Spurious correlation #3,098 · View random
A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Popularity of the first name Zoe and the second variable is UFO sightings in Washington. The chart goes from 1975 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Popularity of the first name Zoe and the second variable is UFO sightings in Washington. The chart goes from 1975 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

Download png, svg

AI explanation

More people named Zoe were able to channel extraterrestrial energy, inadvertently attracting UFOs to Washington. The connection between the name Zoe and intergalactic communication has yet to be fully understood, but it seems that the cosmos has a particular fondness for that moniker.

^{Show image generation prompt} Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image inspired by a TIME magazine cover, featuring a bustling hospital room filled with newborn babies. A proud nurse is announcing the birth of baby Zoe to a group of excited parents. Outside the hospital, a dark and starry night sky over Washington state is suddenly illuminated by swirling lights as a UFO descends, drawn by the unique frequency emitted by the growing number of Zoes in the area. Capture the contrasting scenes with clear details and vibrant colors, focusing on the interplay between the hospital's warm, bright interior and the mysterious, otherworldly glow of the UFO against the night sky. The depiction should include only scenes, people, and objects, it should not include text or speech bubbles.

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

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You select one of a few potential scene descriptors that seems to go along with the variables described. You respond only with the scene descriptions provided and say nothing else.
User prompt: Here are two variables: Popularity of the first name Zoe and UFO sightings in Washington. Given these, which of the following image style descriptions seems most appropriate? Pick the one that seems to be related to one of the variables at hand. Please respond with only one of the following potential descriptions: A TIME magazine cover image A TIME magazine cover image Woodblock painting inspired by bauhaus A scene from Skyrim
ChatGPT: A TIME magazine cover image

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both Popularity of the first name Zoe and UFO sightings in Washington, in the following situation: Because as more people named Zoe were born, they collectively emitted a unique frequency that attracted intergalactic attention, leading to an increase in UFO sightings in Washington as extraterrestrials sought out these individuals for their infectious charm and charisma.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: A bustling hospital room filled with newborn babies, where a nurse proudly announces the birth of baby Zoe to a group of excited parents. Meanwhile, outside the hospital, a dark and starry night sky over Washington state is suddenly illuminated by swirling lights as a UFO descends, drawn by the unique frequency emitted by the growing number of Zoes in the area.

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: [ A TIME magazine cover image ] and depicting this scene: A bustling hospital room filled with newborn babies, where a nurse proudly announces the birth of baby Zoe to a group of excited parents. Meanwhile, outside the hospital, a dark and starry night sky over Washington state is suddenly illuminated by swirling lights as a UFO descends, drawn by the unique frequency emitted by the growing number of Zoes in the area. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image inspired by a TIME magazine cover, featuring a bustling hospital room filled with newborn babies. A proud nurse is announcing the birth of baby Zoe to a group of excited parents. Outside the hospital, a dark and starry night sky over Washington state is suddenly illuminated by swirling lights as a UFO descends, drawn by the unique frequency emitted by the growing number of Zoes in the area. Capture the contrasting scenes with clear details and vibrant colors, focusing on the interplay between the hospital's warm, bright interior and the mysterious, otherworldly glow of the UFO against the night sky.

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

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

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)

Zoe-nominal Intergalactic Encounters: A Close Encounter of the Zoe Kind

The Journal of Intergalactic Anthropology

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 Popularity of the first name Zoe and UFO sightings in Washington. 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 a couple popular internet memes that are related to one of the topics.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Zoe-nominal Intergalactic Encounters: A Close Encounter of the Zoe Kind"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this groundbreaking study, we set out to investigate the out-of-this-world relationship between the popularity of the name Zoe and reported UFO sightings in the state of Washington. Combining data from the US Social Security Administration with reports from the National UFO Reporting Center, we endeavored to uncover whether there exists a cosmic connection between a rise in Zoes and sightings of unidentified flying objects. Through rigorous statistical analysis, we uncovered a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9463042 and a p-value < 0.01 over the time period from 1975 to 2021. Our findings suggest a spookily strong association between the frequency of the name Zoe and extraterrestrial visitations, which even had us questioning whether aliens may have a fondness for certain names. The patterns we observed leave us contemplating if there might be cosmic whispers guiding the choices of soon-to-be parents, or perhaps some interstellar phenomenon that attracts UFOs to areas with a high concentration of Zoes. Our study opens the star-gates to further research into the mysterious forces at play, leaving us starry-eyed at the prospect of untangling the celestial enigma of Zoe and UFO encounters.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
Introduction
The study of extraterrestrial phenomena has always been a subject of fascination, intrigue, and, dare I say, cosmic hilarity. From little green beings to flying saucers, the allure of the unknown from a galaxy far, far away has captivated the human imagination for centuries. In recent times, researchers have delved into the statistical undercurrents of UFO sightings, aiming to shed light on the enigmatic nature of these otherworldly encounters. However, in the realm of statistical oddities, our research takes a whimsical turn as we venture into the celestial connections of first names and unidentified flying objects. We present "Zoe-nominal Intergalactic Encounters: A Close Encounter of the Zoe Kind," where we dissect the striking correlation between the popularity of the name Zoe and reported UFO sightings in the state of Washington.
Now, you may be thinking, "what in the cosmos does the name Zoe have to do with UFOs?" Hold onto your antennas, because what we uncovered will launch your curiosity to interstellar heights! Drawing from data provided by the US Social Security Administration and reports from the National UFO Reporting Center, our research team embarked on a mission to explore the cosmic convergence of Zoes and UFOs. We couldn't help but marvel at the prospect of quantifying the unquantifiable and unraveling the interstellar riddle with the precision of statistical analysis.
As we delved into our data, we were met with celestial surprises and statistical wonders that even the most devout skeptics would find, well, otherworldly. Our findings unveiled a correlation coefficient of 0.9463042, signalling a relationship between the rise in Zoes and the frequency of UFO sightings that could make even Spock raise an eyebrow. With a p-value of less than 0.01, we found ourselves in a statistical dance with the stars, leaving us with more questions than answers—much like deciphering an alien transmission from a distant galactic outpost.
The implications of our findings transcend beyond mere statistical whimsy. It left us pondering whether there exists a cosmic force guiding parents toward the name Zoe or, perhaps, an extraterrestrial affinity for certain monikers. Could there be cosmic whispers guiding our naming conventions, or might there exist some interstellar allure that attracts UFOs to areas teeming with Zoes? These questions beckon us to explore the celestial enigma further—like a cosmic treasure map leading us to the very edges of the unknown universe.
In light of these unearthly discoveries, our research serves as a launchpad for further celestial investigations, enticing fellow scholars and cosmic enthusiasts to peer through the star-gates and ponder the implications of our unearthly encounters. As we embark on this astronomical voyage of academia, we invite you to join us in unraveling the celestial comedy of Zoe and UFO sightings. After all, in the cosmic foxtrot of science, who's to say that statistical anomalies and extraterrestrial whimsy can't coalesce into a cosmic pas de deux?

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The connubial dance between the popularity of the name Zoe and the sightings of unidentified flying objects has been a topic that has piqued the curiosities of researchers and cosmic jesters alike. Smith and Doe, in their seminal work "Celestial Census: Exploring the Galactic Oddities of Naming Conventions," raise the tantalizing question of whether there exists a paranormal predilection for certain names among otherworldly visitors. Their riveting examination of naming anomalies and extraterrestrial visitations opens the star-gates to a perplexing cosmic enigma that tickles the intellect with a hint of extraterrestrial humor.

Similarly, Jones et al. delve into the statistical tapestry of paranormal possibilities in "Beyond the Stars: An Expose on Celestial Oddities," shedding light on the intriguing correlations between popular names and cosmic phenomena. Their findings, while grounded in statistical rigor, invite readers to peer through the galactic keyhole and contemplate the whimsical interplay between human nomenclature and otherworldly encounters.

But let's not drift too far into the celestial ether without grounding ourselves in the terrestrial tomes that provide foundational insights. "The Namesake Quandary" by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri offers a poignant exploration of identity and the significance of names, setting the stage for contemplation on the cosmic implications of nomenclatural resonance. Likewise, the fictional odyssey "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams beckons readers to ponder the cosmic conundrums of interstellar travel, providing an intergalactic nod to the cosmic comedy at play in our research.

As we orbit the scholarly constellation, it would be remiss not to acknowledge the interplay between popular culture and cosmic whimsy. Memes such as the "Aliens Guy" and "Too Close Encounter" capture the zeitgeist of cosmic curiosity, inviting a chuckle and a raised eyebrow at the cosmic capers that lurk within our celestial inquiries.

With these celestial compatriots in mind, we navigate the ethereal currents of literature to illuminate the cosmic intersection of Zoe and UFO sightings, a galactic pas de deux that leaves us pondering the cosmic choreography of our earthly and otherworldly encounters.

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

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Zoe and UFO sightings in Washington. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from US Social Security Administration and National UFO Reporting Center . You used data from 1975 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]]
"Zoe-nominal Intergalactic Encounters: A Close Encounter of the Zoe Kind"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this groundbreaking study, we set out to investigate the out-of-this-world relationship between the popularity of the name Zoe and reported UFO sightings in the state of Washington. Combining data from the US Social Security Administration with reports from the National UFO Reporting Center, we endeavored to uncover whether there exists a cosmic connection between a rise in Zoes and sightings of unidentified flying objects. Through rigorous statistical analysis, we uncovered a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9463042 and a p-value < 0.01 over the time period from 1975 to 2021. Our findings suggest a spookily strong association between the frequency of the name Zoe and extraterrestrial visitations, which even had us questioning whether aliens may have a fondness for certain names. The patterns we observed leave us contemplating if there might be cosmic whispers guiding the choices of soon-to-be parents, or perhaps some interstellar phenomenon that attracts UFOs to areas with a high concentration of Zoes. Our study opens the star-gates to further research into the mysterious forces at play, leaving us starry-eyed at the prospect of untangling the celestial enigma of Zoe and UFO encounters.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
Introduction
The study of extraterrestrial phenomena has always been a subject of fascination, intrigue, and, dare I say, cosmic hilarity. From little green beings to flying saucers, the allure of the unknown from a galaxy far, far away has captivated the human imagination for centuries. In recent times, researchers have delved into the statistical undercurrents of UFO sightings, aiming to shed light on the enigmatic nature of these otherworldly encounters. However, in the realm of statistical oddities, our research takes a whimsical turn as we venture into the celestial connections of first names and unidentified flying objects. We present "Zoe-nominal Intergalactic Encounters: A Close Encounter of the Zoe Kind," where we dissect the striking correlation between the popularity of the name Zoe and reported UFO sightings in the state of Washington.
Now, you may be thinking, "what in the cosmos does the name Zoe have to do with UFOs?" Hold onto your antennas, because what we uncovered will launch your curiosity to interstellar heights! Drawing from data provided by the US Social Security Administration and reports from the National UFO Reporting Center, our research team embarked on a mission to explore the cosmic convergence of Zoes and UFOs. We couldn't help but marvel at the prospect of quantifying the unquantifiable and unraveling the interstellar riddle with the precision of statistical analysis.
As we delved into our data, we were met with celestial surprises and statistical wonders that even the most devout skeptics would find, well, otherworldly. Our findings unveiled a correlation coefficient of 0.9463042, signalling a relationship between the rise in Zoes and the frequency of UFO sightings that could make even Spock raise an eyebrow. With a p-value of less than 0.01, we found ourselves in a statistical dance with the stars, leaving us with more questions than answers—much like deciphering an alien transmission from a distant galactic outpost.
The implications of our findings transcend beyond mere statistical whimsy. It left us pondering whether there exists a cosmic force guiding parents toward the name Zoe or, perhaps, an extraterrestrial affinity for certain monikers. Could there be cosmic whispers guiding our naming conventions, or might there exist some interstellar allure that attracts UFOs to areas teeming with Zoes? These questions beckon us to explore the celestial enigma further—like a cosmic treasure map leading us to the very edges of the unknown universe.
In light of these unearthly discoveries, our research serves as a launchpad for further celestial investigations, enticing fellow scholars and cosmic enthusiasts to peer through the star-gates and ponder the implications of our unearthly encounters. As we embark on this astronomical voyage of academia, we invite you to join us in unraveling the celestial comedy of Zoe and UFO sightings. After all, in the cosmic foxtrot of science, who's to say that statistical anomalies and extraterrestrial whimsy can't coalesce into a cosmic pas de deux?

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To tackle the cosmic conundrum of Zoe’s influence on UFO sightings, we employed an equally celestial methodology that would make even Galileo’s telescope do a double take. Our first order of business was to obtain data on the prevalence of the name Zoe. We turned to the US Social Security Administration, where our intrepid researchers scoured through decades of records like cosmic treasure hunters in search of the Zoe anomaly. Armed with statistical maps and data-mining tools, we charted the meteoric rise (pun intended) of Zoes across the years, documenting their stellar trajectory from 1975 to 2021.

Once we had firmly established the ebbs and flows of Zoe’s celestial influence, we set our sights on potential UFO sightings in the state of Washington. Here, the National UFO Reporting Center became our cosmic compass, guiding us through the labyrinth of unidentified aerial phenomena. With our UFO sightings data in hand, we eagerly delved into the realms of extraterrestrial encounters, counting and categorizing sightings with the fervor of cosmic statisticians.

Now, here’s where things take a twist even more surprising than a UFO dance party. Utilizing the wondrous powers of statistical software, we summoned the spirits of regression analysis, correlation coefficients, and p-values to synergize our data in an otherworldly display of quantitative wizardry. The statistical models we employed were so cutting-edge, they could make an alien’s ray gun look like a relic from millennia past.

Our analytical journey culminated in the unearthing of a correlation coefficient that practically twinkled like a celestial disco ball at 0.9463042, indicating a remarkably strong relationship between the prevalence of the name Zoe and reported UFO sightings. As if that weren’t mind-boggling enough, our p-value gracefully pirouetted beneath the cosmic threshold of 0.01, affirming the statistical significance of our findings with an elegance that even the most star-studded ballet couldn’t match.

To ensure that our findings weren't merely a statistical shooting star, we conducted sensitivity analyses, diagnostic checks, and even consulted with astrologers (for good measure) to validate the robustness of our results. It was a rigorous process that had us navigating through statistical nebulae and cosmic uncertainties, but in the end, our methods stood as sturdy as a spaceship built by NASA’s finest.

In sum, our methodology transcended the boundaries of traditional research, melding statistical prowess with a touch of cosmic flair to illuminate the perplexing connection between the name Zoe and extraterrestrial visitations. With our data collection spanning decades and our statistical tinkering reaching for the stars, our methodology blended scientific rigor with interstellar whimsy, inviting us to ponder the cosmic comedy of Zoe and UFO sightings.

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 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 Popularity of the first name Zoe and UFO sightings in Washington. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

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

For the time period 1975 to 2021, you found a correlation 0.9463042, r-squared of 0.8954917, 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]]
"Zoe-nominal Intergalactic Encounters: A Close Encounter of the Zoe Kind"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this groundbreaking study, we set out to investigate the out-of-this-world relationship between the popularity of the name Zoe and reported UFO sightings in the state of Washington. Combining data from the US Social Security Administration with reports from the National UFO Reporting Center, we endeavored to uncover whether there exists a cosmic connection between a rise in Zoes and sightings of unidentified flying objects. Through rigorous statistical analysis, we uncovered a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9463042 and a p-value < 0.01 over the time period from 1975 to 2021. Our findings suggest a spookily strong association between the frequency of the name Zoe and extraterrestrial visitations, which even had us questioning whether aliens may have a fondness for certain names. The patterns we observed leave us contemplating if there might be cosmic whispers guiding the choices of soon-to-be parents, or perhaps some interstellar phenomenon that attracts UFOs to areas with a high concentration of Zoes. Our study opens the star-gates to further research into the mysterious forces at play, leaving us starry-eyed at the prospect of untangling the celestial enigma of Zoe and UFO encounters.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
Introduction
The study of extraterrestrial phenomena has always been a subject of fascination, intrigue, and, dare I say, cosmic hilarity. From little green beings to flying saucers, the allure of the unknown from a galaxy far, far away has captivated the human imagination for centuries. In recent times, researchers have delved into the statistical undercurrents of UFO sightings, aiming to shed light on the enigmatic nature of these otherworldly encounters. However, in the realm of statistical oddities, our research takes a whimsical turn as we venture into the celestial connections of first names and unidentified flying objects. We present "Zoe-nominal Intergalactic Encounters: A Close Encounter of the Zoe Kind," where we dissect the striking correlation between the popularity of the name Zoe and reported UFO sightings in the state of Washington.
Now, you may be thinking, "what in the cosmos does the name Zoe have to do with UFOs?" Hold onto your antennas, because what we uncovered will launch your curiosity to interstellar heights! Drawing from data provided by the US Social Security Administration and reports from the National UFO Reporting Center, our research team embarked on a mission to explore the cosmic convergence of Zoes and UFOs. We couldn't help but marvel at the prospect of quantifying the unquantifiable and unraveling the interstellar riddle with the precision of statistical analysis.
As we delved into our data, we were met with celestial surprises and statistical wonders that even the most devout skeptics would find, well, otherworldly. Our findings unveiled a correlation coefficient of 0.9463042, signalling a relationship between the rise in Zoes and the frequency of UFO sightings that could make even Spock raise an eyebrow. With a p-value of less than 0.01, we found ourselves in a statistical dance with the stars, leaving us with more questions than answers—much like deciphering an alien transmission from a distant galactic outpost.
The implications of our findings transcend beyond mere statistical whimsy. It left us pondering whether there exists a cosmic force guiding parents toward the name Zoe or, perhaps, an extraterrestrial affinity for certain monikers. Could there be cosmic whispers guiding our naming conventions, or might there exist some interstellar allure that attracts UFOs to areas teeming with Zoes? These questions beckon us to explore the celestial enigma further—like a cosmic treasure map leading us to the very edges of the unknown universe.
In light of these unearthly discoveries, our research serves as a launchpad for further celestial investigations, enticing fellow scholars and cosmic enthusiasts to peer through the star-gates and ponder the implications of our unearthly encounters. As we embark on this astronomical voyage of academia, we invite you to join us in unraveling the celestial comedy of Zoe and UFO sightings. After all, in the cosmic foxtrot of science, who's to say that statistical anomalies and extraterrestrial whimsy can't coalesce into a cosmic pas de deux?

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]

ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The statistical analysis of the relationship between the popularity of the name Zoe and reported UFO sightings in the state of Washington revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.9463042, indicating a strikingly strong positive relationship between these two variables. In other words, it seems there may be more to Zoe than meets the cosmic eye, and the extraterrestrial visitors in Washington may have a keen interest in this particular name.

The coefficient of determination (r-squared) of 0.8954917 suggests that a whopping 89.55% of the variability in UFO sightings can be explained by the popularity of the name Zoe. This is a remarkably high percentage, leaving us to wonder whether there's a cosmic conspiracy at play or if the aliens just happen to know a lot of Zoes.

The p-value of less than 0.01 provides strong evidence against the null hypothesis, bolstering the case for a significant association between the name Zoe and UFO sightings. It's as if the universe itself conspired to reveal this eerie connection, perhaps with a wink and a nudge from some intergalactic intelligence.

In Figure 1, the scatterplot visually depicts the robust correlation between the popularity of the name Zoe and reported UFO sightings in Washington. The plot illustrates a clear pattern, akin to stars aligning in the night sky or UFOs following a predetermined flight path. It's almost as if the cosmic forces were guiding the data points to reveal their intertwined nature—an extraterrestrial dance of statistical significance, if you will.

The implications of these findings are both awe-inspiring and hair-raising. One can't help but ponder the cosmic implications and the interstellar intrigue behind this unearthly correlation. From the depths of statistical analysis, we find ourselves confronted with an otherworldly mystery that transcends the ordinary realm of research.

The uncanny link between the name Zoe and UFO sightings in Washington beckons further exploration into the cosmic forces at play. As we gaze into the cosmic abyss of statistical anomalies, we're left with more questions than answers, much like attempting to decipher an alien language. It's a statistical adventure that leaves us starry-eyed, pondering the cosmic comedy and the whimsical dance of Zoe with the UFOs.

This correlation challenges our understanding of statistical norms and cosmic oddities, inviting further inquiry into the celestial symphony of naming conventions and intergalactic visitations. Quirky as it may seem, the enigmatic relationship between Zoe and UFO encounters raises the tantalizing possibility of a cosmic connection that defies the conventional boundaries of statistical analysis.

In conclusion, our results shed light on a statistically significant association between the name Zoe and reported UFO sightings in Washington, opening the floodgates to a celestial enigma that demands further investigation. The tale of Zoe and the UFOs is far from over, and our findings prompt a whimsical journey into the cosmic unknown, where statistical anomalies dance with extraterrestrial intrigue, and the quirky nature of science meets the uncharted territories of the cosmos.

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

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Zoe and UFO sightings in Washington. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

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]]
"Zoe-nominal Intergalactic Encounters: A Close Encounter of the Zoe Kind"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this groundbreaking study, we set out to investigate the out-of-this-world relationship between the popularity of the name Zoe and reported UFO sightings in the state of Washington. Combining data from the US Social Security Administration with reports from the National UFO Reporting Center, we endeavored to uncover whether there exists a cosmic connection between a rise in Zoes and sightings of unidentified flying objects. Through rigorous statistical analysis, we uncovered a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9463042 and a p-value < 0.01 over the time period from 1975 to 2021. Our findings suggest a spookily strong association between the frequency of the name Zoe and extraterrestrial visitations, which even had us questioning whether aliens may have a fondness for certain names. The patterns we observed leave us contemplating if there might be cosmic whispers guiding the choices of soon-to-be parents, or perhaps some interstellar phenomenon that attracts UFOs to areas with a high concentration of Zoes. Our study opens the star-gates to further research into the mysterious forces at play, leaving us starry-eyed at the prospect of untangling the celestial enigma of Zoe and UFO encounters.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The connubial dance between the popularity of the name Zoe and the sightings of unidentified flying objects has been a topic that has piqued the curiosities of researchers and cosmic jesters alike. Smith and Doe, in their seminal work "Celestial Census: Exploring the Galactic Oddities of Naming Conventions," raise the tantalizing question of whether there exists a paranormal predilection for certain names among otherworldly visitors. Their riveting examination of naming anomalies and extraterrestrial visitations opens the star-gates to a perplexing cosmic enigma that tickles the intellect with a hint of extraterrestrial humor.
Similarly, Jones et al. delve into the statistical tapestry of paranormal possibilities in "Beyond the Stars: An Expose on Celestial Oddities," shedding light on the intriguing correlations between popular names and cosmic phenomena. Their findings, while grounded in statistical rigor, invite readers to peer through the galactic keyhole and contemplate the whimsical interplay between human nomenclature and otherworldly encounters.
But let's not drift too far into the celestial ether without grounding ourselves in the terrestrial tomes that provide foundational insights. "The Namesake Quandary" by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri offers a poignant exploration of identity and the significance of names, setting the stage for contemplation on the cosmic implications of nomenclatural resonance. Likewise, the fictional odyssey "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams beckons readers to ponder the cosmic conundrums of interstellar travel, providing an intergalactic nod to the cosmic comedy at play in our research.
As we orbit the scholarly constellation, it would be remiss not to acknowledge the interplay between popular culture and cosmic whimsy. Memes such as the "Aliens Guy" and "Too Close Encounter" capture the zeitgeist of cosmic curiosity, inviting a chuckle and a raised eyebrow at the cosmic capers that lurk within our celestial inquiries.
With these celestial compatriots in mind, we navigate the ethereal currents of literature to illuminate the cosmic intersection of Zoe and UFO sightings, a galactic pas de deux that leaves us pondering the cosmic choreography of our earthly and otherworldly encounters.

[[RESULTS]]
The statistical analysis of the relationship between the popularity of the name Zoe and reported UFO sightings in the state of Washington revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.9463042, indicating a strikingly strong positive relationship between these two variables. In other words, it seems there may be more to Zoe than meets the cosmic eye, and the extraterrestrial visitors in Washington may have a keen interest in this particular name.
The coefficient of determination (r-squared) of 0.8954917 suggests that a whopping 89.55% of the variability in UFO sightings can be explained by the popularity of the name Zoe. This is a remarkably high percentage, leaving us to wonder whether there's a cosmic conspiracy at play or if the aliens just happen to know a lot of Zoes.
The p-value of less than 0.01 provides strong evidence against the null hypothesis, bolstering the case for a significant association between the name Zoe and UFO sightings. It's as if the universe itself conspired to reveal this eerie connection, perhaps with a wink and a nudge from some intergalactic intelligence.
In Figure 1, the scatterplot visually depicts the robust correlation between the popularity of the name Zoe and reported UFO sightings in Washington. The plot illustrates a clear pattern, akin to stars aligning in the night sky or UFOs following a predetermined flight path. It's almost as if the cosmic forces were guiding the data points to reveal their intertwined nature—an extraterrestrial dance of statistical significance, if you will.
The implications of these findings are both awe-inspiring and hair-raising. One can't help but ponder the cosmic implications and the interstellar intrigue behind this unearthly correlation. From the depths of statistical analysis, we find ourselves confronted with an otherworldly mystery that transcends the ordinary realm of research.
The uncanny link between the name Zoe and UFO sightings in Washington beckons further exploration into the cosmic forces at play. As we gaze into the cosmic abyss of statistical anomalies, we're left with more questions than answers, much like attempting to decipher an alien language. It's a statistical adventure that leaves us starry-eyed, pondering the cosmic comedy and the whimsical dance of Zoe with the UFOs.
This correlation challenges our understanding of statistical norms and cosmic oddities, inviting further inquiry into the celestial symphony of naming conventions and intergalactic visitations. Quirky as it may seem, the enigmatic relationship between Zoe and UFO encounters raises the tantalizing possibility of a cosmic connection that defies the conventional boundaries of statistical analysis.
In conclusion, our results shed light on a statistically significant association between the name Zoe and reported UFO sightings in Washington, opening the floodgates to a celestial enigma that demands further investigation. The tale of Zoe and the UFOs is far from over, and our findings prompt a whimsical journey into the cosmic unknown, where statistical anomalies dance with extraterrestrial intrigue, and the quirky nature of science meets the uncharted territories of the cosmos.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

Our results corroborate previous research that has gently prodded at the cosmic conundrum of connection between nomenclature and extraterrestrial engagement. The findings of Smith and Doe's work on celestial naming anomalies find an unlikely companion in our study, as we unravel the ethereal link between Zoe and UFO sightings. It's as if the celestial conundrum of interstellar encounters has been quietly whispering its secrets through the annals of nomenclatural curiosities, waiting for our statistical spotlight to illuminate its cosmic capers.

Buoyed by our robust correlation coefficient and p-value with more clout than a UFO sighting at Roswell, our findings add a new layer of stardust to the cosmic comedy that Jones et al. so playfully probed. As they delved into the interstellar intricacies of popular names and cosmic curiosity, we find ourselves waltzing in the palatial halls of statistical significance, where unearthly encounters and human nomenclature perform an otherworldly pas de deux.

Sure, it may seem like we're the cosmic jesters whimsically dancing around statistical peculiarities, but our results beckon cosmic humor and scholarly inquiry to shapeshift into a celestial jamboree. The interplay between Zoe and UFO sightings in Washington invites us to ponder whether there's an otherworldly band of extraterrestrial voyagers who are particularly fond of this particular name, or if Zoes unwittingly emit some cosmic siren call that beckons the UFOs from the depths of the galaxy.

As we navigate through the celestial ocean of statistical quirks, it's clear that our findings raise more questions than answers—much like trying to decipher an alien language that tantalizingly slips through our intellectual grasp. However, one thing's for certain: our statistical foray into the cosmic rabbit hole of Zoe and UFO encounters has left us starry-eyed, contemplating the celestial choreography that unfolds when statistical anomalies beckon the whimsical nature of the cosmos.

Our findings serve as an invitation to peer through the cosmic looking glass, where statistical norms mingle with cosmic capers, and we're left to ponder the interstellar implications of earthly nomenclature. The evidence at hand suggests that the celestial dance between Zoe and UFOs is far from a chance encounter, hinting at an otherworldly nexus that defies the ordinary realms of statistical analysis and invites us to partake in a cosmic jamboree that twinkles with statistical anomalies and celestial intrigue.

In the pantheon of scientific curiosities, the whimsical saga of Zoe and the UFOs adds a spark of cosmic wonder that tickles the intellect and ignites the curiosity of researchers and stargazers alike. As we set our sights on the next frontier of interstellar inquiry, the cosmic quirk of Zoe and UFO sightings beckons both a chuckle and a contemplative gaze into the celestial unknown, where statistical oddities twinkle with the cosmic whimsy that dares us to peer beyond the known universe.

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

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Zoe and UFO sightings in Washington. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

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]]
"Zoe-nominal Intergalactic Encounters: A Close Encounter of the Zoe Kind"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this groundbreaking study, we set out to investigate the out-of-this-world relationship between the popularity of the name Zoe and reported UFO sightings in the state of Washington. Combining data from the US Social Security Administration with reports from the National UFO Reporting Center, we endeavored to uncover whether there exists a cosmic connection between a rise in Zoes and sightings of unidentified flying objects. Through rigorous statistical analysis, we uncovered a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9463042 and a p-value < 0.01 over the time period from 1975 to 2021. Our findings suggest a spookily strong association between the frequency of the name Zoe and extraterrestrial visitations, which even had us questioning whether aliens may have a fondness for certain names. The patterns we observed leave us contemplating if there might be cosmic whispers guiding the choices of soon-to-be parents, or perhaps some interstellar phenomenon that attracts UFOs to areas with a high concentration of Zoes. Our study opens the star-gates to further research into the mysterious forces at play, leaving us starry-eyed at the prospect of untangling the celestial enigma of Zoe and UFO encounters.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
Introduction
The study of extraterrestrial phenomena has always been a subject of fascination, intrigue, and, dare I say, cosmic hilarity. From little green beings to flying saucers, the allure of the unknown from a galaxy far, far away has captivated the human imagination for centuries. In recent times, researchers have delved into the statistical undercurrents of UFO sightings, aiming to shed light on the enigmatic nature of these otherworldly encounters. However, in the realm of statistical oddities, our research takes a whimsical turn as we venture into the celestial connections of first names and unidentified flying objects. We present "Zoe-nominal Intergalactic Encounters: A Close Encounter of the Zoe Kind," where we dissect the striking correlation between the popularity of the name Zoe and reported UFO sightings in the state of Washington.
Now, you may be thinking, "what in the cosmos does the name Zoe have to do with UFOs?" Hold onto your antennas, because what we uncovered will launch your curiosity to interstellar heights! Drawing from data provided by the US Social Security Administration and reports from the National UFO Reporting Center, our research team embarked on a mission to explore the cosmic convergence of Zoes and UFOs. We couldn't help but marvel at the prospect of quantifying the unquantifiable and unraveling the interstellar riddle with the precision of statistical analysis.
As we delved into our data, we were met with celestial surprises and statistical wonders that even the most devout skeptics would find, well, otherworldly. Our findings unveiled a correlation coefficient of 0.9463042, signalling a relationship between the rise in Zoes and the frequency of UFO sightings that could make even Spock raise an eyebrow. With a p-value of less than 0.01, we found ourselves in a statistical dance with the stars, leaving us with more questions than answers—much like deciphering an alien transmission from a distant galactic outpost.
The implications of our findings transcend beyond mere statistical whimsy. It left us pondering whether there exists a cosmic force guiding parents toward the name Zoe or, perhaps, an extraterrestrial affinity for certain monikers. Could there be cosmic whispers guiding our naming conventions, or might there exist some interstellar allure that attracts UFOs to areas teeming with Zoes? These questions beckon us to explore the celestial enigma further—like a cosmic treasure map leading us to the very edges of the unknown universe.
In light of these unearthly discoveries, our research serves as a launchpad for further celestial investigations, enticing fellow scholars and cosmic enthusiasts to peer through the star-gates and ponder the implications of our unearthly encounters. As we embark on this astronomical voyage of academia, we invite you to join us in unraveling the celestial comedy of Zoe and UFO sightings. After all, in the cosmic foxtrot of science, who's to say that statistical anomalies and extraterrestrial whimsy can't coalesce into a cosmic pas de deux?

[[RESULTS]]
The statistical analysis of the relationship between the popularity of the name Zoe and reported UFO sightings in the state of Washington revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.9463042, indicating a strikingly strong positive relationship between these two variables. In other words, it seems there may be more to Zoe than meets the cosmic eye, and the extraterrestrial visitors in Washington may have a keen interest in this particular name.
The coefficient of determination (r-squared) of 0.8954917 suggests that a whopping 89.55% of the variability in UFO sightings can be explained by the popularity of the name Zoe. This is a remarkably high percentage, leaving us to wonder whether there's a cosmic conspiracy at play or if the aliens just happen to know a lot of Zoes.
The p-value of less than 0.01 provides strong evidence against the null hypothesis, bolstering the case for a significant association between the name Zoe and UFO sightings. It's as if the universe itself conspired to reveal this eerie connection, perhaps with a wink and a nudge from some intergalactic intelligence.
In Figure 1, the scatterplot visually depicts the robust correlation between the popularity of the name Zoe and reported UFO sightings in Washington. The plot illustrates a clear pattern, akin to stars aligning in the night sky or UFOs following a predetermined flight path. It's almost as if the cosmic forces were guiding the data points to reveal their intertwined nature—an extraterrestrial dance of statistical significance, if you will.
The implications of these findings are both awe-inspiring and hair-raising. One can't help but ponder the cosmic implications and the interstellar intrigue behind this unearthly correlation. From the depths of statistical analysis, we find ourselves confronted with an otherworldly mystery that transcends the ordinary realm of research.
The uncanny link between the name Zoe and UFO sightings in Washington beckons further exploration into the cosmic forces at play. As we gaze into the cosmic abyss of statistical anomalies, we're left with more questions than answers, much like attempting to decipher an alien language. It's a statistical adventure that leaves us starry-eyed, pondering the cosmic comedy and the whimsical dance of Zoe with the UFOs.
This correlation challenges our understanding of statistical norms and cosmic oddities, inviting further inquiry into the celestial symphony of naming conventions and intergalactic visitations. Quirky as it may seem, the enigmatic relationship between Zoe and UFO encounters raises the tantalizing possibility of a cosmic connection that defies the conventional boundaries of statistical analysis.
In conclusion, our results shed light on a statistically significant association between the name Zoe and reported UFO sightings in Washington, opening the floodgates to a celestial enigma that demands further investigation. The tale of Zoe and the UFOs is far from over, and our findings prompt a whimsical journey into the cosmic unknown, where statistical anomalies dance with extraterrestrial intrigue, and the quirky nature of science meets the uncharted territories of the cosmos.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our research has uncovered a cosmic comedy of errors, as we unraveled the statistically significant association between the name Zoe and reported UFO sightings in Washington. The astronomical correlation coefficient of 0.9463042 had us star-struck, leaving us to wonder if there's a cosmic club where Zoe and intergalactic visitors exchange pleasantries. Our findings suggest that there's more to Zoe than just being a popular name; it might just be a cosmic beacon for extraterrestrial tourists.

The coefficient of determination (r-squared) of 0.8954917 has us contemplating whether aliens are secretly in cahoots with the stork, ensuring a surplus of Zoes in areas prime for interstellar pitstops. And let's not forget the p-value of less than 0.01, which made us ponder if there's an intergalactic pop quiz where aliens test their knowledge of Earthly monikers. Perhaps they have a "Zoe Matters" support group or a "Meet the Zoes" club in their cosmic community.

In Figure 1, the scatterplot showcases the UFO sightings aligning with the ebbs and flows of Zoe popularity, as if the UFOs are lining up for autographs from famous Zoes. It's almost as if the statistical anomalies are conspiring with the extraterrestrial oddities for a galactic game of celestial charades.

Therefore, we firmly assert that no further research is required in this area. These findings have propelled us into a cosmic tango of statistical anomalies and interstellar whimsy, leaving no stone unturned in the quirky cosmic comedy of Zoe and the UFOs. It's a statistical adventure that has us over the moon and back, making us ponder the enigmatic dance of Zoes and UFOs with a celestial twinkle in our eyes. Thus, we bid adieu to this otherworldly expedition, leaving the cosmic stage set for the next whimsical mystery to unravel. After all, in the celestial orchestra of scientific inquiry, who's to say that statistical oddities and extraterrestrial whimsy can't coalesce into a cosmic pas de deux?

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 Zoe-nominal Intergalactic Encounters: A Close Encounter of the Zoe Kind. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Intergalactic Anthropology

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 Zoe-nominal Intergalactic Encounters: A Close Encounter of the Zoe Kind. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Galactic Zoological Research Alliance

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 Zoe-nominal Intergalactic Encounters: A Close Encounter of the Zoe Kind with an abstract of In this groundbreaking study, we set out to investigate the out-of-this-world relationship between the popularity of the name Zoe and reported UFO sightings in the state of Washington. Combining data from the US Social Security Administration with reports from the National UFO Reporting Center, we endeavored to uncover whether there exists a cosmic connection between a rise in Zoes and sightings of unidentified flying objects. Through rigorous statistical analysis, we uncovered a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9463042 and a p-value < 0.01 over the time period from 1975 to 2021. Our findings suggest a spookily strong association between the frequency of the name Zoe and extraterrestrial visitations, which even had us questioning whether aliens may have a fondness for certain names. The patterns we observed leave us contemplating if there might be cosmic whispers guiding the choices of soon-to-be parents, or perhaps some interstellar phenomenon that attracts UFOs to areas with a high concentration of Zoes. Our study opens the star-gates to further research into the mysterious forces at play, leaving us starry-eyed at the prospect of untangling the celestial enigma of Zoe and UFO encounters.

ChatGPT:

Zoe, UFO sightings, state of Washington, correlation, statistical analysis, extraterrestrial visitations, cosmic connection, National UFO Reporting Center, US Social Security Administration, cosmic phenomenon, interstellar forces, celestial enigma, Zoe popularity, intergalactic encounters, alien sightings

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

Random correlation

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Data details

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

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

Correlation r = 0.9463042 (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 = 0.8954917 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 89.5% of the change in the one variable (i.e., UFO sightings in Washington) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Popularity of the first name Zoe) over the 47 years from 1975 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 1.06E-23.^Show 0.0000000000000000000000106343
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 0.95 in 1.06E-21% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 94,035,338,480,200,856,895,488 random variables^Note You don't actually need 94 sextillion 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 46 degrees of freedom, ^Note Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 46 because we have two variables measured over a period of 47 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.

[ 0.91, 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.

	1975	1976	1977	1978	1979	1980	1981	1982	1983	1984	1985	1986	1987	1988	1989	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021
Popularity of the first name Zoe (Babies born)	125	95	128	94	108	108	112	139	174	203	196	218	246	248	386	488	736	998	1208	1342	1746	2072	2376	2702	3251	3795	4661	4902	5101	5389	4981	5168	4948	4796	5161	6292	6321	6481	5989	5900	6063	5775	5183	5135	5080	4807	4744
UFO sightings in Washington (UFO sightings)	15	11	7	15	9	14	6	9	3	4	7	7	6	11	8	8	6	11	18	16	43	35	79	138	220	189	206	198	232	233	191	166	213	194	218	261	289	411	306	356	265	217	199	159	204	288	133

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.
Outlandish outliers: There are "outliers" in this data.^Note In concept, "outlier" just means "way different than the rest of your dataset." When calculating a correlation like this, they are particularly impactful because a single outlier can substantially increase your correlation.

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

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

Try it yourself

You can calculate the values on this page on your own! Try running the Python code to see the calculation results. ^{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([125,95,128,94,108,108,112,139,174,203,196,218,246,248,386,488,736,998,1208,1342,1746,2072,2376,2702,3251,3795,4661,4902,5101,5389,4981,5168,4948,4796,5161,6292,6321,6481,5989,5900,6063,5775,5183,5135,5080,4807,4744,])
array_2 = np.array([15,11,7,15,9,14,6,9,3,4,7,7,6,11,8,8,6,11,18,16,43,35,79,138,220,189,206,198,232,233,191,166,213,194,218,261,289,411,306,356,265,217,199,159,204,288,133,])
array_1_name = "Popularity of the first name Zoe"
array_2_name = "UFO sightings in Washington"

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

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

Reuseable content

You may re-use the images on this page for any purpose, even commercial purposes, without asking for permission. The only requirement is that you attribute Tyler Vigen. ^Note Attribution can take many different forms. If you leave the "tylervigen.com" link in the image, that satisfies it just fine. If you remove it and move it to a footnote, that's fine too. You can also just write "Charts courtesy of Tyler Vigen" at the bottom of an article.

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

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

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

Full license details.
For more on re-use permissions, or to get a signed release form, see tylervigen.com/permission.

Download images for these variables:

High resolution line chart ^Note The image linked here is a Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG). It is the highest resolution that is possible to achieve. It scales up beyond the size of the observable universe without pixelating. You do not need to email me asking if I have a higher resolution image. I do not. The physical limitations of our universe prevent me from providing you with an image that is any higher resolution than this one.

If you insert it into a PowerPoint presentation (a tool well-known for managing things that are the scale of the universe), you can right-click > "Ungroup" or "Create Shape" and then edit the lines and text directly. You can also change the colors this way.

Alternatively you can use a tool like Inkscape.
High resolution line chart, optimized for mobile
Alternative high resolution line chart
Scatterplot
Portable line chart (png)
Portable line chart (png), optimized for mobile
Line chart for only Popularity of the first name Zoe
Line chart for only UFO sightings in Washington
AI-generated correlation image
The spurious research paper: Zoe-nominal Intergalactic Encounters: A Close Encounter of the Zoe Kind

View another random correlation

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Correlation ID: 3098 · Black Variable ID: 2294 · Red Variable ID: 1150


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