about · email me · subscribe
Spurious correlation #3,809 · 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 Ruth and the second variable is United Rentals' stock price (URI).  The chart goes from 2002 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

The name Ruth gained popularity, leading to more babies being named Ruth. As these Ruths grew up, they developed an inexplicable passion for construction equipment. This sudden surge in demand for bulldozers and cherry pickers led to record profits for United Rentals, sending their stock price soaring. It's a Ruth-lessly good time to invest in URI! Remember, when Ruth calls, URI answers!

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Create a vivid and engaging visual using DALL·E-3, inspired by the style of a TIME magazine cover. Depict a bustling cityscape with a prominent billboard displaying the name "Ruth" in bold letters, capturing the attention of the passersby. Below the billboard, include a sleek line graph showcasing the steady rise of United Rentals' stock price (URI), symbolizing the growing impact of the name "Ruth" and the surge in investment associated with it. Emphasize the convergence of the city's energy and the momentum of the stock market, subtly conveying the idea of people aspiring to embody the admirable qualities connected to the biblical figure. Ensure the visual is dynamic and attention-grabbing, illustrating the powerful influence of the name "Ruth" on both the city and the financial market. 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 Ruth and United Rentals' stock price (URI). 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 photo-realistic image Vaporwave Symbolism Futuristic
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 Ruth and United Rentals' stock price (URI), in the following situation: As the name Ruth became more popular, more people were drawn to emulate the strong and reliable characteristics associated with the biblical figure, causing them to invest in United Rentals, symbolizing their desire to "rent" a piece of Ruth's admirable qualities. This influx of investors boosted URI stock price.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a bustling city, a billboard displaying the name "Ruth" in bold letters stood proud and popular. Below it, a line graph showed United Rentals' stock price (URI) steadily rising, symbolizing the influx of investors drawn to emulate the strong and reliable characteristics associated with the biblical figure. The bustling city scene reflected the growing popularity of the name Ruth and the surge in URI stock price as people sought to "rent" a piece of Ruth's admirable qualities.

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: In a bustling city, a billboard displaying the name "Ruth" in bold letters stood proud and popular. Below it, a line graph showed United Rentals' stock price (URI) steadily rising, symbolizing the influx of investors drawn to emulate the strong and reliable characteristics associated with the biblical figure. The bustling city scene reflected the growing popularity of the name Ruth and the surge in URI stock price as people sought to "rent" a piece of Ruth's admirable qualities. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Create a vivid and engaging visual using DALL·E-3, inspired by the style of a TIME magazine cover. Depict a bustling cityscape with a prominent billboard displaying the name "Ruth" in bold letters, capturing the attention of the passersby. Below the billboard, include a sleek line graph showcasing the steady rise of United Rentals' stock price (URI), symbolizing the growing impact of the name "Ruth" and the surge in investment associated with it. Emphasize the convergence of the city's energy and the momentum of the stock market, subtly conveying the idea of people aspiring to embody the admirable qualities connected to the biblical figure. Ensure the visual is dynamic and attention-grabbing, illustrating the powerful influence of the name "Ruth" on both the city and the financial market.

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

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

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how an increase in Popularity of the first name Ruth caused United Rentals' stock price (URI) to increase. Make it feel plausible.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
URI Up or URI Down: Exploring the Ruth-URI Connection in the Stock Market

The Journal of Finance and Punny Business

Jan 2024

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




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

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Ruth and United Rentals' stock price (URI). You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Make the title punny if you can come up with clever pun. If not, just make it sound clever.

Your research team used data from US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.9617038 and p < 0.01 for 2002 to 2022.

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

[[TITLE]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit

[[ABSTRACT]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit



ChatGPT:
[[TITLE]]
"URI Up or URI Down: Exploring the Ruth-URI Connection in the Stock Market"

[[ABSTRACT]]
The influence of personal names on real-world outcomes has long been a topic of fascination and debate. In this study, we investigate the connection between the popularity of the first name Ruth and the stock price of United Rentals (URI). Drawing on extensive data from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), we meticulously examine the correlation between the two variables from 2002 to 2022. Our findings reveal a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9617038, indicating a robust relationship between the name Ruth and the stock price performance of URI.

As we delved deeper into the data, we couldn't help but wonder: is Ruth's popularity propelling URI towards higher valuations, or is it simply a case of "Ruth luck" for the stock market? Our results show a clear and statistically significant association (p < 0.01), prompting us to reflect on the potential implications for investors and the broader financial landscape. Upon reflection, a dad joke came to mind – what do you call a stock that's named after a popular biblical figure? A "Ruthless" investment opportunity!

In closing, our research offers a lighthearted yet thought-provoking exploration of the interplay between names and stock market dynamics. While our findings may raise eyebrows and elicit a chuckle or two, they also underscore the intriguing and multifaceted ways in which seemingly unrelated variables can intersect in the realm of finance.


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

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Ruth and United Rentals' stock price (URI). You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"URI Up or URI Down: Exploring the Ruth-URI Connection in the Stock Market"

[[ABSTRACT]]
The influence of personal names on real-world outcomes has long been a topic of fascination and debate. In this study, we investigate the connection between the popularity of the first name Ruth and the stock price of United Rentals (URI). Drawing on extensive data from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), we meticulously examine the correlation between the two variables from 2002 to 2022. Our findings reveal a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9617038, indicating a robust relationship between the name Ruth and the stock price performance of URI.

As we delved deeper into the data, we couldn't help but wonder: is Ruth's popularity propelling URI towards higher valuations, or is it simply a case of "Ruth luck" for the stock market? Our results show a clear and statistically significant association (p < 0.01), prompting us to reflect on the potential implications for investors and the broader financial landscape. Upon reflection, a dad joke came to mind – what do you call a stock that's named after a popular biblical figure? A "Ruthless" investment opportunity!

In closing, our research offers a lighthearted yet thought-provoking exploration of the interplay between names and stock market dynamics. While our findings may raise eyebrows and elicit a chuckle or two, they also underscore the intriguing and multifaceted ways in which seemingly unrelated variables can intersect in the realm of finance.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

The connection between personal names and stock market performance has always been a topic of speculation. The coining of the term "nominative determinism" even suggests that one's name could influence their career choice and, indeed, their financial fate. However, can a name impact an entire stock, you ask? We set out to answer this exact question in our research linking the popularity of the first name Ruth to the stock price of United Rentals (URI).

As we dug into the data, we couldn't help but think, "Ruth-URI kidding me?" The correlation we uncovered left us shaking our heads in disbelief - it's not every day that something as charming as a name like Ruth shows such a strong relationship with a stock's fortunes. It seems that "Ruth" is not just a biblical figure but also a "stock-market-moving" figure!

We were initially skeptical, wondering if it was just a "Ruth-ful coincidence" or if there was something more substantial at play. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9617038 staring back at us, it's safe to say that Ruth's influence on URI's stock price is nothing to shrug off. It turns out, Ruth isn't just a popular name – it's a potential indicator of stock market movements. Dad joke alert: Why did the stock market start going by Ruth? Because it kept going "up-ith!"

But before you think this research is just a whimsical exercise, we assure you that it's as serious as a bull market. This striking connection between a name and a stock's performance has profound implications for investors and financial analysts alike. Our findings challenge conventional wisdom and prompt a reevaluation of how seemingly unrelated variables can intermingle in the complex dance of stock market dynamics.

Stick with us as we dive deeper into this curious connection and uncover the unexpected comedy and insight hidden in the tapestry of finance. After all, who said academic research couldn't have a sense of humor?


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a researcher writing an academic paper.You draft a literature review section of an academic research paper, that starts out dry for the first few sentences but then becomes hilarious and goofy.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Ruth and United Rentals' stock price (URI). 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 devolve ever further, and mention something completely ridiculous, like you conducted literature review by reading CVS receipts.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"URI Up or URI Down: Exploring the Ruth-URI Connection in the Stock Market"

[[ABSTRACT]]
The influence of personal names on real-world outcomes has long been a topic of fascination and debate. In this study, we investigate the connection between the popularity of the first name Ruth and the stock price of United Rentals (URI). Drawing on extensive data from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), we meticulously examine the correlation between the two variables from 2002 to 2022. Our findings reveal a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9617038, indicating a robust relationship between the name Ruth and the stock price performance of URI.

As we delved deeper into the data, we couldn't help but wonder: is Ruth's popularity propelling URI towards higher valuations, or is it simply a case of "Ruth luck" for the stock market? Our results show a clear and statistically significant association (p < 0.01), prompting us to reflect on the potential implications for investors and the broader financial landscape. Upon reflection, a dad joke came to mind – what do you call a stock that's named after a popular biblical figure? A "Ruthless" investment opportunity!

In closing, our research offers a lighthearted yet thought-provoking exploration of the interplay between names and stock market dynamics. While our findings may raise eyebrows and elicit a chuckle or two, they also underscore the intriguing and multifaceted ways in which seemingly unrelated variables can intersect in the realm of finance.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The connection between personal names and stock market performance has always been a topic of speculation. The coining of the term "nominative determinism" even suggests that one's name could influence their career choice and, indeed, their financial fate. However, can a name impact an entire stock, you ask? We set out to answer this exact question in our research linking the popularity of the first name Ruth to the stock price of United Rentals (URI).
As we dug into the data, we couldn't help but think, "Ruth-URI kidding me?" The correlation we uncovered left us shaking our heads in disbelief - it's not every day that something as charming as a name like Ruth shows such a strong relationship with a stock's fortunes. It seems that "Ruth" is not just a biblical figure but also a "stock-market-moving" figure!
We were initially skeptical, wondering if it was just a "Ruth-ful coincidence" or if there was something more substantial at play. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9617038 staring back at us, it's safe to say that Ruth's influence on URI's stock price is nothing to shrug off. It turns out, Ruth isn't just a popular name – it's a potential indicator of stock market movements. Dad joke alert: Why did the stock market start going by Ruth? Because it kept going "up-ith!"
But before you think this research is just a whimsical exercise, we assure you that it's as serious as a bull market. This striking connection between a name and a stock's performance has profound implications for investors and financial analysts alike. Our findings challenge conventional wisdom and prompt a reevaluation of how seemingly unrelated variables can intermingle in the complex dance of stock market dynamics.
Stick with us as we dive deeper into this curious connection and uncover the unexpected comedy and insight hidden in the tapestry of finance. After all, who said academic research couldn't have a sense of humor?

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

As we navigated through the vast sea of literature on the influence of personal names on financial markets, we encountered Smith’s seminal work "The Name Game: An Exploration of Nominative Determinism in Economics." Smith’s research delves into the potential impact of names on career choices and financial outcomes, shedding light on the subtle yet intriguing ways in which names could influence economic phenomena. However, Smith's work, while insightful, fails to capture the quirky connection we have unraveled between the popularity of the name Ruth and the stock price of United Rentals (URI).

Doe's comprehensive study "The Psychology of Market Names: A Cross-Disciplinary Analysis" offers a deep and analytical exploration of the psychological implications of market names. Yet, even Doe's thorough analysis overlooks the delightfully unexpected correlation we have illuminated in our own research. It seems that sometimes, truth is indeed stranger than fiction.

Jones' extensive research in "The Stock Market and Popular Culture: Unlikely Connections" resoundingly reflects the interplay between cultural phenomena and stock market dynamics. While Jones’ work masterfully weaves together seemingly disparate elements, including popular culture and financial markets, it fails to encapsulate the undeniable whimsy and unexpected hilarity of our findings. It's almost as if the stock market has a sense of humor!

Our inquiry then led us to consult non-fiction books related to economics and social behavior. "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" offers a thought-provoking exploration of unconventional connections between seemingly unrelated variables. While this work may not directly address the Ruth-URI connection, its spirit of uncovering hidden relationships has inspired our own research, igniting the spark of curiosity that led us down this delightful rabbit hole.

In the realm of fiction, "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens reminds us of the intricate web of interconnectedness that binds individuals and events, much like the unexpected relationship we have discovered between the name Ruth and URI's stock price. Additionally, the whimsical insights into the human condition in "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams serve as a constant reminder that truth is often stranger than fiction – and sometimes, it's funnier too!

In our pursuit of a comprehensive literature review, we also engaged in an unconventional method – perusing CVS receipts. It turns out that amidst the mundane listings of assorted purchases, there lies an unexpected treasure trove of wisdom and absurdity, if one looks hard enough. While our findings from this unorthodox source may not be directly applicable to our research, they have certainly provided some well-deserved comic relief in the midst of our scholarly endeavors. After all, who knew that a 50% off coupon for toilet paper could lead to an epiphany about stock market trends?

In essence, our literature review has demonstrated that while existing research offers valuable insights into the intersections of names, culture, and finance, it falls short of capturing the delightful and downright hilarious connection we have uncovered between the popularity of the first name Ruth and the stock price of United Rentals (URI). This, dear reader, is the unexpected charm and humor that our research has brought to light, as we navigate the serious landscape of financial markets with a twinkle in our eye. After all, who said academic research can't be a rib-tickling adventure?


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

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Ruth and United Rentals' stock price (URI). You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) . You used data from 2002 to 2022

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

Here is the title, abstract, and introduction of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"URI Up or URI Down: Exploring the Ruth-URI Connection in the Stock Market"

[[ABSTRACT]]
The influence of personal names on real-world outcomes has long been a topic of fascination and debate. In this study, we investigate the connection between the popularity of the first name Ruth and the stock price of United Rentals (URI). Drawing on extensive data from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), we meticulously examine the correlation between the two variables from 2002 to 2022. Our findings reveal a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9617038, indicating a robust relationship between the name Ruth and the stock price performance of URI.

As we delved deeper into the data, we couldn't help but wonder: is Ruth's popularity propelling URI towards higher valuations, or is it simply a case of "Ruth luck" for the stock market? Our results show a clear and statistically significant association (p < 0.01), prompting us to reflect on the potential implications for investors and the broader financial landscape. Upon reflection, a dad joke came to mind – what do you call a stock that's named after a popular biblical figure? A "Ruthless" investment opportunity!

In closing, our research offers a lighthearted yet thought-provoking exploration of the interplay between names and stock market dynamics. While our findings may raise eyebrows and elicit a chuckle or two, they also underscore the intriguing and multifaceted ways in which seemingly unrelated variables can intersect in the realm of finance.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The connection between personal names and stock market performance has always been a topic of speculation. The coining of the term "nominative determinism" even suggests that one's name could influence their career choice and, indeed, their financial fate. However, can a name impact an entire stock, you ask? We set out to answer this exact question in our research linking the popularity of the first name Ruth to the stock price of United Rentals (URI).
As we dug into the data, we couldn't help but think, "Ruth-URI kidding me?" The correlation we uncovered left us shaking our heads in disbelief - it's not every day that something as charming as a name like Ruth shows such a strong relationship with a stock's fortunes. It seems that "Ruth" is not just a biblical figure but also a "stock-market-moving" figure!
We were initially skeptical, wondering if it was just a "Ruth-ful coincidence" or if there was something more substantial at play. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9617038 staring back at us, it's safe to say that Ruth's influence on URI's stock price is nothing to shrug off. It turns out, Ruth isn't just a popular name – it's a potential indicator of stock market movements. Dad joke alert: Why did the stock market start going by Ruth? Because it kept going "up-ith!"
But before you think this research is just a whimsical exercise, we assure you that it's as serious as a bull market. This striking connection between a name and a stock's performance has profound implications for investors and financial analysts alike. Our findings challenge conventional wisdom and prompt a reevaluation of how seemingly unrelated variables can intermingle in the complex dance of stock market dynamics.
Stick with us as we dive deeper into this curious connection and uncover the unexpected comedy and insight hidden in the tapestry of finance. After all, who said academic research couldn't have a sense of humor?

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To investigate the peculiar connection between the popularity of the first name Ruth and the stock price of United Rentals (URI), we employed a methodological approach that combined rigorous statistical analysis with a dash of whimsy. We gathered data from various sources, primarily relying on the US Social Security Administration for name popularity trends and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) for stock price data. Our data spanned the period from 2002 to 2022, providing a comprehensive view of the fluctuations in both the name Ruth and URI stock price over two decades.

Our first step in this research adventure involved a deep dive into the murky waters of name popularity. We channeled our inner detectives to sift through vast amounts of social security data and uncover the nuances of Ruth's rise and fall in the popularity charts. It was a journey filled with surprising twists and turns, much like a suspenseful thriller, but instead of catching a criminal, we were on the hunt for correlations. Dad joke time: Why did the statistician go by Ruth? She was always chasing the "perfect correlation!"

Simultaneously, we delved into the financial realm, where we used LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) to obtain a treasure trove of stock price data for URI. This part of the process was akin to navigating the high seas of financial markets, riding the waves of stock price volatility, and searching for clues that would unlock the mysterious connection between Ruth's popularity and URI's stock performance. We may not have found buried treasure, but we did strike gold in terms of fascinating findings.

With our data in hand, we then embarked on a statistical odyssey that would rival the most epic of quests. Armed with powerful statistical tools and a thirst for knowledge, we sought to unravel the enigmatic relationship between name popularity and stock price movements. Our statistical analyses ranged from simple correlation coefficients to more complex time series models, navigating through the labyrinth of data with the agility of seasoned adventurers. It was like trying to find our way through a statistical jungle, armed with nothing but a calculator and a sense of determination. Dad joke warning! Why didn't the statistician trust stocks? They were always "mean" to her during hypothesis testing.

As the dust settled and the charts cleared, we emerged with a robust correlation coefficient of 0.9617038, an impressive indicator of the influential connection between the name Ruth and URI's stock price. The statistical significance of our findings (p < 0.01) further bolstered our confidence in the strength of this unexpected relationship. This led us to ponder - are we witnessing the reign of "Ruth-elation" in the stock market, or is it simply a remarkable case of numerical serendipity? Our findings certainly lead us to believe that Ruth's popularity may not just be a coincidence, but rather a noteworthy signpost in the labyrinth of stock market movements.


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

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Ruth and United Rentals' stock price (URI). You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) .

For the time period 2002 to 2022, you found a correlation 0.9617038, r-squared of 0.9248741, 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]]
"URI Up or URI Down: Exploring the Ruth-URI Connection in the Stock Market"

[[ABSTRACT]]
The influence of personal names on real-world outcomes has long been a topic of fascination and debate. In this study, we investigate the connection between the popularity of the first name Ruth and the stock price of United Rentals (URI). Drawing on extensive data from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), we meticulously examine the correlation between the two variables from 2002 to 2022. Our findings reveal a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9617038, indicating a robust relationship between the name Ruth and the stock price performance of URI.

As we delved deeper into the data, we couldn't help but wonder: is Ruth's popularity propelling URI towards higher valuations, or is it simply a case of "Ruth luck" for the stock market? Our results show a clear and statistically significant association (p < 0.01), prompting us to reflect on the potential implications for investors and the broader financial landscape. Upon reflection, a dad joke came to mind – what do you call a stock that's named after a popular biblical figure? A "Ruthless" investment opportunity!

In closing, our research offers a lighthearted yet thought-provoking exploration of the interplay between names and stock market dynamics. While our findings may raise eyebrows and elicit a chuckle or two, they also underscore the intriguing and multifaceted ways in which seemingly unrelated variables can intersect in the realm of finance.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
The connection between personal names and stock market performance has always been a topic of speculation. The coining of the term "nominative determinism" even suggests that one's name could influence their career choice and, indeed, their financial fate. However, can a name impact an entire stock, you ask? We set out to answer this exact question in our research linking the popularity of the first name Ruth to the stock price of United Rentals (URI).
As we dug into the data, we couldn't help but think, "Ruth-URI kidding me?" The correlation we uncovered left us shaking our heads in disbelief - it's not every day that something as charming as a name like Ruth shows such a strong relationship with a stock's fortunes. It seems that "Ruth" is not just a biblical figure but also a "stock-market-moving" figure!
We were initially skeptical, wondering if it was just a "Ruth-ful coincidence" or if there was something more substantial at play. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9617038 staring back at us, it's safe to say that Ruth's influence on URI's stock price is nothing to shrug off. It turns out, Ruth isn't just a popular name – it's a potential indicator of stock market movements. Dad joke alert: Why did the stock market start going by Ruth? Because it kept going "up-ith!"
But before you think this research is just a whimsical exercise, we assure you that it's as serious as a bull market. This striking connection between a name and a stock's performance has profound implications for investors and financial analysts alike. Our findings challenge conventional wisdom and prompt a reevaluation of how seemingly unrelated variables can intermingle in the complex dance of stock market dynamics.
Stick with us as we dive deeper into this curious connection and uncover the unexpected comedy and insight hidden in the tapestry of finance. After all, who said academic research couldn't have a sense of humor?

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

We conducted a thorough analysis of the relationship between the popularity of the first name Ruth and the stock price of United Rentals (URI) for the period 2002 to 2022. The correlation coefficient we unearthed was a staggering 0.9617038, which left us feeling like we had hit the jackpot in the great name-game of stock market serendipity. It's not every day that a name shows such a strong relationship with a stock's valuation! As we mused over the data, a fitting dad joke popped into our minds: What's a stock's favorite name? Ruth! It keeps "URI" in the game!

The r-squared value of 0.9248741 further solidified the robustness of the association, highlighting the substantial influence of the name Ruth on URI's stock price performance. With our p-value coming in at less than 0.01, we were more confident than ever that the relationship was not just a "Ruth-ful coincidence" but rather a significant and meaningful connection. It begs the question: should investors start monitoring baby name trends as part of their stock analysis? Only time will tell if a new investment strategy based on popular names will become the "Ruth-ine" in the financial world.

In a visually striking manner, Fig. 1 presents a scatterplot illustrating the strong correlation between the popularity of the first name Ruth and URI's stock price. The graph visually encapsulates the compelling link we uncovered, providing a snapshot of the upward trajectory that Ruth's popularity seems to impart on URI's stock performance. It's a visual testament to the not-so-hidden influence of names in the enigmatic landscape of stock market dynamics.

Overall, our results not only reveal the fascinating interplay between the name Ruth and URI's stock price but also highlight the potential implications for investors and financial analysts. The connection we unearthed challenges traditional assumptions and propels us into uncharted territory where names and stock valuations dance hand in hand. As we marvel at the unexpected harmony of seemingly unrelated variables, we find ourselves embracing the whimsical and thought-provoking nature of finance – after all, why should academic research be devoid of a good dad joke or two?


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

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Ruth and United Rentals' stock price (URI). You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

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]]
"URI Up or URI Down: Exploring the Ruth-URI Connection in the Stock Market"

[[ABSTRACT]]
The influence of personal names on real-world outcomes has long been a topic of fascination and debate. In this study, we investigate the connection between the popularity of the first name Ruth and the stock price of United Rentals (URI). Drawing on extensive data from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), we meticulously examine the correlation between the two variables from 2002 to 2022. Our findings reveal a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9617038, indicating a robust relationship between the name Ruth and the stock price performance of URI.

As we delved deeper into the data, we couldn't help but wonder: is Ruth's popularity propelling URI towards higher valuations, or is it simply a case of "Ruth luck" for the stock market? Our results show a clear and statistically significant association (p < 0.01), prompting us to reflect on the potential implications for investors and the broader financial landscape. Upon reflection, a dad joke came to mind – what do you call a stock that's named after a popular biblical figure? A "Ruthless" investment opportunity!

In closing, our research offers a lighthearted yet thought-provoking exploration of the interplay between names and stock market dynamics. While our findings may raise eyebrows and elicit a chuckle or two, they also underscore the intriguing and multifaceted ways in which seemingly unrelated variables can intersect in the realm of finance.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
As we navigated through the vast sea of literature on the influence of personal names on financial markets, we encountered Smith’s seminal work "The Name Game: An Exploration of Nominative Determinism in Economics." Smith’s research delves into the potential impact of names on career choices and financial outcomes, shedding light on the subtle yet intriguing ways in which names could influence economic phenomena. However, Smith's work, while insightful, fails to capture the quirky connection we have unraveled between the popularity of the name Ruth and the stock price of United Rentals (URI).
Doe's comprehensive study "The Psychology of Market Names: A Cross-Disciplinary Analysis" offers a deep and analytical exploration of the psychological implications of market names. Yet, even Doe's thorough analysis overlooks the delightfully unexpected correlation we have illuminated in our own research. It seems that sometimes, truth is indeed stranger than fiction.
Jones' extensive research in "The Stock Market and Popular Culture: Unlikely Connections" resoundingly reflects the interplay between cultural phenomena and stock market dynamics. While Jones’ work masterfully weaves together seemingly disparate elements, including popular culture and financial markets, it fails to encapsulate the undeniable whimsy and unexpected hilarity of our findings. It's almost as if the stock market has a sense of humor!
Our inquiry then led us to consult non-fiction books related to economics and social behavior. "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" offers a thought-provoking exploration of unconventional connections between seemingly unrelated variables. While this work may not directly address the Ruth-URI connection, its spirit of uncovering hidden relationships has inspired our own research, igniting the spark of curiosity that led us down this delightful rabbit hole.
In the realm of fiction, "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens reminds us of the intricate web of interconnectedness that binds individuals and events, much like the unexpected relationship we have discovered between the name Ruth and URI's stock price. Additionally, the whimsical insights into the human condition in "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams serve as a constant reminder that truth is often stranger than fiction – and sometimes, it's funnier too!
In our pursuit of a comprehensive literature review, we also engaged in an unconventional method – perusing CVS receipts. It turns out that amidst the mundane listings of assorted purchases, there lies an unexpected treasure trove of wisdom and absurdity, if one looks hard enough. While our findings from this unorthodox source may not be directly applicable to our research, they have certainly provided some well-deserved comic relief in the midst of our scholarly endeavors. After all, who knew that a 50% off coupon for toilet paper could lead to an epiphany about stock market trends?
In essence, our literature review has demonstrated that while existing research offers valuable insights into the intersections of names, culture, and finance, it falls short of capturing the delightful and downright hilarious connection we have uncovered between the popularity of the first name Ruth and the stock price of United Rentals (URI). This, dear reader, is the unexpected charm and humor that our research has brought to light, as we navigate the serious landscape of financial markets with a twinkle in our eye. After all, who said academic research can't be a rib-tickling adventure?

[[RESULTS]]
We conducted a thorough analysis of the relationship between the popularity of the first name Ruth and the stock price of United Rentals (URI) for the period 2002 to 2022. The correlation coefficient we unearthed was a staggering 0.9617038, which left us feeling like we had hit the jackpot in the great name-game of stock market serendipity. It's not every day that a name shows such a strong relationship with a stock's valuation! As we mused over the data, a fitting dad joke popped into our minds: What's a stock's favorite name? Ruth! It keeps "URI" in the game!
The r-squared value of 0.9248741 further solidified the robustness of the association, highlighting the substantial influence of the name Ruth on URI's stock price performance. With our p-value coming in at less than 0.01, we were more confident than ever that the relationship was not just a "Ruth-ful coincidence" but rather a significant and meaningful connection. It begs the question: should investors start monitoring baby name trends as part of their stock analysis? Only time will tell if a new investment strategy based on popular names will become the "Ruth-ine" in the financial world.
In a visually striking manner, Fig. 1 presents a scatterplot illustrating the strong correlation between the popularity of the first name Ruth and URI's stock price. The graph visually encapsulates the compelling link we uncovered, providing a snapshot of the upward trajectory that Ruth's popularity seems to impart on URI's stock performance. It's a visual testament to the not-so-hidden influence of names in the enigmatic landscape of stock market dynamics.
Overall, our results not only reveal the fascinating interplay between the name Ruth and URI's stock price but also highlight the potential implications for investors and financial analysts. The connection we unearthed challenges traditional assumptions and propels us into uncharted territory where names and stock valuations dance hand in hand. As we marvel at the unexpected harmony of seemingly unrelated variables, we find ourselves embracing the whimsical and thought-provoking nature of finance – after all, why should academic research be devoid of a good dad joke or two?

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The results of our study provide compelling evidence of a strong and significant association between the popularity of the first name Ruth and the stock price of United Rentals (URI). Building on the quirky and unexpected nature of our findings, we can't help but ponder: should investors start considering baby name trends as part of their investment strategy? Perhaps we witnessed the birth of a new "Ruth-ine" in financial analysis. Admittedly, it's a novel approach, but who's to say it won't lead to "prophet-able" outcomes in stock trading?

Our findings not only affirm the existing literature on the influence of names on financial markets but also inject a lighthearted perspective into the serious realm of stock market analysis. The 'Ruth-URI Connection' serves as a captivating example of the often unnoticed yet impactful quirks in the financial world. It's almost as if the stock market has a sense of humor, a "stock"-pile of dad jokes waiting to be uncovered.

Returning to the literature review, Smith's work on nominative determinism in economics, while focused on career choices, resonates with our findings. It tantalizingly hints at the potential impact of names in economic outcomes, albeit in a different context. As our research showcases, the name Ruth can wield an unexpected influence, steering URI's stock price towards intriguing heights. So, who says a name is just a name? It might just be the driving force behind a stock's ascent.

Similarly, Jones' exploration of unlikely connections between popular culture and finance aligns with our study's spirit of uncovering unconventional relationships. The 'Ruth-URI Connection' not only offers a captivating narrative but also enriches the interdisciplinary tapestry of market influences. After all, who would have thought that a name as timeless as Ruth could become entwined with stock market dynamics in such a striking manner?

As we gaze at the scatterplot illustrating the "Ruth-URI Connection," we can't help but marvel at the visual representation of our findings. It's a testament to the power of seemingly disparate variables converging in the financial universe. Our research underscores the often-overlooked whimsy of finance, proving that academia and a good dad joke can indeed coexist in perfect harmony.

In conclusion, our research has not only shed light on an intriguing relationship between a personal name and stock valuation but has also added a dash of humor to the serious world of financial analysis. It's a reminder that in the pursuit of scholarly inquiry, one can stumble upon unexpected and downright amusing insights. So, next time you consider potential stock investments, don't forget to check the baby name trends – you might just uncover the next "Ruth-ful" opportunity. After all, there's no harm in adding a touch of whimsy to the "stock" market!



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

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Ruth and United Rentals' stock price (URI). You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

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]]
"URI Up or URI Down: Exploring the Ruth-URI Connection in the Stock Market"

[[ABSTRACT]]
The influence of personal names on real-world outcomes has long been a topic of fascination and debate. In this study, we investigate the connection between the popularity of the first name Ruth and the stock price of United Rentals (URI). Drawing on extensive data from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), we meticulously examine the correlation between the two variables from 2002 to 2022. Our findings reveal a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9617038, indicating a robust relationship between the name Ruth and the stock price performance of URI.

As we delved deeper into the data, we couldn't help but wonder: is Ruth's popularity propelling URI towards higher valuations, or is it simply a case of "Ruth luck" for the stock market? Our results show a clear and statistically significant association (p < 0.01), prompting us to reflect on the potential implications for investors and the broader financial landscape. Upon reflection, a dad joke came to mind – what do you call a stock that's named after a popular biblical figure? A "Ruthless" investment opportunity!

In closing, our research offers a lighthearted yet thought-provoking exploration of the interplay between names and stock market dynamics. While our findings may raise eyebrows and elicit a chuckle or two, they also underscore the intriguing and multifaceted ways in which seemingly unrelated variables can intersect in the realm of finance.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The connection between personal names and stock market performance has always been a topic of speculation. The coining of the term "nominative determinism" even suggests that one's name could influence their career choice and, indeed, their financial fate. However, can a name impact an entire stock, you ask? We set out to answer this exact question in our research linking the popularity of the first name Ruth to the stock price of United Rentals (URI).
As we dug into the data, we couldn't help but think, "Ruth-URI kidding me?" The correlation we uncovered left us shaking our heads in disbelief - it's not every day that something as charming as a name like Ruth shows such a strong relationship with a stock's fortunes. It seems that "Ruth" is not just a biblical figure but also a "stock-market-moving" figure!
We were initially skeptical, wondering if it was just a "Ruth-ful coincidence" or if there was something more substantial at play. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9617038 staring back at us, it's safe to say that Ruth's influence on URI's stock price is nothing to shrug off. It turns out, Ruth isn't just a popular name – it's a potential indicator of stock market movements. Dad joke alert: Why did the stock market start going by Ruth? Because it kept going "up-ith!"
But before you think this research is just a whimsical exercise, we assure you that it's as serious as a bull market. This striking connection between a name and a stock's performance has profound implications for investors and financial analysts alike. Our findings challenge conventional wisdom and prompt a reevaluation of how seemingly unrelated variables can intermingle in the complex dance of stock market dynamics.
Stick with us as we dive deeper into this curious connection and uncover the unexpected comedy and insight hidden in the tapestry of finance. After all, who said academic research couldn't have a sense of humor?

[[RESULTS]]
We conducted a thorough analysis of the relationship between the popularity of the first name Ruth and the stock price of United Rentals (URI) for the period 2002 to 2022. The correlation coefficient we unearthed was a staggering 0.9617038, which left us feeling like we had hit the jackpot in the great name-game of stock market serendipity. It's not every day that a name shows such a strong relationship with a stock's valuation! As we mused over the data, a fitting dad joke popped into our minds: What's a stock's favorite name? Ruth! It keeps "URI" in the game!
The r-squared value of 0.9248741 further solidified the robustness of the association, highlighting the substantial influence of the name Ruth on URI's stock price performance. With our p-value coming in at less than 0.01, we were more confident than ever that the relationship was not just a "Ruth-ful coincidence" but rather a significant and meaningful connection. It begs the question: should investors start monitoring baby name trends as part of their stock analysis? Only time will tell if a new investment strategy based on popular names will become the "Ruth-ine" in the financial world.
In a visually striking manner, Fig. 1 presents a scatterplot illustrating the strong correlation between the popularity of the first name Ruth and URI's stock price. The graph visually encapsulates the compelling link we uncovered, providing a snapshot of the upward trajectory that Ruth's popularity seems to impart on URI's stock performance. It's a visual testament to the not-so-hidden influence of names in the enigmatic landscape of stock market dynamics.
Overall, our results not only reveal the fascinating interplay between the name Ruth and URI's stock price but also highlight the potential implications for investors and financial analysts. The connection we unearthed challenges traditional assumptions and propels us into uncharted territory where names and stock valuations dance hand in hand. As we marvel at the unexpected harmony of seemingly unrelated variables, we find ourselves embracing the whimsical and thought-provoking nature of finance – after all, why should academic research be devoid of a good dad joke or two?

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our research has unveiled a captivating and inexplicable connection between the popularity of the first name Ruth and the stock price performance of United Rentals (URI). With a correlation coefficient of 0.9617038, it's clear that Ruth's influence on URI's stock price is stronger than espresso on a Monday morning – it's impossible to ignore! Our analysis also revealed a r-squared value of 0.9248741, making the case that Ruth isn't just a popular name – it's practically a stock market oracle. Dad joke alert: Why did the stock market start going by Ruth? Because it keeps going "up-ith!"

The implications of our findings are as wide-reaching as Ruth's timeless popularity. From challenging conventional investment strategies to contemplating the potential of incorporating baby name trends into stock analysis, our research sheds light on the unexpected comedy and insight hidden in the complex tapestry of finance. As a dad might say, Ruth's association with URI's stock price is a "Ruthlessly good" indicator of market trends – one that shouldn't be brushed off lightly.

Overall, our study offers a light-hearted yet thought-provoking examination of the interplay between names and stock market dynamics. It emphasizes the intriguing and multifaceted ways in which seemingly unrelated variables can intersect in the world of finance, reminding us that a good dad joke can be just as valuable as a strong correlation coefficient.

With that said, we assert that no further research is needed in this area. We've "Ruth-lessly" uncovered the connection between the first name Ruth and URI's stock price, leaving us with no doubt that it's a topic deserving of both serious analysis and the occasional pun.


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 URI Up or URI Down: Exploring the Ruth-URI Connection in the Stock Market. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Finance and Punny Business


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 URI Up or URI Down: Exploring the Ruth-URI Connection in the Stock Market. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Institute for Stock Market Research and Analysis (ISMRA)


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 URI Up or URI Down: Exploring the Ruth-URI Connection in the Stock Market with an abstract of The influence of personal names on real-world outcomes has long been a topic of fascination and debate. In this study, we investigate the connection between the popularity of the first name Ruth and the stock price of United Rentals (URI). Drawing on extensive data from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), we meticulously examine the correlation between the two variables from 2002 to 2022. Our findings reveal a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9617038, indicating a robust relationship between the name Ruth and the stock price performance of URI.
As we delved deeper into the data, we couldn't help but wonder: is Ruth's popularity propelling URI towards higher valuations, or is it simply a case of "Ruth luck" for the stock market? Our results show a clear and statistically significant association (p < 0.01), prompting us to reflect on the potential implications for investors and the broader financial landscape. Upon reflection, a dad joke came to mind – what do you call a stock that's named after a popular biblical figure? A "Ruthless" investment opportunity!
In closing, our research offers a lighthearted yet thought-provoking exploration of the interplay between names and stock market dynamics. While our findings may raise eyebrows and elicit a chuckle or two, they also underscore the intriguing and multifaceted ways in which seemingly unrelated variables can intersect in the realm of finance.

ChatGPT:

Ruth, United Rentals, URI stock, personal names, stock market correlation, name popularity, stock price, US Social Security Administration data, LSEG Analytics data, Ruth and stock price relationship, Ruth influence on stock market, biblical figure names in stock market

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



Random correlation

Discover a new correlation

View all correlations

View all research papers

Report an error


Data details

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

United Rentals' stock price (URI)
Detailed data title: Opening price of United Rentals (URI) on the first trading day of the year
Source: LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv)
Additional Info: Via Microsoft Excel Stockhistory function

See what else correlates with United Rentals' stock price (URI)

Correlation r = 0.9617038 (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 = 0.9248741 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 92.5% of the change in the one variable (i.e., United Rentals' stock price (URI)) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Popularity of the first name Ruth) over the 21 years from 2002 through 2022.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 3.91E-12. 0.0000000000039097211839086230
The p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme. More specifically the p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme if we had only tested one pair of variables one time.

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

Who is going to stop me? p-value reporting doesn't require me to report how many calculations I had to go through in order to find a low p-value!
On average, you will find a correaltion as strong as 0.96 in 3.91E-10% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 255,772,714,463 random variables You don't actually need 255 billion 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 20 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 20 because we have two variables measured over a period of 21 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, 0.98 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
The confidence interval is an estimate the range of the value of the correlation coefficient, using the correlation itself as an input. The values are meant to be the low and high end of the correlation coefficient with 95% confidence.

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


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

Still, sometimes one of the variables has more years of data available than the other. This page only shows the overlapping years. To see all the years, click on "See what else correlates with..." link above.
200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022
Popularity of the first name Ruth (Babies born)905896911908889962933915932905930993106211061102121012471349132415731656
United Rentals' stock price (URI) (Stock price)22.6210.819.3618.9823.5925.618.339.259.9223.1430.254777.27103.1171.11107.88172.92100.31168.41234333.26




Why this works

  1. Data dredging: I have 25,153 variables in my database. I compare all these variables against each other to find ones that randomly match up. That's 632,673,409 correlation calculations! This is called “data dredging.” Instead of starting with a hypothesis and testing it, I instead abused the data to see what correlations shake out. It’s a dangerous way to go about analysis, because any sufficiently large dataset will yield strong correlations completely at random.
  2. Lack of causal connection: There is probably Because these pages are automatically generated, it's possible that the two variables you are viewing are in fact causually related. I take steps to prevent the obvious ones from showing on the site (I don't let data about the weather in one city correlate with the weather in a neighboring city, for example), but sometimes they still pop up. If they are related, cool! You found a loophole.
    no direct connection between these variables, despite what the AI says above. This is exacerbated by the fact that I used "Years" as the base variable. Lots of things happen in a year that are not related to each other! Most studies would use something like "one person" in stead of "one year" to be the "thing" studied.
  3. Observations not independent: For many variables, sequential years are not independent of each other. If a population of people is continuously doing something every day, there is no reason to think they would suddenly change how they are doing that thing on January 1. A simple Personally I don't find any p-value calculation to be 'simple,' but you know what I mean.
    p-value calculation does not take this into account, so mathematically it appears less probable than it really is.
  4. Y-axis doesn't start at zero: I truncated the Y-axes of the graph above. I also used a line graph, which makes the visual connection stand out more than it deserves. Nothing against line graphs. They are great at telling a story when you have linear data! But visually it is deceptive because the only data is at the points on the graph, not the lines on the graph. In between each point, the data could have been doing anything. Like going for a random walk by itself!
    Mathematically what I showed is true, but it is intentionally misleading. Below is the same chart but with both Y-axes starting at zero.
  5. Outlandish outliers: There are "outliers" in this data. 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. 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([905,896,911,908,889,962,933,915,932,905,930,993,1062,1106,1102,1210,1247,1349,1324,1573,1656,])
array_2 = np.array([22.62,10.8,19.36,18.98,23.59,25.6,18.33,9.25,9.92,23.14,30.25,47,77.27,103.11,71.11,107.88,172.92,100.31,168.41,234,333.26,])
array_1_name = "Popularity of the first name Ruth"
array_2_name = "United Rentals' stock price (URI)"

# 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. 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:


View another random correlation

How fun was this correlation?

Your rating is much appreciated!


Correlation ID: 3809 · Black Variable ID: 2645 · Red Variable ID: 1836
about · subscribe · emailme@tylervigen.com · twitter

CC BY 4.0