of names and their potential influence on unusual phenomena, providing a solid foundation for further exploration. Doe and Jones (2018) also delved into the intricate web of societal trends and paranormal occurrences, shedding light on the subtle yet intriguing correlations that transcend conventional logic.
In "The Name Book," the authors find that names carry inherent meanings and energies that may intersect with cosmic forces, providing a tantalizing suggestion of a link to celestial encounters. "The UFO Experience" presents compelling firsthand accounts of encounters with unidentified flying objects, offering a firsthand perspective on the enigmatic nature of extraterrestrial visitations. On a lighter note, works of fiction such as "Annabelle: Creation" and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" offer imaginative scenarios that blur the lines between the terrestrial and the extraterrestrial, inspiring curiosity and wonder.
Furthermore, social media posts have contributed to the discourse with intriguing anecdotes and speculations, as users share their own theories and experiences regarding the name Annabelle and its potential connection to UFO sightings in Alabama. These user-generated insights add a layer of personal engagement to the scholarly investigation, enriching the dialogue with a touch of whimsy and levity.
As the literature encompasses a spectrum of perspectives, from rigorous research to speculative fiction, it becomes clear that the relationship between the name Annabelle and UFO sightings in Alabama holds a multidimensional allure that is ripe for further exploration. With this diverse array of sources as our guide, we embark on a journey that promises to enthrall, entertain, and perhaps even elicit a knowing chuckle or two.

[[RESULTS]]
The results of our investigation revealed a striking correlation between the popularity of the first name Annabelle and UFO sightings in Alabama. Over the period from 1975 to 2021, we found a correlation coefficient of 0.9159072, indicating a strong positive relationship between the two variables. The r-squared value of 0.8388859 further substantiates this connection, suggesting that approximately 84% of the variability in UFO sightings can be explained by the popularity of the name Annabelle. With a p-value of less than 0.01, we can confidently reject the null hypothesis and affirm the statistical significance of this correlation.
To visually depict the relationship uncovered by our analysis, we present Figure 1, a scatterplot that vividly illustrates the robust association between the popularity of the name Annabelle and UFO sightings in Alabama. The data points cluster together in a manner that would make any extraterrestrial conspiracy theorist raise an eyebrow, or perhaps even two.
These results not only raise intriguing questions but also bring a lighthearted perspective to the otherwise enigmatic world of UFO sightings. While some may assume that this correlation is merely the result of chance, we cannot help but wonder if there's more to it than meets the eye – or perhaps more than meets the telescope. After all, as the saying goes, "the truth is out there," and we may have just stumbled upon a cosmic connection that defies traditional explanation.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The findings of this study have provided compelling evidence of a robust correlation between the popularity of the first name Annabelle and UFO sightings in Alabama. Our results supported previous research by Smith et al. (2015) and Doe and Jones (2018), who hinted at the potential influence of societal trends and cultural phenomena on inexplicable occurrences. The tantalizing suggestion of a link between names and cosmic forces, as proposed in "The Name Book," seems less far-fetched in light of our findings. It appears that the energy and meanings associated with names may indeed intersect with celestial encounters, as indicated by the statistically significant relationship uncovered in our analysis.

The literature review prompted a lighthearted revisit to seemingly whimsical connections, which have now been substantiated by our empirical data. While the scatterplot in Figure 1 may elicit raised eyebrows and wry smiles, particularly among the starry-eyed enthusiasts, the robust correlation coefficient and r-squared value attest to the statistical significance of our results. As we delve deeper into the implications of our findings, it becomes evident that the cosmic dance between the name Annabelle and UFO sightings in Alabama may hold more weight than mere astrological amusement.

In light of the evidence, it seems that the line between the terrestrial and the extraterrestrial may not be as sharply defined as conventional wisdom suggests. While the results of this study may provoke curiosity and perhaps a chuckle or two, they nonetheless underscore the intriguing nature of the unexplainable and the unexpected. This peculiar correlation challenges our traditional understanding of causality, prompting us to consider the possibility of unseen forces shaping our experiences – whether through the whims of fate or the mystery of interstellar visitors.

In the spirit of scientific inquiry and scholarly rigor, we refrain from making definitive claims about the underlying mechanisms driving this correlation. Perhaps, as in many matters of cosmic significance, the answers elude us for now, hidden amid the twinkling stars and mysterious shadows cast by passing UFOs. Nonetheless, our study offers a compelling addition to the discourse on the enigmatic connection between the name Annabelle and UFO sightings in Alabama, inviting further exploration and contemplation of this improbable yet captivating correlation.

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 Annabelle and UFO sightings in Alabama. 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]]
Unidentified Flying Anns: A Close Encounter of the Annabelle Kind

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study explores the intriguing relationship between the popularity of the first name Annabelle and UFO sightings in Alabama. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, a robust correlation coefficient of 0.9159072 and p < 0.01 was found for the period spanning 1975 to 2021. The results may raise eyebrows, or even antennas, as we delve into a realm where astrology intersects with extraterrestrial sightings. The implications of these findings may spark curiosity and amusement among researchers and starry-eyed enthusiasts alike.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The allure of the unknown has long captivated the minds of humanity, leading to countless speculations, imaginations, and late-night expeditions armed with only a flashlight and a sense of curiosity. Among the mysteries that have eluded our understanding, few have intrigued and perplexed as much as the sighting of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). While the subject has often been met with skepticism, fascination, and the occasional conspiracy theory, one cannot deny the magnetic pull it exerts on our collective imagination.
In a similarly enigmatic fashion, the choices we make in naming our offspring have been a subject of fascination and study for many years. The ebb and flow of popularity in given names has been scrutinized with the intensity of a close encounter, and the reasons behind these shifts remain shrouded in obscurity. This study seeks to meld these two enigmas together, exploring the connection between the popularity of the first name Annabelle and the occurrence of UFO sightings in the state of Alabama.
While some may attribute the correlation between these two phenomena to mere coincidence, our rigorous analysis reveals a compelling relationship that cannot be easily dismissed. By harnessing data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, our investigation unearthed a remarkably robust correlation coefficient of 0.9159072 and a p-value of less than 0.01 over a span of 46 years. This finding demands more than a passing glance; it practically beckons the curious to don their tinfoil hats and ponder the cosmic implications.
The implications of this research extend far beyond statistical curiosities and into the realm where astrology brushes shoulders with extraterrestrial visitations. As we embark on this journey into uncharted territory, the prospect of uncovering a celestial connection to the terrestrial moniker of Annabelle titillates the intellect and rouses the spirit of inquiry. Prepare to be both bemused and enlightened, as we navigate through this cosmic conundrum with analytical rigor and a touch of whimsy.

[[RESULTS]]
The results of our investigation revealed a striking correlation between the popularity of the first name Annabelle and UFO sightings in Alabama. Over the period from 1975 to 2021, we found a correlation coefficient of 0.9159072, indicating a strong positive relationship between the two variables. The r-squared value of 0.8388859 further substantiates this connection, suggesting that approximately 84% of the variability in UFO sightings can be explained by the popularity of the name Annabelle. With a p-value of less than 0.01, we can confidently reject the null hypothesis and affirm the statistical significance of this correlation.
To visually depict the relationship uncovered by our analysis, we present Figure 1, a scatterplot that vividly illustrates the robust association between the popularity of the name Annabelle and UFO sightings in Alabama. The data points cluster together in a manner that would make any extraterrestrial conspiracy theorist raise an eyebrow, or perhaps even two.
These results not only raise intriguing questions but also bring a lighthearted perspective to the otherwise enigmatic world of UFO sightings. While some may assume that this correlation is merely the result of chance, we cannot help but wonder if there's more to it than meets the eye – or perhaps more than meets the telescope. After all, as the saying goes, "the truth is out there," and we may have just stumbled upon a cosmic connection that defies traditional explanation.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our investigation into the connection between the popularity of the first name Annabelle and UFO sightings in Alabama has illuminated a captivating correlation that defies conventional explanations. The robust correlation coefficient of 0.9159072 and p < 0.01 entices the mind to contemplate the cosmic dance of celestial beings and terrestrial appellations.

As we reflect on the empirical evidence presented, one cannot help but marvel at the possibility of a cosmic symphony orchestrating the ebb and flow of Annabelles and visiting extraterrestrials. Could it be that the celestial entities are drawn to the mellifluous cadence of Annabelle, or are the earthly inhabitants of Alabama more prone to sightings when the name resonates in the air? These are questions that leave us pondering the cosmic ballet that permeates our universe.

The implications of these findings are not merely statistical curiosities; they represent a brief interlude of whimsy and wonder in the world of academic inquiry. The robustness and significance of the correlation demand that we take a lighthearted yet scholarly approach to further exploration. The possibility of cross-dimensional communications or interplanetary alliances cannot be discounted, raising eyebrows and antenna alike among the scientific community.

However, despite the intrigue and amusement that this correlation brings, it seems prudent to assert that no further research in this area is warranted. With a touch of academia and a sprinkle of humor, let us bid adieu to the Unidentified Flying Anns and their celestial companions, leaving the cosmic mysteries to tantalize future generations with their enigmatic allure.

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 Unidentified Flying Anns: A Close Encounter of the Annabelle Kind. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Extraterrestrial Anecdotes

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 Unidentified Flying Anns: A Close Encounter of the Annabelle Kind. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

Society for the Study of Extraterrestrial Anomalies (SSEA)

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 Unidentified Flying Anns: A Close Encounter of the Annabelle Kind with an abstract of This study explores the intriguing relationship between the popularity of the first name Annabelle and UFO sightings in Alabama. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, a robust correlation coefficient of 0.9159072 and p < 0.01 was found for the period spanning 1975 to 2021. The results may raise eyebrows, or even antennas, as we delve into a realm where astrology intersects with extraterrestrial sightings. The implications of these findings may spark curiosity and amusement among researchers and starry-eyed enthusiasts alike.

ChatGPT:

Annabelle, UFO sightings, Alabama, correlation coefficient, US Social Security Administration, National UFO Reporting Center, astrology, extraterrestrial sightings, astrology, research implications, unidentified flying objects

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

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

Correlation r = 0.9159072 (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 = 0.8388859 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 83.9% of the change in the one variable (i.e., UFO sightings in Alabama) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Popularity of the first name Annabelle) over the 47 years from 1975 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 1.9E-19.^Show 0.0000000000000000001861295812
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 0.92 in 1.9E-17% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 5,372,601,139,232,564,224 random variables^Note You don't actually need 5 quintillion 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.

[ 0.85, 0.95 ] 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 Annabelle (Babies born)	46	74	55	37	50	56	55	51	50	63	53	52	50	61	89	73	79	106	103	130	194	211	241	359	521	597	862	917	1063	1067	1405	1667	1729	1811	2062	2640	2729	3063	3558	4360	3279	2998	2621	1983	1695	1316	1143
UFO sightings in Alabama (UFO sightings)	5	4	3	6	2	5	1	0	0	4	4	1	3	2	1	0	0	6	3	9	7	7	10	16	30	19	12	18	42	27	40	37	51	48	32	26	41	65	81	123	61	46	63	28	54	53	14

Why this works

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

Try it yourself

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    return correlation, r_squared, p_value

# These are the arrays for the variables shown on this page, but you can modify them to be any two sets of numbers
array_1 = np.array([46,74,55,37,50,56,55,51,50,63,53,52,50,61,89,73,79,106,103,130,194,211,241,359,521,597,862,917,1063,1067,1405,1667,1729,1811,2062,2640,2729,3063,3558,4360,3279,2998,2621,1983,1695,1316,1143,])
array_2 = np.array([5,4,3,6,2,5,1,0,0,4,4,1,3,2,1,0,0,6,3,9,7,7,10,16,30,19,12,18,42,27,40,37,51,48,32,26,41,65,81,123,61,46,63,28,54,53,14,])
array_1_name = "Popularity of the first name Annabelle"
array_2_name = "UFO sightings in Alabama"

# 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 Annabelle
Line chart for only UFO sightings in Alabama
AI-generated correlation image
The spurious research paper: Unidentified Flying Anns: A Close Encounter of the Annabelle Kind

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Correlation ID: 1671 · Black Variable ID: 3599 · Red Variable ID: 1178


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