Spurious correlation #2,072 · 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 Practical nursing and the second variable is The number of CEOs in Oregon. The chart goes from 2011 to 2020, 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 Practical nursing and the second variable is The number of CEOs in Oregon. The chart goes from 2011 to 2020, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

Download png, svg

AI explanation

The shortage of practical nurses led to a CEO-hospital pass, with executives feeling the pressure and making an executive decision to step down. Without enough practical nurses, it was no longer viable for CEOs to keep the healthcare industry in good health. The whole situation was just very un-nurse-able!

^{Show image generation prompt} Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image of a 3D Pixar-style graduation ceremony at a nursing school in Oregon, where students are receiving their Associate's degrees in Practical Nursing. The focus of the image should be on several standout individuals who are also CEOs of healthcare organizations in Oregon, wearing their professional attire and mingling with the graduates. The scene should capture the celebratory atmosphere and the sense of achievement, with vibrant colors and a sense of pride and accomplishment in the air. The image should also convey the transition from student life to professional success. 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 Practical nursing and The number of CEOs in Oregon. 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 scene from Skyrim Scalar art A comic-book-style illustration with muted colors and a dotted halftone pattern from the 1960s inspired by bauhaus 3D Pixar Style
ChatGPT: 3D Pixar Style

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 Practical nursing and The number of CEOs in Oregon together. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: Picture a graduation ceremony at a nursing school in Oregon, where students are receiving their Associate's degrees in Practical Nursing. Among the graduates, you notice several individuals who stand out as they are also CEOs of healthcare organizations in Oregon, wearing their professional attire and mingling with the graduates.

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: [ 3D Pixar Style ] and depicting this scene: Picture a graduation ceremony at a nursing school in Oregon, where students are receiving their Associate's degrees in Practical Nursing. Among the graduates, you notice several individuals who stand out as they are also CEOs of healthcare organizations in Oregon, wearing their professional attire and mingling with the graduates. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image of a 3D Pixar-style graduation ceremony at a nursing school in Oregon, where students are receiving their Associate's degrees in Practical Nursing. The focus of the image should be on several standout individuals who are also CEOs of healthcare organizations in Oregon, wearing their professional attire and mingling with the graduates. The scene should capture the celebratory atmosphere and the sense of achievement, with vibrant colors and a sense of pride and accomplishment in the air. The image should also convey the transition from student life to professional success.

*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 a decrease in Associates degrees awarded in Practical nursing caused The number of CEOs in Oregon to decrease. Include one good pun.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)

The Bedside and the Boardroom: An Examination of the Link Between Practical Nursing Associate Degrees and CEO Population in Oregon

Journal of Healthcare and Business Dynamics

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 Practical nursing and The number of CEOs in Oregon. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Speak in the present tense for this section (the authors find...), as is common in academic research paper literature reviews. Name the sources in a format similar to this: In "Book," the authors find lorem and ipsum.

Make up the lorem and ipsum part, but make it sound related to the topic at hand.

Start by naming serious-sounding studies by authors like Smith, Doe, and Jones - but then quickly devolve. Name some real non-fiction books that would be related to the topic. Then name some real fiction books that sound like they could be related. Then cite some social media posts you read that seem to be related.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"The Bedside and the Boardroom: An Examination of the Link Between Practical Nursing Associate Degrees and CEO Population in Oregon"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study seeks to shed light on the often overlooked connection between the number of Practical Nursing associate degrees awarded and the population of chief executive officers (CEOs) in Oregon. By analyzing a decade of data from the National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Labor Statistics, our research team uncovered a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9836196 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the years 2011 to 2020. These findings suggest a strong positive relationship between the two variables, implying that the healthcare education landscape may have implications beyond the bedside and reach as far as the boardroom. The unexpected nature of this relationship adds a dose of humor to the often serious world of academic research, illustrating that the world of statistics can sometimes mirror the curious nature of the human condition.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The intersection of healthcare education and corporate leadership may seem like an unlikely pairing at first glance. However, as we delve into the world of statistics and trends, we uncover unexpected connections that prompt us to ponder the intricacies of the social and economic fabric that weaves through our society.
While the image of a nurse diligently caring for patients at their bedside and a CEO orchestrating boardroom meetings may conjure vastly different mental landscapes, our study aims to unravel the invisible threads that bind these seemingly disparate professions together. As we embark on this intriguing journey, we must brace ourselves for a rollercoaster ride through numerical analyses and statistical musings that may leave us surprised, baffled, and occasionally amused.
The pursuit of this inquiry is not merely an exercise in statistical acrobatics; rather, it offers an opportunity to poke fun at the unexpected quirks of the interconnected web of human activities. After all, who would have thought that the number of CEOs in Oregon could be linked to the issuance of Practical Nursing associate degrees?
But let us not get ahead of ourselves; first, we must establish the context and rationale behind this investigation. As we unfurl the layers of this unique correlation, we aim to bring to light the symbiotic relationship between the healthcare education sector and the echelons of corporate leadership. Join us on this intellectual escapade as we navigate the winding path of numerical revelations and perhaps uncover a few chuckles along the way.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

In their seminal work, Smith and Doe (2015) explored the impact of healthcare education on the workforce landscape, shedding light on the crucial role of practical nursing associate degrees in preparing individuals for the rigors of patient care. Similarly, Jones (2017) delved into the realm of corporate leadership and executive decision-making, offering a comprehensive analysis of the skills and qualifications that propel individuals into the upper echelons of organizational hierarchies.

However, as we traverse the unexpected avenue of our investigation, we are met with a surprising twist of fate. In "The Healing Power of Laughter" by Humor (2002), the authors suggest that humor and mirth have a palpable effect on the interconnectedness of seemingly unrelated domains, infusing an element of levity into even the most unlikely of scenarios. Could it be that the issuance of Practical Nursing associate degrees possesses a veiled influence that transcends the boundaries of the healthcare arena, reaching across industries and tickling the fancies of corporate leaders?

Turning to more fictional but curiously relevant narratives, "The Nurse's Dilemma" by Jovial Jest (2018) offers a whimsical exploration of the trials and tribulations faced by nursing professionals, weaving a tapestry of lighthearted anecdotes and comical mishaps. Furthermore, in "CEO Chronicles: Tales from the Boardroom" by Witty Wordsmith (2019), the author regales readers with fictional tales of executive prowess and the occasional foible, suggesting that the world of corporate leadership is not impervious to the influence of unexpected forces.

In a matter befitting the contemporary digital age, our research team stumbled upon a series of social media posts that hint at the correlation we seek to unravel. One Twitter user, @NurseNickNack, quipped, "Who would've thought that the path to becoming a CEO starts at the patient's bedside? #PracticalNursing #LeadershipPotential." Meanwhile, a LinkedIn post by an anonymous user mused, "The skills honed in practical nursing programs may hold the key to unlocking the leadership potential of future CEOs. #UnlikelyConnections #NursingLeadership."

As we navigate this intriguing intersection of practical nursing education and the corporate realm, we embrace the unexpected turns and humorous revelations that await us. In doing so, we may unearth a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of human endeavors and uncover a few chuckles along the way.

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 Practical nursing and The number of CEOs in Oregon. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Limit your response to 500 tokens.

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

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

[[TITLE]]
"The Bedside and the Boardroom: An Examination of the Link Between Practical Nursing Associate Degrees and CEO Population in Oregon"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study seeks to shed light on the often overlooked connection between the number of Practical Nursing associate degrees awarded and the population of chief executive officers (CEOs) in Oregon. By analyzing a decade of data from the National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Labor Statistics, our research team uncovered a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9836196 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the years 2011 to 2020. These findings suggest a strong positive relationship between the two variables, implying that the healthcare education landscape may have implications beyond the bedside and reach as far as the boardroom. The unexpected nature of this relationship adds a dose of humor to the often serious world of academic research, illustrating that the world of statistics can sometimes mirror the curious nature of the human condition.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
In their seminal work, Smith and Doe (2015) explored the impact of healthcare education on the workforce landscape, shedding light on the crucial role of practical nursing associate degrees in preparing individuals for the rigors of patient care. Similarly, Jones (2017) delved into the realm of corporate leadership and executive decision-making, offering a comprehensive analysis of the skills and qualifications that propel individuals into the upper echelons of organizational hierarchies.
However, as we traverse the unexpected avenue of our investigation, we are met with a surprising twist of fate. In "The Healing Power of Laughter" by Humor (2002), the authors suggest that humor and mirth have a palpable effect on the interconnectedness of seemingly unrelated domains, infusing an element of levity into even the most unlikely of scenarios. Could it be that the issuance of Practical Nursing associate degrees possesses a veiled influence that transcends the boundaries of the healthcare arena, reaching across industries and tickling the fancies of corporate leaders?
Turning to more fictional but curiously relevant narratives, "The Nurse's Dilemma" by Jovial Jest (2018) offers a whimsical exploration of the trials and tribulations faced by nursing professionals, weaving a tapestry of lighthearted anecdotes and comical mishaps. Furthermore, in "CEO Chronicles: Tales from the Boardroom" by Witty Wordsmith (2019), the author regales readers with fictional tales of executive prowess and the occasional foible, suggesting that the world of corporate leadership is not impervious to the influence of unexpected forces.
In a matter befitting the contemporary digital age, our research team stumbled upon a series of social media posts that hint at the correlation we seek to unravel. One Twitter user, @NurseNickNack, quipped, "Who would've thought that the path to becoming a CEO starts at the patient's bedside? #PracticalNursing #LeadershipPotential." Meanwhile, a LinkedIn post by an anonymous user mused, "The skills honed in practical nursing programs may hold the key to unlocking the leadership potential of future CEOs. #UnlikelyConnections #NursingLeadership."
As we navigate this intriguing intersection of practical nursing education and the corporate realm, we embrace the unexpected turns and humorous revelations that await us. In doing so, we may unearth a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of human endeavors and uncover a few chuckles along the way.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the data revealed a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.9836196 between the number of Practical Nursing associate degrees awarded and the population of chief executive officers (CEOs) in Oregon for the years 2011 to 2020. The obtained r-squared value of 0.9675075 further underscores the robustness of this relationship. The p-value of less than 0.01 provides strong evidence against the null hypothesis of no correlation, solidifying our confidence in the reported findings.
The scatterplot (Fig. 1) visually depicts the strong positive relationship between these two variables. Each data point on the plot serves as a testament to the unsuspected ties between the healthcare education sector and the exalted realm of corporate leadership. It seems that the issuance of Practical Nursing associate degrees may indeed carry weight far beyond the clinical setting, reaching deep into the domain of executive decision-making.
The convergence of these seemingly distant domains evokes a sense of wonder and perhaps a chuckle or two at the whimsical nature of statistical revelations. At first blush, one might be tempted to needle the dataset for playing an elaborate practical joke. Nevertheless, the figures speak for themselves, unwavering in their portrayal of the peculiar kinship between these two spheres.
In conclusion, the considerable correlation between the number of Practical Nursing associate degrees awarded and the population of CEOs in Oregon paints a vivid picture of the intricate interconnections within our societal framework. This unexpected relationship serves as a poignant reminder that beneath the solemn veneer of statistics lies an undercurrent of caprice and amusement, where the unlikely can find common ground, and the serious can be tinged with a hint of whimsy.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The robust correlation uncovered in this study between the number of Practical Nursing associate degrees awarded and the population of chief executive officers (CEOs) in Oregon for the years 2011 to 2020 indeed supports prior research that hinted at the unconventional relationship between healthcare education and corporate leadership.

The findings are in line with the work of Smith and Doe (2015), who emphasized the pivotal role of practical nursing associate degrees in preparing individuals for patient care. The unexpected twist here is the revelation that these degrees may also lay the groundwork for future CEOs, demonstrating the remarkable versatility of healthcare education in shaping not only the healthcare landscape but also the corporate echelons.

Moreover, the mirthful findings add a playful resonance to the academic landscape, resonating with the sentiments expressed in "The Healing Power of Laughter" by Humor (2002). While it may initially seem that academic research is a realm of solemnity, this study exemplifies that statistics can indeed mirror the curious nature of the human condition, and occasional surprises can add a hint of whimsy to the often rigid world of empirical inquiry.

The examination of social media posts also takes on a new dimension of relevance in light of the study's results. The Twitter user, @NurseNickNack, and the anonymous LinkedIn post, although seemingly light-hearted initially, now take on a deeper significance, hinting at the untapped potential and unforeseen connection between practical nursing and leadership trajectories. It is notable that while these sources may have been dismissed as mere lighthearted banter in a more traditional research context, they now hold unexpected weight in light of the empirical evidence presented in this study.

The correlation coefficient and r-squared value obtained in this study provide compelling evidence that the issuance of Practical Nursing associate degrees may hold implications far beyond the clinical setting, extending into the realm of executive decision-making. While this intricate link may seem as unlikely as a medical joke, the statistical figures leave little room for doubt and offer a lighthearted reminder that even the most unexpected connections can be firmly grounded in empirical evidence.

In conclusion, the findings of this study add a touch of whimsy to the often staid world of academic research, demonstrating the improbable yet substantial connection between the issuance of Practical Nursing associate degrees and the population of CEOs in Oregon. The unexpected nature of this relationship prompts a reevaluation of the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate domains, infusing a light-hearted levity into the scrutiny of societal dynamics.

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 Practical nursing and The number of CEOs in Oregon. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

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

Here are the title, abstract, introduction, and results sections.
[[TITLE]]
"The Bedside and the Boardroom: An Examination of the Link Between Practical Nursing Associate Degrees and CEO Population in Oregon"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study seeks to shed light on the often overlooked connection between the number of Practical Nursing associate degrees awarded and the population of chief executive officers (CEOs) in Oregon. By analyzing a decade of data from the National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Labor Statistics, our research team uncovered a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9836196 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the years 2011 to 2020. These findings suggest a strong positive relationship between the two variables, implying that the healthcare education landscape may have implications beyond the bedside and reach as far as the boardroom. The unexpected nature of this relationship adds a dose of humor to the often serious world of academic research, illustrating that the world of statistics can sometimes mirror the curious nature of the human condition.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The intersection of healthcare education and corporate leadership may seem like an unlikely pairing at first glance. However, as we delve into the world of statistics and trends, we uncover unexpected connections that prompt us to ponder the intricacies of the social and economic fabric that weaves through our society.
While the image of a nurse diligently caring for patients at their bedside and a CEO orchestrating boardroom meetings may conjure vastly different mental landscapes, our study aims to unravel the invisible threads that bind these seemingly disparate professions together. As we embark on this intriguing journey, we must brace ourselves for a rollercoaster ride through numerical analyses and statistical musings that may leave us surprised, baffled, and occasionally amused.
The pursuit of this inquiry is not merely an exercise in statistical acrobatics; rather, it offers an opportunity to poke fun at the unexpected quirks of the interconnected web of human activities. After all, who would have thought that the number of CEOs in Oregon could be linked to the issuance of Practical Nursing associate degrees?
But let us not get ahead of ourselves; first, we must establish the context and rationale behind this investigation. As we unfurl the layers of this unique correlation, we aim to bring to light the symbiotic relationship between the healthcare education sector and the echelons of corporate leadership. Join us on this intellectual escapade as we navigate the winding path of numerical revelations and perhaps uncover a few chuckles along the way.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the data revealed a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.9836196 between the number of Practical Nursing associate degrees awarded and the population of chief executive officers (CEOs) in Oregon for the years 2011 to 2020. The obtained r-squared value of 0.9675075 further underscores the robustness of this relationship. The p-value of less than 0.01 provides strong evidence against the null hypothesis of no correlation, solidifying our confidence in the reported findings.
The scatterplot (Fig. 1) visually depicts the strong positive relationship between these two variables. Each data point on the plot serves as a testament to the unsuspected ties between the healthcare education sector and the exalted realm of corporate leadership. It seems that the issuance of Practical Nursing associate degrees may indeed carry weight far beyond the clinical setting, reaching deep into the domain of executive decision-making.
The convergence of these seemingly distant domains evokes a sense of wonder and perhaps a chuckle or two at the whimsical nature of statistical revelations. At first blush, one might be tempted to needle the dataset for playing an elaborate practical joke. Nevertheless, the figures speak for themselves, unwavering in their portrayal of the peculiar kinship between these two spheres.
In conclusion, the considerable correlation between the number of Practical Nursing associate degrees awarded and the population of CEOs in Oregon paints a vivid picture of the intricate interconnections within our societal framework. This unexpected relationship serves as a poignant reminder that beneath the solemn veneer of statistics lies an undercurrent of caprice and amusement, where the unlikely can find common ground, and the serious can be tinged with a hint of whimsy.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

The interplay between the issuance of Practical Nursing associate degrees and the presence of CEOs in Oregon unravels a delightful tale of unexpected camaraderie between healthcare education and corporate leadership. As we delve into the depths of statistical analyses, we unearth a remarkable correlation that seems to suggest a symbiotic relationship between the two seemingly distinct realms. It appears that the pursuit of nursing certifications may not only nurture the healthcare workforce but also sprinkle a dash of influence in the boardroom.

The robust correlation coefficient and the compelling r-squared value stand as unyielding evidence of this whimsical association. It seems that the issuance of Practical Nursing associate degrees may hold sway over executive echelons, traversing the boundary between patient care and strategic decision-making. One cannot help but marvel at the peculiar harmony between these divergent domains, akin to an unexpected duet at a symphony hall.

While one may be forgiven for assuming a statistical ruse at play, the consistency of the data thwarts any attempts to dismiss this correlation lightly. The scatterplot serves as a visual testament to this unlikely alliance, beckoning us to embrace the serendipitous nature of statistical revelations.

In light of these findings, it becomes evident that the healthcare education landscape may cast a wider net than previously imagined, casting ripples across professional domains and prompting a rethink of the traditional career trajectories. The implications of this revelation may stir a chuckle or two, as we contemplate the unassuming influence of nursing education on the exalted realm of corporate governance.

In the face of these compelling results, it is with utmost confidence that we assert no further research is warranted in this area. The quirky camaraderie between nursing education and the CEO population in Oregon stands as a testament to the unexpected twists that can emerge from the labyrinth of statistical analyses. Sometimes, the data tells a tale far more amusing than we could have ever imagined.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of academic journals. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding research, scientific, or academic journal that would publish a paper entited The Bedside and the Boardroom: An Examination of the Link Between Practical Nursing Associate Degrees and CEO Population in Oregon. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

Journal of Healthcare and Business Dynamics

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of nonprofit research organizations and associations. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding nonprofit, academic, or scientific association or organization that would sponsor research that resulted in a paper entited The Bedside and the Boardroom: An Examination of the Link Between Practical Nursing Associate Degrees and CEO Population in Oregon. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Institute for Practical Nursing Studies and Business Leadership

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide potential search keywords separated by commas. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide potential search keywords for a paper titled The Bedside and the Boardroom: An Examination of the Link Between Practical Nursing Associate Degrees and CEO Population in Oregon with an abstract of This study seeks to shed light on the often overlooked connection between the number of Practical Nursing associate degrees awarded and the population of chief executive officers (CEOs) in Oregon. By analyzing a decade of data from the National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Labor Statistics, our research team uncovered a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9836196 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the years 2011 to 2020. These findings suggest a strong positive relationship between the two variables, implying that the healthcare education landscape may have implications beyond the bedside and reach as far as the boardroom. The unexpected nature of this relationship adds a dose of humor to the often serious world of academic research, illustrating that the world of statistics can sometimes mirror the curious nature of the human condition.

ChatGPT:

Practical Nursing associate degrees, CEO population, Oregon, correlation coefficient, National Center for Education Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare education, bedside and boardroom, academic research, statistics, human condition

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

The number of CEOs in Oregon
Detailed data title: BLS estimate of chief executives in Oregon
Source: Bureau of Larbor Statistics
See what else correlates with The number of CEOs in Oregon

Correlation r = 0.9836196 (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 = 0.9675075 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 96.8% of the change in the one variable (i.e., The number of CEOs in Oregon) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Associates degrees awarded in Practical nursing) over the 10 years from 2011 through 2020.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 3.09E-7.^Show 0.0000003088281372861090500000
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 0.98 in 3.09E-5% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 3,238,047 random variables^Note You don't actually need 3 million 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 9 degrees of freedom, ^Note Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 9 because we have two variables measured over a period of 10 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.

[ 0.93, 1 ] 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
Associates degrees awarded in Practical nursing (Degrees awarded)	2069	2366	2361	2230	1858	1404	1420	1105	1274	1297
The number of CEOs in Oregon (Chief Executives)	2210	2650	2810	2650	1940	1390	1210	970	770	950

Why this works

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

Try it yourself

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    return correlation, r_squared, p_value

# These are the arrays for the variables shown on this page, but you can modify them to be any two sets of numbers
array_1 = np.array([2069,2366,2361,2230,1858,1404,1420,1105,1274,1297,])
array_2 = np.array([2210,2650,2810,2650,1940,1390,1210,970,770,950,])
array_1_name = "Associates degrees awarded in Practical nursing"
array_2_name = "The number of CEOs in Oregon"

# 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 Practical nursing
Line chart for only The number of CEOs in Oregon
AI-generated correlation image
The spurious research paper: The Bedside and the Boardroom: An Examination of the Link Between Practical Nursing Associate Degrees and CEO Population in Oregon

View another random correlation

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Correlation ID: 2072 · Black Variable ID: 1234 · Red Variable ID: 13271


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