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Spurious correlation #2,539 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Master's degrees awarded in Psychology and the second variable is Amazon.com's stock price (AMZN).  The chart goes from 2012 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

As more people became qualified to analyze behavior and make predictions, they all realized that the urge to buy things we don't need on Amazon is deeply rooted in the human psyche. This heightened awareness led to a surge in online shopping, driving up Amazon's stock price. It's like a virtual shopping session for the soul, with a prime connection to the subconscious.

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image featuring a brightly lit university hall where a group of young, diverse students, radiating pride, hold up their newly acquired Master's degrees in Psychology. Their eager faces reflect a deep understanding of human behavior. In the background, a large digital screen displays the stock price of Amazon.com skyrocketing to new heights, symbolizing the impact of their knowledge on consumer behavior and the profound influence it has on e-commerce trends. 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: Master's degrees awarded in Psychology and Amazon.com's stock price (AMZN). 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: Psychedelic Realistic Woodblock painting Data cyber art An image that looks like it is a scene from 'Star Wars'
ChatGPT: Data cyber art

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both Master's degrees awarded in Psychology and Amazon.com's stock price (AMZN), in the following situation: As more people became skilled in understanding human behavior, they also became more effective at predicting and influencing consumer choices, leading to higher sales for Amazon.com and a boost in their stock price.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a cozy university hall, a group of students proudly hold up their Master's degrees in Psychology, their understanding of human behavior gleaming in their eyes. In the background, a digital screen displays Amazon.com's stock price soaring to new heights, reflecting the ripple effect of their knowledge on consumer choices and boosting sales for the e-commerce giant.

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: [ Data cyber art ] and depicting this scene: In a cozy university hall, a group of students proudly hold up their Master's degrees in Psychology, their understanding of human behavior gleaming in their eyes. In the background, a digital screen displays Amazon.com's stock price soaring to new heights, reflecting the ripple effect of their knowledge on consumer choices and boosting sales for the e-commerce giant. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image featuring a brightly lit university hall where a group of young, diverse students, radiating pride, hold up their newly acquired Master's degrees in Psychology. Their eager faces reflect a deep understanding of human behavior. In the background, a large digital screen displays the stock price of Amazon.com skyrocketing to new heights, symbolizing the impact of their knowledge on consumer behavior and the profound influence it has on e-commerce trends.

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

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

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how an increase in Master's degrees awarded in Psychology caused Amazon.com's stock price (AMZN) to increase.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Mind Over Market: A Psych(ology) Up on Amazon's Stock Price

The Journal of Behavioral Economics and Financial Psychology

Jan 2024

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




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

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Master's degrees awarded in Psychology and Amazon.com's stock price (AMZN). Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Include a pun in the title.

Your research team used data from National Center for Education Statistics and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.9620013 and p < 0.01 for 2012 to 2021.

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

[[TITLE]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit

[[ABSTRACT]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit



ChatGPT:
[[TITLE]]
Mind Over Market: A Psych(ology) Up on Amazon's Stock Price

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we delve into the intriguing realm of the human mind and its potential influence on the stock market. Fueled by curiosity and a desire to uncover the uncharted territories of correlation, our research team sought to investigate the relationship between the number of Master's degrees awarded in Psychology and the stock price of Amazon (AMZN). With the ever-growing popularity of online shopping, the behemoth that is Amazon has become a touchstone for market analysis. Utilizing data from the National Center for Education Statistics and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), the findings of this study unveil a surprising connection between the two seemingly unrelated variables. Our analysis has yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.9620013 with a confidence level of p < 0.01 for the period spanning from 2012 to 2021. While we are not suggesting a causal relationship, the results spark a myriad of questions, leaving us pondering whether psychological prowess may have a subtle sway in the volatile landscape of the stock market. Join us on a captivating journey through the enigmatic intertwining of the human psyche and the e-commerce titan's stock performance.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a researcher writing an academic paper.You draft the introduction section of an academic research paper.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Master's degrees awarded in Psychology and Amazon.com's stock price (AMZN). Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Mind Over Market: A Psych(ology) Up on Amazon's Stock Price

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we delve into the intriguing realm of the human mind and its potential influence on the stock market. Fueled by curiosity and a desire to uncover the uncharted territories of correlation, our research team sought to investigate the relationship between the number of Master's degrees awarded in Psychology and the stock price of Amazon (AMZN). With the ever-growing popularity of online shopping, the behemoth that is Amazon has become a touchstone for market analysis. Utilizing data from the National Center for Education Statistics and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), the findings of this study unveil a surprising connection between the two seemingly unrelated variables. Our analysis has yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.9620013 with a confidence level of p < 0.01 for the period spanning from 2012 to 2021. While we are not suggesting a causal relationship, the results spark a myriad of questions, leaving us pondering whether psychological prowess may have a subtle sway in the volatile landscape of the stock market. Join us on a captivating journey through the enigmatic intertwining of the human psyche and the e-commerce titan's stock performance.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

Fellow academics and enthusiasts of both financial markets and psychological intricacies, welcome to our curious expedition into the nexus of the human psyche and the stock price of Amazon (AMZN). As we embark on this whimsical journey, we are reminded of the timeless wisdom of Benjamin Franklin: "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." We may not have flying kites or key experiments on the agenda, but we do have an unorthodox exploration of the potential influence of Master's degrees in Psychology on the ebb and flow of Amazon's stock price.

The fusion of psychological insight and market performance is akin to blending peanut butter and jelly – an unexpected duo that somehow creates a delectable harmony. With the meteoric rise of Amazon, one might wonder if it's the result of a collective psychology experiment or just a stroke of genius from a certain bespectacled and balding entrepreneurial force.

Perhaps, dear reader, you have never contemplated the idea that the number of Master's degrees awarded in Psychology could be anything more than just a statistical curiosity. However, we invite you to suspend your disbelief and open your mind (though not as widely as a Black Friday shopper at an Amazon warehouse) to the possibility of an unexpected, yet statistically backed, relationship.

But before we delve into the crux of our findings, it's crucial to acknowledge the paradoxical nature of the stock market: a place where individuals cheerfully seek wealth and lamentably lose sleep. It's the financial equivalent of a rollercoaster – thrilling for some and terrifying for others. With this paradox in mind, we aim to bring a modicum of clarity to the surreal world of stock prices, all while packing along the inquisitive spirit of psychology.

Hold on to your metaphorical hats (or perhaps literal ones, if you're as enthusiastic about this peculiar intersection as we are), as we unravel the enigma that is the correlation between Master's degrees in Psychology and the fluctuating beast that is Amazon's stock price. So, dear readers, fasten your seatbelts, don your psychological capes, and let's venture forth into the heart of this unconventional correlation.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a researcher writing an academic paper.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 Master's degrees awarded in Psychology and Amazon.com's stock price (AMZN). 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 movies that you watched that are tangentially related to the topic.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Mind Over Market: A Psych(ology) Up on Amazon's Stock Price

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we delve into the intriguing realm of the human mind and its potential influence on the stock market. Fueled by curiosity and a desire to uncover the uncharted territories of correlation, our research team sought to investigate the relationship between the number of Master's degrees awarded in Psychology and the stock price of Amazon (AMZN). With the ever-growing popularity of online shopping, the behemoth that is Amazon has become a touchstone for market analysis. Utilizing data from the National Center for Education Statistics and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), the findings of this study unveil a surprising connection between the two seemingly unrelated variables. Our analysis has yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.9620013 with a confidence level of p < 0.01 for the period spanning from 2012 to 2021. While we are not suggesting a causal relationship, the results spark a myriad of questions, leaving us pondering whether psychological prowess may have a subtle sway in the volatile landscape of the stock market. Join us on a captivating journey through the enigmatic intertwining of the human psyche and the e-commerce titan's stock performance.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
Fellow academics and enthusiasts of both financial markets and psychological intricacies, welcome to our curious expedition into the nexus of the human psyche and the stock price of Amazon (AMZN). As we embark on this whimsical journey, we are reminded of the timeless wisdom of Benjamin Franklin: "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." We may not have flying kites or key experiments on the agenda, but we do have an unorthodox exploration of the potential influence of Master's degrees in Psychology on the ebb and flow of Amazon's stock price.
The fusion of psychological insight and market performance is akin to blending peanut butter and jelly – an unexpected duo that somehow creates a delectable harmony. With the meteoric rise of Amazon, one might wonder if it's the result of a collective psychology experiment or just a stroke of genius from a certain bespectacled and balding entrepreneurial force.
Perhaps, dear reader, you have never contemplated the idea that the number of Master's degrees awarded in Psychology could be anything more than just a statistical curiosity. However, we invite you to suspend your disbelief and open your mind (though not as widely as a Black Friday shopper at an Amazon warehouse) to the possibility of an unexpected, yet statistically backed, relationship.
But before we delve into the crux of our findings, it's crucial to acknowledge the paradoxical nature of the stock market: a place where individuals cheerfully seek wealth and lamentably lose sleep. It's the financial equivalent of a rollercoaster – thrilling for some and terrifying for others. With this paradox in mind, we aim to bring a modicum of clarity to the surreal world of stock prices, all while packing along the inquisitive spirit of psychology.
Hold on to your metaphorical hats (or perhaps literal ones, if you're as enthusiastic about this peculiar intersection as we are), as we unravel the enigma that is the correlation between Master's degrees in Psychology and the fluctuating beast that is Amazon's stock price. So, dear readers, fasten your seatbelts, don your psychological capes, and let's venture forth into the heart of this unconventional correlation.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The correlation between Master's degrees awarded in Psychology and Amazon.com's stock price (AMZN) has been a topic of intrigue and bewilderment, often prompting researchers to wonder if the human mind holds a hidden key to deciphering the mysteries of the stock market. Smith and Doe (2015) explored the psychological aspects of market behavior and its impact on stock prices, shedding light on the potential influence of human cognition on financial decision-making. Jones et al. (2018) delved into the realm of behavioral economics, uncovering the intricate dance between psychological biases and stock market fluctuations.

Transitioning from the serious realm of academic research to a more light-hearted note, it is worth noting the immersive reading experience provided by Daniel Kahneman's "Thinking, Fast and Slow" and Richard Thaler's "Misbehaving: The Making of Behavioral Economics." While these books may not be directly focused on the correlation at hand, they highlight the quirks and foibles of human decision-making, a theme that is undeniably intertwined with the field of psychology and economic choices.

As we tiptoe into the whimsical world of literature, fiction books such as "The Psychology of Time Travel" by Kate Mascarenhas and "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson (we assume she may have some psychological expertise under that dragon tattoo) entice us with their blend of psychological intrigue and gripping narratives. Although these works may not directly tackle the correlation between Master's degrees in Psychology and stock prices, they certainly offer a riveting journey through the complexities of the human mind.

Taking a detour into the world of cinema, "A Beautiful Mind" offers a cinematic portrayal of the life of the brilliant mathematician John Nash, whose struggles with mental health and his groundbreaking work on game theory hint at the entwined relationship between academia and human cognition. Additionally, "The Wolf of Wall Street," while a somewhat exaggerated tale of excess and stock market mayhem, provides a lighthearted (albeit not entirely accurate) peek into the exhilarating rollercoaster of stock trading, and perhaps unintentionally highlights the psychological underpinnings of market behavior.

As we navigate through this unconventional blend of academic research, literary pursuits, and cinematic indulgence, we are poised to embark on a colorful journey that intertwines the realms of psychology and the fluctuating stock price of Amazon.com. Strap in, dear readers, for a bumpy yet exhilarating ride through the labyrinth of the human mind and financial markets.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a researcher writing an academic paper.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 Master's degrees awarded in Psychology and Amazon.com's stock price (AMZN). Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from National Center for Education Statistics and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) . You used data from 2012 to 2021

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

Here is the title, abstract, and introduction of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Mind Over Market: A Psych(ology) Up on Amazon's Stock Price

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we delve into the intriguing realm of the human mind and its potential influence on the stock market. Fueled by curiosity and a desire to uncover the uncharted territories of correlation, our research team sought to investigate the relationship between the number of Master's degrees awarded in Psychology and the stock price of Amazon (AMZN). With the ever-growing popularity of online shopping, the behemoth that is Amazon has become a touchstone for market analysis. Utilizing data from the National Center for Education Statistics and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), the findings of this study unveil a surprising connection between the two seemingly unrelated variables. Our analysis has yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.9620013 with a confidence level of p < 0.01 for the period spanning from 2012 to 2021. While we are not suggesting a causal relationship, the results spark a myriad of questions, leaving us pondering whether psychological prowess may have a subtle sway in the volatile landscape of the stock market. Join us on a captivating journey through the enigmatic intertwining of the human psyche and the e-commerce titan's stock performance.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
Fellow academics and enthusiasts of both financial markets and psychological intricacies, welcome to our curious expedition into the nexus of the human psyche and the stock price of Amazon (AMZN). As we embark on this whimsical journey, we are reminded of the timeless wisdom of Benjamin Franklin: "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." We may not have flying kites or key experiments on the agenda, but we do have an unorthodox exploration of the potential influence of Master's degrees in Psychology on the ebb and flow of Amazon's stock price.
The fusion of psychological insight and market performance is akin to blending peanut butter and jelly – an unexpected duo that somehow creates a delectable harmony. With the meteoric rise of Amazon, one might wonder if it's the result of a collective psychology experiment or just a stroke of genius from a certain bespectacled and balding entrepreneurial force.
Perhaps, dear reader, you have never contemplated the idea that the number of Master's degrees awarded in Psychology could be anything more than just a statistical curiosity. However, we invite you to suspend your disbelief and open your mind (though not as widely as a Black Friday shopper at an Amazon warehouse) to the possibility of an unexpected, yet statistically backed, relationship.
But before we delve into the crux of our findings, it's crucial to acknowledge the paradoxical nature of the stock market: a place where individuals cheerfully seek wealth and lamentably lose sleep. It's the financial equivalent of a rollercoaster – thrilling for some and terrifying for others. With this paradox in mind, we aim to bring a modicum of clarity to the surreal world of stock prices, all while packing along the inquisitive spirit of psychology.
Hold on to your metaphorical hats (or perhaps literal ones, if you're as enthusiastic about this peculiar intersection as we are), as we unravel the enigma that is the correlation between Master's degrees in Psychology and the fluctuating beast that is Amazon's stock price. So, dear readers, fasten your seatbelts, don your psychological capes, and let's venture forth into the heart of this unconventional correlation.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To embark on this whimsical exploration of the intertwining of human psychology and market forces, our research team employed an eclectic mix of research methods akin to a witch's cauldron bubbling with quirky ingredients. First, we gathered data on the number of Master's degrees awarded in Psychology from the National Center for Education Statistics – a trove brimming with unfiltered knowledge akin to the Amazon rainforest, albeit with fewer exotic animals.

Turning our attention to the stock price of Amazon (AMZN), we obtained historical market data from LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv). This data goldmine provided us with the oscillations of Amazon's stock price from 2012 to 2021, a period where the e-commerce titan's ascent seemingly matched that of Jeff Bezos' bald head. We then ruffled through this financial haystack for correlations with the number of advanced degrees in Psychology, much like a seasoned detective scouring for clues in a cluttered office.

In order to establish a connection between these disparate variables, we employed a rigorous statistical analysis approach that would have made even the most stoic of number-crunchers crack a smile. Leveraging the power of correlation analysis, we gleefully unravelled the tangled threads of psychological acumen and stock market shenanigans, seeking to discern any semblance of a relationship between the two. Armed with complex statistical models and graphs that would make a mathematician swoon, we teased out a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.9620013, accompanied by a confidence level of p < 0.01.

Furthermore, our investigation didn't stop at mere numerical associations. We delved into the annals of psychology literature, examining theories on investor behavior, decision-making processes, and the psychological underpinnings of market trends, all while juggling the complex mathematical dance of econometrics. It was a choreographic symphony of knowledge and data, filled with more twists and turns than a psychological thriller.

In addition, we conducted robust sensitivity analyses, stress testing our correlation in various market environments to ensure the solidity of our findings. Our methodology was as meticulous as a neurosurgeon performing delicate operations on the stock market's collective psyche.

This kaleidoscopic fusion of data mining, statistical acrobatics, and psychological theorizing formed the backbone of our methodology, allowing us to unravel the puzzling relationship between Master's degrees in Psychology and the enigmatic dance of Amazon's stock price. The fusion of psychology and market data was akin to sipping champagne and munching on popcorn – an unexpected yet oddly satisfying combination that left us eager to untangle this intriguing correlation further.


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

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Master's degrees awarded in Psychology and Amazon.com's stock price (AMZN). Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from National Center for Education Statistics and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) .

For the time period 2012 to 2021, you found a correlation 0.9620013, r-squared of 0.9254465, and p < 0.01.

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

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Mind Over Market: A Psych(ology) Up on Amazon's Stock Price

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we delve into the intriguing realm of the human mind and its potential influence on the stock market. Fueled by curiosity and a desire to uncover the uncharted territories of correlation, our research team sought to investigate the relationship between the number of Master's degrees awarded in Psychology and the stock price of Amazon (AMZN). With the ever-growing popularity of online shopping, the behemoth that is Amazon has become a touchstone for market analysis. Utilizing data from the National Center for Education Statistics and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), the findings of this study unveil a surprising connection between the two seemingly unrelated variables. Our analysis has yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.9620013 with a confidence level of p < 0.01 for the period spanning from 2012 to 2021. While we are not suggesting a causal relationship, the results spark a myriad of questions, leaving us pondering whether psychological prowess may have a subtle sway in the volatile landscape of the stock market. Join us on a captivating journey through the enigmatic intertwining of the human psyche and the e-commerce titan's stock performance.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
Fellow academics and enthusiasts of both financial markets and psychological intricacies, welcome to our curious expedition into the nexus of the human psyche and the stock price of Amazon (AMZN). As we embark on this whimsical journey, we are reminded of the timeless wisdom of Benjamin Franklin: "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." We may not have flying kites or key experiments on the agenda, but we do have an unorthodox exploration of the potential influence of Master's degrees in Psychology on the ebb and flow of Amazon's stock price.
The fusion of psychological insight and market performance is akin to blending peanut butter and jelly – an unexpected duo that somehow creates a delectable harmony. With the meteoric rise of Amazon, one might wonder if it's the result of a collective psychology experiment or just a stroke of genius from a certain bespectacled and balding entrepreneurial force.
Perhaps, dear reader, you have never contemplated the idea that the number of Master's degrees awarded in Psychology could be anything more than just a statistical curiosity. However, we invite you to suspend your disbelief and open your mind (though not as widely as a Black Friday shopper at an Amazon warehouse) to the possibility of an unexpected, yet statistically backed, relationship.
But before we delve into the crux of our findings, it's crucial to acknowledge the paradoxical nature of the stock market: a place where individuals cheerfully seek wealth and lamentably lose sleep. It's the financial equivalent of a rollercoaster – thrilling for some and terrifying for others. With this paradox in mind, we aim to bring a modicum of clarity to the surreal world of stock prices, all while packing along the inquisitive spirit of psychology.
Hold on to your metaphorical hats (or perhaps literal ones, if you're as enthusiastic about this peculiar intersection as we are), as we unravel the enigma that is the correlation between Master's degrees in Psychology and the fluctuating beast that is Amazon's stock price. So, dear readers, fasten your seatbelts, don your psychological capes, and let's venture forth into the heart of this unconventional correlation.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The culmination of our investigation into the intersection of Master's degrees in Psychology and Amazon's stock price (AMZN) has brought forth some intriguing findings. The correlation coefficient between the two variables was a staggering 0.9620013, demonstrating a robust positive relationship. This indicates that as the number of Master's degrees awarded in Psychology rose, Amazon's stock price also exhibited upward trends.

The r-squared value of 0.9254465 further reinforces the strength of this relationship. It suggests that a substantial 92.5% of the variability in Amazon's stock price can be accounted for by changes in the number of Master's degrees awarded in Psychology. It's as if the human mind holds an uncanny power over the fluctuations of the e-commerce titan's stock performance.

In the spirit of full disclosure, our findings revealed a p-value of less than 0.01, signaling a statistically significant correlation. This means that the observed relationship between the variables is unlikely to have occurred by chance. It's a bit like stumbling upon a rare gem in a field of statistical noise – a discovery that compels us to further examine the potential interactions between psychology and stock market dynamics.

Figure 1 presents a visual representation of the relationship between Master's degrees in Psychology and Amazon's stock price. The scatterplot vividly illustrates the strong positive correlation between the two variables, with data points tightly clustered along an upward trajectory. It's as if the academic prowess of psychology is propelling Amazon's stock price to new heights, or perhaps investors are subconsciously turning to psychology graduates for market insights.

These results cast a spotlight on the captivating interplay between the human mind and financial markets, offering not only statistical evidence but also a delightful dose of peculiarity. As we analyze our findings, we are left contemplating the potential role of psychological phenomena in shaping the trajectory of stock prices. It's a compelling realization that adds an extra layer of complexity to the already enigmatic world of finance.

Stay tuned for the discussion section, where we will tease apart the implications of this unexpected correlation, all while maintaining our sense of academic rigor and the occasional whimsical interlude.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a researcher writing an academic paper.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 Master's degrees awarded in Psychology and Amazon.com's stock price (AMZN). 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]]
Mind Over Market: A Psych(ology) Up on Amazon's Stock Price

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we delve into the intriguing realm of the human mind and its potential influence on the stock market. Fueled by curiosity and a desire to uncover the uncharted territories of correlation, our research team sought to investigate the relationship between the number of Master's degrees awarded in Psychology and the stock price of Amazon (AMZN). With the ever-growing popularity of online shopping, the behemoth that is Amazon has become a touchstone for market analysis. Utilizing data from the National Center for Education Statistics and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), the findings of this study unveil a surprising connection between the two seemingly unrelated variables. Our analysis has yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.9620013 with a confidence level of p < 0.01 for the period spanning from 2012 to 2021. While we are not suggesting a causal relationship, the results spark a myriad of questions, leaving us pondering whether psychological prowess may have a subtle sway in the volatile landscape of the stock market. Join us on a captivating journey through the enigmatic intertwining of the human psyche and the e-commerce titan's stock performance.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The correlation between Master's degrees awarded in Psychology and Amazon.com's stock price (AMZN) has been a topic of intrigue and bewilderment, often prompting researchers to wonder if the human mind holds a hidden key to deciphering the mysteries of the stock market. Smith and Doe (2015) explored the psychological aspects of market behavior and its impact on stock prices, shedding light on the potential influence of human cognition on financial decision-making. Jones et al. (2018) delved into the realm of behavioral economics, uncovering the intricate dance between psychological biases and stock market fluctuations.
Transitioning from the serious realm of academic research to a more light-hearted note, it is worth noting the immersive reading experience provided by Daniel Kahneman's "Thinking, Fast and Slow" and Richard Thaler's "Misbehaving: The Making of Behavioral Economics." While these books may not be directly focused on the correlation at hand, they highlight the quirks and foibles of human decision-making, a theme that is undeniably intertwined with the field of psychology and economic choices.
As we tiptoe into the whimsical world of literature, fiction books such as "The Psychology of Time Travel" by Kate Mascarenhas and "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson (we assume she may have some psychological expertise under that dragon tattoo) entice us with their blend of psychological intrigue and gripping narratives. Although these works may not directly tackle the correlation between Master's degrees in Psychology and stock prices, they certainly offer a riveting journey through the complexities of the human mind.
Taking a detour into the world of cinema, "A Beautiful Mind" offers a cinematic portrayal of the life of the brilliant mathematician John Nash, whose struggles with mental health and his groundbreaking work on game theory hint at the entwined relationship between academia and human cognition. Additionally, "The Wolf of Wall Street," while a somewhat exaggerated tale of excess and stock market mayhem, provides a lighthearted (albeit not entirely accurate) peek into the exhilarating rollercoaster of stock trading, and perhaps unintentionally highlights the psychological underpinnings of market behavior.
As we navigate through this unconventional blend of academic research, literary pursuits, and cinematic indulgence, we are poised to embark on a colorful journey that intertwines the realms of psychology and the fluctuating stock price of Amazon.com. Strap in, dear readers, for a bumpy yet exhilarating ride through the labyrinth of the human mind and financial markets.

[[RESULTS]]
The culmination of our investigation into the intersection of Master's degrees in Psychology and Amazon's stock price (AMZN) has brought forth some intriguing findings. The correlation coefficient between the two variables was a staggering 0.9620013, demonstrating a robust positive relationship. This indicates that as the number of Master's degrees awarded in Psychology rose, Amazon's stock price also exhibited upward trends.
The r-squared value of 0.9254465 further reinforces the strength of this relationship. It suggests that a substantial 92.5% of the variability in Amazon's stock price can be accounted for by changes in the number of Master's degrees awarded in Psychology. It's as if the human mind holds an uncanny power over the fluctuations of the e-commerce titan's stock performance.
In the spirit of full disclosure, our findings revealed a p-value of less than 0.01, signaling a statistically significant correlation. This means that the observed relationship between the variables is unlikely to have occurred by chance. It's a bit like stumbling upon a rare gem in a field of statistical noise – a discovery that compels us to further examine the potential interactions between psychology and stock market dynamics.
Figure 1 presents a visual representation of the relationship between Master's degrees in Psychology and Amazon's stock price. The scatterplot vividly illustrates the strong positive correlation between the two variables, with data points tightly clustered along an upward trajectory. It's as if the academic prowess of psychology is propelling Amazon's stock price to new heights, or perhaps investors are subconsciously turning to psychology graduates for market insights.
These results cast a spotlight on the captivating interplay between the human mind and financial markets, offering not only statistical evidence but also a delightful dose of peculiarity. As we analyze our findings, we are left contemplating the potential role of psychological phenomena in shaping the trajectory of stock prices. It's a compelling realization that adds an extra layer of complexity to the already enigmatic world of finance.
Stay tuned for the discussion section, where we will tease apart the implications of this unexpected correlation, all while maintaining our sense of academic rigor and the occasional whimsical interlude.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The results of our study open up a Pandora's box of intriguing possibilities. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9620013 establishing a robust positive relationship, it appears that the academic prowess of psychology may wield a subtle but unmistakable influence on the volatile dance of Amazon's stock price. This discovery could mark the dawn of a new era, where investors might find themselves earnestly seeking advice from psychology graduates – it could very well be the birth of a new breed of financial advisors, the "Psy-finance-gists"!

Building on the findings of Smith and Doe (2015) and Jones et al. (2018), our results support the notion that human cognition holds a remarkable sway over financial decision-making. While we're not claiming to have unraveled the depths of this mystical connection, our study offers statistical evidence that's as striking as Amazon's delivery speed.

Drawing from the farcical aspects highlighted in our literature review, it's tempting to view this correlation through a lens of whimsy. Perhaps every time a psychology degree is handed out, the collective unconscious of the market experiences a surge of confidence, leading to a spike in Amazon's stock price. It's as if the human mind is not only a complexity theorist's dream puzzle but also a silent puppet master in the theater of commerce.

On a more serious note, the strength of our correlation, echoed in a remarkable r-squared value of 0.9254465, emphasizes the substantial impact of psychology education on the fluctuations of Amazon's stock price. It's akin to a psychological trapeze act, showcasing the remarkable agility of the human mind in influencing market dynamics.

The statistically significant p-value further underscores the gravity of our findings, akin to stumbling upon a long-lost psychological treasure map in the bewildering wilderness of statistics. It's as if the quirkiness of human decision-making has found expression in the unpredictable realm of the stock market.

As we dissect the implications of this unexpected correlation, we are left with a heady blend of intrigue and wonder. Our study hints at the tantalizing prospect that psychology, far from being confined to the therapist's couch, might wield an imperceptible yet tangible influence over market behavior. It's like finding out that the invisible hand guiding the market may, in fact, be outfitted with a pair of cerebral gloves.

With the flickering candle of curiosity now ablaze, the journey into the mysterious maze of psychology's impact on Amazon's stock price continues. The next steps in this captivating exploration beckon us to unravel the enigmatic threads that bind the human mind with the tumultuous tides of finance. Indeed, the psychological puzzle promises to be as riveting as a page-turner, ensuring that the intersection of psychology and stock prices remains a captivating saga in the annals of financial research.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a researcher writing an academic paper.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 Master's degrees awarded in Psychology and Amazon.com's stock price (AMZN). 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]]
Mind Over Market: A Psych(ology) Up on Amazon's Stock Price

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we delve into the intriguing realm of the human mind and its potential influence on the stock market. Fueled by curiosity and a desire to uncover the uncharted territories of correlation, our research team sought to investigate the relationship between the number of Master's degrees awarded in Psychology and the stock price of Amazon (AMZN). With the ever-growing popularity of online shopping, the behemoth that is Amazon has become a touchstone for market analysis. Utilizing data from the National Center for Education Statistics and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), the findings of this study unveil a surprising connection between the two seemingly unrelated variables. Our analysis has yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.9620013 with a confidence level of p < 0.01 for the period spanning from 2012 to 2021. While we are not suggesting a causal relationship, the results spark a myriad of questions, leaving us pondering whether psychological prowess may have a subtle sway in the volatile landscape of the stock market. Join us on a captivating journey through the enigmatic intertwining of the human psyche and the e-commerce titan's stock performance.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
Fellow academics and enthusiasts of both financial markets and psychological intricacies, welcome to our curious expedition into the nexus of the human psyche and the stock price of Amazon (AMZN). As we embark on this whimsical journey, we are reminded of the timeless wisdom of Benjamin Franklin: "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." We may not have flying kites or key experiments on the agenda, but we do have an unorthodox exploration of the potential influence of Master's degrees in Psychology on the ebb and flow of Amazon's stock price.
The fusion of psychological insight and market performance is akin to blending peanut butter and jelly – an unexpected duo that somehow creates a delectable harmony. With the meteoric rise of Amazon, one might wonder if it's the result of a collective psychology experiment or just a stroke of genius from a certain bespectacled and balding entrepreneurial force.
Perhaps, dear reader, you have never contemplated the idea that the number of Master's degrees awarded in Psychology could be anything more than just a statistical curiosity. However, we invite you to suspend your disbelief and open your mind (though not as widely as a Black Friday shopper at an Amazon warehouse) to the possibility of an unexpected, yet statistically backed, relationship.
But before we delve into the crux of our findings, it's crucial to acknowledge the paradoxical nature of the stock market: a place where individuals cheerfully seek wealth and lamentably lose sleep. It's the financial equivalent of a rollercoaster – thrilling for some and terrifying for others. With this paradox in mind, we aim to bring a modicum of clarity to the surreal world of stock prices, all while packing along the inquisitive spirit of psychology.
Hold on to your metaphorical hats (or perhaps literal ones, if you're as enthusiastic about this peculiar intersection as we are), as we unravel the enigma that is the correlation between Master's degrees in Psychology and the fluctuating beast that is Amazon's stock price. So, dear readers, fasten your seatbelts, don your psychological capes, and let's venture forth into the heart of this unconventional correlation.

[[RESULTS]]
The culmination of our investigation into the intersection of Master's degrees in Psychology and Amazon's stock price (AMZN) has brought forth some intriguing findings. The correlation coefficient between the two variables was a staggering 0.9620013, demonstrating a robust positive relationship. This indicates that as the number of Master's degrees awarded in Psychology rose, Amazon's stock price also exhibited upward trends.
The r-squared value of 0.9254465 further reinforces the strength of this relationship. It suggests that a substantial 92.5% of the variability in Amazon's stock price can be accounted for by changes in the number of Master's degrees awarded in Psychology. It's as if the human mind holds an uncanny power over the fluctuations of the e-commerce titan's stock performance.
In the spirit of full disclosure, our findings revealed a p-value of less than 0.01, signaling a statistically significant correlation. This means that the observed relationship between the variables is unlikely to have occurred by chance. It's a bit like stumbling upon a rare gem in a field of statistical noise – a discovery that compels us to further examine the potential interactions between psychology and stock market dynamics.
Figure 1 presents a visual representation of the relationship between Master's degrees in Psychology and Amazon's stock price. The scatterplot vividly illustrates the strong positive correlation between the two variables, with data points tightly clustered along an upward trajectory. It's as if the academic prowess of psychology is propelling Amazon's stock price to new heights, or perhaps investors are subconsciously turning to psychology graduates for market insights.
These results cast a spotlight on the captivating interplay between the human mind and financial markets, offering not only statistical evidence but also a delightful dose of peculiarity. As we analyze our findings, we are left contemplating the potential role of psychological phenomena in shaping the trajectory of stock prices. It's a compelling realization that adds an extra layer of complexity to the already enigmatic world of finance.
Stay tuned for the discussion section, where we will tease apart the implications of this unexpected correlation, all while maintaining our sense of academic rigor and the occasional whimsical interlude.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our foray into the curious marriage of Master's degrees in Psychology and Amazon's stock price has left us in a state of delightful bemusement. Who would have thought that the human mind, armed with an understanding of the id, ego, and stock portfolios, could hold sway over the fluctuating fortunes of AMZN? It's as if Freud's "psychodynamic theory" is operating behind the scenes, nudging the stock prices towards lofty peaks.

While we resist the temptation to engage in mind-reading or crystal ball gazing, the statistical robustness of our findings cannot be ignored. The correlation coefficient of 0.9620013 is as strong as a primed weightlifter, showcasing a remarkable relationship that defies conventional wisdom and tickles the fancy of financial analysts.

The implications of our study extend beyond the confines of academia, beckoning us to ponder whether a collective unconscious among investors is silently heeding the insights of psychology graduates. Are shareholders subconsciously seeking refuge in the psychological prowess of Master's degree holders, hoping for a dose of sanity in the tumultuous world of stock trading? It's as though the market is in dire need of some therapy, and psychology graduates are donning the metaphorical stethoscope.

As we bid adieu to this whimsical yet enlightening exploration, we must acknowledge that further investigation in this domain may not be warranted. The correlations we've uncovered are as eye-catching as a neon sign, leaving little room for doubt or additional scrutiny. It's a compelling narrative, a tale of unexpected connections, and a testament to the intricate interplay between the human mind and the mercurial movements of the stock market.

In the words of a wise philosopher – "All's well that ends well." And in the case of our study, the correlation between Master's degrees in Psychology and Amazon's stock price certainly paints a picture of financial wellness, albeit with a charming sprinkle of psychological intrigue. With that, we punctuate our findings with a wry smile and bid this unconventional association adieu, confident that no further research is needed in this area.


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 Mind Over Market: A Psych(ology) Up on Amazon's Stock Price. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Behavioral Economics and Financial Psychology


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 Mind Over Market: A Psych(ology) Up on Amazon's Stock Price. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Society for Behavioral Economics and Market Trends


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 Mind Over Market: A Psych(ology) Up on Amazon's Stock Price with an abstract of In this paper, we delve into the intriguing realm of the human mind and its potential influence on the stock market. Fueled by curiosity and a desire to uncover the uncharted territories of correlation, our research team sought to investigate the relationship between the number of Master's degrees awarded in Psychology and the stock price of Amazon (AMZN). With the ever-growing popularity of online shopping, the behemoth that is Amazon has become a touchstone for market analysis. Utilizing data from the National Center for Education Statistics and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), the findings of this study unveil a surprising connection between the two seemingly unrelated variables. Our analysis has yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.9620013 with a confidence level of p < 0.01 for the period spanning from 2012 to 2021. While we are not suggesting a causal relationship, the results spark a myriad of questions, leaving us pondering whether psychological prowess may have a subtle sway in the volatile landscape of the stock market. Join us on a captivating journey through the enigmatic intertwining of the human psyche and the e-commerce titan's stock performance.

ChatGPT:

psychology, stock market, correlation, Amazon stock price, online shopping, market analysis, Master's degrees in Psychology, National Center for Education Statistics, LSEG Analytics, Refinitiv, correlation coefficient, stock performance, e-commerce titan

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



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Data details

Master's degrees awarded in Psychology
Detailed data title: Master's degrees conferred by postsecondary institutions in Psychology
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
See what else correlates with Master's degrees awarded in Psychology

Amazon.com's stock price (AMZN)
Detailed data title: Opening price of Amazon.com (AMZN) on the first trading day of the year
Source: LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv)
Additional Info: Via Microsoft Excel Stockhistory function

See what else correlates with Amazon.com's stock price (AMZN)

Correlation r = 0.9620013 (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 = 0.9254465 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 92.5% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Amazon.com's stock price (AMZN)) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Master's degrees awarded in Psychology) over the 10 years from 2012 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 8.7E-6. 0.0000087118513100160320000000
The p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme. More specifically the p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme if we had only tested one pair of variables one time.

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

Who is going to stop me? p-value reporting doesn't require me to report how many calculations I had to go through in order to find a low p-value!
On average, you will find a correaltion as strong as 0.96 in 0.00087% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 114,786 random variables You don't actually need 114 thousand variables to find a correlation like this one. I don't have that many variables in my database. You can also correlate variables that are not independent. I do this a lot.

p-value calculations are useful for understanding the probability of a result happening by chance. They are most useful when used to highlight the risk of a fluke outcome. For example, if you calculate a p-value of 0.30, the risk that the result is a fluke is high. It is good to know that! But there are lots of ways to get a p-value of less than 0.01, as evidenced by this project.

In this particular case, the values are so extreme as to be meaningless. That's why no one reports p-values with specificity after they drop below 0.01.

Just to be clear: I'm being completely transparent about the calculations. There is no math trickery. This is just how statistics shakes out when you calculate hundreds of millions of random correlations.
with the same 9 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 9 because we have two variables measured over a period of 10 years. It's just the number of years minus ( the number of variables minus one ), which in this case simplifies to the number of years minus one.
you would randomly expect to find a correlation as strong as this one.

[ 0.84, 0.99 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
The confidence interval is an estimate the range of the value of the correlation coefficient, using the correlation itself as an input. The values are meant to be the low and high end of the correlation coefficient with 95% confidence.

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


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

Still, sometimes one of the variables has more years of data available than the other. This page only shows the overlapping years. To see all the years, click on "See what else correlates with..." link above.
2012201320142015201620172018201920202021
Master's degrees awarded in Psychology (Degrees awarded)27052277872792626772276452753927918291362975031776
Amazon.com's stock price (AMZN) (Stock price)8.7912.819.9415.6332.8137.958.673.2693.75163.5




Why this works

  1. Data dredging: I have 25,153 variables in my database. I compare all these variables against each other to find ones that randomly match up. That's 632,673,409 correlation calculations! This is called “data dredging.” Instead of starting with a hypothesis and testing it, I instead abused the data to see what correlations shake out. It’s a dangerous way to go about analysis, because any sufficiently large dataset will yield strong correlations completely at random.
  2. Lack of causal connection: There is probably Because these pages are automatically generated, it's possible that the two variables you are viewing are in fact causually related. I take steps to prevent the obvious ones from showing on the site (I don't let data about the weather in one city correlate with the weather in a neighboring city, for example), but sometimes they still pop up. If they are related, cool! You found a loophole.
    no direct connection between these variables, despite what the AI says above. This is exacerbated by the fact that I used "Years" as the base variable. Lots of things happen in a year that are not related to each other! Most studies would use something like "one person" in stead of "one year" to be the "thing" studied.
  3. Observations not independent: For many variables, sequential years are not independent of each other. If a population of people is continuously doing something every day, there is no reason to think they would suddenly change how they are doing that thing on January 1. A simple Personally I don't find any p-value calculation to be 'simple,' but you know what I mean.
    p-value calculation does not take this into account, so mathematically it appears less probable than it really is.
  4. Y-axis doesn't start at zero: I truncated the Y-axes of the graph above. I also used a line graph, which makes the visual connection stand out more than it deserves. Nothing against line graphs. They are great at telling a story when you have linear data! But visually it is deceptive because the only data is at the points on the graph, not the lines on the graph. In between each point, the data could have been doing anything. Like going for a random walk by itself!
    Mathematically what I showed is true, but it is intentionally misleading. Below is the same chart but with both Y-axes starting at zero.




Try it yourself

You can calculate the values on this page on your own! Try running the Python code to see the calculation results. 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([27052,27787,27926,26772,27645,27539,27918,29136,29750,31776,])
array_2 = np.array([8.79,12.8,19.94,15.63,32.81,37.9,58.6,73.26,93.75,163.5,])
array_1_name = "Master's degrees awarded in Psychology"
array_2_name = "Amazon.com's stock price (AMZN)"

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

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



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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."

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Correlation ID: 2539 · Black Variable ID: 1337 · Red Variable ID: 1543
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