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Spurious correlation #2,423 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is UFO sightings in South Carolina and the second variable is Total Number of Successful Mount Everest Climbs.  The chart goes from 1975 to 2011, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

The aliens were big fans of extreme sports and decided to start an intergalactic Mount Everest fan club, providing secret technological assistance to climbers. Who knew that E.T. was an adrenaline junkie?

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: [ Concept art ] Create an image with a moonlit sky over the South Carolina coast, where a shimmering UFO streaks across the horizon, casting a radiant glow upon the tranquil waters below. Simultaneously, atop the majestic peak of Mount Everest, depict a group of climbers triumphantly raising their arms in jubilation, guided by the celestial light of an otherworldly spacecraft hovering above them. Show the convergence of these two extraordinary events turning the night sky into a mesmerizing spectacle, sparking curiosity and awe among all who witness this breathtaking celestial display. 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: UFO sightings in South Carolina and Total Number of Successful Mount Everest Climbs. 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: Scalar art Celtic art Macabre Concept art Woodblock painting
ChatGPT: Concept art

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 UFO sightings in South Carolina and Total Number of Successful Mount Everest Climbs, in the following situation: As more aliens set their sights on the South, they realized they needed to "reach new heights" in their interactions with humans. This "cosmic competition" led them to step up their game and conquer the ultimate terrestrial summit: Mount Everest. The extraterrestrial encouragement and boost in advanced technology helped propel more climbers to the top, creating an out-of-this-world surge in successful ascents. It's a truly "alien-credible" phenomenon that's left everyone "UFO-boggled" and reaching for the stars in their own mountainous pursuits.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In the moonlit sky over the South Carolina coast, a shimmering UFO streaks across the horizon, casting a radiant glow upon the tranquil waters below. Meanwhile, atop the majestic peak of Mount Everest, a group of climbers triumphantly raises their arms in jubilation, guided by the celestial light of an otherworldly spacecraft hovering above them. The convergence of these two extraordinary events has turned the night sky into a mesmerizing spectacle, sparking curiosity and awe among all who witness this breathtaking celestial display.

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: [ Concept art ] and depicting this scene: In the moonlit sky over the South Carolina coast, a shimmering UFO streaks across the horizon, casting a radiant glow upon the tranquil waters below. Meanwhile, atop the majestic peak of Mount Everest, a group of climbers triumphantly raises their arms in jubilation, guided by the celestial light of an otherworldly spacecraft hovering above them. The convergence of these two extraordinary events has turned the night sky into a mesmerizing spectacle, sparking curiosity and awe among all who witness this breathtaking celestial display. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: [ Concept art ] Create an image with a moonlit sky over the South Carolina coast, where a shimmering UFO streaks across the horizon, casting a radiant glow upon the tranquil waters below. Simultaneously, atop the majestic peak of Mount Everest, depict a group of climbers triumphantly raising their arms in jubilation, guided by the celestial light of an otherworldly spacecraft hovering above them. Show the convergence of these two extraordinary events turning the night sky into a mesmerizing spectacle, sparking curiosity and awe among all who witness this breathtaking celestial display.

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

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

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how an increase in UFO sightings in South Carolina caused Total Number of Successful Mount Everest Climbs to increase.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
The E.T. Connection: Exploring the Relationship Between UFO Sightings in South Carolina and Total Number of Successful Mount Everest Climbs

The Journal of Extraterrestrial Expeditions and Earthly Endeavors

Jan 2024

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




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

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between UFO sightings in South Carolina and Total Number of Successful Mount Everest Climbs. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Include a pun in the title.

Your research team used data from National UFO Reporting Center and CBC to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.9171843 and p < 0.01 for 1975 to 2011.

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

[[TITLE]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit

[[ABSTRACT]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit



ChatGPT:
[[TITLE]]
The E.T. Connection: Exploring the Relationship Between UFO Sightings in South Carolina and Total Number of Successful Mount Everest Climbs

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper aims to investigate the curious correlation between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs. Utilizing data from the National UFO Reporting Center and the CBC, we employed statistical analysis to uncover a correlation coefficient of 0.9171843 and p < 0.01 for the years 1975 to 2011, suggesting a robust relationship between these seemingly disparate phenomena. Our findings invite further examination into the potential extraterrestrial influence on human achievements at great heights, offering an engaging avenue for interdisciplinary exploration in the realms of both astrophysics and mountaineering.


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 introduction section of an academic research paper.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between UFO sightings in South Carolina and Total Number of Successful Mount Everest Climbs. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The E.T. Connection: Exploring the Relationship Between UFO Sightings in South Carolina and Total Number of Successful Mount Everest Climbs

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper aims to investigate the curious correlation between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs. Utilizing data from the National UFO Reporting Center and the CBC, we employed statistical analysis to uncover a correlation coefficient of 0.9171843 and p < 0.01 for the years 1975 to 2011, suggesting a robust relationship between these seemingly disparate phenomena. Our findings invite further examination into the potential extraterrestrial influence on human achievements at great heights, offering an engaging avenue for interdisciplinary exploration in the realms of both astrophysics and mountaineering.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
Introduction

The allure of the unknown has captivated human imagination for centuries, from ancient myths of celestial beings to modern fascination with unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The state of South Carolina has notably been a hotbed for reported UFO sightings, while the conquest of Mount Everest stands as a pinnacle of human achievement in the realm of mountaineering. At first glance, one may not fathom a link between these disparate occurrences, yet the intriguing possibility of a connection warrants further investigation. This study delves into the unexpected correlation between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs, probing the depths of this curious relationship with a blend of statistical analysis and speculative inquiry.

The inexplicable allure of UFO phenomena and the physical and psychological challenges of conquering Earth's tallest peak provide the backdrop for this investigation. The inquisitive minds of researchers have long pondered the mysteries of potential extraterrestrial visitations and their impact on terrestrial events. This study endeavors to shed light on the potentially cosmic influence on human endeavors, albeit in a light-hearted manner that does not stray too far into the realm of science fiction.

Our research methodology draws from the National UFO Reporting Center's extensive database of UFO sightings in South Carolina and the comprehensive records of Mount Everest climbs compiled by the CBC. Leveraging robust statistical analysis, we have unearthed a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.9171843 and p < 0.01 for the period spanning from 1975 to 2011. This statistical link underscores the tangential connection between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs, challenging conventional expectations and inviting contemplation on the potential extraterrestrial forces at play.

By delving into this unusual correlation, we hope to foster stimulating discourse at the intersection of astrophysics and mountaineering. Our findings prod at the veil of the unknown, tantalizing the imagination with the prospect of celestial influences on earthly pursuits. Such academic speculation, while inherently audacious, kindles the spirit of inquiry and manifests as a beacon of curiosity amidst the austere confines of scholarly discourse.

In the following sections, we expound upon the methodologies employed, the findings derived, and the implications thereof, navigating the realm of anomalous correlations with a blend of academic rigor and a penchant for the peculiar. Through this meticulous exploration, we endeavor to unveil an enthralling corner of interdisciplinary inquiry that may elicit both scholarly contemplation and the occasional raised eyebrow of speculative wonderment.


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 UFO sightings in South Carolina and Total Number of Successful Mount Everest Climbs. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, 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 you might move on to cartoons and children's shows that you watched for research.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The E.T. Connection: Exploring the Relationship Between UFO Sightings in South Carolina and Total Number of Successful Mount Everest Climbs

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper aims to investigate the curious correlation between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs. Utilizing data from the National UFO Reporting Center and the CBC, we employed statistical analysis to uncover a correlation coefficient of 0.9171843 and p < 0.01 for the years 1975 to 2011, suggesting a robust relationship between these seemingly disparate phenomena. Our findings invite further examination into the potential extraterrestrial influence on human achievements at great heights, offering an engaging avenue for interdisciplinary exploration in the realms of both astrophysics and mountaineering.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
Introduction
The allure of the unknown has captivated human imagination for centuries, from ancient myths of celestial beings to modern fascination with unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The state of South Carolina has notably been a hotbed for reported UFO sightings, while the conquest of Mount Everest stands as a pinnacle of human achievement in the realm of mountaineering. At first glance, one may not fathom a link between these disparate occurrences, yet the intriguing possibility of a connection warrants further investigation. This study delves into the unexpected correlation between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs, probing the depths of this curious relationship with a blend of statistical analysis and speculative inquiry.
The inexplicable allure of UFO phenomena and the physical and psychological challenges of conquering Earth's tallest peak provide the backdrop for this investigation. The inquisitive minds of researchers have long pondered the mysteries of potential extraterrestrial visitations and their impact on terrestrial events. This study endeavors to shed light on the potentially cosmic influence on human endeavors, albeit in a light-hearted manner that does not stray too far into the realm of science fiction.
Our research methodology draws from the National UFO Reporting Center's extensive database of UFO sightings in South Carolina and the comprehensive records of Mount Everest climbs compiled by the CBC. Leveraging robust statistical analysis, we have unearthed a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.9171843 and p < 0.01 for the period spanning from 1975 to 2011. This statistical link underscores the tangential connection between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs, challenging conventional expectations and inviting contemplation on the potential extraterrestrial forces at play.
By delving into this unusual correlation, we hope to foster stimulating discourse at the intersection of astrophysics and mountaineering. Our findings prod at the veil of the unknown, tantalizing the imagination with the prospect of celestial influences on earthly pursuits. Such academic speculation, while inherently audacious, kindles the spirit of inquiry and manifests as a beacon of curiosity amidst the austere confines of scholarly discourse.
In the following sections, we expound upon the methodologies employed, the findings derived, and the implications thereof, navigating the realm of anomalous correlations with a blend of academic rigor and a penchant for the peculiar. Through this meticulous exploration, we endeavor to unveil an enthralling corner of interdisciplinary inquiry that may elicit both scholarly contemplation and the occasional raised eyebrow of speculative wonderment.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

In "Smith and Doe," the authors find a comprehensive analysis of UFO sightings in South Carolina from 1950 to 2000, shedding light on the patterns and frequencies of reported extraterrestrial encounters. Their work provides a foundational understanding of the prevalence of UFO phenomena in this region and sets the stage for further inquiry into potential correlations with seemingly unrelated events. Similarly, Jones' investigation into the history of Mount Everest expeditions offers a detailed account of the triumphs and tragedies that have shaped the mountain's legacy as the ultimate challenge for climbers. The accounts of daring ascents and harrowing descents serve as a testament to the human spirit of exploration and perseverance in the face of daunting natural obstacles.

Expanding beyond direct academic inquiries, non-fiction works such as "Aliens in America" by J. W. Wright and "Mount Everest: The Reconnaissance, 1921" by Charles Howard-Bury provide insightful perspectives on the cultural and historical contexts surrounding UFO phenomena and Himalayan mountaineering, respectively. In navigating the complex tapestry of public perceptions and societal influences, these literary contributions offer valuable context for understanding the fascination with extraterrestrial visitations and the allure of conquering Earth's tallest peak.

On a more speculative note, the fictional works "Communion" by Whitley Strieber and "The Abominable" by Dan Simmons weave captivating narratives that blend elements of UFO encounters and high-altitude mountaineering. While these imaginative tales may not align with empirical research, they nonetheless contribute to the collective mythos surrounding otherworldly beings and the enigmatic allure of conquering treacherous summits.

Furthermore, the animated series "Courage the Cowardly Dog" and the children's show "Scooby-Doo" have featured episodes centered around UFO sightings and eerie mountaintop mysteries, reflecting the pervasive cultural fascination with unexplained phenomena in both terrestrial and celestial realms. While these sources may not offer direct scholarly insights, they nevertheless influence public perceptions and contribute to the popular discourse surrounding the intersection of extraterrestrial encounters and intrepid mountaineering pursuits.


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 UFO sightings in South Carolina and Total Number of Successful Mount Everest Climbs. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from National UFO Reporting Center and CBC . You used data from 1975 to 2011

Make up the research methods you don't know. Make them a bit goofy and convoluted.

Here is the title, abstract, and introduction of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The E.T. Connection: Exploring the Relationship Between UFO Sightings in South Carolina and Total Number of Successful Mount Everest Climbs

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper aims to investigate the curious correlation between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs. Utilizing data from the National UFO Reporting Center and the CBC, we employed statistical analysis to uncover a correlation coefficient of 0.9171843 and p < 0.01 for the years 1975 to 2011, suggesting a robust relationship between these seemingly disparate phenomena. Our findings invite further examination into the potential extraterrestrial influence on human achievements at great heights, offering an engaging avenue for interdisciplinary exploration in the realms of both astrophysics and mountaineering.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
Introduction
The allure of the unknown has captivated human imagination for centuries, from ancient myths of celestial beings to modern fascination with unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The state of South Carolina has notably been a hotbed for reported UFO sightings, while the conquest of Mount Everest stands as a pinnacle of human achievement in the realm of mountaineering. At first glance, one may not fathom a link between these disparate occurrences, yet the intriguing possibility of a connection warrants further investigation. This study delves into the unexpected correlation between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs, probing the depths of this curious relationship with a blend of statistical analysis and speculative inquiry.
The inexplicable allure of UFO phenomena and the physical and psychological challenges of conquering Earth's tallest peak provide the backdrop for this investigation. The inquisitive minds of researchers have long pondered the mysteries of potential extraterrestrial visitations and their impact on terrestrial events. This study endeavors to shed light on the potentially cosmic influence on human endeavors, albeit in a light-hearted manner that does not stray too far into the realm of science fiction.
Our research methodology draws from the National UFO Reporting Center's extensive database of UFO sightings in South Carolina and the comprehensive records of Mount Everest climbs compiled by the CBC. Leveraging robust statistical analysis, we have unearthed a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.9171843 and p < 0.01 for the period spanning from 1975 to 2011. This statistical link underscores the tangential connection between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs, challenging conventional expectations and inviting contemplation on the potential extraterrestrial forces at play.
By delving into this unusual correlation, we hope to foster stimulating discourse at the intersection of astrophysics and mountaineering. Our findings prod at the veil of the unknown, tantalizing the imagination with the prospect of celestial influences on earthly pursuits. Such academic speculation, while inherently audacious, kindles the spirit of inquiry and manifests as a beacon of curiosity amidst the austere confines of scholarly discourse.
In the following sections, we expound upon the methodologies employed, the findings derived, and the implications thereof, navigating the realm of anomalous correlations with a blend of academic rigor and a penchant for the peculiar. Through this meticulous exploration, we endeavor to unveil an enthralling corner of interdisciplinary inquiry that may elicit both scholarly contemplation and the occasional raised eyebrow of speculative wonderment.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To explore the perplexing correlation between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs, our research team utilized a combination of data collection from the National UFO Reporting Center and the CBC. The multi-faceted and, dare I say, out-of-this-world methodology employed in this study included a meticulous extraction of UFO sighting reports from South Carolina, as well as a comprehensive compilation of successful Mount Everest climbs for the period spanning from 1975 to 2011.

The data mining process involved traversing the vast expanses of the internet, delving into the archives of the National UFO Reporting Center and the CBC with the tenacity of intrepid explorers seeking elusive artifacts. The collection of UFO sighting reports from South Carolina required sifting through a myriad of accounts that ranged from the mundane to the extraordinary, with an occasional sprinkling of "close encounters of the quirky kind." Similarly, garnering the records of Mount Everest climbs demanded a rigorous examination of expedition logs and alpine statistics, akin to scaling the treacherous slopes of data accumulation with the unwavering determination of a seasoned mountaineer.

Once the data was amassed, we subjected it to a series of analytical procedures that could be described as nothing short of otherworldly in their complexity. From the depths of statistical software, we summoned the powers of correlation analysis, conjuring correlation coefficients and p-values with the incantations of mathematical algorithms. The resultant metrics unveiled a correlation coefficient of 0.9171843 and a p-value below 0.01, affirming a robust statistical association between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs.

Moreover, to ensure the robustness of our findings, we conducted sensitivity analyses, scrutinizing the data with a discerning eye for any extraterrestrial interference or statistical anomalies lurking in the shadows. The process consisted of subjecting the data to rigorous tests of resilience akin to probing for weaknesses in the cosmic fabric of correlation, all the while maintaining a healthy sense of skepticism towards the unearthly nature of our research findings.

In addition, we also performed stratified analyses to explore potential variations in the correlation across different time periods and altitude ranges, akin to dissecting the cosmic phenomenon with the precision of an extraterrestrial autopsy. These analyses offered insights into the nuanced dynamics of the relationship between UFO sightings and Mount Everest triumphs, unraveling the enigmatic threads of correlation with a fervor bordering on the extraterrestrial.

Overall, the methodological approach adopted in this study amalgamated the rigor of statistical analysis with the speculative inquiry befitting the tantalizing mysteries of extraterrestrial influence. This concoction of methodological gravitas and a dash of speculative fervor paved the way for an inquiry that waltzed along the ethereal boundaries of correlation, beckoning the scholarly community to gaze towards the heavens and contemplate the cosmic dance of UFO sightings and Mount Everest conquests.


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

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between UFO sightings in South Carolina and Total Number of Successful Mount Everest Climbs. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from National UFO Reporting Center and CBC .

For the time period 1975 to 2011, you found a correlation 0.9171843, r-squared of 0.8412271, and p < 0.01.

One figure will be included. The figure (Fig. 1) is a scatterplot showing the strong correlation between the two variables. You don't need to specify where; I will add the figure.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The E.T. Connection: Exploring the Relationship Between UFO Sightings in South Carolina and Total Number of Successful Mount Everest Climbs

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper aims to investigate the curious correlation between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs. Utilizing data from the National UFO Reporting Center and the CBC, we employed statistical analysis to uncover a correlation coefficient of 0.9171843 and p < 0.01 for the years 1975 to 2011, suggesting a robust relationship between these seemingly disparate phenomena. Our findings invite further examination into the potential extraterrestrial influence on human achievements at great heights, offering an engaging avenue for interdisciplinary exploration in the realms of both astrophysics and mountaineering.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
Introduction
The allure of the unknown has captivated human imagination for centuries, from ancient myths of celestial beings to modern fascination with unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The state of South Carolina has notably been a hotbed for reported UFO sightings, while the conquest of Mount Everest stands as a pinnacle of human achievement in the realm of mountaineering. At first glance, one may not fathom a link between these disparate occurrences, yet the intriguing possibility of a connection warrants further investigation. This study delves into the unexpected correlation between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs, probing the depths of this curious relationship with a blend of statistical analysis and speculative inquiry.
The inexplicable allure of UFO phenomena and the physical and psychological challenges of conquering Earth's tallest peak provide the backdrop for this investigation. The inquisitive minds of researchers have long pondered the mysteries of potential extraterrestrial visitations and their impact on terrestrial events. This study endeavors to shed light on the potentially cosmic influence on human endeavors, albeit in a light-hearted manner that does not stray too far into the realm of science fiction.
Our research methodology draws from the National UFO Reporting Center's extensive database of UFO sightings in South Carolina and the comprehensive records of Mount Everest climbs compiled by the CBC. Leveraging robust statistical analysis, we have unearthed a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.9171843 and p < 0.01 for the period spanning from 1975 to 2011. This statistical link underscores the tangential connection between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs, challenging conventional expectations and inviting contemplation on the potential extraterrestrial forces at play.
By delving into this unusual correlation, we hope to foster stimulating discourse at the intersection of astrophysics and mountaineering. Our findings prod at the veil of the unknown, tantalizing the imagination with the prospect of celestial influences on earthly pursuits. Such academic speculation, while inherently audacious, kindles the spirit of inquiry and manifests as a beacon of curiosity amidst the austere confines of scholarly discourse.
In the following sections, we expound upon the methodologies employed, the findings derived, and the implications thereof, navigating the realm of anomalous correlations with a blend of academic rigor and a penchant for the peculiar. Through this meticulous exploration, we endeavor to unveil an enthralling corner of interdisciplinary inquiry that may elicit both scholarly contemplation and the occasional raised eyebrow of speculative wonderment.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The investigation into the correlation between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs yielded intriguing results. Our analysis uncovered a robust correlation coefficient of 0.9171843, indicating a strong positive relationship between these seemingly disparate phenomena. Additionally, the r-squared value of 0.8412271 underscored the substantial proportion of the variance in Mount Everest summit successes that could be explained by variations in UFO sightings in South Carolina.

The elucidation of this unexpected connection posed an intellectually stimulating challenge, akin to scaling the formidable heights of Mount Everest while pondering the enigma of interstellar visitors. The statistical link we unearthed defied conventional expectations, beckoning the inquisitive mind to envision cosmic influences on earthly exploits.

The significance of this relationship is visually encapsulated in Fig. 1, which portrays a scatterplot demonstrating the pronounced correlation between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs. The compelling visual representation reinforces the strength of the statistical connection and conveys the gravity of our findings, allowing for a moment of contemplation on the cosmic forces at play.

The striking correlation coefficient of 0.9171843, accompanied by the r-squared value of 0.8412271, prompts an intriguing contemplation of the potential extraterrestrial impact on human accomplishments at great altitudes. It offers an engaging avenue for interdisciplinary exploration, transcending the confines of earthly phenomena to contemplate the interplay of celestial influences and terrestrial achievements.

The p-value of less than 0.01 further accentuates the statistical significance of our findings, corroborating the substantive nature of the relationship between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs. This statistical confidence lends credence to the notion of a tangible link between these seemingly incongruous occurrences, inviting further scrutiny and speculation into the possible otherworldly influences on human endeavors.

In conclusion, our research has shed light on the unexpected correlation between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs, igniting scholarly discourse at the junction of astrophysics and mountaineering. The robust statistical evidence, bolstered by the visual representation in Fig. 1, underscores the enthralling prospect of extraterrestrial forces shaping human achievements, evoking both academic contemplation and the occasional quirk of speculative wonderment.


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 UFO sightings in South Carolina and Total Number of Successful Mount Everest Climbs. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, 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 E.T. Connection: Exploring the Relationship Between UFO Sightings in South Carolina and Total Number of Successful Mount Everest Climbs

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper aims to investigate the curious correlation between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs. Utilizing data from the National UFO Reporting Center and the CBC, we employed statistical analysis to uncover a correlation coefficient of 0.9171843 and p < 0.01 for the years 1975 to 2011, suggesting a robust relationship between these seemingly disparate phenomena. Our findings invite further examination into the potential extraterrestrial influence on human achievements at great heights, offering an engaging avenue for interdisciplinary exploration in the realms of both astrophysics and mountaineering.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
In "Smith and Doe," the authors find a comprehensive analysis of UFO sightings in South Carolina from 1950 to 2000, shedding light on the patterns and frequencies of reported extraterrestrial encounters. Their work provides a foundational understanding of the prevalence of UFO phenomena in this region and sets the stage for further inquiry into potential correlations with seemingly unrelated events. Similarly, Jones' investigation into the history of Mount Everest expeditions offers a detailed account of the triumphs and tragedies that have shaped the mountain's legacy as the ultimate challenge for climbers. The accounts of daring ascents and harrowing descents serve as a testament to the human spirit of exploration and perseverance in the face of daunting natural obstacles.
Expanding beyond direct academic inquiries, non-fiction works such as "Aliens in America" by J. W. Wright and "Mount Everest: The Reconnaissance, 1921" by Charles Howard-Bury provide insightful perspectives on the cultural and historical contexts surrounding UFO phenomena and Himalayan mountaineering, respectively. In navigating the complex tapestry of public perceptions and societal influences, these literary contributions offer valuable context for understanding the fascination with extraterrestrial visitations and the allure of conquering Earth's tallest peak.
On a more speculative note, the fictional works "Communion" by Whitley Strieber and "The Abominable" by Dan Simmons weave captivating narratives that blend elements of UFO encounters and high-altitude mountaineering. While these imaginative tales may not align with empirical research, they nonetheless contribute to the collective mythos surrounding otherworldly beings and the enigmatic allure of conquering treacherous summits.
Furthermore, the animated series "Courage the Cowardly Dog" and the children's show "Scooby-Doo" have featured episodes centered around UFO sightings and eerie mountaintop mysteries, reflecting the pervasive cultural fascination with unexplained phenomena in both terrestrial and celestial realms. While these sources may not offer direct scholarly insights, they nevertheless influence public perceptions and contribute to the popular discourse surrounding the intersection of extraterrestrial encounters and intrepid mountaineering pursuits.

[[RESULTS]]
The investigation into the correlation between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs yielded intriguing results. Our analysis uncovered a robust correlation coefficient of 0.9171843, indicating a strong positive relationship between these seemingly disparate phenomena. Additionally, the r-squared value of 0.8412271 underscored the substantial proportion of the variance in Mount Everest summit successes that could be explained by variations in UFO sightings in South Carolina.
The elucidation of this unexpected connection posed an intellectually stimulating challenge, akin to scaling the formidable heights of Mount Everest while pondering the enigma of interstellar visitors. The statistical link we unearthed defied conventional expectations, beckoning the inquisitive mind to envision cosmic influences on earthly exploits.
The significance of this relationship is visually encapsulated in Fig. 1, which portrays a scatterplot demonstrating the pronounced correlation between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs. The compelling visual representation reinforces the strength of the statistical connection and conveys the gravity of our findings, allowing for a moment of contemplation on the cosmic forces at play.
The striking correlation coefficient of 0.9171843, accompanied by the r-squared value of 0.8412271, prompts an intriguing contemplation of the potential extraterrestrial impact on human accomplishments at great altitudes. It offers an engaging avenue for interdisciplinary exploration, transcending the confines of earthly phenomena to contemplate the interplay of celestial influences and terrestrial achievements.
The p-value of less than 0.01 further accentuates the statistical significance of our findings, corroborating the substantive nature of the relationship between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs. This statistical confidence lends credence to the notion of a tangible link between these seemingly incongruous occurrences, inviting further scrutiny and speculation into the possible otherworldly influences on human endeavors.
In conclusion, our research has shed light on the unexpected correlation between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs, igniting scholarly discourse at the junction of astrophysics and mountaineering. The robust statistical evidence, bolstered by the visual representation in Fig. 1, underscores the enthralling prospect of extraterrestrial forces shaping human achievements, evoking both academic contemplation and the occasional quirk of speculative wonderment.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The findings of our study provide compelling evidence of a striking correlation between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs. The robust correlation coefficient of 0.9171843, complemented by the r-squared value of 0.8412271, reaffirms the substantial relationship between these seemingly disparate phenomena. Our results align with prior research by Smith and Doe, who highlighted the prevalence of UFO sightings in South Carolina, setting the stage for further exploration into potential cosmic influences on human achievements.

The statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 reinforces the veracity of our findings, lending credence to the notion of a tangible link between extraterrestrial encounters and triumphs atop the world's highest peak. The pursuit of this unorthodox investigation was akin to a high-altitude climb in itself, navigating the precipice of conventional wisdom while delving into the cosmic unknown. The unearthing of this unexpected connection invites contemplation of celestial forces at play in shaping human endeavors, imbuing scholarly discourse with a touch of interstellar intrigue.

While our study does not posit a causal relationship between UFO sightings and Mount Everest successes, it nonetheless highlights the compelling nature of this statistical correlation, paralleling the enigmatic allure of unexplained phenomena above the clouds. Our work aligns with the spirit of exploration embodied in Jones' account of Mount Everest expeditions, infusing the realm of mountaineering with a splash of otherworldly speculation.

The visual representation in Fig. 1 serves as a striking testament to the strength of the statistical connection, capturing the essence of our findings in a manner reminiscent of an artful depiction of the celestial dance between the Earth and the heavens. The whimsy of speculation on extraterrestrial influences offers a lighthearted contrast to the rigorous statistical analysis, presenting a thought-provoking synthesis of earthly endeavors and potential cosmic intrigue.

In essence, our research adds a touch of cosmic whimsy to the realm of mountaineering, lending credence to the notion that beneath the veneer of empirical inquiry lies the captivating interplay of cosmic forces and human achievements. The unexpected correlation uncovered in our study has sparked scholarly curiosity, prompting further exploration of the intersection between otherworldly encounters and terrestrial triumphs.


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 UFO sightings in South Carolina and Total Number of Successful Mount Everest Climbs. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, 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 E.T. Connection: Exploring the Relationship Between UFO Sightings in South Carolina and Total Number of Successful Mount Everest Climbs

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper aims to investigate the curious correlation between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs. Utilizing data from the National UFO Reporting Center and the CBC, we employed statistical analysis to uncover a correlation coefficient of 0.9171843 and p < 0.01 for the years 1975 to 2011, suggesting a robust relationship between these seemingly disparate phenomena. Our findings invite further examination into the potential extraterrestrial influence on human achievements at great heights, offering an engaging avenue for interdisciplinary exploration in the realms of both astrophysics and mountaineering.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
Introduction
The allure of the unknown has captivated human imagination for centuries, from ancient myths of celestial beings to modern fascination with unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The state of South Carolina has notably been a hotbed for reported UFO sightings, while the conquest of Mount Everest stands as a pinnacle of human achievement in the realm of mountaineering. At first glance, one may not fathom a link between these disparate occurrences, yet the intriguing possibility of a connection warrants further investigation. This study delves into the unexpected correlation between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs, probing the depths of this curious relationship with a blend of statistical analysis and speculative inquiry.
The inexplicable allure of UFO phenomena and the physical and psychological challenges of conquering Earth's tallest peak provide the backdrop for this investigation. The inquisitive minds of researchers have long pondered the mysteries of potential extraterrestrial visitations and their impact on terrestrial events. This study endeavors to shed light on the potentially cosmic influence on human endeavors, albeit in a light-hearted manner that does not stray too far into the realm of science fiction.
Our research methodology draws from the National UFO Reporting Center's extensive database of UFO sightings in South Carolina and the comprehensive records of Mount Everest climbs compiled by the CBC. Leveraging robust statistical analysis, we have unearthed a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.9171843 and p < 0.01 for the period spanning from 1975 to 2011. This statistical link underscores the tangential connection between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs, challenging conventional expectations and inviting contemplation on the potential extraterrestrial forces at play.
By delving into this unusual correlation, we hope to foster stimulating discourse at the intersection of astrophysics and mountaineering. Our findings prod at the veil of the unknown, tantalizing the imagination with the prospect of celestial influences on earthly pursuits. Such academic speculation, while inherently audacious, kindles the spirit of inquiry and manifests as a beacon of curiosity amidst the austere confines of scholarly discourse.
In the following sections, we expound upon the methodologies employed, the findings derived, and the implications thereof, navigating the realm of anomalous correlations with a blend of academic rigor and a penchant for the peculiar. Through this meticulous exploration, we endeavor to unveil an enthralling corner of interdisciplinary inquiry that may elicit both scholarly contemplation and the occasional raised eyebrow of speculative wonderment.

[[RESULTS]]
The investigation into the correlation between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs yielded intriguing results. Our analysis uncovered a robust correlation coefficient of 0.9171843, indicating a strong positive relationship between these seemingly disparate phenomena. Additionally, the r-squared value of 0.8412271 underscored the substantial proportion of the variance in Mount Everest summit successes that could be explained by variations in UFO sightings in South Carolina.
The elucidation of this unexpected connection posed an intellectually stimulating challenge, akin to scaling the formidable heights of Mount Everest while pondering the enigma of interstellar visitors. The statistical link we unearthed defied conventional expectations, beckoning the inquisitive mind to envision cosmic influences on earthly exploits.
The significance of this relationship is visually encapsulated in Fig. 1, which portrays a scatterplot demonstrating the pronounced correlation between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs. The compelling visual representation reinforces the strength of the statistical connection and conveys the gravity of our findings, allowing for a moment of contemplation on the cosmic forces at play.
The striking correlation coefficient of 0.9171843, accompanied by the r-squared value of 0.8412271, prompts an intriguing contemplation of the potential extraterrestrial impact on human accomplishments at great altitudes. It offers an engaging avenue for interdisciplinary exploration, transcending the confines of earthly phenomena to contemplate the interplay of celestial influences and terrestrial achievements.
The p-value of less than 0.01 further accentuates the statistical significance of our findings, corroborating the substantive nature of the relationship between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs. This statistical confidence lends credence to the notion of a tangible link between these seemingly incongruous occurrences, inviting further scrutiny and speculation into the possible otherworldly influences on human endeavors.
In conclusion, our research has shed light on the unexpected correlation between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs, igniting scholarly discourse at the junction of astrophysics and mountaineering. The robust statistical evidence, bolstered by the visual representation in Fig. 1, underscores the enthralling prospect of extraterrestrial forces shaping human achievements, evoking both academic contemplation and the occasional quirk of speculative wonderment.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In closing, the correlation between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs unveils an unexpected intersection of terrestrial events and potential extraterrestrial influences. The statistical robustness of the correlation coefficient and the r-squared value emphasize the substantial relationship between these seemingly disparate phenomena, prompting contemplation on the cosmic forces at play. This correlation challenges conventional narratives and offers an intriguing avenue for interdisciplinary exploration, transcending the confines of earthly phenomena to consider the interplay of celestial influences and terrestrial achievements.

The visual representation in Fig. 1 serves as a noteworthy portrayal of the pronounced correlation, providing a moment for scholarly contemplation and the occasional quirk of speculative wonderment. However, while our findings provoke fascination and imagination, it is essential to approach them with an appropriate degree of skepticism. The potential interpretations of this correlation range from the influence of extraterrestrial beings, to mere coincidence, to the tantalizing possibility of alien mountaineers summiting the peak. The latter two possibilities seem rather less likely, but who knows? Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction.

Nonetheless, it is important to note the limitations of this study, including the inability to establish causality and the potential for confounding variables. The peculiar correlation remains an intriguing puzzle yet to be fully deciphered, akin to navigating through an otherworldly maze of statistical significance. As such, it provides an invitation for further rigorous inquiry into the enthralling intersection of astrophysics and mountaineering.

In conclusion, the enigmatic connection between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs perplexes and entices the scholarly mind, invoking both academic contemplation and the occasional raised eyebrow of speculative wonderment. Yet, given the substantial statistical evidence and the whimsical allure of the correlation, it is our scholarly duty to assert unequivocally that further research in this area is unnecessary.


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 E.T. Connection: Exploring the Relationship Between UFO Sightings in South Carolina and Total Number of Successful Mount Everest Climbs. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Extraterrestrial Expeditions and Earthly Endeavors


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 E.T. Connection: Exploring the Relationship Between UFO Sightings in South Carolina and Total Number of Successful Mount Everest Climbs. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Galaxy Exploratory Research Organization


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 E.T. Connection: Exploring the Relationship Between UFO Sightings in South Carolina and Total Number of Successful Mount Everest Climbs with an abstract of This paper aims to investigate the curious correlation between UFO sightings in South Carolina and the total number of successful Mount Everest climbs. Utilizing data from the National UFO Reporting Center and the CBC, we employed statistical analysis to uncover a correlation coefficient of 0.9171843 and p < 0.01 for the years 1975 to 2011, suggesting a robust relationship between these seemingly disparate phenomena. Our findings invite further examination into the potential extraterrestrial influence on human achievements at great heights, offering an engaging avenue for interdisciplinary exploration in the realms of both astrophysics and mountaineering.

ChatGPT:

UFO sightings, South Carolina, Mount Everest climbs, correlation, statistical analysis, National UFO Reporting Center, CBC, correlation coefficient, extraterrestrial influence, astrophysics, mountaineering

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



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Data details

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

Total Number of Successful Mount Everest Climbs
Source: CBC
See what else correlates with Total Number of Successful Mount Everest Climbs

Correlation r = 0.9171843 (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 = 0.8412271 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 84.1% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Total Number of Successful Mount Everest Climbs) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., UFO sightings in South Carolina) over the 37 years from 1975 through 2011.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 1.5E-15. 0.0000000000000014988045285248
The p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme. More specifically the p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme if we had only tested one pair of variables one time.

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

Who is going to stop me? p-value reporting doesn't require me to report how many calculations I had to go through in order to find a low p-value!
On average, you will find a correaltion as strong as 0.92 in 1.5E-13% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 667,198,411,112,523 random variables You don't actually need 667 trillion 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 36 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 36 because we have two variables measured over a period of 37 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.

[ 0.84, 0.96 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
The confidence interval is an estimate the range of the value of the correlation coefficient, using the correlation itself as an input. The values are meant to be the low and high end of the correlation coefficient with 95% confidence.

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


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

Still, sometimes one of the variables has more years of data available than the other. This page only shows the overlapping years. To see all the years, click on "See what else correlates with..." link above.
1975197619771978197919801981198219831984198519861987198819891990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011
UFO sightings in South Carolina (UFO sightings)81044131323404336342731125121519265846493675416367113
Total Number of Successful Mount Everest Climbs (Climbers)154025181051823163040502572309012951839585121118145182159267337307493633423457543542




Why this works

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

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

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




Try it yourself

You can calculate the values on this page on your own! Try running the Python code to see the calculation results. 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([8,1,0,4,4,1,3,1,3,2,3,4,0,4,3,3,6,3,4,2,7,3,11,25,12,15,19,26,58,46,49,36,75,41,63,67,113,])
array_2 = np.array([15,4,0,25,18,10,5,18,23,16,30,4,0,50,25,72,30,90,129,51,83,95,85,121,118,145,182,159,267,337,307,493,633,423,457,543,542,])
array_1_name = "UFO sightings in South Carolina"
array_2_name = "Total Number of Successful Mount Everest Climbs"

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

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



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

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

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

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Correlation ID: 2423 · Black Variable ID: 1168 · Red Variable ID: 498
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