Spurious correlation #1,917 · View random
A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Associates degrees awarded in Theology and the second variable is Detroit Tigers' American League Ranking. The chart goes from 2011 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 Associates degrees awarded in Theology and the second variable is Detroit Tigers' American League Ranking. The chart goes from 2011 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

Download png, svg

AI explanation

Theology students were really good at "divine intervention," boosting the team's performance through their prayers and holy support. Plus, their knowledge of "sacrifice bunts" and "stealing bases" from religious texts gave the Tigers an extra edge on the field. The players found a new faith in winning, turning their games into epic battles of biblical proportions and hitting grand slams with saintly precision. It was a home run for the team, as they finally found the missing 'pence' in their game, thanks to the religiously educated fans and their 'unbe-lief' in the Tigers' success.

^{Show image generation prompt} Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Title: Celebrating Achievement Image Generation Prompt: [ A photo-realistic image ] of a group of individuals in Detroit Tigers jerseys standing proudly on stage at a graduation ceremony. The group is diverse, showing a range of ages, genders, and ethnicities. They are positioned in front of a prominent banner displaying the Detroit Tigers' high ranking in the American League. Each person is holding their Associate's degree in Theology and religious vocations, smiling with a sense of accomplishment. The scene is captured with a sense of pride and celebration, conveying the intersection of academia and sports fandom. 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: Associates degrees awarded in Theology and religious vocations and Detroit Tigers' American League Ranking. 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: Minimalism Psychedelic A photo-realistic image Futuristic a Polaroid photo
ChatGPT: A photo-realistic image

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both Associates degrees awarded in Theology and religious vocations and Detroit Tigers' American League Ranking together. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a graduation ceremony, a group of people in Detroit Tigers jerseys proudly receive their Associate's degrees in Theology and religious vocations. In the background, a banner displays the Detroit Tigers' high ranking in the American League.

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 graduation ceremony, a group of people in Detroit Tigers jerseys proudly receive their Associate's degrees in Theology and religious vocations. In the background, a banner displays the Detroit Tigers' high ranking in the American League. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Title: Celebrating Achievement Image Generation Prompt: [ A photo-realistic image ] of a group of individuals in Detroit Tigers jerseys standing proudly on stage at a graduation ceremony. The group is diverse, showing a range of ages, genders, and ethnicities. They are positioned in front of a prominent banner displaying the Detroit Tigers' high ranking in the American League. Each person is holding their Associate's degree in Theology and religious vocations, smiling with a sense of accomplishment. The scene is captured with a sense of pride and celebration, conveying the intersection of academia and sports fandom.

*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 Associates degrees awarded in Theology and religious vocations caused Detroit Tigers' American League Ranking to increase. Include one good pun.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)

Holy Rollers and Batting Averages: The Connection Between Theology Degrees and Detroit Tigers' Chronology

Journal of Sports Theology and Statistical Analysis

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 Associates degrees awarded in Theology and religious vocations and Detroit Tigers' American League Ranking. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

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]]
Holy Rollers and Batting Averages: The Connection Between Theology Degrees and Detroit Tigers' Chronology

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study examines the intriguing relationship between the number of Associate degrees awarded in Theology and religious vocations and the American League ranking of the Detroit Tigers. Utilizing data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Wikipedia pages of the Detroit Tigers, our research team delved into this seemingly incongruous connection. The correlation coefficient of 0.8316076 and p < 0.01 for the period from 2011 to 2021 provided compelling evidence of a noteworthy association.

In exploring this unexpected correlation, we discovered that the number of Theology degrees awarded and the performance of the Detroit Tigers in the American League appear to move in parallel. A classic dad joke seems appropriate at this juncture: "Why don't baseball players ever get lonely? Because they always have their bats with them!"

While this investigation doesn't presuppose a causal link, our findings raise thought-provoking questions about the interplay between academic pursuits in religious studies and the athletic vigor of a Major League Baseball team. This unusual juxtaposition of topics underscores the complexity of human endeavors and the enigmatic nature of statistical relationships. We hope this research inspires further exploration into the quirky and unexpected connections that permeate our world.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The intersection of academia and sports has long been a source of curiosity, often leading to unexpected discoveries and, on occasion, a few raised eyebrows. In this study, we traverse the seemingly divergent realms of Associate degrees awarded in Theology and religious vocations and the American League ranking of the Detroit Tigers. As we unravel the statistical relationship between these two variables, we are reminded of the timeless adage: "Why did the baseball player bring string to the game? Because he wanted to tie the score!"
The chronicle of theological education and the trajectory of a baseball team's performance may at first appear to inhabit disparate domains, yet our investigation has revealed a correlation that demands attention. One might find the connection between these seemingly incongruent variables as unexpected as a curveball on a sunny day. It is within the confines of this peculiar correlation that we aim to shed light on the otherwise enigmatic interplay between religious scholarly pursuits and the athletic odyssey of the Detroit Tigers.
Drawing data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the comprehensive compendium of the Detroit Tigers' American League ranking, we subjected these variables to rigorous statistical analysis, uncovering an intriguing correlation coefficient of 0.8316076 and p < 0.01 for the period spanning from 2011 to 2021. This finding forces one to contemplate the intersection of theological aspirations and athletic prowess with the same quizzical expression one might have while watching a knuckleball unfurl.
Amidst the labyrinth of statistical computations and scholarly pursuits, we are reminded of a fitting dad joke: "Why don't theologians play hide and seek? Because good luck hiding 'omni' present!"
Our investigation does not presume causation, yet the parallel movements of the number of theology degrees awarded and the performance of the Detroit Tigers in the American League evoke contemplation. This unexpected connection between ecclesiastical knowledge and athletic maneuvers beckons further exploration into the unforeseen correlations that punctuate our scholarly and sporting landscapes.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The correlation between Associate degrees awarded in Theology and religious vocations and the American League ranking of the Detroit Tigers has garnered surprising attention in recent years. In "The Theological Chronicles," Smith and Doe find a significant positive relationship between the number of Theology degrees conferred and the Detroit Tigers' ranking in the American League. This unexpected correlation presents an intriguing puzzle, prompting one to contemplate the interconnectedness of theological education and baseball prowess. It's as if the divine hand of statistical fate is guiding both the spiritual and athletic trajectories, much like a perfectly timed home run in the bottom of the ninth.

In "Religion and Sports: An Unlikely Pairing," Jones explores the unconventional connections between religious pursuits and athletic endeavors. While the focus of the study is not directly on the Detroit Tigers, the author's findings highlight the broader phenomenon of unexpected correlations in the realm of sports and spirituality. The surprising nature of these connections is akin to a surprise bunt during a high-stakes game – unexpected and yet undeniably effective.

Moving beyond scholarly research, "The Theology of Baseball" by Smith delves into the spiritual dimensions of America's favorite pastime. While not explicitly examining the relationship between theology degrees and baseball performance, the book's exploration of the shared values and experiences of both pursuits adds an intriguing layer to our understanding of this unanticipated correlation. It's as if the very fabric of the universe is woven with threads of divine whimsy, creating intersections that boggle the mind, much like a knuckleball's erratic path to the plate.

Even in the realm of fiction, the novel "The Field of Divine Dreams" by Author X weaves a tale of supernatural intervention in the world of baseball. While purely imaginary, the story's portrayal of ethereal forces influencing the outcome of baseball games serves as a whimsical reflection of the unexpected connection between theology and athletic achievement. It's as if the baseball diamond becomes a canvas for celestial jigs and capricious cosmic winks—sort of like a game-winning grand slam hit by an unexpected pinch hitter.

Furthermore, social media posts have emerged that hint at the potential alignment between theological pursuits and the performance of the Detroit Tigers. An anonymous quip on Twitter remarked, "Who knew that the path to the World Series runs through the hallowed halls of theology departments? Maybe the Tigers should start recruiting theology graduates as their secret weapon!" These informal insights, though lighthearted in nature, underscore the burgeoning interest and speculation surrounding this uncommon correlation. It's akin to a seventh-inning stretch for conventional wisdom – a moment to relax and consider the delightful absurdity of life's unpredictable connections.

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 Associates degrees awarded in Theology and religious vocations and Detroit Tigers' American League Ranking. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. 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 National Center for Education Statistics and Wikipedia . You used data from 2011 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]]
Holy Rollers and Batting Averages: The Connection Between Theology Degrees and Detroit Tigers' Chronology

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study examines the intriguing relationship between the number of Associate degrees awarded in Theology and religious vocations and the American League ranking of the Detroit Tigers. Utilizing data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Wikipedia pages of the Detroit Tigers, our research team delved into this seemingly incongruous connection. The correlation coefficient of 0.8316076 and p < 0.01 for the period from 2011 to 2021 provided compelling evidence of a noteworthy association.

In exploring this unexpected correlation, we discovered that the number of Theology degrees awarded and the performance of the Detroit Tigers in the American League appear to move in parallel. A classic dad joke seems appropriate at this juncture: "Why don't baseball players ever get lonely? Because they always have their bats with them!"

While this investigation doesn't presuppose a causal link, our findings raise thought-provoking questions about the interplay between academic pursuits in religious studies and the athletic vigor of a Major League Baseball team. This unusual juxtaposition of topics underscores the complexity of human endeavors and the enigmatic nature of statistical relationships. We hope this research inspires further exploration into the quirky and unexpected connections that permeate our world.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The intersection of academia and sports has long been a source of curiosity, often leading to unexpected discoveries and, on occasion, a few raised eyebrows. In this study, we traverse the seemingly divergent realms of Associate degrees awarded in Theology and religious vocations and the American League ranking of the Detroit Tigers. As we unravel the statistical relationship between these two variables, we are reminded of the timeless adage: "Why did the baseball player bring string to the game? Because he wanted to tie the score!"
The chronicle of theological education and the trajectory of a baseball team's performance may at first appear to inhabit disparate domains, yet our investigation has revealed a correlation that demands attention. One might find the connection between these seemingly incongruent variables as unexpected as a curveball on a sunny day. It is within the confines of this peculiar correlation that we aim to shed light on the otherwise enigmatic interplay between religious scholarly pursuits and the athletic odyssey of the Detroit Tigers.
Drawing data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the comprehensive compendium of the Detroit Tigers' American League ranking, we subjected these variables to rigorous statistical analysis, uncovering an intriguing correlation coefficient of 0.8316076 and p < 0.01 for the period spanning from 2011 to 2021. This finding forces one to contemplate the intersection of theological aspirations and athletic prowess with the same quizzical expression one might have while watching a knuckleball unfurl.
Amidst the labyrinth of statistical computations and scholarly pursuits, we are reminded of a fitting dad joke: "Why don't theologians play hide and seek? Because good luck hiding 'omni' present!"
Our investigation does not presume causation, yet the parallel movements of the number of theology degrees awarded and the performance of the Detroit Tigers in the American League evoke contemplation. This unexpected connection between ecclesiastical knowledge and athletic maneuvers beckons further exploration into the unforeseen correlations that punctuate our scholarly and sporting landscapes.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

The data for this study was derived from a combination of sources, primarily the National Center for Education Statistics and Wikipedia. The period of analysis extended from 2011 to 2021, encompassing a decade of academic and athletic fluctuations. The methodology employed a peculiar brew of statistical analysis and baseball trivia, reminiscent of the colorful variety of concessions at a sports arena.

The first phase of the methodology involved the procurement of data on the number of Associate degrees awarded in Theology and religious vocations. This information was obtained from the National Center for Education Statistics, where it lay dormant, much like an infield fly ball waiting to be caught.

Subsequently, the American League rankings of the Detroit Tigers were amassed from the Wikipedia page dedicated to the team's chronological performance. Much like a baseball team's maneuvering around the bases, this process involved meticulous navigation and scrutiny of historical data, ensuring that each data point was acquired with the precision of a well-executed bunt.

To establish the connection between the number of Theology degrees awarded and the American League ranking of the Detroit Tigers, a correlation analysis was performed. The statistical software employed for this purpose resembled a skilled umpire, objectively evaluating the relationship between the two variables.

Amidst the whirlwind of data collection and statistical analysis, a lighthearted dad joke seems apropos: "Why did the baseball team go to the bank? To get their pitcher changed!" This moment of levity served as a welcome reprieve amidst the rigorous examination of numerical values and correlation coefficients.

To deepen the investigation, the correlation coefficient and associated p-value were calculated to quantify the strength and significance of the relationship between Theology degrees awarded and the Detroit Tigers' American League ranking. The results revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.8316076 and p < 0.01, indicating a notable association that beckons further scholarly scrutiny.

The unexpected alignment between the academic pursuit of Theology degrees and the athletic trajectory of the Detroit Tigers calls for continued exploration, much like a baseball team's quest for the elusive perfect game. This pursuit, characterized by both scholarly rigor and intermittent humor, encapsulated the essence of this unconventional research endeavor.

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 Associates degrees awarded in Theology and religious vocations and Detroit Tigers' American League Ranking. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. 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]]
Holy Rollers and Batting Averages: The Connection Between Theology Degrees and Detroit Tigers' Chronology

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study examines the intriguing relationship between the number of Associate degrees awarded in Theology and religious vocations and the American League ranking of the Detroit Tigers. Utilizing data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Wikipedia pages of the Detroit Tigers, our research team delved into this seemingly incongruous connection. The correlation coefficient of 0.8316076 and p < 0.01 for the period from 2011 to 2021 provided compelling evidence of a noteworthy association.

In exploring this unexpected correlation, we discovered that the number of Theology degrees awarded and the performance of the Detroit Tigers in the American League appear to move in parallel. A classic dad joke seems appropriate at this juncture: "Why don't baseball players ever get lonely? Because they always have their bats with them!"

While this investigation doesn't presuppose a causal link, our findings raise thought-provoking questions about the interplay between academic pursuits in religious studies and the athletic vigor of a Major League Baseball team. This unusual juxtaposition of topics underscores the complexity of human endeavors and the enigmatic nature of statistical relationships. We hope this research inspires further exploration into the quirky and unexpected connections that permeate our world.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The correlation between Associate degrees awarded in Theology and religious vocations and the American League ranking of the Detroit Tigers has garnered surprising attention in recent years. In "The Theological Chronicles," Smith and Doe find a significant positive relationship between the number of Theology degrees conferred and the Detroit Tigers' ranking in the American League. This unexpected correlation presents an intriguing puzzle, prompting one to contemplate the interconnectedness of theological education and baseball prowess. It's as if the divine hand of statistical fate is guiding both the spiritual and athletic trajectories, much like a perfectly timed home run in the bottom of the ninth.
In "Religion and Sports: An Unlikely Pairing," Jones explores the unconventional connections between religious pursuits and athletic endeavors. While the focus of the study is not directly on the Detroit Tigers, the author's findings highlight the broader phenomenon of unexpected correlations in the realm of sports and spirituality. The surprising nature of these connections is akin to a surprise bunt during a high-stakes game – unexpected and yet undeniably effective.
Moving beyond scholarly research, "The Theology of Baseball" by Smith delves into the spiritual dimensions of America's favorite pastime. While not explicitly examining the relationship between theology degrees and baseball performance, the book's exploration of the shared values and experiences of both pursuits adds an intriguing layer to our understanding of this unanticipated correlation. It's as if the very fabric of the universe is woven with threads of divine whimsy, creating intersections that boggle the mind, much like a knuckleball's erratic path to the plate.
Even in the realm of fiction, the novel "The Field of Divine Dreams" by Author X weaves a tale of supernatural intervention in the world of baseball. While purely imaginary, the story's portrayal of ethereal forces influencing the outcome of baseball games serves as a whimsical reflection of the unexpected connection between theology and athletic achievement. It's as if the baseball diamond becomes a canvas for celestial jigs and capricious cosmic winks—sort of like a game-winning grand slam hit by an unexpected pinch hitter.
Furthermore, social media posts have emerged that hint at the potential alignment between theological pursuits and the performance of the Detroit Tigers. An anonymous quip on Twitter remarked, "Who knew that the path to the World Series runs through the hallowed halls of theology departments? Maybe the Tigers should start recruiting theology graduates as their secret weapon!" These informal insights, though lighthearted in nature, underscore the burgeoning interest and speculation surrounding this uncommon correlation. It's akin to a seventh-inning stretch for conventional wisdom – a moment to relax and consider the delightful absurdity of life's unpredictable connections.

[[RESULTS]]
The investigation into the relationship between the number of Associate degrees awarded in Theology and religious vocations and the American League ranking of the Detroit Tigers revealed a strong positive correlation. The correlation coefficient of 0.8316076 and an r-squared of 0.6915712 for the period from 2011 to 2021 provided compelling evidence of a noteworthy association. In statistical terms, this correlation can be considered robust, akin to a well-constructed double play in baseball.
The scatterplot in Figure 1 visually depicts the striking correlation between the two variables, resembling the precision of a well-executed pick-off attempt at first base. As one variable increases, the other appears to move in lockstep, much like dueling base runners attempting to steal second.
This unexpected finding prompts us to ponder the interactions between academic pursuits in religious studies and the performance of a Major League Baseball team. It raises intriguing questions about the underlying factors that may contribute to this peculiar correlation, akin to the mystery of a well-disguised changeup pitch. It seems that, in the grand game of statistical analysis, we have stumbled upon a curveball of an association between these seemingly unrelated phenomena.
The unexpected juxtaposition between the pursuit of theological education and the athletic fortunes of the Detroit Tigers invites reflection on the multifaceted nature of human endeavors. Much like a curveball catching a batter off guard, the correlation we uncovered challenges preconceived notions and beckons further investigation into the quirky and unexpected connections that permeate our world. This finding reminds us that, in the intricate web of statistical relationships, there may be hidden patterns waiting to be uncovered, much like a slyly hidden infield fly ball.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The results of our investigation provide compelling support for the previously documented surprising correlation between the number of Associate degrees awarded in Theology and religious vocations and the American League ranking of the Detroit Tigers. The observed strong positive correlation aligns with the findings of Smith and Doe, who speculated on a potential link between theological academia and baseball performance. It appears that the humorous adage, "Why did the baseball player bring string to the game? He wanted to tie the score!" may hold a kernel of truth regarding the intertwined paths of theology and baseball success.

Building upon the insights of Jones, our research underscores the intriguing and unanticipated connections that exist between religious pursuits and athletic achievements. The robust correlation coefficient we identified echoes the rhythm of a well-choreographed double play, reinforcing the notion that statistical relationships can indeed yield surprising and illuminating findings. It is as if the statistical landscape of academia and athleticism has unfolded a delightful jest, akin to a perfectly timed quip during a tense extra innings match.

Our results also resonate with the speculative chatter on social media, where playful suggestions regarding the recruitment of theology graduates as a potential secret weapon for the Detroit Tigers bring an element of levity to the serious endeavor of statistical analysis. While these musings may have been made in jest, our findings lend credence to the intriguing possibility of a connection between theological education and baseball prowess. It's as if the playful banter of baseball superstitions has merged with the esoteric mysteries of academic pursuits, creating a tapestry of improbable yet compelling correlations that beckon further exploration.

In conclusion, the unexpected correlation uncovered in this study highlights the serendipitous nature of statistical investigations, reminding us that beneath the surface of seemingly disparate phenomena, hidden patterns and connections may await discovery. This finding represents an intriguing curveball in the realm of statistical associations, prompting us to approach our understanding of academic pursuits and athletic achievements with renewed curiosity and a readiness for unexpected correlations. In the spirit of statistical exploration, let us be poised and ready, much like a keen outfielder anticipating a deep fly ball, to embrace the delightful uncertainties and surprises that enrich our understanding of the complex interplay between theology and baseball success.

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 Associates degrees awarded in Theology and religious vocations and Detroit Tigers' American League Ranking. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. 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]]
Holy Rollers and Batting Averages: The Connection Between Theology Degrees and Detroit Tigers' Chronology

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study examines the intriguing relationship between the number of Associate degrees awarded in Theology and religious vocations and the American League ranking of the Detroit Tigers. Utilizing data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Wikipedia pages of the Detroit Tigers, our research team delved into this seemingly incongruous connection. The correlation coefficient of 0.8316076 and p < 0.01 for the period from 2011 to 2021 provided compelling evidence of a noteworthy association.

In exploring this unexpected correlation, we discovered that the number of Theology degrees awarded and the performance of the Detroit Tigers in the American League appear to move in parallel. A classic dad joke seems appropriate at this juncture: "Why don't baseball players ever get lonely? Because they always have their bats with them!"

While this investigation doesn't presuppose a causal link, our findings raise thought-provoking questions about the interplay between academic pursuits in religious studies and the athletic vigor of a Major League Baseball team. This unusual juxtaposition of topics underscores the complexity of human endeavors and the enigmatic nature of statistical relationships. We hope this research inspires further exploration into the quirky and unexpected connections that permeate our world.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The intersection of academia and sports has long been a source of curiosity, often leading to unexpected discoveries and, on occasion, a few raised eyebrows. In this study, we traverse the seemingly divergent realms of Associate degrees awarded in Theology and religious vocations and the American League ranking of the Detroit Tigers. As we unravel the statistical relationship between these two variables, we are reminded of the timeless adage: "Why did the baseball player bring string to the game? Because he wanted to tie the score!"
The chronicle of theological education and the trajectory of a baseball team's performance may at first appear to inhabit disparate domains, yet our investigation has revealed a correlation that demands attention. One might find the connection between these seemingly incongruent variables as unexpected as a curveball on a sunny day. It is within the confines of this peculiar correlation that we aim to shed light on the otherwise enigmatic interplay between religious scholarly pursuits and the athletic odyssey of the Detroit Tigers.
Drawing data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the comprehensive compendium of the Detroit Tigers' American League ranking, we subjected these variables to rigorous statistical analysis, uncovering an intriguing correlation coefficient of 0.8316076 and p < 0.01 for the period spanning from 2011 to 2021. This finding forces one to contemplate the intersection of theological aspirations and athletic prowess with the same quizzical expression one might have while watching a knuckleball unfurl.
Amidst the labyrinth of statistical computations and scholarly pursuits, we are reminded of a fitting dad joke: "Why don't theologians play hide and seek? Because good luck hiding 'omni' present!"
Our investigation does not presume causation, yet the parallel movements of the number of theology degrees awarded and the performance of the Detroit Tigers in the American League evoke contemplation. This unexpected connection between ecclesiastical knowledge and athletic maneuvers beckons further exploration into the unforeseen correlations that punctuate our scholarly and sporting landscapes.

[[RESULTS]]
The investigation into the relationship between the number of Associate degrees awarded in Theology and religious vocations and the American League ranking of the Detroit Tigers revealed a strong positive correlation. The correlation coefficient of 0.8316076 and an r-squared of 0.6915712 for the period from 2011 to 2021 provided compelling evidence of a noteworthy association. In statistical terms, this correlation can be considered robust, akin to a well-constructed double play in baseball.
The scatterplot in Figure 1 visually depicts the striking correlation between the two variables, resembling the precision of a well-executed pick-off attempt at first base. As one variable increases, the other appears to move in lockstep, much like dueling base runners attempting to steal second.
This unexpected finding prompts us to ponder the interactions between academic pursuits in religious studies and the performance of a Major League Baseball team. It raises intriguing questions about the underlying factors that may contribute to this peculiar correlation, akin to the mystery of a well-disguised changeup pitch. It seems that, in the grand game of statistical analysis, we have stumbled upon a curveball of an association between these seemingly unrelated phenomena.
The unexpected juxtaposition between the pursuit of theological education and the athletic fortunes of the Detroit Tigers invites reflection on the multifaceted nature of human endeavors. Much like a curveball catching a batter off guard, the correlation we uncovered challenges preconceived notions and beckons further investigation into the quirky and unexpected connections that permeate our world. This finding reminds us that, in the intricate web of statistical relationships, there may be hidden patterns waiting to be uncovered, much like a slyly hidden infield fly ball.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our study has illuminated a surprising and robust correlation between the number of Associate degrees awarded in Theology and religious vocations and the American League ranking of the Detroit Tigers. The strong positive correlation coefficient of 0.8316076 and p < 0.01 for the period from 2011 to 2021 presents a statistical relationship that is as solid as a well-timed bunt down the third baseline.

This unusual alignment between religious scholarly pursuits and the athletic odyssey of the Detroit Tigers has sparked intriguing questions about the underlying dynamics at play. It raises the possibility of a unique symbiotic relationship, akin to the interplay between a well-chosen pinch hitter and a team's batting average.

The unexpected connection between these seemingly unrelated domains reminds us of the endless enigmas that permeate our world. Our findings prompt the contemplation of the multifaceted nature of human endeavors and invite further exploration into the often-unexpected correlations that punctuate our scholarly and sporting landscapes.

At this juncture, a relevant dad joke seems fitting: "Why do baseball players make good religious leaders? Because they know how to steal bases!"

In light of these compelling findings, we assert that no further research is needed in this area. The statistical evidence speaks for itself, much like a perfectly executed double play. Nevertheless, we hope that this study inspires further exploration into the quirky and unexpected connections that intertwine our academic and athletic spheres.

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 Holy Rollers and Batting Averages: The Connection Between Theology Degrees and Detroit Tigers' Chronology. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

Journal of Sports Theology and Statistical 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 Holy Rollers and Batting Averages: The Connection Between Theology Degrees and Detroit Tigers' Chronology. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Society for Ecclesiastical Sports Analytics

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 Holy Rollers and Batting Averages: The Connection Between Theology Degrees and Detroit Tigers' Chronology with an abstract of This study examines the intriguing relationship between the number of Associate degrees awarded in Theology and religious vocations and the American League ranking of the Detroit Tigers. Utilizing data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Wikipedia pages of the Detroit Tigers, our research team delved into this seemingly incongruous connection. The correlation coefficient of 0.8316076 and p < 0.01 for the period from 2011 to 2021 provided compelling evidence of a noteworthy association.
In exploring this unexpected correlation, we discovered that the number of Theology degrees awarded and the performance of the Detroit Tigers in the American League appear to move in parallel. A classic dad joke seems appropriate at this juncture: "Why don't baseball players ever get lonely? Because they always have their bats with them!"
While this investigation doesn't presuppose a causal link, our findings raise thought-provoking questions about the interplay between academic pursuits in religious studies and the athletic vigor of a Major League Baseball team. This unusual juxtaposition of topics underscores the complexity of human endeavors and the enigmatic nature of statistical relationships. We hope this research inspires further exploration into the quirky and unexpected connections that permeate our world.

ChatGPT:

Theology degrees, religious vocations, Detroit Tigers, American League ranking, correlation coefficient, National Center for Education Statistics, Detroit Tigers Wikipedia, academic pursuits, religious studies, Major League Baseball, statistical relationships

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

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Data details

Associates degrees awarded in Theology
Detailed data title: Associate's degrees conferred by postsecondary institutions with a field of study of Theology and religious vocations
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
See what else correlates with Associates degrees awarded in Theology

Detroit Tigers' American League Ranking
Source: Wikipedia
See what else correlates with Detroit Tigers' American League Ranking

Correlation r = 0.8316076 (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 = 0.6915712 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 69.2% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Detroit Tigers' American League Ranking) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Associates degrees awarded in Theology) over the 11 years from 2011 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 0.00151.^Show 0.0015056736259404318000000000
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 0.83 in 0.151% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 664 random variables^Note Which I absolutely did.
with the same 10 degrees of freedom, ^Note Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 10 because we have two variables measured over a period of 11 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.

[ 0.46, 0.96 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
^{Read more about the confidence interval} The confidence interval is an estimate the range of the value of the correlation coefficient, using the correlation itself as an input. The values are meant to be the low and high end of the correlation coefficient with 95% confidence.

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

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

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

	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021
Associates degrees awarded in Theology (Degrees awarded)	758	839	881	944	1135	1089	1164	1127	1131	1079	982
Detroit Tigers' American League Ranking (Position)	1	1	1	1	5	2	5	3	5	5	3

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.
Y-axis doesn't start at zero: I truncated the Y-axes of the graph above. I also used a line graph, which makes the visual connection stand out more than it deserves. ^Note Nothing against line graphs. They are great at telling a story when you have linear data! But visually it is deceptive because the only data is at the points on the graph, not the lines on the graph. In between each point, the data could have been doing anything. Like going for a random walk by itself!
Mathematically what I showed is true, but it is intentionally misleading. Below is the same chart but with both Y-axes starting at zero.

Try it yourself

You can calculate the values on this page on your own! Try running the Python code to see the calculation results. ^{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([758,839,881,944,1135,1089,1164,1127,1131,1079,982,])
array_2 = np.array([1,1,1,1,5,2,5,3,5,5,3,])
array_1_name = "Associates degrees awarded in Theology"
array_2_name = "Detroit Tigers' American League Ranking"

# 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 Associates degrees awarded in Theology
Line chart for only Detroit Tigers' American League Ranking
AI-generated correlation image
The spurious research paper: Holy Rollers and Batting Averages: The Connection Between Theology Degrees and Detroit Tigers' Chronology

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Correlation ID: 1917 · Black Variable ID: 1258 · Red Variable ID: 106


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