Spurious correlation #2,463 · View random
A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Popularity of the first name Cade and the second variable is Air pollution in Eugene, Oregon. The chart goes from 1980 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Popularity of the first name Cade and the second variable is Air pollution in Eugene, Oregon. The chart goes from 1980 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

AI explanation

As the name Cade gained popularity, more parents were inspired to buy mini-Cadillac Escalades as a quirky way to honor their favorite car brand. These pint-sized SUVs became all the rage in Eugene, leading to an unexpected surge in tiny tailpipe emissions. It was a classic case of Cade-little-ics contributing to Cade-little-bit of air pollution! Who knew that a Cade craze could rev up such environmental issues in the city of Eugene-ious!

^{Show image generation prompt} Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image of a stark and imposing cityscape in the style of brutalism, with towering, imposing buildings dominating the skyline of Eugene, Oregon. A dense and murky cloud of air pollution envelops the city, suggesting the presence of carbon dioxide. Amidst this urban landscape, small, childlike figures labeled "Cade" can be seen, running and playing in the streets. The image should convey a sense of suffocating congestion and a growing, overwhelming presence of little "Cades" intermingled with the polluted atmosphere. The depiction should include only scenes, people, and objects, it should not include text or speech bubbles.

This image generation prompt was also generated by AI, using the following sequence:

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You select one of a few potential scene descriptors that seems to go along with the variables described. You respond only with the scene descriptions provided and say nothing else.
User prompt: Here are two variables: Popularity of the first name Cade and Air pollution in Eugene, 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: Surrealism Brutalism a meme Photorealism Brutalism
ChatGPT: Brutalism

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both Popularity of the first name Cade and Air pollution in Eugene, Oregon, in the following situation: Parents mistakenly thought naming their child Cade would lead to him being a "natural born leader," but it actually led to an "environmental disaster." As more and more Cades roamed the town, they formed a "Cade brigade" unknowingly emitting "carbon Cadeoxide" at alarming rates. This "Cade cascade" of pollution left residents in Eugene "Cade-ing" their breath and hoping for a gust of fresh air.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In Eugene, Oregon, the name Cade became increasingly popular, filling the town with little Cades running around. As the Cade brigade grew, so did the levels of air pollution, swirling around the city like a thick cloud. The residents of Eugene found themselves Cade-ing for a breath of fresh air amidst the carbon Cadeoxide that seemed to be ever-present in the atmosphere.

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: [ Brutalism ] and depicting this scene: In Eugene, Oregon, the name Cade became increasingly popular, filling the town with little Cades running around. As the Cade brigade grew, so did the levels of air pollution, swirling around the city like a thick cloud. The residents of Eugene found themselves Cade-ing for a breath of fresh air amidst the carbon Cadeoxide that seemed to be ever-present in the atmosphere. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image of a stark and imposing cityscape in the style of brutalism, with towering, imposing buildings dominating the skyline of Eugene, Oregon. A dense and murky cloud of air pollution envelops the city, suggesting the presence of carbon dioxide. Amidst this urban landscape, small, childlike figures labeled "Cade" can be seen, running and playing in the streets. The image should convey a sense of suffocating congestion and a growing, overwhelming presence of little "Cades" intermingled with the polluted atmosphere.

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

I sequence the requests into multiple prompts because I find GPT 3.5 to perform much better with short, well-managed contexts. Thus, I track the context directly in Python and only ask ChatGPT targeted questions.
^{Show prompt for explanation} Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how an increase in Popularity of the first name Cade caused Air pollution in Eugene, Oregon to increase. Include one good pun.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)

Cade-mic Pollution: The Relationship Between the Popularity of the Name Cade and Air Quality in Eugene, Oregon

The Journal of Lighthearted Environmental Research

Jan 2024

^{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 goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.You draft a literature review section of an academic research paper, that starts out dry for the first few sentences but then becomes hilarious and goofy.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Cade and Air pollution in Eugene, 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 name some cartoons and childrens' shows that you watched that are related to the topic.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Cade-mic Pollution: The Relationship Between the Popularity of the Name "Cade" and Air Quality in Eugene, Oregon

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delved into the whimsical world of baby names and air pollution data to explore the intriguing connection between the popularity of the first name "Cade" and air quality in Eugene, Oregon. By leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, our research team unearthed the surprising correlation between the rise and fall of the name "Cade" and air pollution levels in this charming city. With a correlation coefficient of 0.6867183 and statistical significance at p < 0.01 for the period spanning from 1980 to 2022, our findings highlight an unexpected relationship that might just leave you breathless. This paper offers a lighthearted take on an interdisciplinary analysis, blending the realms of social trends and environmental factors in a manner that is both informative and delightfully quirky.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The enchanting world of academia often leads us down unusual paths, and in this study, we ventured into the whimsical intersection of baby names and environmental data to explore the peculiar relationship between the popularity of the first name "Cade" and air quality in Eugene, Oregon. While some researchers may stick to the tried and tested corridors of traditional data analysis, we have taken a step off the beaten path to uncover a correlation that is as surprising as finding a gluten-free, vegan, organic bakery in a deserted ghost town.
In the realm of baby names, trends come and go like seasons, with names rising to ascendancy and then falling into the abyss of obscurity, much like the rise and fall of empires – but with more pacifiers and fewer battle strategies. Meanwhile, air pollution, much like an unwanted house guest, can linger and disrupt the peaceful equilibrium of a city, affecting health and well-being. Hence, our curious minds sought to investigate whether there might be a connection between the ebb and flow of the name "Cade" and the airborne particles that populate the skies of Eugene, Oregon.
Our research builds on the fascinating foundation of social trends and environmental factors, blending this unlikely pairing like a fusion cuisine of academic inquiry. Through the playful lens of this study, we aim to shed light on the enigmatic bond between baby names and air quality, all while embarking on a journey that promises both insight and amusement. So, dear reader, buckle up and prepare to embark on a scholarly joyride that will take you from the world of nomenclature to the realm of atmospheric chemistry. Let's venture forth into this delightful maze of data and discovery, where the unexpected is not just a possibility but a promise.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

In "Smith et al." the authors find that naming trends often reflect social and cultural shifts, as names wax and wane in popularity like the tides of the ocean, albeit with considerably less seaweed and more onesies. Meanwhile, "Doe and Jones" observed a noteworthy correlation between environmental factors and public health, highlighting the significance of air quality in shaping the well-being of communities. These serious studies form the bedrock of our exploration into the correlation between the first name "Cade" and air pollution in Eugene, Oregon.

Building upon this foundation, "Lorem and Ipsum" delve into the world of baby names, uncovering the delightful oscillations in naming preferences that mirror the fickle nature of trends in a world where being the "cool kid" is as transient as a soap bubble. Concurrently, "Environmental Exposures" by Smithson investigates the impact of air pollution on local environments, underscoring the intricate dance between human activities and atmospheric composition.

Now, moving away from the academic realm, let's consider the non-fiction books that add a sprinkle of whimsy to our investigation. "The Air We Breathe" by Boyle and "Names and Identities" by Johnson offer intriguing perspectives, although sadly not as intriguing as the thought of discovering a unicorn in your backyard. On the other hand, fictional works such as "Cloudy with a Chance of Pollution" by Smithton and "The Name Game" by Johnsonson present imaginative narratives that, while fictitious, lend a touch of creativity to our analytical pursuit. These books may not be grounded in reality, but they sure make for entertaining reading between bouts of data analysis.

And who can forget the influence of childhood cartoons and shows? From "Captain Planet" to "The Magic School Bus," these fantastical tales of environmental stewardship and scientific exploration have undoubtedly shaped our understanding of the interplay between human activity and the natural world. While we may not rely on Ms. Frizzle's magical bus for our research commute, the spirit of curiosity and adventure embedded in these childhood favorites continues to inspire our quest for knowledge, just as long as we don't end up shrinking to the size of a dust particle in our pursuit of scientific enlightenment.

So, with a dash of academic rigor, a pinch of literary flair, and a sprinkle of childhood nostalgia, our exploration into the link between the popularity of the name "Cade" and air pollution in Eugene, Oregon, is poised to unravel a connection that is as captivating as it is unconventional. Get ready to embark on an academic journey that dances between the serious and the whimsical, where data analysis meets storytelling, and where the unexpected correlation between a name and air quality will leave you both enlightened and entertained.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.You draft the methodology section of an academic research paper.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Cade and Air pollution in Eugene, Oregon. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from US Social Security Administration and Environmental Protection Agency . You used data from 1980 to 2022

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]]
Cade-mic Pollution: The Relationship Between the Popularity of the Name "Cade" and Air Quality in Eugene, Oregon

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delved into the whimsical world of baby names and air pollution data to explore the intriguing connection between the popularity of the first name "Cade" and air quality in Eugene, Oregon. By leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, our research team unearthed the surprising correlation between the rise and fall of the name "Cade" and air pollution levels in this charming city. With a correlation coefficient of 0.6867183 and statistical significance at p < 0.01 for the period spanning from 1980 to 2022, our findings highlight an unexpected relationship that might just leave you breathless. This paper offers a lighthearted take on an interdisciplinary analysis, blending the realms of social trends and environmental factors in a manner that is both informative and delightfully quirky.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The enchanting world of academia often leads us down unusual paths, and in this study, we ventured into the whimsical intersection of baby names and environmental data to explore the peculiar relationship between the popularity of the first name "Cade" and air quality in Eugene, Oregon. While some researchers may stick to the tried and tested corridors of traditional data analysis, we have taken a step off the beaten path to uncover a correlation that is as surprising as finding a gluten-free, vegan, organic bakery in a deserted ghost town.
In the realm of baby names, trends come and go like seasons, with names rising to ascendancy and then falling into the abyss of obscurity, much like the rise and fall of empires – but with more pacifiers and fewer battle strategies. Meanwhile, air pollution, much like an unwanted house guest, can linger and disrupt the peaceful equilibrium of a city, affecting health and well-being. Hence, our curious minds sought to investigate whether there might be a connection between the ebb and flow of the name "Cade" and the airborne particles that populate the skies of Eugene, Oregon.
Our research builds on the fascinating foundation of social trends and environmental factors, blending this unlikely pairing like a fusion cuisine of academic inquiry. Through the playful lens of this study, we aim to shed light on the enigmatic bond between baby names and air quality, all while embarking on a journey that promises both insight and amusement. So, dear reader, buckle up and prepare to embark on a scholarly joyride that will take you from the world of nomenclature to the realm of atmospheric chemistry. Let's venture forth into this delightful maze of data and discovery, where the unexpected is not just a possibility but a promise.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To unravel the enigmatic connection between the popularity of the first name "Cade" and the quality of the air in Eugene, Oregon, our research team employed a rigorous yet whimsical approach that combined data mining, statistical analysis, and a touch of charming curiosity. Our study spanned the years 1980 to 2022, allowing us to capture the entire saga of "Cade's" rise and fall, while also keeping an eye on the atmospheric adventures of air pollution in the delightful city of Eugene.

Data Collection: We delved into the depths of the internet like intrepid explorers in search of treasure (or in this case, data). Our primary sources were the treasure troves of the US Social Security Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency. These venerable institutions provided us with a wealth of information, with the former offering insights into the fluctuating popularity of the name "Cade" and the latter furnishing us with atmospheric data that would rival the most thrilling of adventure novels. Armed with these datasets, we set off on our academic expedition, ready to brave any statistical challenges that came our way.

Data Analysis: With our trusty spreadsheets and statistical software in hand, we embarked on the analytical phase of our quest. We performed correlation analyses to assess the relationship between the occurrences of the name "Cade" and the levels of various air pollutants in Eugene. Our statistical methods were as robust as a sturdy ship navigating tumultuous waters, ensuring that our findings were not merely a tempest in a teapot but rather a substantial revelation that would captivate both the academic and lay communities.

Validation of Findings: To ensure the robustness of our results, we subjected our findings to validation through sensitivity analyses and cross-validation techniques. After all, while a fairytale ending may be heartwarming, academia demands a more realistic denouement backed by sound methodology and rigorous validation. Our efforts in this regard were akin to ensuring that our treasure map led to the proverbial "X marks the spot" rather than a wild goose chase.

Ethical Considerations: As upstanding members of the academic community, we upheld the highest ethical standards in our data collection and analysis. We treated each data point with the care and respect befitting a rare artifact in a museum, with full acknowledgment of the privacy and confidentiality concerns inherent in working with individual names and environmental data.

Despite the unconventional nature of our inquiry, we remained steadfast in our commitment to scholarly integrity and methodological rigor, navigating the seas of curiosity with the skill of seasoned mariners. With our buoyant approach enlivened by the spirit of inquiry, we endeavored to uncover an association as charming and surprising as finding a hidden gem in the academic landscape.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.You draft the discussion section of an academic research paper.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Cade and Air pollution in Eugene, Oregon. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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]]
Cade-mic Pollution: The Relationship Between the Popularity of the Name "Cade" and Air Quality in Eugene, Oregon

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delved into the whimsical world of baby names and air pollution data to explore the intriguing connection between the popularity of the first name "Cade" and air quality in Eugene, Oregon. By leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, our research team unearthed the surprising correlation between the rise and fall of the name "Cade" and air pollution levels in this charming city. With a correlation coefficient of 0.6867183 and statistical significance at p < 0.01 for the period spanning from 1980 to 2022, our findings highlight an unexpected relationship that might just leave you breathless. This paper offers a lighthearted take on an interdisciplinary analysis, blending the realms of social trends and environmental factors in a manner that is both informative and delightfully quirky.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
In "Smith et al." the authors find that naming trends often reflect social and cultural shifts, as names wax and wane in popularity like the tides of the ocean, albeit with considerably less seaweed and more onesies. Meanwhile, "Doe and Jones" observed a noteworthy correlation between environmental factors and public health, highlighting the significance of air quality in shaping the well-being of communities. These serious studies form the bedrock of our exploration into the correlation between the first name "Cade" and air pollution in Eugene, Oregon.
Building upon this foundation, "Lorem and Ipsum" delve into the world of baby names, uncovering the delightful oscillations in naming preferences that mirror the fickle nature of trends in a world where being the "cool kid" is as transient as a soap bubble. Concurrently, "Environmental Exposures" by Smithson investigates the impact of air pollution on local environments, underscoring the intricate dance between human activities and atmospheric composition.
Now, moving away from the academic realm, let's consider the non-fiction books that add a sprinkle of whimsy to our investigation. "The Air We Breathe" by Boyle and "Names and Identities" by Johnson offer intriguing perspectives, although sadly not as intriguing as the thought of discovering a unicorn in your backyard. On the other hand, fictional works such as "Cloudy with a Chance of Pollution" by Smithton and "The Name Game" by Johnsonson present imaginative narratives that, while fictitious, lend a touch of creativity to our analytical pursuit. These books may not be grounded in reality, but they sure make for entertaining reading between bouts of data analysis.
And who can forget the influence of childhood cartoons and shows? From "Captain Planet" to "The Magic School Bus," these fantastical tales of environmental stewardship and scientific exploration have undoubtedly shaped our understanding of the interplay between human activity and the natural world. While we may not rely on Ms. Frizzle's magical bus for our research commute, the spirit of curiosity and adventure embedded in these childhood favorites continues to inspire our quest for knowledge, just as long as we don't end up shrinking to the size of a dust particle in our pursuit of scientific enlightenment.
So, with a dash of academic rigor, a pinch of literary flair, and a sprinkle of childhood nostalgia, our exploration into the link between the popularity of the name "Cade" and air pollution in Eugene, Oregon, is poised to unravel a connection that is as captivating as it is unconventional. Get ready to embark on an academic journey that dances between the serious and the whimsical, where data analysis meets storytelling, and where the unexpected correlation between a name and air quality will leave you both enlightened and entertained.

[[RESULTS]]
The results of our study unravel a tale as old as time (or at least as old as the 1980s), shedding light on the captivating relationship between the popularity of the name "Cade" and the air quality in Eugene, Oregon. With a correlation coefficient of 0.6867183 and an r-squared value of 0.4715821 for the time period from 1980 to 2022, our findings reveal a striking association that might just leave you gasping for fresh air.
Fig. 1 presents a scatterplot that visually encapsulates the strong correlation between the prevalence of the name "Cade" and air pollution levels in Eugene, Oregon. It's a sight to behold, much like witnessing a synchronized swimming routine performed by a school of airborne particles. Trust us, it’s quite the spectacle!
The statistical analysis not only confirms the correlation but also emphasizes its significance, with a p-value of less than 0.01. This level of statistical significance suggests that the relationship between the popularity of the name "Cade" and air pollution in Eugene, Oregon is not just a fluke, but a substantial and bona fide connection.
In summary, our results unveil a curious correlation that transcends traditional academic boundaries, offering a whimsical perspective on the interplay between social trends and environmental factors. As we delve into the ramifications of these findings, let's take a moment to appreciate the unexpected connections that await in the delightful tapestry of data analysis.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

Our findings have unearthed an unexpected connection between the popularity of the name "Cade" and air pollution in the alluring city of Eugene, Oregon. It's as surprising as finding a hidden treasure map in your great-grandmother's collection of antique tea cozies. The correlation coefficient of 0.6867183 elegantly dances its way into the spotlight, showcasing a relationship that's stronger than a bodybuilder on protein shakes.

Building upon the whimsical foundations laid in our literature review, our results robustly support the prior research that names reflect social and cultural shifts, akin to how the changing winds of fashion sway hemlines and hairdos. Just as "Smith et al." observed the ebb and flow of naming preferences, our study amplifies the importance of considering naming trends as barometers of societal dynamics. Much like observing the rise and fall of the tides, tracking the popularity of the name "Cade" offers a unique lens into the ever-shifting landscape of human behavior.

Similarly, our results align with the scholarly literature that underscores the impact of environmental factors on public health - kind of like the impact of a sudden rain shower on a badly styled hairdo. "Doe and Jones" highlighted the significance of air quality on community well-being, filling the air with knowledge just as our findings fill the minds of readers with wonder and a newfound appreciation for baby names.

Our statistical analysis, with a p-value of less than 0.01, serves as a resounding confirmation of the substantial and bona fide connection between the popularity of the name "Cade" and air pollution in Eugene, Oregon. It's like receiving a gold star sticker for our research efforts, only this time, the sticker comes with the added bonus of shedding light on a previously overlooked correlation.

In essence, our study strengthens the bridge between the playful world of baby names and the serious realm of environmental impact, forging a connection as intriguing as seeing a penguin in a tropical rainforest. As we bask in the glow of our unexpected findings, let's revel in the delightful tapestry of data analysis and the whimsical connections it unfurls.

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

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Cade and Air pollution in Eugene, Oregon. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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]]
Cade-mic Pollution: The Relationship Between the Popularity of the Name "Cade" and Air Quality in Eugene, Oregon

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delved into the whimsical world of baby names and air pollution data to explore the intriguing connection between the popularity of the first name "Cade" and air quality in Eugene, Oregon. By leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, our research team unearthed the surprising correlation between the rise and fall of the name "Cade" and air pollution levels in this charming city. With a correlation coefficient of 0.6867183 and statistical significance at p < 0.01 for the period spanning from 1980 to 2022, our findings highlight an unexpected relationship that might just leave you breathless. This paper offers a lighthearted take on an interdisciplinary analysis, blending the realms of social trends and environmental factors in a manner that is both informative and delightfully quirky.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The enchanting world of academia often leads us down unusual paths, and in this study, we ventured into the whimsical intersection of baby names and environmental data to explore the peculiar relationship between the popularity of the first name "Cade" and air quality in Eugene, Oregon. While some researchers may stick to the tried and tested corridors of traditional data analysis, we have taken a step off the beaten path to uncover a correlation that is as surprising as finding a gluten-free, vegan, organic bakery in a deserted ghost town.
In the realm of baby names, trends come and go like seasons, with names rising to ascendancy and then falling into the abyss of obscurity, much like the rise and fall of empires – but with more pacifiers and fewer battle strategies. Meanwhile, air pollution, much like an unwanted house guest, can linger and disrupt the peaceful equilibrium of a city, affecting health and well-being. Hence, our curious minds sought to investigate whether there might be a connection between the ebb and flow of the name "Cade" and the airborne particles that populate the skies of Eugene, Oregon.
Our research builds on the fascinating foundation of social trends and environmental factors, blending this unlikely pairing like a fusion cuisine of academic inquiry. Through the playful lens of this study, we aim to shed light on the enigmatic bond between baby names and air quality, all while embarking on a journey that promises both insight and amusement. So, dear reader, buckle up and prepare to embark on a scholarly joyride that will take you from the world of nomenclature to the realm of atmospheric chemistry. Let's venture forth into this delightful maze of data and discovery, where the unexpected is not just a possibility but a promise.

[[RESULTS]]
The results of our study unravel a tale as old as time (or at least as old as the 1980s), shedding light on the captivating relationship between the popularity of the name "Cade" and the air quality in Eugene, Oregon. With a correlation coefficient of 0.6867183 and an r-squared value of 0.4715821 for the time period from 1980 to 2022, our findings reveal a striking association that might just leave you gasping for fresh air.
Fig. 1 presents a scatterplot that visually encapsulates the strong correlation between the prevalence of the name "Cade" and air pollution levels in Eugene, Oregon. It's a sight to behold, much like witnessing a synchronized swimming routine performed by a school of airborne particles. Trust us, it’s quite the spectacle!
The statistical analysis not only confirms the correlation but also emphasizes its significance, with a p-value of less than 0.01. This level of statistical significance suggests that the relationship between the popularity of the name "Cade" and air pollution in Eugene, Oregon is not just a fluke, but a substantial and bona fide connection.
In summary, our results unveil a curious correlation that transcends traditional academic boundaries, offering a whimsical perspective on the interplay between social trends and environmental factors. As we delve into the ramifications of these findings, let's take a moment to appreciate the unexpected connections that await in the delightful tapestry of data analysis.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

What a journey it has been, from the fascinating world of Cade-named individuals to the atmospheric dance of pollutants in Eugene, Oregon. Our results have uncovered a correlation so strong, it's as though the air quality and the popularity of the name "Cade" have been engaged in a secret, titillating love affair behind the scenes of this charming city. It's like a rom-com where the protagonists are a name and a chemical compound – truly an unexpected plot twist!

As we close this peculiar chapter of academic exploration, it seems that no stone has been left unturned, and no pun has been left uncracked. Our findings not only provide a lighthearted perspective on the synergy between social trends and environmental influences, but they also leave us wondering: what other unlikely pairs might be secretly dancing in the data?

There you have it, folks - the tale of Cade-mic Pollution comes to a whimsical conclusion. We firmly assert that no further research in this area is necessary; the correlation between the name "Cade" and air pollution in Eugene, Oregon has been thoroughly examined and thoroughly punned. It's time to bid adieu to this peculiar pairing and let the name "Cade" and the air quality of Eugene have their moment in the scholarly limelight. Onward to the next wild, nonsensical academic adventure! And remember, when it comes to surprising correlations, the data never lies, but it sure does have a knack for keeping us entertained. Cheers to the unexpected, and to the unlikely connections that await in the wacky world of academia!

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 Cade-mic Pollution: The Relationship Between the Popularity of the Name Cade and Air Quality in Eugene, Oregon. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Lighthearted Environmental Research

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 Cade-mic Pollution: The Relationship Between the Popularity of the Name Cade and Air Quality in Eugene, Oregon. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Center for Quirky Name Research

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 Cade-mic Pollution: The Relationship Between the Popularity of the Name Cade and Air Quality in Eugene, Oregon with an abstract of In this study, we delved into the whimsical world of baby names and air pollution data to explore the intriguing connection between the popularity of the first name "Cade" and air quality in Eugene, Oregon. By leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, our research team unearthed the surprising correlation between the rise and fall of the name "Cade" and air pollution levels in this charming city. With a correlation coefficient of 0.6867183 and statistical significance at p < 0.01 for the period spanning from 1980 to 2022, our findings highlight an unexpected relationship that might just leave you breathless. This paper offers a lighthearted take on an interdisciplinary analysis, blending the realms of social trends and environmental factors in a manner that is both informative and delightfully quirky.

ChatGPT:

"Cade name popularity," "Eugene, Oregon air quality," "US Social Security Administration data," "Environmental Protection Agency air pollution data," "correlation between baby names and air quality," "interdisciplinary analysis," "social trends and environmental factors," "Cade name statistics," "air pollution levels Eugene, Oregon."

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

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Data details

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

Air pollution in Eugene, Oregon
Detailed data title: Percentage of days with air quality at 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' or worse in Eugene, OR
Source: Environmental Protection Agency
See what else correlates with Air pollution in Eugene, Oregon

Correlation r = 0.6867183 (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 = 0.4715821 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 47.2% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Air pollution in Eugene, Oregon) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Popularity of the first name Cade) over the 43 years from 1980 through 2022.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 3.7E-7.^Show 0.0000003685292271427784500000
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 0.69 in 3.7E-5% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 2,713,489 random variables^Note You don't actually need 2 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 42 degrees of freedom, ^Note Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 42 because we have two variables measured over a period of 43 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.

[ 0.49, 0.82 ] 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.

	1980	1981	1982	1983	1984	1985	1986	1987	1988	1989	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
Popularity of the first name Cade (Babies born)	64	79	60	78	72	103	84	108	104	112	136	142	163	221	303	393	433	489	806	1503	1646	1817	1726	1581	1320	1170	1221	1173	1074	994	949	872	825	807	888	898	787	696	830	793	822	967	1171
Air pollution in Eugene, Oregon (Bad air quality days)	0.928793	3.67232	0	1.09589	0.546448	6.57534	3.56164	3.83562	3.83562	0.274725	1.67598	2.73973	2.18579	0.273973	0.821918	0.273973	4.37158	0	3.0137	5.47945	8.46994	10.137	7.12329	8.49315	6.55738	10.137	4.10959	6.30137	4.09836	7.12329	1.36986	4.38356	2.18579	5.75342	4.65753	4.10959	0.273224	8.21918	2.19178	2.19178	3.82514	5.47945	10.6849

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([64,79,60,78,72,103,84,108,104,112,136,142,163,221,303,393,433,489,806,1503,1646,1817,1726,1581,1320,1170,1221,1173,1074,994,949,872,825,807,888,898,787,696,830,793,822,967,1171,])
array_2 = np.array([0.928793,3.67232,0,1.09589,0.546448,6.57534,3.56164,3.83562,3.83562,0.274725,1.67598,2.73973,2.18579,0.273973,0.821918,0.273973,4.37158,0,3.0137,5.47945,8.46994,10.137,7.12329,8.49315,6.55738,10.137,4.10959,6.30137,4.09836,7.12329,1.36986,4.38356,2.18579,5.75342,4.65753,4.10959,0.273224,8.21918,2.19178,2.19178,3.82514,5.47945,10.6849,])
array_1_name = "Popularity of the first name Cade"
array_2_name = "Air pollution in Eugene, 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 Popularity of the first name Cade
Line chart for only Air pollution in Eugene, Oregon
AI-generated correlation image
The spurious research paper: Cade-mic Pollution: The Relationship Between the Popularity of the Name Cade and Air Quality in Eugene, Oregon

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Correlation ID: 2463 · Black Variable ID: 2988 · Red Variable ID: 20606


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