Spurious correlation #3,101 · 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 Sophia and the second variable is UFO sightings in Michigan. 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 Sophia and the second variable is UFO sightings in Michigan. The chart goes from 1975 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

Download png, svg

AI explanation

As the number of Sophias grew, so did the collective psychic energy, inadvertently attracting curious alien beings to the Great Lakes State. Remember, it's not just Michigan's mitten shape that's out of this world!

^{Show image generation prompt} Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image of a futuristic Michigan neighborhood with families gathering in a park. The families are depicted together, laughing, and playing with children. The scene features a nighttime setting with the night sky filled with colorful lights swirling and dancing. Hovering and darting around the sky are UFOs, which seem to be drawn to the area, observing the families and their wise, young Sophias. 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 Sophia and UFO sightings in Michigan. 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: Vaporwave a funny image macro A scene from Skyrim Futuristic A photo-realistic image
ChatGPT: Futuristic

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 Sophia and UFO sightings in Michigan, in the following situation: Because the name "Sophia" has become so popular, more parents are naming their children after the ancient Greek word for wisdom. This surge in wisdom has attracted extraterrestrial attention, causing UFOs to flock to Michigan to catch a glimpse of all the smart Sophias and their families. The aliens are clearly fans of puns and are just hoping to pick up some "out-of-this-world" parenting tips!. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a bustling Michigan neighborhood, a group of families gathers in a park, laughing and playing together. The air is filled with the sounds of children's voices, and the name "Sophia" can be heard called out repeatedly. Above them, in the night sky, colorful lights swirl and dance, as UFOs hover and dart around. The extraterrestrial visitors are drawn to the area, eager to observe the families and their wise, young Sophias.

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: [ Futuristic ] and depicting this scene: In a bustling Michigan neighborhood, a group of families gathers in a park, laughing and playing together. The air is filled with the sounds of children's voices, and the name "Sophia" can be heard called out repeatedly. Above them, in the night sky, colorful lights swirl and dance, as UFOs hover and dart around. The extraterrestrial visitors are drawn to the area, eager to observe the families and their wise, young Sophias. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image of a futuristic Michigan neighborhood with families gathering in a park. The families are depicted together, laughing, and playing with children. The scene features a nighttime setting with the night sky filled with colorful lights swirling and dancing. Hovering and darting around the sky are UFOs, which seem to be drawn to the area, observing the families and their wise, young Sophias.

*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 Sophia caused UFO sightings in Michigan to increase. Add a funny one-liner at the end.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)

Sophia's UFO Mania: A Statistical Insight into Michigan's Extraterrestrial Enigma

The Journal of Extraterrestrial Studies and Statistical Analysis

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 Sophia and UFO sightings in Michigan. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

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 cite some social media posts you read that seem to be related.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Sophia's UFO Mania: A Statistical Insight into Michigan's Extraterrestrial Enigma

[[ABSTRACT]]
The prevalence of UFO sightings in Michigan has long captivated the public interest, prompting curious minds to ponder the existence of intelligent life beyond our planet. In this study, we delve into the peculiar correlation between the popularity of the first name Sophia and the incidence of UFO sightings in the state of Michigan. We unleash the full force of statistical analysis to crack open this enigmatic phenomenon and shed light on this cosmic conundrum.

Capitalizing on data obtained from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, our research team meticulously examined the trends and patterns that unfurl in the years spanning from 1975 to 2021. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9378765 and a p-value of less than 0.01, our findings illuminate a tantalizing link between the ubiquitous presence of the name Sophia and the documented UFO encounters in Michigan.

We found that as the popularity of the name Sophia soared, so did the frequency of reported UFO sightings in Michigan, sending shockwaves through the realm of statistical inference. Our findings perplexingly suggest that the more individuals christened with this name, the greater the likelihood of encountering unidentified flying objects in the Michigan skies. It's almost as if an extraterrestrial force is drawn to the melodious allure of the name Sophia, or perhaps they are simply fans of Greek philosophy – they might be searching for their own Plato-nic relationships in our world!

This revelation provides a veritable feast for both armchair astronomers and passionate statisticians alike, demonstrating the enthralling interplay between seemingly unrelated phenomena. As we grapple with the implications of our findings, we invite fellow researchers to join us in this cosmic caper and explore the cosmic connections that unite the ethereal appeal of names and the enigmatic presence of UFOs in our earthly domain.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The allure of the unknown has perennially tantalized human curiosity, compelling researchers to explore the mysterious and inexplicable. In this vein, the prevalence of UFO sightings in Michigan has remained a perennial enigma, captivating the public imagination and fostering a cornucopia of speculative theories. The state's profound fascination with extraterrestrial phenomena has sparked a myriad of inquiries into the prevalence and patterns of these sightings. Our research aims to contribute to this intriguing discourse by probing the curious correlation between the popularity of the first name Sophia and the incidence of UFO sightings in the wolverine state of Michigan.
Now, let's address the "elephant in the room." Yes, we are indeed diving into the celestial abyss with the foreboding name of "Sophia," beckoning us like a siren's song towards a cosmic riddle. This research undertaking seeks to illuminate the statistical underpinnings of this perplexing connection, albeit with a cheeky wink and nod to the whimsy of the universe’s enigmatic nature.
Utilizing a comprehensive dataset extracted from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we meticulously combed through troves of statistical information stretching from 1975 to 2021. Combining the rigor of statistical analysis with a touch of whimsy, we uncovered a correlation coefficient so strikingly high, you'd think it had been abducted by aliens and subjected to mind-altering experiments. The correlation coefficient of 0.9378765 boldly hints at a cosmic tango between the rise of Sophia and the surge of inexplicable airborne encounters in Michigan. It's as if statistical significance found its extraterrestrial pen pal, exchanging data across the vast expanse of the universe.
Our findings, with a p-value that is as minuscule as the chances of finding intelligent life on a Monday morning, propel the notion that the prevalence of the name Sophia may be cosmically intertwined with the surge in UFO sightings in Michigan. We can't help but ponder: are aliens avid followers of baby name trends, or do they simply find the name irresistibly charming? Maybe they are trying to communicate with us through cryptic messages spelled out in baby names? "S-O-P-H-I-A, take us to your leader!"
This revelatory discovery invites us to navigate the cosmic labyrinth where the celestial and the terrestrial intersect, reminding us that even the most outlandish connections may hold kernels of truth. As we delve deeper into this cosmic conundrum, our aim is to spur further investigation into the interplay of seemingly incongruous phenomena, infusing statistical analysis with a dash of intergalactic intrigue. So, buckle up, earthly investigators, for we are about to embark on a journey that promises to be out of this world!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The burgeoning field of astro-sociology has provoked scholarly interest in the intersection of celestial occurrences and social phenomena, giving rise to an eclectic array of research studies exploring unorthodox correlations. In "Stargazing and State–Name Parishes: Investigating Celestial Connections" by Smith et al., the authors highlight the peculiar relationship between state names and astronomical events, offering a springboard for crafty researchers to dive into the cosmos of unconventional correlations. However, while Smith et al. provide a solid foundation for exploring the extraterrestrial through unconventional lenses, they fail to delve into the enchanting allure of baby names and their potential celestial implications.

But fear not, for this academic pursuit doesn't just stargaze wistfully from afar; it dip toes in the cosmic pool where the enigmatic first name Sophia and UFOs collide like rogue asteroids. Venturing into the realm of pop culture and nomenclature, "Baby Names 2021: The Hottest Trends" by Doe and Jones offers insights into the ebb and flow of popular names, nurturing an appreciation for the transformative power of nomenclature. Their meticulous compilation of trending baby names sets the stage for our expedition into the celestial enigma surrounding the first name Sophia and its purported cosmic magnetism.

Now, let's take a celestial sidestep and bask in the glow of literary fiction that tantalizingly dances at the periphery of our cosmic inquiry. In "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams, the titular hitchhiker embarks on whimsical intergalactic adventures, reminding readers that truth is often stranger than fiction – a sentiment we keenly embrace in our pursuit of cosmic correlations. While Adams' work may be whimsical, our investigation into the Sophia-UFO nexus is anything but fiction; it's a statistical odyssey that blends empirical rigor with a sprinkle of cosmic curiosity.

Speaking of cosmic curiosity, we turn to social media for a moment of levity amid our astronomical musings. A tweet from @UFOEnthusiast247 proclaims, "Could the surge in Sophia's be signaling an extraterrestrial stampede in Michigan? #SophiaStrikesAgain #UFOMania." While amusing, this tweet reflects a sentiment that pervades online discourse – a captivating blend of skepticism, curiosity, and a dash of conspiracy that fuels the ongoing debate surrounding the cosmic intrigue of the name Sophia and its alleged magnetism for UFO sightings in Michigan. In this digital age, even the cosmic can't escape the gravitational pull of social media banter.

Stay tuned for more out-of-this-world revelations as we embark on a cosmic caper that promises statistical marvels and intergalactic intrigue. So, buckle up and secure your cosmic seatbelts, for we are hurtling towards a cosmic revelation that's simply out of this world!

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 Sophia and UFO sightings in Michigan. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from 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]]
Sophia's UFO Mania: A Statistical Insight into Michigan's Extraterrestrial Enigma

[[ABSTRACT]]
The prevalence of UFO sightings in Michigan has long captivated the public interest, prompting curious minds to ponder the existence of intelligent life beyond our planet. In this study, we delve into the peculiar correlation between the popularity of the first name Sophia and the incidence of UFO sightings in the state of Michigan. We unleash the full force of statistical analysis to crack open this enigmatic phenomenon and shed light on this cosmic conundrum.

Capitalizing on data obtained from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, our research team meticulously examined the trends and patterns that unfurl in the years spanning from 1975 to 2021. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9378765 and a p-value of less than 0.01, our findings illuminate a tantalizing link between the ubiquitous presence of the name Sophia and the documented UFO encounters in Michigan.

We found that as the popularity of the name Sophia soared, so did the frequency of reported UFO sightings in Michigan, sending shockwaves through the realm of statistical inference. Our findings perplexingly suggest that the more individuals christened with this name, the greater the likelihood of encountering unidentified flying objects in the Michigan skies. It's almost as if an extraterrestrial force is drawn to the melodious allure of the name Sophia, or perhaps they are simply fans of Greek philosophy – they might be searching for their own Plato-nic relationships in our world!

This revelation provides a veritable feast for both armchair astronomers and passionate statisticians alike, demonstrating the enthralling interplay between seemingly unrelated phenomena. As we grapple with the implications of our findings, we invite fellow researchers to join us in this cosmic caper and explore the cosmic connections that unite the ethereal appeal of names and the enigmatic presence of UFOs in our earthly domain.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The allure of the unknown has perennially tantalized human curiosity, compelling researchers to explore the mysterious and inexplicable. In this vein, the prevalence of UFO sightings in Michigan has remained a perennial enigma, captivating the public imagination and fostering a cornucopia of speculative theories. The state's profound fascination with extraterrestrial phenomena has sparked a myriad of inquiries into the prevalence and patterns of these sightings. Our research aims to contribute to this intriguing discourse by probing the curious correlation between the popularity of the first name Sophia and the incidence of UFO sightings in the wolverine state of Michigan.
Now, let's address the "elephant in the room." Yes, we are indeed diving into the celestial abyss with the foreboding name of "Sophia," beckoning us like a siren's song towards a cosmic riddle. This research undertaking seeks to illuminate the statistical underpinnings of this perplexing connection, albeit with a cheeky wink and nod to the whimsy of the universe’s enigmatic nature.
Utilizing a comprehensive dataset extracted from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we meticulously combed through troves of statistical information stretching from 1975 to 2021. Combining the rigor of statistical analysis with a touch of whimsy, we uncovered a correlation coefficient so strikingly high, you'd think it had been abducted by aliens and subjected to mind-altering experiments. The correlation coefficient of 0.9378765 boldly hints at a cosmic tango between the rise of Sophia and the surge of inexplicable airborne encounters in Michigan. It's as if statistical significance found its extraterrestrial pen pal, exchanging data across the vast expanse of the universe.
Our findings, with a p-value that is as minuscule as the chances of finding intelligent life on a Monday morning, propel the notion that the prevalence of the name Sophia may be cosmically intertwined with the surge in UFO sightings in Michigan. We can't help but ponder: are aliens avid followers of baby name trends, or do they simply find the name irresistibly charming? Maybe they are trying to communicate with us through cryptic messages spelled out in baby names? "S-O-P-H-I-A, take us to your leader!"
This revelatory discovery invites us to navigate the cosmic labyrinth where the celestial and the terrestrial intersect, reminding us that even the most outlandish connections may hold kernels of truth. As we delve deeper into this cosmic conundrum, our aim is to spur further investigation into the interplay of seemingly incongruous phenomena, infusing statistical analysis with a dash of intergalactic intrigue. So, buckle up, earthly investigators, for we are about to embark on a journey that promises to be out of this world!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

ChatGPT:

**[[METHODOLOGY]]**

*Data Collection*

Our research team embarked on a quest to unravel the cosmic puzzle linking the popularity of the name Sophia with the frequency of UFO sightings in the eclectic state of Michigan. To begin this celestial crusade, we called upon the power of publicly available data from the US Social Security Administration to trace the trajectory of the name Sophia from 1975 to 2021. Like intrepid space explorers navigating a digital cosmos, we diligently charted the ebb and flow of this enigmatic name over the years, seeking patterns that transcend the earthly realm.

Simultaneously, we scoured reports from the National UFO Reporting Center, sifting through a constellation of sighting accounts across Michigan to discern the undulating tides of extraterrestrial encounters. This involved consulting witness testimonies, radar readings, and anecdotes from those who claimed to have come face-to-face with the extraordinary. We must admit, reading through these reports felt like sifting through a galaxy of anecdotes, each more outlandish than the last. It was a bit like flipping through a cosmic Yelp page, except the reviews were about close encounters of the extraterrestrial kind.

*Statistical Analysis*

Having amassed a galaxy of data, our team applied a potent cocktail of statistical tools to unveil the connection between the burgeoning popularity of the name Sophia and the spectral appearances of UFOs in Michigan’s skies. Deploying the formidable might of correlation analysis, we endeavored to discern whether there existed a gravitational pull between these seemingly disparate phenomena, or whether their apparent alliance was as random as spotting a shooting star on a cloudy night.

Our methods were not for the faint of heart. We meticulously calculated correlation coefficients and p-values, navigating the statistical cosmos with the precision of a well-trained astronaut. The data was scrutinized and analyzed with the utmost rigor, taking into account the temporal dynamics and regional peculiarities that might influence the linkage between the name Sophia and UFO sightings in Michigan. It felt a bit like traversing a cosmic dance floor, where each statistical test was a move in a celestial tango, or perhaps more accurately, a cosmic conga line.

*Control Variables*

To ensure the integrity of our findings, we also factored in potential confounding variables that might masquerade as celestial culprits. Variables such as population density, proximity to military installations, and meteorological phenomena were examined to ascertain that the relationship between the name Sophia and UFO sightings in Michigan was not a mirage induced by extraneous factors. It was like peering through a cosmic kaleidoscope, trying to disentangle the threads of causality from a symphony of possible influences.

*Ethical Considerations*

As voyagers into the uncharted territories of statistical astroanalysis, we upheld the highest ethical standards in handling our data. All information was obtained from publicly accessible sources and was meticulously anonymized to protect the privacy of individuals involved in both the celestial and terrestrial events under scrutiny. Our research endeavors were conducted with the utmost respect for the mysteries that envelop both the name Sophia and the enigmatic presence of UFOs, always mindful that our explorations remain tethered to the bounds of scholarly integrity.

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 Sophia and UFO sightings in Michigan. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

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

For the time period 1975 to 2021, you found a correlation 0.9378765, r-squared of 0.8796123, 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]]
Sophia's UFO Mania: A Statistical Insight into Michigan's Extraterrestrial Enigma

[[ABSTRACT]]
The prevalence of UFO sightings in Michigan has long captivated the public interest, prompting curious minds to ponder the existence of intelligent life beyond our planet. In this study, we delve into the peculiar correlation between the popularity of the first name Sophia and the incidence of UFO sightings in the state of Michigan. We unleash the full force of statistical analysis to crack open this enigmatic phenomenon and shed light on this cosmic conundrum.

Capitalizing on data obtained from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, our research team meticulously examined the trends and patterns that unfurl in the years spanning from 1975 to 2021. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9378765 and a p-value of less than 0.01, our findings illuminate a tantalizing link between the ubiquitous presence of the name Sophia and the documented UFO encounters in Michigan.

We found that as the popularity of the name Sophia soared, so did the frequency of reported UFO sightings in Michigan, sending shockwaves through the realm of statistical inference. Our findings perplexingly suggest that the more individuals christened with this name, the greater the likelihood of encountering unidentified flying objects in the Michigan skies. It's almost as if an extraterrestrial force is drawn to the melodious allure of the name Sophia, or perhaps they are simply fans of Greek philosophy – they might be searching for their own Plato-nic relationships in our world!

This revelation provides a veritable feast for both armchair astronomers and passionate statisticians alike, demonstrating the enthralling interplay between seemingly unrelated phenomena. As we grapple with the implications of our findings, we invite fellow researchers to join us in this cosmic caper and explore the cosmic connections that unite the ethereal appeal of names and the enigmatic presence of UFOs in our earthly domain.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
The allure of the unknown has perennially tantalized human curiosity, compelling researchers to explore the mysterious and inexplicable. In this vein, the prevalence of UFO sightings in Michigan has remained a perennial enigma, captivating the public imagination and fostering a cornucopia of speculative theories. The state's profound fascination with extraterrestrial phenomena has sparked a myriad of inquiries into the prevalence and patterns of these sightings. Our research aims to contribute to this intriguing discourse by probing the curious correlation between the popularity of the first name Sophia and the incidence of UFO sightings in the wolverine state of Michigan.
Now, let's address the "elephant in the room." Yes, we are indeed diving into the celestial abyss with the foreboding name of "Sophia," beckoning us like a siren's song towards a cosmic riddle. This research undertaking seeks to illuminate the statistical underpinnings of this perplexing connection, albeit with a cheeky wink and nod to the whimsy of the universe’s enigmatic nature.
Utilizing a comprehensive dataset extracted from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we meticulously combed through troves of statistical information stretching from 1975 to 2021. Combining the rigor of statistical analysis with a touch of whimsy, we uncovered a correlation coefficient so strikingly high, you'd think it had been abducted by aliens and subjected to mind-altering experiments. The correlation coefficient of 0.9378765 boldly hints at a cosmic tango between the rise of Sophia and the surge of inexplicable airborne encounters in Michigan. It's as if statistical significance found its extraterrestrial pen pal, exchanging data across the vast expanse of the universe.
Our findings, with a p-value that is as minuscule as the chances of finding intelligent life on a Monday morning, propel the notion that the prevalence of the name Sophia may be cosmically intertwined with the surge in UFO sightings in Michigan. We can't help but ponder: are aliens avid followers of baby name trends, or do they simply find the name irresistibly charming? Maybe they are trying to communicate with us through cryptic messages spelled out in baby names? "S-O-P-H-I-A, take us to your leader!"
This revelatory discovery invites us to navigate the cosmic labyrinth where the celestial and the terrestrial intersect, reminding us that even the most outlandish connections may hold kernels of truth. As we delve deeper into this cosmic conundrum, our aim is to spur further investigation into the interplay of seemingly incongruous phenomena, infusing statistical analysis with a dash of intergalactic intrigue. So, buckle up, earthly investigators, for we are about to embark on a journey that promises to be out of this world!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]

ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The statistically significant correlation between the popularity of the first name Sophia and the frequency of UFO sightings in the state of Michigan proved to be as unmistakable as a bright, flashing UFO in the night sky. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9378765 and an r-squared value of 0.8796123, it is safe to say that the rise of Sophia is indeed intertwined with the surge of extraterrestrial encounters in the wolverine state. The p-value of less than 0.01 further solidifies the cosmic connection we unearthed, leaving little room for skepticism in the scientific community – unless, of course, you believe in skeptical extraterrestrials.

When you look at the scatterplot (Fig. 1), it's almost as if the points align perfectly to form the shape of a flying saucer, offering a subtle nod to the cosmic dance unfolding between the popularity of the name Sophia and the UFO sightings in Michigan. It's enough to make one wonder if extraterrestrial beings are composing a message in the stars using baby names – "Dear Earthlings, we see you calling all the Sophias to the skies. Is it too much to ask for some cosmic camaraderie? Sincerely, the Intergalactic Name Association."

The revelation of such a remarkably high correlation prompts us to consider the most pressing question of all: what aspect of the name Sophia is so appealing to our potential extraterrestrial visitors? Could it be the harmonious syllables, the philosophical implications, or simply a matter of celestial coincidence? Perhaps there's a clever extraterrestrial pun waiting to be discovered here – "Sophia: So Fly-ya" or "Sophia-lliens!" Jokes aside, our findings raise eyebrows and telescopes alike, as we venture into an uncharted frontier that merges statistical analysis with a cosmic twist.

In summary, our research findings underscore the captivating entanglement of the earthly and the extraterrestrial, serving as an invitation for further exploration of the enigmatic interplay between human nomenclature and celestial visitations. The cosmic web of mysteries continues to unravel, inspiring both curiosity and awe as we wade through the ethereal enigma of Sophia's UFO mania in Michigan.

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 Sophia and UFO sightings in Michigan. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Limit your response to 500 tokens.

Here are the title, abstract, literature review, and results sections. Please harken back to 1-2 of the goofy items in the literature review, but pretend to take them completely seriously. Discuss how your results supported the prior research.

Do not write a conclusion. I will add a conclusion after this.

[[TITLE]]
Sophia's UFO Mania: A Statistical Insight into Michigan's Extraterrestrial Enigma

[[ABSTRACT]]
The prevalence of UFO sightings in Michigan has long captivated the public interest, prompting curious minds to ponder the existence of intelligent life beyond our planet. In this study, we delve into the peculiar correlation between the popularity of the first name Sophia and the incidence of UFO sightings in the state of Michigan. We unleash the full force of statistical analysis to crack open this enigmatic phenomenon and shed light on this cosmic conundrum.

Capitalizing on data obtained from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, our research team meticulously examined the trends and patterns that unfurl in the years spanning from 1975 to 2021. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9378765 and a p-value of less than 0.01, our findings illuminate a tantalizing link between the ubiquitous presence of the name Sophia and the documented UFO encounters in Michigan.

We found that as the popularity of the name Sophia soared, so did the frequency of reported UFO sightings in Michigan, sending shockwaves through the realm of statistical inference. Our findings perplexingly suggest that the more individuals christened with this name, the greater the likelihood of encountering unidentified flying objects in the Michigan skies. It's almost as if an extraterrestrial force is drawn to the melodious allure of the name Sophia, or perhaps they are simply fans of Greek philosophy – they might be searching for their own Plato-nic relationships in our world!

This revelation provides a veritable feast for both armchair astronomers and passionate statisticians alike, demonstrating the enthralling interplay between seemingly unrelated phenomena. As we grapple with the implications of our findings, we invite fellow researchers to join us in this cosmic caper and explore the cosmic connections that unite the ethereal appeal of names and the enigmatic presence of UFOs in our earthly domain.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The burgeoning field of astro-sociology has provoked scholarly interest in the intersection of celestial occurrences and social phenomena, giving rise to an eclectic array of research studies exploring unorthodox correlations. In "Stargazing and State–Name Parishes: Investigating Celestial Connections" by Smith et al., the authors highlight the peculiar relationship between state names and astronomical events, offering a springboard for crafty researchers to dive into the cosmos of unconventional correlations. However, while Smith et al. provide a solid foundation for exploring the extraterrestrial through unconventional lenses, they fail to delve into the enchanting allure of baby names and their potential celestial implications.
But fear not, for this academic pursuit doesn't just stargaze wistfully from afar; it dip toes in the cosmic pool where the enigmatic first name Sophia and UFOs collide like rogue asteroids. Venturing into the realm of pop culture and nomenclature, "Baby Names 2021: The Hottest Trends" by Doe and Jones offers insights into the ebb and flow of popular names, nurturing an appreciation for the transformative power of nomenclature. Their meticulous compilation of trending baby names sets the stage for our expedition into the celestial enigma surrounding the first name Sophia and its purported cosmic magnetism.
Now, let's take a celestial sidestep and bask in the glow of literary fiction that tantalizingly dances at the periphery of our cosmic inquiry. In "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams, the titular hitchhiker embarks on whimsical intergalactic adventures, reminding readers that truth is often stranger than fiction – a sentiment we keenly embrace in our pursuit of cosmic correlations. While Adams' work may be whimsical, our investigation into the Sophia-UFO nexus is anything but fiction; it's a statistical odyssey that blends empirical rigor with a sprinkle of cosmic curiosity.
Speaking of cosmic curiosity, we turn to social media for a moment of levity amid our astronomical musings. A tweet from @UFOEnthusiast247 proclaims, "Could the surge in Sophia's be signaling an extraterrestrial stampede in Michigan? #SophiaStrikesAgain #UFOMania." While amusing, this tweet reflects a sentiment that pervades online discourse – a captivating blend of skepticism, curiosity, and a dash of conspiracy that fuels the ongoing debate surrounding the cosmic intrigue of the name Sophia and its alleged magnetism for UFO sightings in Michigan. In this digital age, even the cosmic can't escape the gravitational pull of social media banter.
Stay tuned for more out-of-this-world revelations as we embark on a cosmic caper that promises statistical marvels and intergalactic intrigue. So, buckle up and secure your cosmic seatbelts, for we are hurtling towards a cosmic revelation that's simply out of this world!

[[RESULTS]]
The statistically significant correlation between the popularity of the first name Sophia and the frequency of UFO sightings in the state of Michigan proved to be as unmistakable as a bright, flashing UFO in the night sky. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9378765 and an r-squared value of 0.8796123, it is safe to say that the rise of Sophia is indeed intertwined with the surge of extraterrestrial encounters in the wolverine state. The p-value of less than 0.01 further solidifies the cosmic connection we unearthed, leaving little room for skepticism in the scientific community – unless, of course, you believe in skeptical extraterrestrials.
When you look at the scatterplot (Fig. 1), it's almost as if the points align perfectly to form the shape of a flying saucer, offering a subtle nod to the cosmic dance unfolding between the popularity of the name Sophia and the UFO sightings in Michigan. It's enough to make one wonder if extraterrestrial beings are composing a message in the stars using baby names – "Dear Earthlings, we see you calling all the Sophias to the skies. Is it too much to ask for some cosmic camaraderie? Sincerely, the Intergalactic Name Association."
The revelation of such a remarkably high correlation prompts us to consider the most pressing question of all: what aspect of the name Sophia is so appealing to our potential extraterrestrial visitors? Could it be the harmonious syllables, the philosophical implications, or simply a matter of celestial coincidence? Perhaps there's a clever extraterrestrial pun waiting to be discovered here – "Sophia: So Fly-ya" or "Sophia-lliens!" Jokes aside, our findings raise eyebrows and telescopes alike, as we venture into an uncharted frontier that merges statistical analysis with a cosmic twist.
In summary, our research findings underscore the captivating entanglement of the earthly and the extraterrestrial, serving as an invitation for further exploration of the enigmatic interplay between human nomenclature and celestial visitations. The cosmic web of mysteries continues to unravel, inspiring both curiosity and awe as we wade through the ethereal enigma of Sophia's UFO mania in Michigan.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

Our study has uncovered a perplexing link between the popularity of the first name Sophia and the inexplicable surge in reported UFO sightings in Michigan. The robust statistical correlation we uncovered presents an intriguing conundrum, akin to a cosmic puzzle waiting to be deciphered. As we engage in this cosmic conundrum, it's impossible to ignore the looming question – could there be a celestial significance to the name Sophia that transcends earthly understanding, or are we simply witnessing a statistical mirage fueled by astronomical whimsy?

Our findings solidly support the previous research work in the burgeoning field of astro-sociology. Smith et al.'s investigation into state names and astronomical events lays a solid foundation for our exploration, albeit light-years away from the gripping saga of the Sophia-UFO nexus. In a similar vein, Doe and Jones' meticulous study on trending baby names sets the stage for our cosmic expedition, inviting us to contemplate the transformative power of nomenclature in a celestial context. As we bridge the cosmic chasm between baby names and extraterrestrial encounters, it becomes undeniably clear that our findings add an otherworldly layer to the ever-expanding tapestry of astro-sociological marvels.

The remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.9378765 we brought to light serves as an irrefutable testament to the enthralling dance between the name Sophia and UFO sightings in Michigan. This statistical revelation not only bolsters our understanding of the inexplicable cosmic forces at play but also provides a resounding confirmation of the captivating link between human nomenclature and extraterrestrial activity. The alluring siren song of the name Sophia seems to echo through the cosmic expanse, drawing the gaze of potential extraterrestrial interlocutors – or, at the very least, cosmic enthusiasts.

As we reflect on the statistical odyssey that led us to this cosmic juncture, we can't help but entertain the cosmic whimsy that pervades our findings. The temptation to concoct extraterrestrial puns and celestial jests is certainly not lost on us, and we find solace in the idea that our cosmic revelations can blend empirical rigor with a sprinkle of intergalactic humor. After all, who's to say that extraterrestrial beings don't appreciate a good dad joke now and then? Perhaps our results will spark a cosmic conversation laced with puns and cosmic camaraderie – "What do you call a friendly extraterrestrial fascinated by the name Sophia? A ‘Sophia-llien' – they must be over the moon about it!"

In essence, our research endeavors have uncovered a celestial conundrum that beckons us to traverse new cosmic frontiers. As we tantalizingly dance on the precipice of the earthly and the extraterrestrial, our findings invite further scholarly exploration into the inexplicable interplay between human nomenclature and cosmic visitations. The cosmic web of mysteries continues to unravel – so, let us embrace our cosmic curiosity and venture forth into the enigmatic expanse of Sophia's UFO mania in Michigan. After all, who knows what other cosmic curiosities await our scholarly scrutiny!

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 Sophia and UFO sightings in Michigan. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Limit your response to 300 tokens. At the very end, assert that no more research is needed in this area.

Here are the title, abstract, introduction, and results sections.
[[TITLE]]
Sophia's UFO Mania: A Statistical Insight into Michigan's Extraterrestrial Enigma

[[ABSTRACT]]
The prevalence of UFO sightings in Michigan has long captivated the public interest, prompting curious minds to ponder the existence of intelligent life beyond our planet. In this study, we delve into the peculiar correlation between the popularity of the first name Sophia and the incidence of UFO sightings in the state of Michigan. We unleash the full force of statistical analysis to crack open this enigmatic phenomenon and shed light on this cosmic conundrum.

Capitalizing on data obtained from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, our research team meticulously examined the trends and patterns that unfurl in the years spanning from 1975 to 2021. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9378765 and a p-value of less than 0.01, our findings illuminate a tantalizing link between the ubiquitous presence of the name Sophia and the documented UFO encounters in Michigan.

We found that as the popularity of the name Sophia soared, so did the frequency of reported UFO sightings in Michigan, sending shockwaves through the realm of statistical inference. Our findings perplexingly suggest that the more individuals christened with this name, the greater the likelihood of encountering unidentified flying objects in the Michigan skies. It's almost as if an extraterrestrial force is drawn to the melodious allure of the name Sophia, or perhaps they are simply fans of Greek philosophy – they might be searching for their own Plato-nic relationships in our world!

This revelation provides a veritable feast for both armchair astronomers and passionate statisticians alike, demonstrating the enthralling interplay between seemingly unrelated phenomena. As we grapple with the implications of our findings, we invite fellow researchers to join us in this cosmic caper and explore the cosmic connections that unite the ethereal appeal of names and the enigmatic presence of UFOs in our earthly domain.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The allure of the unknown has perennially tantalized human curiosity, compelling researchers to explore the mysterious and inexplicable. In this vein, the prevalence of UFO sightings in Michigan has remained a perennial enigma, captivating the public imagination and fostering a cornucopia of speculative theories. The state's profound fascination with extraterrestrial phenomena has sparked a myriad of inquiries into the prevalence and patterns of these sightings. Our research aims to contribute to this intriguing discourse by probing the curious correlation between the popularity of the first name Sophia and the incidence of UFO sightings in the wolverine state of Michigan.
Now, let's address the "elephant in the room." Yes, we are indeed diving into the celestial abyss with the foreboding name of "Sophia," beckoning us like a siren's song towards a cosmic riddle. This research undertaking seeks to illuminate the statistical underpinnings of this perplexing connection, albeit with a cheeky wink and nod to the whimsy of the universe’s enigmatic nature.
Utilizing a comprehensive dataset extracted from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we meticulously combed through troves of statistical information stretching from 1975 to 2021. Combining the rigor of statistical analysis with a touch of whimsy, we uncovered a correlation coefficient so strikingly high, you'd think it had been abducted by aliens and subjected to mind-altering experiments. The correlation coefficient of 0.9378765 boldly hints at a cosmic tango between the rise of Sophia and the surge of inexplicable airborne encounters in Michigan. It's as if statistical significance found its extraterrestrial pen pal, exchanging data across the vast expanse of the universe.
Our findings, with a p-value that is as minuscule as the chances of finding intelligent life on a Monday morning, propel the notion that the prevalence of the name Sophia may be cosmically intertwined with the surge in UFO sightings in Michigan. We can't help but ponder: are aliens avid followers of baby name trends, or do they simply find the name irresistibly charming? Maybe they are trying to communicate with us through cryptic messages spelled out in baby names? "S-O-P-H-I-A, take us to your leader!"
This revelatory discovery invites us to navigate the cosmic labyrinth where the celestial and the terrestrial intersect, reminding us that even the most outlandish connections may hold kernels of truth. As we delve deeper into this cosmic conundrum, our aim is to spur further investigation into the interplay of seemingly incongruous phenomena, infusing statistical analysis with a dash of intergalactic intrigue. So, buckle up, earthly investigators, for we are about to embark on a journey that promises to be out of this world!

[[RESULTS]]
The statistically significant correlation between the popularity of the first name Sophia and the frequency of UFO sightings in the state of Michigan proved to be as unmistakable as a bright, flashing UFO in the night sky. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9378765 and an r-squared value of 0.8796123, it is safe to say that the rise of Sophia is indeed intertwined with the surge of extraterrestrial encounters in the wolverine state. The p-value of less than 0.01 further solidifies the cosmic connection we unearthed, leaving little room for skepticism in the scientific community – unless, of course, you believe in skeptical extraterrestrials.
When you look at the scatterplot (Fig. 1), it's almost as if the points align perfectly to form the shape of a flying saucer, offering a subtle nod to the cosmic dance unfolding between the popularity of the name Sophia and the UFO sightings in Michigan. It's enough to make one wonder if extraterrestrial beings are composing a message in the stars using baby names – "Dear Earthlings, we see you calling all the Sophias to the skies. Is it too much to ask for some cosmic camaraderie? Sincerely, the Intergalactic Name Association."
The revelation of such a remarkably high correlation prompts us to consider the most pressing question of all: what aspect of the name Sophia is so appealing to our potential extraterrestrial visitors? Could it be the harmonious syllables, the philosophical implications, or simply a matter of celestial coincidence? Perhaps there's a clever extraterrestrial pun waiting to be discovered here – "Sophia: So Fly-ya" or "Sophia-lliens!" Jokes aside, our findings raise eyebrows and telescopes alike, as we venture into an uncharted frontier that merges statistical analysis with a cosmic twist.
In summary, our research findings underscore the captivating entanglement of the earthly and the extraterrestrial, serving as an invitation for further exploration of the enigmatic interplay between human nomenclature and celestial visitations. The cosmic web of mysteries continues to unravel, inspiring both curiosity and awe as we wade through the ethereal enigma of Sophia's UFO mania in Michigan.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our investigation has revealed a compelling and statistically robust connection between the popularity of the first name Sophia and the frequency of UFO sightings in the fine state of Michigan. With a correlation coefficient that would make any statistician's heart flutter, and a p-value smaller than the chances of finding a parking spot at a UFO convention, the evidence overwhelmingly points to a cosmic dance between the two phenomena. It seems that the name Sophia has a celestial allure that extends beyond our earthly confines, or perhaps it's simply a case of aliens trying to find their own "Sophia from another planet."

As we entertain the thought of extraterrestrial beings poring over baby name registries, searching for clues to their next cosmic escapade, we cannot help but marvel at the whimsical interplay of statistical analysis and celestial intrigue. One can only imagine the conversations happening light years away: "Hey Zog, have you seen the new data from Earth? Seems like they are really into Sophias these days. Time to schedule another flyby!"

Our findings offer an invitation to contemplate the cosmic tapestry that intertwines human experiences with potential extraterrestrial encounters, reminding us that even the most unexpected connections may unveil profound truths. But perhaps the most important takeaway from this whimsical exploration is that, as much as we strive to decipher the enigmas of the universe, a good dose of humor can illuminate even the most mysterious cosmic conundrums. So take heart, fellow earthlings, and remember, when it comes to the cosmos, sometimes the most unexpected connections can launch us into a universe of discovery.

In the spirit of cosmic camaraderie, it seems that no further research is needed in this area - after all, we wouldn't want to wear out our welcome with our potential interstellar namesakes!

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 Sophia's UFO Mania: A Statistical Insight into Michigan's Extraterrestrial Enigma. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Extraterrestrial Studies and Statistical Analysis

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 Sophia's UFO Mania: A Statistical Insight into Michigan's Extraterrestrial Enigma. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Center for Extraterrestrial Studies and Statistical Analysis

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 Sophia's UFO Mania: A Statistical Insight into Michigan's Extraterrestrial Enigma with an abstract of The prevalence of UFO sightings in Michigan has long captivated the public interest, prompting curious minds to ponder the existence of intelligent life beyond our planet. In this study, we delve into the peculiar correlation between the popularity of the first name Sophia and the incidence of UFO sightings in the state of Michigan. We unleash the full force of statistical analysis to crack open this enigmatic phenomenon and shed light on this cosmic conundrum.
Capitalizing on data obtained from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, our research team meticulously examined the trends and patterns that unfurl in the years spanning from 1975 to 2021. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9378765 and a p-value of less than 0.01, our findings illuminate a tantalizing link between the ubiquitous presence of the name Sophia and the documented UFO encounters in Michigan.
We found that as the popularity of the name Sophia soared, so did the frequency of reported UFO sightings in Michigan, sending shockwaves through the realm of statistical inference. Our findings perplexingly suggest that the more individuals christened with this name, the greater the likelihood of encountering unidentified flying objects in the Michigan skies. It's almost as if an extraterrestrial force is drawn to the melodious allure of the name Sophia, or perhaps they are simply fans of Greek philosophy – they might be searching for their own Plato-nic relationships in our world!
This revelation provides a veritable feast for both armchair astronomers and passionate statisticians alike, demonstrating the enthralling interplay between seemingly unrelated phenomena. As we grapple with the implications of our findings, we invite fellow researchers to join us in this cosmic caper and explore the cosmic connections that unite the ethereal appeal of names and the enigmatic presence of UFOs in our earthly domain.

ChatGPT:

UFO sightings, Michigan, extraterrestrial, correlation, statistical analysis, social security administration data, National UFO Reporting Center, trends, patterns, correlation coefficient, p-value, name Sophia, cosmic phenomenon, statistical inference, unidentified flying objects, Greek philosophy, statistical implications, cosmic connections

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

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Data details

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

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

Correlation r = 0.9378765 (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 = 0.8796123 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 88% of the change in the one variable (i.e., UFO sightings in Michigan) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Popularity of the first name Sophia) over the 47 years from 1975 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 2.6E-22.^Show 0.0000000000000000000002585922
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 0.94 in 2.6E-20% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 3,867,092,665,594,708,754,432 random variables^Note You don't actually need 3 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.

[ 0.89, 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 Sophia (Babies born)	385	366	433	408	491	641	1240	1161	1203	1082	1109	1065	1130	1170	1074	1129	1263	1355	1498	1620	1764	2518	3645	4313	5429	6570	7170	8671	9699	10959	12692	13524	17045	16100	16957	20678	21879	22343	21270	18655	17459	16189	14944	14007	13803	13081	12557
UFO sightings in Michigan (UFO sightings)	10	11	12	22	13	12	3	7	11	7	3	7	5	7	3	11	16	4	7	24	23	16	41	55	87	70	76	79	87	77	86	101	134	136	118	119	150	229	176	175	180	128	130	59	119	153	41

Why this works

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

Try it yourself

You can calculate the values on this page on your own! Try running the Python code to see the calculation results. ^{Show the steps to do this.} Step 1: Download and install Python on your computer.

Step 2: Open a plaintext editor like Notepad and paste the code below into it.

Step 3: Save the file as "calculate_correlation.py" in a place you will remember, like your desktop. Copy the file location to your clipboard. On Windows, you can right-click the file and click "Properties," and then copy what comes after "Location:" As an example, on my computer the location is "C:\Users\tyler\Desktop"

Step 4: Open a command line window. For example, by pressing start and typing "cmd" and them pressing enter.

Step 5: Install the required modules by typing "pip install numpy", then pressing enter, then typing "pip install scipy", then pressing enter.

Step 6: Navigate to the location where you saved the Python file by using the "cd" command. For example, I would type "cd C:\Users\tyler\Desktop" and push enter.

Step 7: Run the Python script by typing "python calculate_correlation.py"

If you run into any issues, I suggest asking ChatGPT to walk you through installing Python and running the code below on your system. Try this question:

"Walk me through installing Python on my computer to run a script that uses scipy and numpy. Go step-by-step and ask me to confirm before moving on. Start by asking me questions about my operating system so that you know how to proceed. Assume I want the simplest installation with the latest version of Python and that I do not currently have any of the necessary elements installed. Remember to only give me one step per response and confirm I have done it before proceeding."

# These modules make it easier to perform the calculation
import numpy as np
from scipy import stats

# We'll define a function that we can call to return the correlation calculations
def calculate_correlation(array1, array2):

    # Calculate Pearson correlation coefficient and p-value
    correlation, p_value = stats.pearsonr(array1, array2)

    # Calculate R-squared as the square of the correlation coefficient
    r_squared = correlation**2

    return correlation, r_squared, p_value

# These are the arrays for the variables shown on this page, but you can modify them to be any two sets of numbers
array_1 = np.array([385,366,433,408,491,641,1240,1161,1203,1082,1109,1065,1130,1170,1074,1129,1263,1355,1498,1620,1764,2518,3645,4313,5429,6570,7170,8671,9699,10959,12692,13524,17045,16100,16957,20678,21879,22343,21270,18655,17459,16189,14944,14007,13803,13081,12557,])
array_2 = np.array([10,11,12,22,13,12,3,7,11,7,3,7,5,7,3,11,16,4,7,24,23,16,41,55,87,70,76,79,87,77,86,101,134,136,118,119,150,229,176,175,180,128,130,59,119,153,41,])
array_1_name = "Popularity of the first name Sophia"
array_2_name = "UFO sightings in Michigan"

# 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 Sophia
Line chart for only UFO sightings in Michigan
AI-generated correlation image
The spurious research paper: Sophia's UFO Mania: A Statistical Insight into Michigan's Extraterrestrial Enigma

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Correlation ID: 3101 · Black Variable ID: 2239 · Red Variable ID: 1158


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