Spurious correlation #2,514 · View random
A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is National Lacrosse Champions' Final Point and the second variable is Google searches for 'oprah winfrey'. The chart goes from 2004 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 National Lacrosse Champions' Final Point and the second variable is Google searches for 'oprah winfrey'. The chart goes from 2004 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

Download png, svg

AI explanation

It seems that as the lacrosse teams' final points decreased, so did Oprah's interest points. It's like they say, when it comes to scoring, both on the field and in TV ratings, every point Oprah-n-t!

^{Show image generation prompt} Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image of a hyper-realistic lacrosse player leaping in triumph, surrounded by teammates cheering, with the trophy in hand and confetti raining down. In the background, show individuals frustratedly handling sticky remote controls, with nacho crumbs on their fingers, attempting to operate Google search to look up "Oprah Winfrey." 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: National Lacrosse Champions' Final Point and Google searches for 'oprah winfrey'. 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: Cutsy graphics Cyber folk Psychedelic Hyper-realistic Macabre
ChatGPT: Hyper-realistic

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 National Lacrosse Champions' Final Point and Google searches for 'oprah winfrey', in the following situation: The sweat from the intense game play was getting on the remote controls, making it harder for people to search for Oprah Winfrey while snacking on nachos post-game.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: A lacrosse player celebrating the final winning point with their team, while in the background, people struggle to operate Google search on their sticky remote control, trying to look up "Oprah Winfrey" with nacho crumbs on their fingers.

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: [ Hyper-realistic ] and depicting this scene: A lacrosse player celebrating the final winning point with their team, while in the background, people struggle to operate Google search on their sticky remote control, trying to look up "Oprah Winfrey" with nacho crumbs on their fingers. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image of a hyper-realistic lacrosse player leaping in triumph, surrounded by teammates cheering, with the trophy in hand and confetti raining down. In the background, show individuals frustratedly handling sticky remote controls, with nacho crumbs on their fingers, attempting to operate Google search to look up "Oprah Winfrey."

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

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

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)

Stick Tricks or TV Flicks: Exploring the Correlation Between National Lacrosse Champions' Final Point and Google Searches for 'Oprah Winfrey'

The Journal of Sports Analytics and Pop Culture Trends

Jan 2024

Reminder: This paper is AI-generated. Not real!

^{Show prompt used to generate this paper} Quick note: This sequence is long and repetitive. That's how the prompt engineering works for this one. I manage the output in Python to format it into this PDF.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a 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 National Lacrosse Champions' Final Point and Google searches for 'oprah winfrey'. 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]]
Stick Tricks or TV Flicks: Exploring the Correlation Between National Lacrosse Champions' Final Point and Google Searches for 'Oprah Winfrey'

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we investigate the often overlooked connection between the final point scored by the National Lacrosse Champions and the Google searches for 'Oprah Winfrey'. While the relationship between these two seemingly disparate entities may at first glance appear tenuous, our research reveals a surprisingly strong correlation. Utilizing data from Wikipedia and Google Trends spanning the years 2004 to 2022, we computed a correlation coefficient of 0.9315251, with statistical significance at p < 0.01. Our findings challenge conventional wisdom and shed light on the quirky interplay between niche sports achievements and internet search behavior. We discuss the implications of our results and highlight the need for further exploration of unconventional connections in the digital age.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The intersection of sports and popular culture has long been a topic of interest for researchers seeking to unravel the intricate web of human behavior. In this vein, we set out to explore an unconventional and, dare we say, offbeat relationship between the final point scored by the National Lacrosse Champions and the frequency of Google searches for none other than the esteemed media mogul, Oprah Winfrey. While this peculiar connection may seem like a cheesy plot twist straight out of a daytime talk show, our investigation has uncovered a surprising and robust correlation between these seemingly disparate phenomena.
As scholars, we are often reminded of the sage advice to "stick to the facts," but in this case, we found ourselves compelled to stick to the sticks, as it were, as we delved into the world of lacrosse and its unexpected ties to internet search patterns. Despite the initial skepticism we encountered, our findings have unveiled a correlation coefficient of 0.9315251, suggesting a strikingly strong relationship. This discovery has not only piqued our academic curiosity but has also prompted us to consider switching our research focus to "Stick Tricks and TV Flicks: Unraveling the Enigma of Lacrosse and Oprah."
The world of sports and entertainment is often abuzz with unexpected plot twists and underdog stories, and our research has added a new chapter to this narrative. As we dive into the peculiar dance between lacrosse victories and Oprah's digital presence, we hope to shed light on the quirkier side of human behavior and challenge traditional perspectives on the interplay between niche athletic accomplishments and our insatiable thirst for digital distractions.
In the sections that follow, we will unravel the intricacies of our methodology, dive deep into the data that fueled our insights, and offer a tongue-in-cheek exploration of the implications of our findings. So, buckle up and get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the world of statistical analysis and cultural curiosities. Stick around - it's sure to be a page-turner, or should we say, a click-baiter!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The field of interdisciplinary research has seen a surge in interest regarding the unexpected correlations and connections in the digital age. While traditional academic pursuits have often focused on more conventional relationships, recent studies have delved into the realm of niche sports and digital phenomena, unearthing surprising associations that challenge our preconceptions. In "Sports Science Journal," Smith et al. examine the influence of sports victories on societal trends, setting the stage for our investigation into the correlation between lacrosse championships and internet search behavior.

Doe and Jones further contribute to this discourse in their exploration of media influences on search patterns in "Media and Society." Their work highlights the subtle ways in which cultural phenomena can shape digital activity, laying the groundwork for our examination of the influence of a sporting event on the online search landscape.

Moving beyond traditional scholarly work, our inquiry draws from a diverse range of sources to capture the essence of the lacrosse-oprah nexus. Tangentially related non-fiction works such as "The Lacrosse Handbook" and "The Oprah Winfrey Phenomenon" offer valuable insights into the cultural significance of these entities, providing a holistic backdrop for our analysis.

In the realm of fiction, works such as "Lacrosse Legends" and "Oprah's Book Club Chronicles" present imaginative scenarios that prompt us to consider the broader societal implications of our findings. These literary works serve as a whimsical yet thought-provoking supplement to our investigation, urging us to ponder the intersection of competitive sports and daytime television empires.

To gain a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between lacrosse championships and communal search habits, we also drew inspiration from unconventional sources such as vintage cartoons and children's shows. The subtle cues and hidden messages within these seemingly innocuous forms of entertainment have offered valuable perspectives on the whimsical interplay between sporting victories and digital diversions.

As we navigate through these diverse and offbeat avenues of exploration, it becomes evident that our research transcends the boundaries of traditional scholarly inquiry, embracing the unexpected and inviting whimsy into the realm of academic investigation. In the sections that follow, we will unpack the intricacies of our methodology and unveil the peculiar yet compelling findings that have emerged from our unorthodox journey. So, hold on to your lacrosse sticks and remote controls, for the odyssey of statistical analysis and cultural quirkiness is just beginning to unfold.

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 National Lacrosse Champions' Final Point and Google searches for 'oprah winfrey'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Wikipedia and Google Trends . You used data from 2004 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]]
Stick Tricks or TV Flicks: Exploring the Correlation Between National Lacrosse Champions' Final Point and Google Searches for 'Oprah Winfrey'

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we investigate the often overlooked connection between the final point scored by the National Lacrosse Champions and the Google searches for 'Oprah Winfrey'. While the relationship between these two seemingly disparate entities may at first glance appear tenuous, our research reveals a surprisingly strong correlation. Utilizing data from Wikipedia and Google Trends spanning the years 2004 to 2022, we computed a correlation coefficient of 0.9315251, with statistical significance at p < 0.01. Our findings challenge conventional wisdom and shed light on the quirky interplay between niche sports achievements and internet search behavior. We discuss the implications of our results and highlight the need for further exploration of unconventional connections in the digital age.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The intersection of sports and popular culture has long been a topic of interest for researchers seeking to unravel the intricate web of human behavior. In this vein, we set out to explore an unconventional and, dare we say, offbeat relationship between the final point scored by the National Lacrosse Champions and the frequency of Google searches for none other than the esteemed media mogul, Oprah Winfrey. While this peculiar connection may seem like a cheesy plot twist straight out of a daytime talk show, our investigation has uncovered a surprising and robust correlation between these seemingly disparate phenomena.
As scholars, we are often reminded of the sage advice to "stick to the facts," but in this case, we found ourselves compelled to stick to the sticks, as it were, as we delved into the world of lacrosse and its unexpected ties to internet search patterns. Despite the initial skepticism we encountered, our findings have unveiled a correlation coefficient of 0.9315251, suggesting a strikingly strong relationship. This discovery has not only piqued our academic curiosity but has also prompted us to consider switching our research focus to "Stick Tricks and TV Flicks: Unraveling the Enigma of Lacrosse and Oprah."
The world of sports and entertainment is often abuzz with unexpected plot twists and underdog stories, and our research has added a new chapter to this narrative. As we dive into the peculiar dance between lacrosse victories and Oprah's digital presence, we hope to shed light on the quirkier side of human behavior and challenge traditional perspectives on the interplay between niche athletic accomplishments and our insatiable thirst for digital distractions.
In the sections that follow, we will unravel the intricacies of our methodology, dive deep into the data that fueled our insights, and offer a tongue-in-cheek exploration of the implications of our findings. So, buckle up and get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the world of statistical analysis and cultural curiosities. Stick around - it's sure to be a page-turner, or should we say, a click-baiter!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To unearth the mysterious link between the pinnacle of lacrosse glory and the digital footprints of Oprah Winfrey enthusiasts, we embarked on a convoluted but strangely captivating journey teeming with data scraping, algorithmic acrobatics, and, of course, a healthy dose of whimsy. Our research team, composed of a mix of lacrosse aficionados and pop culture pundits, dove headfirst into the tangled web of internet data retrieval and statistical analysis.

First, we turned to the well of collective knowledge – Wikipedia – as a tantalizing starting point for our quest. With a careful eye for detail (and a generous pinch of skepticism), we meticulously combed through Wikipedia pages of National Lacrosse Champions from 2004 to 2022. We meticulously recorded the final point scored by the championship-winning teams, navigating through Wikipedia's treasure trove of lacrosse lore like intrepid explorers in the quest for elusive statistical nuggets.

As we emerged from the depths of lacrosse history with our bounty of final point data securely in hand, we set our sights on the ever-illuminating Google Trends. Like intrepid digital sleuths, we trawled through the sea of search queries, keeping our keen eyes peeled for the telltale 'Oprah Winfrey' keyword. Our dedicated quest for Oprah-related search patterns unfolded within the virtual corridors of Google Trends, where we eagerly tracked the ebb and flow of public fascination with none other than the queen of all media.

Having navigated through the treacherous waters of internet search data, we then initiated a synchronistic ballet of numbers and algorithms, invoking the powerful rites of correlation analysis. Armed with the sacred statistical tools of the trade, we invoked the almighty Pearson correlation coefficient to etch out the enigmatic relationship between the final points of lacrosse champions and the fervor of Oprah Winfrey-related Google searches. Our statistical incantations yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.9315251, a figure that beckoned to us with the allure of statistical significance at p < 0.01.

In the spirit of the peculiar entanglement we sought to unravel, our methodology danced a fine line between rigorous academic pursuit and whimsical discovery, making us reconsider the notion that perhaps, just perhaps, the realm of research methodology could benefit from a hint of lacrosse-inspired flair and Oprah-esque mystique.

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 National Lacrosse Champions' Final Point and Google searches for 'oprah winfrey'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, 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]]
Stick Tricks or TV Flicks: Exploring the Correlation Between National Lacrosse Champions' Final Point and Google Searches for 'Oprah Winfrey'

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we investigate the often overlooked connection between the final point scored by the National Lacrosse Champions and the Google searches for 'Oprah Winfrey'. While the relationship between these two seemingly disparate entities may at first glance appear tenuous, our research reveals a surprisingly strong correlation. Utilizing data from Wikipedia and Google Trends spanning the years 2004 to 2022, we computed a correlation coefficient of 0.9315251, with statistical significance at p < 0.01. Our findings challenge conventional wisdom and shed light on the quirky interplay between niche sports achievements and internet search behavior. We discuss the implications of our results and highlight the need for further exploration of unconventional connections in the digital age.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The field of interdisciplinary research has seen a surge in interest regarding the unexpected correlations and connections in the digital age. While traditional academic pursuits have often focused on more conventional relationships, recent studies have delved into the realm of niche sports and digital phenomena, unearthing surprising associations that challenge our preconceptions. In "Sports Science Journal," Smith et al. examine the influence of sports victories on societal trends, setting the stage for our investigation into the correlation between lacrosse championships and internet search behavior.
Doe and Jones further contribute to this discourse in their exploration of media influences on search patterns in "Media and Society." Their work highlights the subtle ways in which cultural phenomena can shape digital activity, laying the groundwork for our examination of the influence of a sporting event on the online search landscape.
Moving beyond traditional scholarly work, our inquiry draws from a diverse range of sources to capture the essence of the lacrosse-oprah nexus. Tangentially related non-fiction works such as "The Lacrosse Handbook" and "The Oprah Winfrey Phenomenon" offer valuable insights into the cultural significance of these entities, providing a holistic backdrop for our analysis.
In the realm of fiction, works such as "Lacrosse Legends" and "Oprah's Book Club Chronicles" present imaginative scenarios that prompt us to consider the broader societal implications of our findings. These literary works serve as a whimsical yet thought-provoking supplement to our investigation, urging us to ponder the intersection of competitive sports and daytime television empires.
To gain a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between lacrosse championships and communal search habits, we also drew inspiration from unconventional sources such as vintage cartoons and children's shows. The subtle cues and hidden messages within these seemingly innocuous forms of entertainment have offered valuable perspectives on the whimsical interplay between sporting victories and digital diversions.
As we navigate through these diverse and offbeat avenues of exploration, it becomes evident that our research transcends the boundaries of traditional scholarly inquiry, embracing the unexpected and inviting whimsy into the realm of academic investigation. In the sections that follow, we will unpack the intricacies of our methodology and unveil the peculiar yet compelling findings that have emerged from our unorthodox journey. So, hold on to your lacrosse sticks and remote controls, for the odyssey of statistical analysis and cultural quirkiness is just beginning to unfold.

[[RESULTS]]
Our analysis of the connection between the final point scored by the National Lacrosse Champions and Google searches for 'Oprah Winfrey' yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.9315251, with an r-squared of 0.8677390, and a p-value less than 0.01. These statistical indicators point to a remarkably strong association between these two seemingly unrelated phenomena, defying expectations as thoroughly as a goalie blocking a shot with a tambourine.
To visually encapsulate our findings, we present the scatterplot in Figure 1, showcasing the striking correlation between the final point scored by the National Lacrosse Champions and the frequency of searches for 'Oprah Winfrey'. While the graph lacks the glitz and glamour of a Hollywood red carpet, it certainly struts its stuff with an impressive display of data points, driving home the point that lacrosse success and Oprah's digital allure are indeed intertwined like the tightly wound strings of a lacrosse stick.
The strength of this correlation suggests a profound interplay between niche sports achievements and the allure of media personalities, much like the unexpected chemistry between a pair of mismatched sitcom characters. Our results challenge traditional expectations and beckon us to ponder the quirky fusion of seemingly unrelated facets of human behavior. In summary, our findings provide compelling evidence that the final point scored by the National Lacrosse Champions and Google searches for 'Oprah Winfrey' are, in fact, cozy bedfellows in the grand scheme of digital happenings.
Stay tuned for the riveting discussion section, where we tease apart the implications of these findings and revel in the curious dance of lacrosse victory and Oprah's digital presence.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The remarkable correlation uncovered in our study between the final point scored by National Lacrosse Champions and Google searches for 'Oprah Winfrey' recalls the surreal fusion of unexpected pairings, akin to witnessing a penguin don a monocle or witnessing a stand-up comedian morph into a rocket scientist. Our findings not only corroborate prior research on the interplay of niche sports victories and societal digital trends but also raise a conundrum as perplexing as a hedgehog pondering the meaning of life.

In our harkening back to the literature review, we must underscore the curious convergence of lacrosse and media influences, not unlike the convergence of peanut butter and pickles in a sandwich. Smith et al.'s work on the influence of sports victories on societal trends set the stage for our investigation and, as our results depict, proved as prescient as a fortune teller predicting a traffic jam. Similarly, Doe and Jones' exploration of media influences on search patterns provided a foundational understanding that mirrored a sturdy pair of running shoes—essential for the journey ahead.

Our results not only support the unorthodox claims made in "The Lacrosse Handbook" and "The Oprah Winfrey Phenomenon" which culminate in a dance as harmonious as a symphony of hedgehogs playing the ukulele, but they also lend credence to the whimsically imaginative scenarios presented in "Lacrosse Legends" and "Oprah's Book Club Chronicles." The synthesis of these findings may seem as unlikely as a penguin riding a unicycle, yet our data substantiates the intriguing alliance between lacrosse triumphs and Oprah's digital realm.

Furthermore, the correlation coefficient of 0.9315251 and an r-squared of 0.8677390 not only defy conventional wisdom as thoroughly as a cat wearing a top hat, but they lay bare a compelling association that captivates the imagination like a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat. As such, our study invites readers to ponder the overlooked whimsies of statistical analysis, akin to unraveling the enigma of a Rubik's cube painted in invisible ink.

Our investigation has not only unraveled the intricacies of the lacrosse-oprah nexus but also delineated a compelling synergy that is as harmonious as a trio of synchronized swimmers performing a ballet. As we peel back the layers of this peculiar yet enthralling association, we implore researchers to embrace unconventional connections with the same fervor as a cowboy twirling a lasso. And so, our journey through the labyrinth of lacrosse victories and Oprah's digital domain comes to a respite, leaving us to ponder the intriguing interplay between the quirky amalgamation of niche sports and digital whimsy.

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 National Lacrosse Champions' Final Point and Google searches for 'oprah winfrey'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, 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]]
Stick Tricks or TV Flicks: Exploring the Correlation Between National Lacrosse Champions' Final Point and Google Searches for 'Oprah Winfrey'

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we investigate the often overlooked connection between the final point scored by the National Lacrosse Champions and the Google searches for 'Oprah Winfrey'. While the relationship between these two seemingly disparate entities may at first glance appear tenuous, our research reveals a surprisingly strong correlation. Utilizing data from Wikipedia and Google Trends spanning the years 2004 to 2022, we computed a correlation coefficient of 0.9315251, with statistical significance at p < 0.01. Our findings challenge conventional wisdom and shed light on the quirky interplay between niche sports achievements and internet search behavior. We discuss the implications of our results and highlight the need for further exploration of unconventional connections in the digital age.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The intersection of sports and popular culture has long been a topic of interest for researchers seeking to unravel the intricate web of human behavior. In this vein, we set out to explore an unconventional and, dare we say, offbeat relationship between the final point scored by the National Lacrosse Champions and the frequency of Google searches for none other than the esteemed media mogul, Oprah Winfrey. While this peculiar connection may seem like a cheesy plot twist straight out of a daytime talk show, our investigation has uncovered a surprising and robust correlation between these seemingly disparate phenomena.
As scholars, we are often reminded of the sage advice to "stick to the facts," but in this case, we found ourselves compelled to stick to the sticks, as it were, as we delved into the world of lacrosse and its unexpected ties to internet search patterns. Despite the initial skepticism we encountered, our findings have unveiled a correlation coefficient of 0.9315251, suggesting a strikingly strong relationship. This discovery has not only piqued our academic curiosity but has also prompted us to consider switching our research focus to "Stick Tricks and TV Flicks: Unraveling the Enigma of Lacrosse and Oprah."
The world of sports and entertainment is often abuzz with unexpected plot twists and underdog stories, and our research has added a new chapter to this narrative. As we dive into the peculiar dance between lacrosse victories and Oprah's digital presence, we hope to shed light on the quirkier side of human behavior and challenge traditional perspectives on the interplay between niche athletic accomplishments and our insatiable thirst for digital distractions.
In the sections that follow, we will unravel the intricacies of our methodology, dive deep into the data that fueled our insights, and offer a tongue-in-cheek exploration of the implications of our findings. So, buckle up and get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the world of statistical analysis and cultural curiosities. Stick around - it's sure to be a page-turner, or should we say, a click-baiter!

[[RESULTS]]
Our analysis of the connection between the final point scored by the National Lacrosse Champions and Google searches for 'Oprah Winfrey' yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.9315251, with an r-squared of 0.8677390, and a p-value less than 0.01. These statistical indicators point to a remarkably strong association between these two seemingly unrelated phenomena, defying expectations as thoroughly as a goalie blocking a shot with a tambourine.
To visually encapsulate our findings, we present the scatterplot in Figure 1, showcasing the striking correlation between the final point scored by the National Lacrosse Champions and the frequency of searches for 'Oprah Winfrey'. While the graph lacks the glitz and glamour of a Hollywood red carpet, it certainly struts its stuff with an impressive display of data points, driving home the point that lacrosse success and Oprah's digital allure are indeed intertwined like the tightly wound strings of a lacrosse stick.
The strength of this correlation suggests a profound interplay between niche sports achievements and the allure of media personalities, much like the unexpected chemistry between a pair of mismatched sitcom characters. Our results challenge traditional expectations and beckon us to ponder the quirky fusion of seemingly unrelated facets of human behavior. In summary, our findings provide compelling evidence that the final point scored by the National Lacrosse Champions and Google searches for 'Oprah Winfrey' are, in fact, cozy bedfellows in the grand scheme of digital happenings.
Stay tuned for the riveting discussion section, where we tease apart the implications of these findings and revel in the curious dance of lacrosse victory and Oprah's digital presence.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our study has brought to light a captivating relationship between the final point scored by the National Lacrosse Champions and Google searches for 'Oprah Winfrey'. Much like the unexpected pairing of peanut butter and pickles, this correlation challenges conventional expectations and prompts us to reconsider the seemingly random connections that shape the digital landscape. As we reflect on the juxtaposition of lacrosse triumphs and Oprah's digital allure, it becomes clear that human behavior is as enigmatic as a goalie's elusive save.

Our findings, with a correlation coefficient akin to a midfield duo in perfect synchrony, invite us to consider the nuanced dynamics at play in the digital realm. The resonance between these seemingly incongruent phenomena underscores the need to explore unconventional connections with the same vigor as a lacrosse team vying for victory.

In light of these revelations, it is imperative to acknowledge the significance of offbeat investigations in understanding the fabric of human behavior. While our study may appear to dabble in the whimsical, it is essential to recognize that beneath the surface lies a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between sports triumphs and the virtual pursuit of cultural icons.

With this, we firmly assert that no further research in this intriguing territory is required. The tapestry of lacrosse champions and Oprah's digital presence has been thoroughly unraveled, leaving us with a newfound appreciation for the quirkier side of human interests and propensities. Now, as we bid adieu to this unconventional journey, we must resist the urge to Google "Oprah Winfrey lacrosse stick" and instead, contemplate the poignant lesson that even the most unexpected connections can yield meaningful insights.

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 Stick Tricks or TV Flicks: Exploring the Correlation Between National Lacrosse Champions' Final Point and Google Searches for 'Oprah Winfrey'. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Sports Analytics and Pop Culture Trends

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 Stick Tricks or TV Flicks: Exploring the Correlation Between National Lacrosse Champions' Final Point and Google Searches for 'Oprah Winfrey'. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Center for Sports Analytics and Cultural Studies

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide potential search keywords separated by commas. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide potential search keywords for a paper titled Stick Tricks or TV Flicks: Exploring the Correlation Between National Lacrosse Champions' Final Point and Google Searches for 'Oprah Winfrey' with an abstract of In this study, we investigate the often overlooked connection between the final point scored by the National Lacrosse Champions and the Google searches for 'Oprah Winfrey'. While the relationship between these two seemingly disparate entities may at first glance appear tenuous, our research reveals a surprisingly strong correlation. Utilizing data from Wikipedia and Google Trends spanning the years 2004 to 2022, we computed a correlation coefficient of 0.9315251, with statistical significance at p < 0.01. Our findings challenge conventional wisdom and shed light on the quirky interplay between niche sports achievements and internet search behavior. We discuss the implications of our results and highlight the need for further exploration of unconventional connections in the digital age.

ChatGPT:

"lacrosse champions, Google searches, correlation, association, Wikipedia data, Google Trends, niche sports, internet search behavior, unconventional connections, digital age"

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

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Data details

National Lacrosse Champions' Final Point
Detailed data title: National Lacrosse Champions' Final Points
Source: Wikipedia
See what else correlates with National Lacrosse Champions' Final Point

Google searches for 'oprah winfrey'
Detailed data title: Relative volume of Google searches for 'oprah winfrey' (Worldwide, without quotes)
Source: Google Trends
Additional Info: ^{See full details} Relative search volume (not absolute numbers)

See what else correlates with Google searches for 'oprah winfrey'

Correlation r = 0.9315251 (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 = 0.8677390 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 86.8% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Google searches for 'oprah winfrey') is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., National Lacrosse Champions' Final Point) over the 19 years from 2004 through 2022.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 6.9E-9.^Show 0.0000000069164670891476270000
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 0.93 in 6.9E-7% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 144,582,485 random variables^Note You don't actually need 144 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 18 degrees of freedom, ^Note Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 18 because we have two variables measured over a period of 19 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.

[ 0.83, 0.97 ] 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.

	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
National Lacrosse Champions' Final Point (Points)	14	19	16	13	14	12	15	8	9	11	2	2	2	2	2	2	0	0	2
Google searches for 'oprah winfrey' (Rel. search volume)	52.8333	60	49.25	44.1667	39	38.0833	42.9167	39	28.8333	33.8333	29.4167	24.3333	19.75	19.6667	26.5833	18.3333	20.25	18.5833	15.3333

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([14,19,16,13,14,12,15,8,9,11,2,2,2,2,2,2,0,0,2,])
array_2 = np.array([52.8333,60,49.25,44.1667,39,38.0833,42.9167,39,28.8333,33.8333,29.4167,24.3333,19.75,19.6667,26.5833,18.3333,20.25,18.5833,15.3333,])
array_1_name = "National Lacrosse Champions' Final Point"
array_2_name = "Google searches for 'oprah winfrey'"

# 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 National Lacrosse Champions' Final Point
Line chart for only Google searches for 'oprah winfrey'
AI-generated correlation image
The spurious research paper: Stick Tricks or TV Flicks: Exploring the Correlation Between National Lacrosse Champions' Final Point and Google Searches for 'Oprah Winfrey'

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Correlation ID: 2514 · Black Variable ID: 133 · Red Variable ID: 1509


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