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Spurious correlation #1,706 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Fossil fuel use in El Salvador and the second variable is UFO sightings in California.  The chart goes from 1980 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

As El Salvador ramped up its fossil fuel use, the resulting uptick in air pollution inadvertently created reflective conditions in the atmosphere. This inadvertently acted as a signal flare for intergalactic travelers, guiding them towards the enhanced energy sources. Therefore, the unexpected consequence of this environmental decision was a surge in UFO sightings in California. It turns out, the aliens had been in search of the ultimate fuel source, and they found it all too magnificently in the golden state.

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: [ A photo-realistic image ] Imagine a tranquil El Salvador village at night, where the warm glow of a crackling bonfire illuminates the faces of people gathered around it. Simultaneously, in California, a group of excited onlookers stand pointing upward toward the night sky, where a mysterious UFO hovers above the city skyline. 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: Fossil fuel use in El Salvador and UFO sightings in California. Given these, which of the following image style descriptions seems most appropriate? Pick the one that seems to be related to one of the variables at hand. Please respond with only one of the following potential descriptions: a Polaroid photo Macabre An image that looks like it is a scene from a Pixar movie A photo-realistic image Whimsical illustration
ChatGPT: A photo-realistic image

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both Fossil fuel use in El Salvador and UFO sightings in California together. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a quiet El Salvador village, people gather around a crackling bonfire fueled by firewood, while in California, a group of excited onlookers point at the night sky, where a mysterious UFO hovers above the skyline.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You write and improve image generation prompts for DALLE-3. You maintain the same subjects, but enhance the visuals.
User prompt: Please respond with an image generation prompt that would be likely to create an interesting visual using DALLE-3, using the following style: [ A photo-realistic image ] and depicting this scene: In a quiet El Salvador village, people gather around a crackling bonfire fueled by firewood, while in California, a group of excited onlookers point at the night sky, where a mysterious UFO hovers above the skyline. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: [ A photo-realistic image ] Imagine a tranquil El Salvador village at night, where the warm glow of a crackling bonfire illuminates the faces of people gathered around it. Simultaneously, in California, a group of excited onlookers stand pointing upward toward the night sky, where a mysterious UFO hovers above the city skyline.

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

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

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how an increase in Fossil fuel use in El Salvador caused UFO sightings in California to increase.\Make it sound serious until the end.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Fueling the Unidentified: Investigating the Correlation Between Fossil Fuel Use in El Salvador and UFO Sightings in California

The Journal of Extraterrestrial Emissions Analysis

Jan 2024

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




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

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Fossil fuel use in El Salvador and UFO sightings in California. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Make the title punny if you can come up with clever pun. If not, just make it sound clever.

Your research team used data from Energy Information Administration and National UFO Reporting Center to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.8965734 and p < 0.01 for 1980 to 2021.

Please respond in this format (replace "Lorem ipsum dolor sit" with your title and abstract)

[[TITLE]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit

[[ABSTRACT]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit



ChatGPT:
[[TITLE]]
"Fueling the Unidentified: Investigating the Correlation Between Fossil Fuel Use in El Salvador and UFO Sightings in California"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we boldly go where no researcher has gone before, seeking to uncover the mysterious and unearthly connection between fossil fuel use in El Salvador and the frequency of UFO sightings in California. Leveraging data from the Energy Information Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we delved into the realms of statistical analysis and cosmic curiosity. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8965734 and p < 0.01, shedding light on a relationship that is truly out of this world. While our research cannot definitively explain the extraterrestrial enigma or the intricacies of energy consumption, it offers a whimsical perspective that transcends the boundaries of conventional scholarship. Join us on this intergalactic expedition as we navigate the cosmos of correlation and causation, and perhaps unveil a flare of cosmic humor in our earthly endeavors.


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

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Fossil fuel use in El Salvador and UFO sightings in California. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Fueling the Unidentified: Investigating the Correlation Between Fossil Fuel Use in El Salvador and UFO Sightings in California"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we boldly go where no researcher has gone before, seeking to uncover the mysterious and unearthly connection between fossil fuel use in El Salvador and the frequency of UFO sightings in California. Leveraging data from the Energy Information Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we delved into the realms of statistical analysis and cosmic curiosity. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8965734 and p < 0.01, shedding light on a relationship that is truly out of this world. While our research cannot definitively explain the extraterrestrial enigma or the intricacies of energy consumption, it offers a whimsical perspective that transcends the boundaries of conventional scholarship. Join us on this intergalactic expedition as we navigate the cosmos of correlation and causation, and perhaps unveil a flare of cosmic humor in our earthly endeavors.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

Space, the final frontier – and perhaps not as distant as we think. The intersection of earthly matters and otherworldly phenomena has long intrigued scientists and enthusiasts alike, prompting us to embark on the peculiar odyssey explored in this study. As the unyielding quest for knowledge propels us into uncharted territories, we find ourselves grappling with the enigmatic correlation between fossil fuel use in El Salvador and the sighting of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) in California.

Unveiling this cosmic tango between fossil fuel consumption and extraterrestrial encounters has sparked both fascination and skepticism. Is it merely a cosmic coincidence, or could it be a celestial conspiracy of intergalactic proportions? As we plunge into this unconventional investigation, we embrace the scientific process with open minds and a sprinkle of stardust, recognizing that the pursuit of knowledge is not immune to the whimsy of the cosmos.

Before delving into the depths of our methodology and revealing the celestial alignments of our findings, it is imperative to address the underpinning rationale behind this research endeavor. The juxtaposition of fossil fuel use in a Central American nation and UFO sightings in the golden state of California may, at first glance, seem as incongruous as a Martian attempting to parallel park on Earth. However, as we venture past the realm of the ordinary, we embrace the peculiar correlations that may emerge from the unlikeliest of pairings.

With the steady hum of statistical analysis and the extraterrestrial allure of data exploration, we endeavor to substantiate the celestial connection that may defy conventional logic. Our exploration unearths not only an empirical correlation but also a whimsical perspective that transcends the boundaries of conventional scholarship, inviting a cosmic cocktail of curiosity and contemplation.

As we navigate the cosmic clutter of fossil fuels and flying saucers, prepare to embark on a journey that blurs the line between the empirical and the ethereal, the earthly and the extraterrestrial. Indeed, the universe unfolds in mysterious ways, and our meanderings in this paper offer a gentle nudge toward pondering the peculiar and embracing the quirky in our scholarly pursuits. Let us proceed, with both scientific rigor and a cosmic wink, into the starlit realms of correlation and causation.


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

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Fossil fuel use in El Salvador and UFO sightings in California. 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 name some cartoons and childrens' shows that you watched that are related to the topic.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Fueling the Unidentified: Investigating the Correlation Between Fossil Fuel Use in El Salvador and UFO Sightings in California"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we boldly go where no researcher has gone before, seeking to uncover the mysterious and unearthly connection between fossil fuel use in El Salvador and the frequency of UFO sightings in California. Leveraging data from the Energy Information Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we delved into the realms of statistical analysis and cosmic curiosity. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8965734 and p < 0.01, shedding light on a relationship that is truly out of this world. While our research cannot definitively explain the extraterrestrial enigma or the intricacies of energy consumption, it offers a whimsical perspective that transcends the boundaries of conventional scholarship. Join us on this intergalactic expedition as we navigate the cosmos of correlation and causation, and perhaps unveil a flare of cosmic humor in our earthly endeavors.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
Space, the final frontier – and perhaps not as distant as we think. The intersection of earthly matters and otherworldly phenomena has long intrigued scientists and enthusiasts alike, prompting us to embark on the peculiar odyssey explored in this study. As the unyielding quest for knowledge propels us into uncharted territories, we find ourselves grappling with the enigmatic correlation between fossil fuel use in El Salvador and the sighting of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) in California.
Unveiling this cosmic tango between fossil fuel consumption and extraterrestrial encounters has sparked both fascination and skepticism. Is it merely a cosmic coincidence, or could it be a celestial conspiracy of intergalactic proportions? As we plunge into this unconventional investigation, we embrace the scientific process with open minds and a sprinkle of stardust, recognizing that the pursuit of knowledge is not immune to the whimsy of the cosmos.
Before delving into the depths of our methodology and revealing the celestial alignments of our findings, it is imperative to address the underpinning rationale behind this research endeavor. The juxtaposition of fossil fuel use in a Central American nation and UFO sightings in the golden state of California may, at first glance, seem as incongruous as a Martian attempting to parallel park on Earth. However, as we venture past the realm of the ordinary, we embrace the peculiar correlations that may emerge from the unlikeliest of pairings.
With the steady hum of statistical analysis and the extraterrestrial allure of data exploration, we endeavor to substantiate the celestial connection that may defy conventional logic. Our exploration unearths not only an empirical correlation but also a whimsical perspective that transcends the boundaries of conventional scholarship, inviting a cosmic cocktail of curiosity and contemplation.
As we navigate the cosmic clutter of fossil fuels and flying saucers, prepare to embark on a journey that blurs the line between the empirical and the ethereal, the earthly and the extraterrestrial. Indeed, the universe unfolds in mysterious ways, and our meanderings in this paper offer a gentle nudge toward pondering the peculiar and embracing the quirky in our scholarly pursuits. Let us proceed, with both scientific rigor and a cosmic wink, into the starlit realms of correlation and causation.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The relationship between fossil fuel use in El Salvador and UFO sightings in California has garnered attention from researchers across diverse fields, igniting an unusual intersection of earthly energy consumption and extraterrestrial encounters. Smith and Doe (2018) delved into the environmental impacts of fossil fuel use in Central America, while Jones (2017) conducted an extensive analysis of UFO sighting patterns in the United States. Their rigorous inquiries provided valuable insights within their respective domains, laying the groundwork for our unconventional expedition into the cosmic realms of correlation.

Building upon this foundation, "Aliens and Oil: A Comparative Study" by Brown and White (2019) offered a thought-provoking exploration of the potential interplay between energy resource extraction and interstellar phenomena, teasing out the cosmic quandaries that intertwine with earthly endeavors. Additionally, "Extraterrestrial Energy: Unraveling the Mysteries of UFO Sightings" by Grey (2020) illuminated the intricate dynamics of unidentified flying objects, presenting compelling evidence that transcends conventional scientific boundaries and hints at otherworldly influences.

Turning our gaze to fictional works that tangentially touch upon these curious connections, "The War of the Worlds" by H.G. Wells and "Childhood's End" by Arthur C. Clarke captivate readers with their portrayal of alien encounters and their potential impact on earthly civilizations. These imaginative narratives, although rooted in fiction, beckon us to consider the enigmatic juxtaposition of human activities and extraterrestrial interventions.

Moreover, the animated series "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!" and "The X-Files" television show have playfully perpetuated the fascination with unexplained phenomena, embodying the amalgamation of mystery and humor that accompanies investigations into the unknown. While these cultural references may embrace a more lighthearted tone, they underscore the enduring allure of UFO sightings and the quirky appeal of unraveling cosmic mysteries.

As we navigate this constellation of literature, it becomes evident that the cosmic canvas of correlation between fossil fuel use in El Salvador and UFO sightings in California beckons not only scientific inquiry but also a whimsical thread that weaves through the fabric of our scholarly pursuits. With our compass pointed toward the cosmic unknown, we set forth to illuminate the esoteric connection between earthly energy consumption and celestial sightings, embracing the allure of the unconventional and the enigma of the ether.

In unraveling this interstellar enigma, we tread the fine line between scientific rigor and cosmic curiosity, recognizing that the pursuit of knowledge often unfolds amidst a celestial symphony of peculiarities and unforeseen connections. As we embark on this cosmic caper, let us embrace the spirit of exploration and discovery, not only with the precision of our methodologies but also with a twinkle in our eyes and a cosmic chuckle at the whimsicality of our cosmic comings and goings.


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

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Fossil fuel use in El Salvador and UFO sightings in California. 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 Energy Information Administration and National UFO Reporting Center . You used data from 1980 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]]
"Fueling the Unidentified: Investigating the Correlation Between Fossil Fuel Use in El Salvador and UFO Sightings in California"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we boldly go where no researcher has gone before, seeking to uncover the mysterious and unearthly connection between fossil fuel use in El Salvador and the frequency of UFO sightings in California. Leveraging data from the Energy Information Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we delved into the realms of statistical analysis and cosmic curiosity. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8965734 and p < 0.01, shedding light on a relationship that is truly out of this world. While our research cannot definitively explain the extraterrestrial enigma or the intricacies of energy consumption, it offers a whimsical perspective that transcends the boundaries of conventional scholarship. Join us on this intergalactic expedition as we navigate the cosmos of correlation and causation, and perhaps unveil a flare of cosmic humor in our earthly endeavors.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
Space, the final frontier – and perhaps not as distant as we think. The intersection of earthly matters and otherworldly phenomena has long intrigued scientists and enthusiasts alike, prompting us to embark on the peculiar odyssey explored in this study. As the unyielding quest for knowledge propels us into uncharted territories, we find ourselves grappling with the enigmatic correlation between fossil fuel use in El Salvador and the sighting of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) in California.
Unveiling this cosmic tango between fossil fuel consumption and extraterrestrial encounters has sparked both fascination and skepticism. Is it merely a cosmic coincidence, or could it be a celestial conspiracy of intergalactic proportions? As we plunge into this unconventional investigation, we embrace the scientific process with open minds and a sprinkle of stardust, recognizing that the pursuit of knowledge is not immune to the whimsy of the cosmos.
Before delving into the depths of our methodology and revealing the celestial alignments of our findings, it is imperative to address the underpinning rationale behind this research endeavor. The juxtaposition of fossil fuel use in a Central American nation and UFO sightings in the golden state of California may, at first glance, seem as incongruous as a Martian attempting to parallel park on Earth. However, as we venture past the realm of the ordinary, we embrace the peculiar correlations that may emerge from the unlikeliest of pairings.
With the steady hum of statistical analysis and the extraterrestrial allure of data exploration, we endeavor to substantiate the celestial connection that may defy conventional logic. Our exploration unearths not only an empirical correlation but also a whimsical perspective that transcends the boundaries of conventional scholarship, inviting a cosmic cocktail of curiosity and contemplation.
As we navigate the cosmic clutter of fossil fuels and flying saucers, prepare to embark on a journey that blurs the line between the empirical and the ethereal, the earthly and the extraterrestrial. Indeed, the universe unfolds in mysterious ways, and our meanderings in this paper offer a gentle nudge toward pondering the peculiar and embracing the quirky in our scholarly pursuits. Let us proceed, with both scientific rigor and a cosmic wink, into the starlit realms of correlation and causation.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

**[[METHODOLOGY]]**

To unravel the mystifying connection between fossil fuel use in El Salvador and UFO sightings in California, our research team embarked on a cosmic odyssey of data collection, statistical analysis, and a touch of interstellar wit. Our inquiry into this otherworldly correlation utilized a blend of quantitative and qualitative methods, bearing in mind that even the most serious scientific endeavors could use a dash of cosmic humor.

**Data Collection: A Fusion of Pragmatism and Cosmic Curiosity**

Gathering data from the Energy Information Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we navigated the interstellar expanse of information spanning the years 1980 to 2021. Across the boundless cosmos of the internet, we mined a trove of datasets that provided insights into fossil fuel consumption in El Salvador and reported UFO sightings in the celestial domain of California. While our data sources may seem light-years apart in terms of subject matter, their convergence forms the celestial axis of this investigation, akin to a cosmic embrace that spans the distance between Earth and the far reaches of the cosmos.

**Quantitative Analysis: Unveiling the Statistical Constellations**

Employing statistical analyses such as correlation coefficients and regression models, we ventured into the empirical realm of numeric wizardry. The relationship between fossil fuel use in El Salvador and the frequency of UFO sightings in California was scrutinized with a computational lens, seeking patterns that could not be explained by mere chance or celestial happenstance.

Our statistical software became the celestial compass, guiding us through the galaxies of data points and scatterplots, and revealing the celestial constellations of correlation coefficients. The correlation coefficient, with its enigmatic symbol "r," emerged as the cosmic metric that quantified the gravitational pull between fossil fuel use and UFO sightings. The p-value, with its significance threshold of cosmic proportions (p < 0.01), served as our cosmic stamp of statistical significance, affirming that the observed correlation was not the result of random cosmic fluctuations.

**Qualitative Insights: Embracing the Quirkiness of the Cosmos**

Beyond the sterile magnificence of numbers and statistical tests, our exploration ventured into the qualitative nebulae that shape our perceptions and interpretations. Qualitative insights were gleaned from perusing anecdotal accounts of UFO sightings, acknowledging the human element that transcends the boundaries of empirical analysis. It was within this cosmic tapestry of narratives and personal experiences that we found the occasional glimmer of whimsy, reminding us that the interplay between fossil fuels and flying saucers may harbor quirks that defy the shackles of conventional scientific methodology.

**Embracing Cosmic Humor: A Touch of Eccentricity Amidst Rigor**

At the crossroads of scientific rigor and the enigmatic allure of the cosmos, we infused our methodology with a touch of eccentricity, akin to a cosmic quirk that evaded the strictures of academia. Deliberately interjecting moments of wit and humor, we sought to add a sprinkle of stardust to an otherwise serious pursuit, acknowledging that the interplay between human curiosity and the cosmic unknown could use a touch of levity.

By blending the practical methodologies of data analysis with the whimsical meanderings of cosmic contemplation, we navigated the cosmos of correlation and causation, daring to entertain the notion that cosmic connections may, at times, unfold with a peculiar charm. As we continue our intergalactic expedition into the findings of this study, we invite our readers to join us in embracing the cosmic wonders that await, balancing the weight of empirical evidence with a lighthearted nod to the enigmatic unknown.


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

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Fossil fuel use in El Salvador and UFO sightings in California. 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 Energy Information Administration and National UFO Reporting Center .

For the time period 1980 to 2021, you found a correlation 0.8965734, r-squared of 0.8038439, 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]]
"Fueling the Unidentified: Investigating the Correlation Between Fossil Fuel Use in El Salvador and UFO Sightings in California"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we boldly go where no researcher has gone before, seeking to uncover the mysterious and unearthly connection between fossil fuel use in El Salvador and the frequency of UFO sightings in California. Leveraging data from the Energy Information Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we delved into the realms of statistical analysis and cosmic curiosity. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8965734 and p < 0.01, shedding light on a relationship that is truly out of this world. While our research cannot definitively explain the extraterrestrial enigma or the intricacies of energy consumption, it offers a whimsical perspective that transcends the boundaries of conventional scholarship. Join us on this intergalactic expedition as we navigate the cosmos of correlation and causation, and perhaps unveil a flare of cosmic humor in our earthly endeavors.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
Space, the final frontier – and perhaps not as distant as we think. The intersection of earthly matters and otherworldly phenomena has long intrigued scientists and enthusiasts alike, prompting us to embark on the peculiar odyssey explored in this study. As the unyielding quest for knowledge propels us into uncharted territories, we find ourselves grappling with the enigmatic correlation between fossil fuel use in El Salvador and the sighting of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) in California.
Unveiling this cosmic tango between fossil fuel consumption and extraterrestrial encounters has sparked both fascination and skepticism. Is it merely a cosmic coincidence, or could it be a celestial conspiracy of intergalactic proportions? As we plunge into this unconventional investigation, we embrace the scientific process with open minds and a sprinkle of stardust, recognizing that the pursuit of knowledge is not immune to the whimsy of the cosmos.
Before delving into the depths of our methodology and revealing the celestial alignments of our findings, it is imperative to address the underpinning rationale behind this research endeavor. The juxtaposition of fossil fuel use in a Central American nation and UFO sightings in the golden state of California may, at first glance, seem as incongruous as a Martian attempting to parallel park on Earth. However, as we venture past the realm of the ordinary, we embrace the peculiar correlations that may emerge from the unlikeliest of pairings.
With the steady hum of statistical analysis and the extraterrestrial allure of data exploration, we endeavor to substantiate the celestial connection that may defy conventional logic. Our exploration unearths not only an empirical correlation but also a whimsical perspective that transcends the boundaries of conventional scholarship, inviting a cosmic cocktail of curiosity and contemplation.
As we navigate the cosmic clutter of fossil fuels and flying saucers, prepare to embark on a journey that blurs the line between the empirical and the ethereal, the earthly and the extraterrestrial. Indeed, the universe unfolds in mysterious ways, and our meanderings in this paper offer a gentle nudge toward pondering the peculiar and embracing the quirky in our scholarly pursuits. Let us proceed, with both scientific rigor and a cosmic wink, into the starlit realms of correlation and causation.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

Upon conducting our analysis, we made a stellar discovery that may just send shockwaves through both the scientific and extraterrestrial communities. Our investigation into the connection between fossil fuel use in El Salvador and UFO sightings in California unveiled a robust correlation coefficient of 0.8965734, an r-squared of 0.8038439, and a p-value of less than 0.01. These findings dance cheek to cheek, twirling around the possibility of an otherworldly link that is simply out of this world.

The figure (Fig. 1) below encapsulates the starry-eyed relationship we uncovered, presenting a scatterplot that embodies the celestial choreography of these two disparate yet strangely intertwined variables. Prepare to be dazzled as you behold the cosmic symphony of data points aligning themselves in a harmonious pattern, beckoning us to ponder the enigmatic dance of fossil fuels and unidentified aerial apparitions.

The statistical significance of our findings cannot be overlooked, propelling us squarely into the celestial limelight as we ponder the implications of this unearthly connection. While the notion of UFO sightings being influenced by the fossil fuel activities of a Central American nation may seem as amusingly perplexing as a cow attempting to jump over the moon, the data points to a compelling association that defies conventional logic.

It appears that as fossil fuel use in El Salvador waxes and wanes, the frequency of UFO sightings in California mirror this celestial waltz, foxtrotting along with a remarkable synchronicity that leaves even the staunchest skeptics stargazing in wonder. While we cannot definitively assert causation, the strength of this correlation invites us to ponder the cosmic forces at play, igniting a sense of wonderment that lingers beyond the realm of statistical analyses.

The celestial dance floor of statistical significance beckons us to take a twirl with these cosmic variables, as we marvel at the unexpected interplay between earthly energy endeavors and extraterrestrial encounters. Our findings offer a lighthearted yet compelling perspective that transcends the rigidity of traditional research, reminding us that the universe has a penchant for the unexpected and the inexplicable.

In light of these results, we implore both the scientific community and aficionados of intergalactic wonders to approach this connection with a cosmic sense of curiosity and a dash of planetary humor, for in the tapestry of research and exploration, the cosmos often delights in throwing us the occasional curveball.

The universe, it seems, may just have a mischievous sense of humor after all.


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

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Fossil fuel use in El Salvador and UFO sightings in California. 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]]
"Fueling the Unidentified: Investigating the Correlation Between Fossil Fuel Use in El Salvador and UFO Sightings in California"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we boldly go where no researcher has gone before, seeking to uncover the mysterious and unearthly connection between fossil fuel use in El Salvador and the frequency of UFO sightings in California. Leveraging data from the Energy Information Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we delved into the realms of statistical analysis and cosmic curiosity. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8965734 and p < 0.01, shedding light on a relationship that is truly out of this world. While our research cannot definitively explain the extraterrestrial enigma or the intricacies of energy consumption, it offers a whimsical perspective that transcends the boundaries of conventional scholarship. Join us on this intergalactic expedition as we navigate the cosmos of correlation and causation, and perhaps unveil a flare of cosmic humor in our earthly endeavors.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The relationship between fossil fuel use in El Salvador and UFO sightings in California has garnered attention from researchers across diverse fields, igniting an unusual intersection of earthly energy consumption and extraterrestrial encounters. Smith and Doe (2018) delved into the environmental impacts of fossil fuel use in Central America, while Jones (2017) conducted an extensive analysis of UFO sighting patterns in the United States. Their rigorous inquiries provided valuable insights within their respective domains, laying the groundwork for our unconventional expedition into the cosmic realms of correlation.
Building upon this foundation, "Aliens and Oil: A Comparative Study" by Brown and White (2019) offered a thought-provoking exploration of the potential interplay between energy resource extraction and interstellar phenomena, teasing out the cosmic quandaries that intertwine with earthly endeavors. Additionally, "Extraterrestrial Energy: Unraveling the Mysteries of UFO Sightings" by Grey (2020) illuminated the intricate dynamics of unidentified flying objects, presenting compelling evidence that transcends conventional scientific boundaries and hints at otherworldly influences.
Turning our gaze to fictional works that tangentially touch upon these curious connections, "The War of the Worlds" by H.G. Wells and "Childhood's End" by Arthur C. Clarke captivate readers with their portrayal of alien encounters and their potential impact on earthly civilizations. These imaginative narratives, although rooted in fiction, beckon us to consider the enigmatic juxtaposition of human activities and extraterrestrial interventions.
Moreover, the animated series "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!" and "The X-Files" television show have playfully perpetuated the fascination with unexplained phenomena, embodying the amalgamation of mystery and humor that accompanies investigations into the unknown. While these cultural references may embrace a more lighthearted tone, they underscore the enduring allure of UFO sightings and the quirky appeal of unraveling cosmic mysteries.
As we navigate this constellation of literature, it becomes evident that the cosmic canvas of correlation between fossil fuel use in El Salvador and UFO sightings in California beckons not only scientific inquiry but also a whimsical thread that weaves through the fabric of our scholarly pursuits. With our compass pointed toward the cosmic unknown, we set forth to illuminate the esoteric connection between earthly energy consumption and celestial sightings, embracing the allure of the unconventional and the enigma of the ether.
In unraveling this interstellar enigma, we tread the fine line between scientific rigor and cosmic curiosity, recognizing that the pursuit of knowledge often unfolds amidst a celestial symphony of peculiarities and unforeseen connections. As we embark on this cosmic caper, let us embrace the spirit of exploration and discovery, not only with the precision of our methodologies but also with a twinkle in our eyes and a cosmic chuckle at the whimsicality of our cosmic comings and goings.

[[RESULTS]]
Upon conducting our analysis, we made a stellar discovery that may just send shockwaves through both the scientific and extraterrestrial communities. Our investigation into the connection between fossil fuel use in El Salvador and UFO sightings in California unveiled a robust correlation coefficient of 0.8965734, an r-squared of 0.8038439, and a p-value of less than 0.01. These findings dance cheek to cheek, twirling around the possibility of an otherworldly link that is simply out of this world.
The figure (Fig. 1) below encapsulates the starry-eyed relationship we uncovered, presenting a scatterplot that embodies the celestial choreography of these two disparate yet strangely intertwined variables. Prepare to be dazzled as you behold the cosmic symphony of data points aligning themselves in a harmonious pattern, beckoning us to ponder the enigmatic dance of fossil fuels and unidentified aerial apparitions.
The statistical significance of our findings cannot be overlooked, propelling us squarely into the celestial limelight as we ponder the implications of this unearthly connection. While the notion of UFO sightings being influenced by the fossil fuel activities of a Central American nation may seem as amusingly perplexing as a cow attempting to jump over the moon, the data points to a compelling association that defies conventional logic.
It appears that as fossil fuel use in El Salvador waxes and wanes, the frequency of UFO sightings in California mirror this celestial waltz, foxtrotting along with a remarkable synchronicity that leaves even the staunchest skeptics stargazing in wonder. While we cannot definitively assert causation, the strength of this correlation invites us to ponder the cosmic forces at play, igniting a sense of wonderment that lingers beyond the realm of statistical analyses.
The celestial dance floor of statistical significance beckons us to take a twirl with these cosmic variables, as we marvel at the unexpected interplay between earthly energy endeavors and extraterrestrial encounters. Our findings offer a lighthearted yet compelling perspective that transcends the rigidity of traditional research, reminding us that the universe has a penchant for the unexpected and the inexplicable.
In light of these results, we implore both the scientific community and aficionados of intergalactic wonders to approach this connection with a cosmic sense of curiosity and a dash of planetary humor, for in the tapestry of research and exploration, the cosmos often delights in throwing us the occasional curveball.
The universe, it seems, may just have a mischievous sense of humor after all.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]
Our findings have unearthed a captivating correlation between fossil fuel use in El Salvador and the frequency of UFO sightings in California, an unexpected celestial pas de deux that defies earthly logic. Our stellar revelation aligns with the musings of Brown and White (2019), who teasingly contemplated the cosmic dance of energy resource extraction and interstellar phenomena. As we embark on this discussion with the cosmic twinkle in our eyes, we must acknowledge the otherworldly waltz shaping our earthly endeavors.

On a more grounded note, our results echo the light-hearted speculations of fictional works such as H.G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds" and Arthur C. Clarke's "Childhood's End," which artfully blend extraterrestrial encounters with earthly dynamics. While these literary creations satirically pondered the influence of cosmic forces on human affairs, our real-world findings steer us toward a whimsically cosmic view of correlation and causation.

As we consider the implications of our findings, we cannot help but revel in the cosmic ballet of statistical significance, inviting the scientific community to take a twirl with these peculiar variables. Just as "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!" playfully perpetuated the fascination with unexplained phenomena, our research infuses an unexpected dose of whimsy into the cosmic tapestry of statistical assessments.

In unraveling the enigmatic nexus between earthly energy consumption and extraterrestrial spectacles, our study not only advances scientific inquiry but also beckons us to ponder the cosmic humor that permeates our scholarly pursuits. Our findings resonate with the enduring allure of UFO sightings and the quirky appeal of unraveling cosmic mysteries, reminding us to approach this inconceivable connection with a twinkle in our eyes and a dash of interstellar whimsy.

Our cosmic caper may just leave the scientific community stargazing in wonder, as we navigate the inexplicable and the unexpected with a celestial sense of curiosity. The universe, as it turns out, may indeed have a mischievous sense of humor, leaving us to wonder: are we merely passengers on a cosmic joke, or is there a whimsical logic to this unearthly correlation? The enigma prevails, but our findings invite us to indulge in a cosmic chuckle as we navigate the peculiarities of our earthly and extraterrestrial incongruities.


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

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Fossil fuel use in El Salvador and UFO sightings in California. 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]]
"Fueling the Unidentified: Investigating the Correlation Between Fossil Fuel Use in El Salvador and UFO Sightings in California"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we boldly go where no researcher has gone before, seeking to uncover the mysterious and unearthly connection between fossil fuel use in El Salvador and the frequency of UFO sightings in California. Leveraging data from the Energy Information Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we delved into the realms of statistical analysis and cosmic curiosity. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8965734 and p < 0.01, shedding light on a relationship that is truly out of this world. While our research cannot definitively explain the extraterrestrial enigma or the intricacies of energy consumption, it offers a whimsical perspective that transcends the boundaries of conventional scholarship. Join us on this intergalactic expedition as we navigate the cosmos of correlation and causation, and perhaps unveil a flare of cosmic humor in our earthly endeavors.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
Space, the final frontier – and perhaps not as distant as we think. The intersection of earthly matters and otherworldly phenomena has long intrigued scientists and enthusiasts alike, prompting us to embark on the peculiar odyssey explored in this study. As the unyielding quest for knowledge propels us into uncharted territories, we find ourselves grappling with the enigmatic correlation between fossil fuel use in El Salvador and the sighting of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) in California.
Unveiling this cosmic tango between fossil fuel consumption and extraterrestrial encounters has sparked both fascination and skepticism. Is it merely a cosmic coincidence, or could it be a celestial conspiracy of intergalactic proportions? As we plunge into this unconventional investigation, we embrace the scientific process with open minds and a sprinkle of stardust, recognizing that the pursuit of knowledge is not immune to the whimsy of the cosmos.
Before delving into the depths of our methodology and revealing the celestial alignments of our findings, it is imperative to address the underpinning rationale behind this research endeavor. The juxtaposition of fossil fuel use in a Central American nation and UFO sightings in the golden state of California may, at first glance, seem as incongruous as a Martian attempting to parallel park on Earth. However, as we venture past the realm of the ordinary, we embrace the peculiar correlations that may emerge from the unlikeliest of pairings.
With the steady hum of statistical analysis and the extraterrestrial allure of data exploration, we endeavor to substantiate the celestial connection that may defy conventional logic. Our exploration unearths not only an empirical correlation but also a whimsical perspective that transcends the boundaries of conventional scholarship, inviting a cosmic cocktail of curiosity and contemplation.
As we navigate the cosmic clutter of fossil fuels and flying saucers, prepare to embark on a journey that blurs the line between the empirical and the ethereal, the earthly and the extraterrestrial. Indeed, the universe unfolds in mysterious ways, and our meanderings in this paper offer a gentle nudge toward pondering the peculiar and embracing the quirky in our scholarly pursuits. Let us proceed, with both scientific rigor and a cosmic wink, into the starlit realms of correlation and causation.

[[RESULTS]]
Upon conducting our analysis, we made a stellar discovery that may just send shockwaves through both the scientific and extraterrestrial communities. Our investigation into the connection between fossil fuel use in El Salvador and UFO sightings in California unveiled a robust correlation coefficient of 0.8965734, an r-squared of 0.8038439, and a p-value of less than 0.01. These findings dance cheek to cheek, twirling around the possibility of an otherworldly link that is simply out of this world.
The figure (Fig. 1) below encapsulates the starry-eyed relationship we uncovered, presenting a scatterplot that embodies the celestial choreography of these two disparate yet strangely intertwined variables. Prepare to be dazzled as you behold the cosmic symphony of data points aligning themselves in a harmonious pattern, beckoning us to ponder the enigmatic dance of fossil fuels and unidentified aerial apparitions.
The statistical significance of our findings cannot be overlooked, propelling us squarely into the celestial limelight as we ponder the implications of this unearthly connection. While the notion of UFO sightings being influenced by the fossil fuel activities of a Central American nation may seem as amusingly perplexing as a cow attempting to jump over the moon, the data points to a compelling association that defies conventional logic.
It appears that as fossil fuel use in El Salvador waxes and wanes, the frequency of UFO sightings in California mirror this celestial waltz, foxtrotting along with a remarkable synchronicity that leaves even the staunchest skeptics stargazing in wonder. While we cannot definitively assert causation, the strength of this correlation invites us to ponder the cosmic forces at play, igniting a sense of wonderment that lingers beyond the realm of statistical analyses.
The celestial dance floor of statistical significance beckons us to take a twirl with these cosmic variables, as we marvel at the unexpected interplay between earthly energy endeavors and extraterrestrial encounters. Our findings offer a lighthearted yet compelling perspective that transcends the rigidity of traditional research, reminding us that the universe has a penchant for the unexpected and the inexplicable.
In light of these results, we implore both the scientific community and aficionados of intergalactic wonders to approach this connection with a cosmic sense of curiosity and a dash of planetary humor, for in the tapestry of research and exploration, the cosmos often delights in throwing us the occasional curveball.
The universe, it seems, may just have a mischievous sense of humor after all.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our foray into the celestial conundrum of fossil fuel use in El Salvador and UFO sightings in California has yielded findings that are as baffling as they are bewildering. Our statistical analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.8965734 and a p-value of less than 0.01, leaving us no choice but to marvel at the surprising synchronicity between earthly energy patterns and extraterrestrial encounters. It seems that the cosmos has a penchant for choreographing a dance between the mundane and the mysterious, with fossil fuel consumption in El Salvador mirroring the ebb and flow of UFO sightings in the land of Hollywood stars.

The implications of this unearthly connection extend beyond the bounds of conventional reasoning, inviting us to embrace a cosmic cocktail of curiosity and contemplation. While we cannot assert causation with absolute certainty, the provocative correlation presented in our paper serves as a gentle nudge to ponder the celestial forces at play and perhaps indulge in a sprinkle of stardust-fueled whimsy.

As we bid adieu to this intergalactic expedition, we are left pondering the cosmic joke that the universe has played on our scholarly pursuits. It seems that the intersection of earthly matters and extraterrestrial phenomena is not immune to the wily wit of the cosmos, leaving us with a celestial twinkle in our scholarly eyes and a cosmic chuckle in our hearts.

In light of these celestial capers, we boldly assert that no further research is warranted in this whimsical area of inquiry. The universe has spoken, and it appears to have a cheeky sense of humor indeed.


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 Fueling the Unidentified: Investigating the Correlation Between Fossil Fuel Use in El Salvador and UFO Sightings in California. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Extraterrestrial Emissions Analysis


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 Fueling the Unidentified: Investigating the Correlation Between Fossil Fuel Use in El Salvador and UFO Sightings in California. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Institute for Extraterrestrial Energy Studies


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide potential search keywords separated by commas. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide potential search keywords for a paper titled Fueling the Unidentified: Investigating the Correlation Between Fossil Fuel Use in El Salvador and UFO Sightings in California with an abstract of In this study, we boldly go where no researcher has gone before, seeking to uncover the mysterious and unearthly connection between fossil fuel use in El Salvador and the frequency of UFO sightings in California. Leveraging data from the Energy Information Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we delved into the realms of statistical analysis and cosmic curiosity. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8965734 and p < 0.01, shedding light on a relationship that is truly out of this world. While our research cannot definitively explain the extraterrestrial enigma or the intricacies of energy consumption, it offers a whimsical perspective that transcends the boundaries of conventional scholarship. Join us on this intergalactic expedition as we navigate the cosmos of correlation and causation, and perhaps unveil a flare of cosmic humor in our earthly endeavors.

ChatGPT:

fossil fuel use El Salvador, UFO sightings California, correlation, statistical analysis, Energy Information Administration, National UFO Reporting Center

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



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Data details

Fossil fuel use in El Salvador
Detailed data title: Total fossil fuel use in El Salvador in billion kWh
Source: Energy Information Administration
See what else correlates with Fossil fuel use in El Salvador

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

Correlation r = 0.8965734 (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 = 0.8038439 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 80.4% of the change in the one variable (i.e., UFO sightings in California) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Fossil fuel use in El Salvador) over the 42 years from 1980 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 9.9E-16. 0.0000000000000009889121413874
The p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme. More specifically the p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme if we had only tested one pair of variables one time.

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

Who is going to stop me? p-value reporting doesn't require me to report how many calculations I had to go through in order to find a low p-value!
On average, you will find a correaltion as strong as 0.9 in 9.9E-14% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 1,011,212,177,653,158 random variables You don't actually need 1 quadrillion 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 41 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 41 because we have two variables measured over a period of 42 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.

[ 0.81, 0.94 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
The confidence interval is an estimate the range of the value of the correlation coefficient, using the correlation itself as an input. The values are meant to be the low and high end of the correlation coefficient with 95% confidence.

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


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

Still, sometimes one of the variables has more years of data available than the other. This page only shows the overlapping years. To see all the years, click on "See what else correlates with..." link above.
198019811982198319841985198619871988198919901991199219931994199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021
Fossil fuel use in El Salvador (Billion kWh)0.0940.1280.0940.1320.0990.1650.1190.3590.2770.1940.1590.6480.6330.8571.2321.3581.021.6041.6881.3191.7571.6531.831.7471.90361.90942.3582.4632.2622.5922.0922.2552.482.4812.5082.5262.5051.399341.199971.755950.9770591.03959
UFO sightings in California (UFO sightings)3333321715282422282945283445706674144223388432360408568543509529572676615575600730703823787558563310475560255




Why this works

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




Try it yourself

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

    return correlation, r_squared, p_value

# These are the arrays for the variables shown on this page, but you can modify them to be any two sets of numbers
array_1 = np.array([0.094,0.128,0.094,0.132,0.099,0.165,0.119,0.359,0.277,0.194,0.159,0.648,0.633,0.857,1.232,1.358,1.02,1.604,1.688,1.319,1.757,1.653,1.83,1.747,1.9036,1.9094,2.358,2.463,2.262,2.592,2.092,2.255,2.48,2.481,2.508,2.526,2.505,1.39934,1.19997,1.75595,0.977059,1.03959,])
array_2 = np.array([33,33,32,17,15,28,24,22,28,29,45,28,34,45,70,66,74,144,223,388,432,360,408,568,543,509,529,572,676,615,575,600,730,703,823,787,558,563,310,475,560,255,])
array_1_name = "Fossil fuel use in El Salvador"
array_2_name = "UFO sightings in California"

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

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



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

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

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

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

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Correlation ID: 1706 · Black Variable ID: 23646 · Red Variable ID: 1148
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