Spurious correlation #3,867 · View random
A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Number of goals scored by winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals and the second variable is Petroluem consumption in The Bahamas. The chart goes from 1981 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 Number of goals scored by winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals and the second variable is Petroluem consumption in The Bahamas. The chart goes from 1981 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

Download png, svg

AI explanation

The field hockey celebrations were less fiery, leading to a decreased demand for fuel to power their post-game victory cruises.

^{Show image generation prompt} Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Create an image of a vibrant field hockey stadium, filled with cheering fans and players celebrating after a thrilling NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals match. The scene captures the exuberance and excitement of the post-game festivities, with fans dancing, high-fiving, and reveling in the victory. Outside the arena, depict a line of cars as fans head towards the celebration, hinting at the surge in petrol consumption. The image should exude the energy and joy of the occasion, showcasing the lively atmosphere of the event. 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: Number of goals scored by winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals and Petroluem consumption in The Bahamas. 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: Steampunk Cyberpunk Realistic A scene from Skyrim Pop art
ChatGPT: Realistic

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both Number of goals scored by winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals and Petroluem consumption in The Bahamas, in the following situation: As the number of goals scored in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals increases, so does the celebration. This leads to a surge in party fuel consumption, causing a spike in petroleum usage in The Bahamas as fans travel to join the festivities.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: As the number of goals scored in the NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals increases, the sound of cheering and celebration fills the stadium. Fans erupt into joyful dances and high-fives. Outside the arena, cars line up as fans head to join the post-game festivities, leading to a surge in petrol consumption in The Bahamas.

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: [ Realistic ] and depicting this scene: As the number of goals scored in the NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals increases, the sound of cheering and celebration fills the stadium. Fans erupt into joyful dances and high-fives. Outside the arena, cars line up as fans head to join the post-game festivities, leading to a surge in petrol consumption in The Bahamas. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Create an image of a vibrant field hockey stadium, filled with cheering fans and players celebrating after a thrilling NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals match. The scene captures the exuberance and excitement of the post-game festivities, with fans dancing, high-fiving, and reveling in the victory. Outside the arena, depict a line of cars as fans head towards the celebration, hinting at the surge in petrol consumption. The image should exude the energy and joy of the occasion, showcasing the lively atmosphere of the event.

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

I sequence the requests into multiple prompts because I find GPT 3.5 to perform much better with short, well-managed contexts. Thus, I track the context directly in Python and only ask ChatGPT targeted questions.
^{Show prompt for explanation} Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how a decrease in Number of goals scored by winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals caused Petroluem consumption in The Bahamas to decrease.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)

Scoring a Fuel Goal: The Curious Connection between NCAA Field Hockey Div II Finals and Petroleum Consumption in The Bahamas

Journal of Sport Science and Ecological Inquiry

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 dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal.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 Number of goals scored by winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals and Petroluem consumption in The Bahamas. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Speak in the present tense for this section (the authors find...), as is common in academic research paper literature reviews. Name the sources in a format similar to this: In "Book," the authors find lorem and ipsum.

Make up the lorem and ipsum part, but make it sound related to the topic at hand.

Start by naming serious-sounding studies by authors like Smith, Doe, and Jones - but then quickly devolve. Name some real non-fiction books that would be related to the topic. Then name some real fiction books that sound like they could be related. Then name a few real TV shows that sound like they might be relevant to the topic that you watched as research.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Scoring a Fuel Goal: The Curious Connection between NCAA Field Hockey Div II Finals and Petroleum Consumption in The Bahamas"

[[ABSTRACT]]
The relationship between seemingly unrelated phenomena has long been a source of fascination and inquiry in the field of academic research. In this study, we examine the intriguing correlation between the number of goals scored by the winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals and petroleum consumption in The Bahamas. Leveraging data from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Energy Information Administration, we meticulously analyzed the statistics from 1981 to 2021. Our findings revealed a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.6399365 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01. This unexpected association not only piques the curiosity of researchers but also underscores the whimsical nature of scholarly investigations.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The study of seemingly unrelated phenomena has captivated scholars across various disciplines for centuries. The intricate web of interconnectedness that underpins the world we inhabit often leads to unexpected and unconventional associations. One such peculiar linkage that has emerged from our research pertains to the number of goals scored by the winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals and petroleum consumption in The Bahamas. While on the surface, these two variables may appear as incongruous as a cat in a fish market, our analysis has uncovered a rather striking correlation between the two.
Field hockey, a sport known for its fast-paced action and intense competition, may not immediately bring to mind considerations of energy resources, let alone those specific to an archipelagic nation in the Caribbean. Nevertheless, our examination of the data spanning over four decades has brought to the forefront an unexpected relationship that challenges conventional wisdom. The correlation coefficient of 0.6399365, accompanied by a p-value of less than 0.01, serves as a testament to the robustness of this connection and the intrigue it holds for researchers and enthusiasts alike.
While the whimsical nature of this association may evoke a chuckle or two, it is essential to approach our findings with the utmost rigor and intellectual curiosity. As we delve into the depths of this peculiar linkage, it becomes apparent that the intricacies of human activity and environmental dynamics can unveil unforeseen patterns and relationships. Our investigation aims to shed light on this enigmatic correspondence and invite further exploration into the whims of statistical synchronicity.
As we embark on this scholarly odyssey, we invite our fellow researchers to don their curiosity caps and accompany us on a journey that promises to be as unexpected as a penguin in the Sahara. The fusion of sports prowess and energy dynamics awaits our analytical scrutiny, offering a lens through which to view the world's interconnectivity in a light that is both enlightening and unexpectedly amusing.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The relationship between the number of goals scored by the winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals and petroleum consumption in The Bahamas has been an area of interest in recent academic inquiries. Smith and Doe (2015) conducted a comprehensive analysis of NCAA field hockey match outcomes and their potential implications on regional energy usage. Their study, while primarily focused on athletic performance, hinted at the prospect of a broader connection to energy dynamics. Jones et al. (2018) further explored the intersection of sports achievements and environmental impact, providing initial insights into the unforeseen ramifications of competitive success.

In "Energy Trends in The Bahamas" by Adams (2017), the author delves into the intricate patterns of energy consumption in The Bahamas, offering a detailed overview of the nation's reliance on petroleum resources. This comprehensive examination serves as a crucial backdrop for understanding the contextual nuances that underpin the relationship between field hockey outcomes and energy utilization.

In a similar vein, "History of Field Hockey in North America" by Wilson (2016) provides a historical perspective on the sport's evolution, offering a foundation for comprehending the broader implications of athletic achievements in the NCAA context.

Turning to fictional literature, the novel "Field of Dreams" by Kinsella (1989) exemplifies the unforeseen connections that can arise in the realm of sports, albeit in the context of baseball. While not directly related to field hockey or petroleum consumption, the thematic resonance of unexpected correlations underscores the whimsical nature of scholarly exploration.

Furthermore, the television series "Stranger Things" offers a narrative landscape where unexpected connections and parallel dimensions intertwine, providing an allegorical backdrop to the unforeseen correlation between field hockey goals and petroleum consumption. The element of surprise and intrigue, characteristic of the show's plot, mirrors the unexpected nature of our research findings.

Moving forward, our investigation aims to extend the scholarly discourse on these seemingly disparate variables, shedding light on the peculiar synchronicities that underlie the world of sports and energy dynamics. As we venture into this uncharted territory, we are confronted with a tapestry of interconnections that promises to unravel as unexpectedly as a can of snakes at a garden party.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal.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 Number of goals scored by winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals and Petroluem consumption in The Bahamas. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from NCAA and Energy Information Administration . You used data from 1981 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]]
"Scoring a Fuel Goal: The Curious Connection between NCAA Field Hockey Div II Finals and Petroleum Consumption in The Bahamas"

[[ABSTRACT]]
The relationship between seemingly unrelated phenomena has long been a source of fascination and inquiry in the field of academic research. In this study, we examine the intriguing correlation between the number of goals scored by the winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals and petroleum consumption in The Bahamas. Leveraging data from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Energy Information Administration, we meticulously analyzed the statistics from 1981 to 2021. Our findings revealed a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.6399365 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01. This unexpected association not only piques the curiosity of researchers but also underscores the whimsical nature of scholarly investigations.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The study of seemingly unrelated phenomena has captivated scholars across various disciplines for centuries. The intricate web of interconnectedness that underpins the world we inhabit often leads to unexpected and unconventional associations. One such peculiar linkage that has emerged from our research pertains to the number of goals scored by the winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals and petroleum consumption in The Bahamas. While on the surface, these two variables may appear as incongruous as a cat in a fish market, our analysis has uncovered a rather striking correlation between the two.
Field hockey, a sport known for its fast-paced action and intense competition, may not immediately bring to mind considerations of energy resources, let alone those specific to an archipelagic nation in the Caribbean. Nevertheless, our examination of the data spanning over four decades has brought to the forefront an unexpected relationship that challenges conventional wisdom. The correlation coefficient of 0.6399365, accompanied by a p-value of less than 0.01, serves as a testament to the robustness of this connection and the intrigue it holds for researchers and enthusiasts alike.
While the whimsical nature of this association may evoke a chuckle or two, it is essential to approach our findings with the utmost rigor and intellectual curiosity. As we delve into the depths of this peculiar linkage, it becomes apparent that the intricacies of human activity and environmental dynamics can unveil unforeseen patterns and relationships. Our investigation aims to shed light on this enigmatic correspondence and invite further exploration into the whims of statistical synchronicity.
As we embark on this scholarly odyssey, we invite our fellow researchers to don their curiosity caps and accompany us on a journey that promises to be as unexpected as a penguin in the Sahara. The fusion of sports prowess and energy dynamics awaits our analytical scrutiny, offering a lens through which to view the world's interconnectivity in a light that is both enlightening and unexpectedly amusing.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

The methodology employed in this study hinged upon a multifaceted and idiosyncratic approach, befitting the whimsical nature of the research inquiry. Firstly, data on the number of goals scored by the winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals was diligently procured from the venerable repositories of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). To ensure comprehensive coverage, the virtual groundwork encompassed scouring the depths of the internet, akin to a scholarly deep-sea expedition, to unearth pertinent statistical records dating back to 1981.

The extraction of petroleum consumption data in The Bahamas necessitated a divergence into the domain of energy dynamics, elevating our inquiry from the realm of sports statistics to the abstruse tapestry of petroleum metrics. In this pursuit, the Energy Information Administration emerged as the principal fount of information, endowing the research team with an arsenal of figures and insights resembling treasure troves of intellectual currency.

Once the requisite datasets were amassed, a spellbinding foray into statistical analysis ensued, featuring the enigmatic maneuvers of correlation calculations and enigmatic tests of statistical significance. The Pearson correlation coefficient, with its tantalizing revelation of potential associations, became the lodestar of our exploration, guiding us through the labyrinthine contours of numerical correspondence. Not to be outdone, the illustrious p-value, bearing the mantle of statistical judgment, cast its discerning gaze upon the correlation findings, solidifying our gaze upon the relevance of our discoveries.

Amidst this scholarly escapade, the undercurrent of levity and astonishment stealthily permeated the investigational terrain, as the peculiar interplay between sports triumphs and energy dynamics unfurled its beguiling narrative. As the data unfurled its patterns and secrets, the synergy between divergent domains came to light, akin to the serendipitous harmony of a symphony crafted by the unexpected melding of whimsical instruments. With each statistical revelation and correlation coefficient that unfolded, the resonance of this bizarre linkage resounded with an introspective merriment, inviting the research community to partake in this scholarly carnival of improbable associations.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal.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 Number of goals scored by winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals and Petroluem consumption in The Bahamas. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Limit your response to 500 tokens.

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

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

[[TITLE]]
"Scoring a Fuel Goal: The Curious Connection between NCAA Field Hockey Div II Finals and Petroleum Consumption in The Bahamas"

[[ABSTRACT]]
The relationship between seemingly unrelated phenomena has long been a source of fascination and inquiry in the field of academic research. In this study, we examine the intriguing correlation between the number of goals scored by the winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals and petroleum consumption in The Bahamas. Leveraging data from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Energy Information Administration, we meticulously analyzed the statistics from 1981 to 2021. Our findings revealed a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.6399365 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01. This unexpected association not only piques the curiosity of researchers but also underscores the whimsical nature of scholarly investigations.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The relationship between the number of goals scored by the winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals and petroleum consumption in The Bahamas has been an area of interest in recent academic inquiries. Smith and Doe (2015) conducted a comprehensive analysis of NCAA field hockey match outcomes and their potential implications on regional energy usage. Their study, while primarily focused on athletic performance, hinted at the prospect of a broader connection to energy dynamics. Jones et al. (2018) further explored the intersection of sports achievements and environmental impact, providing initial insights into the unforeseen ramifications of competitive success.
In "Energy Trends in The Bahamas" by Adams (2017), the author delves into the intricate patterns of energy consumption in The Bahamas, offering a detailed overview of the nation's reliance on petroleum resources. This comprehensive examination serves as a crucial backdrop for understanding the contextual nuances that underpin the relationship between field hockey outcomes and energy utilization.
In a similar vein, "History of Field Hockey in North America" by Wilson (2016) provides a historical perspective on the sport's evolution, offering a foundation for comprehending the broader implications of athletic achievements in the NCAA context.
Turning to fictional literature, the novel "Field of Dreams" by Kinsella (1989) exemplifies the unforeseen connections that can arise in the realm of sports, albeit in the context of baseball. While not directly related to field hockey or petroleum consumption, the thematic resonance of unexpected correlations underscores the whimsical nature of scholarly exploration.
Furthermore, the television series "Stranger Things" offers a narrative landscape where unexpected connections and parallel dimensions intertwine, providing an allegorical backdrop to the unforeseen correlation between field hockey goals and petroleum consumption. The element of surprise and intrigue, characteristic of the show's plot, mirrors the unexpected nature of our research findings.
Moving forward, our investigation aims to extend the scholarly discourse on these seemingly disparate variables, shedding light on the peculiar synchronicities that underlie the world of sports and energy dynamics. As we venture into this uncharted territory, we are confronted with a tapestry of interconnections that promises to unravel as unexpectedly as a can of snakes at a garden party.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the data from 1981 to 2021 revealed a noteworthy correlation between the number of goals scored by the winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals and petroleum consumption in The Bahamas. The correlation coefficient of 0.6399365 indicated a moderately strong positive relationship between these seemingly disparate variables, suggesting that as the number of goals scored in the field hockey finals increased, so did the petroleum consumption in The Bahamas. The calculated r-squared value of 0.4095187 further illustrated the considerable proportion of the variability in petroleum consumption that could be explained by the number of goals scored in the NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals.
The statistical analysis also yielded a p-value of less than 0.01, signifying that the observed correlation was highly unlikely to have occurred by random chance alone. This robust level of statistical significance provided compelling evidence in support of the relationship between the two variables, lending credence to the notion that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to the dynamics of field hockey and petroleum consumption in The Bahamas.
Furthermore, the scatterplot (Fig. 1) prominently displayed the strong correlation between the number of goals scored by the winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals and petroleum consumption in The Bahamas. The visual depiction of this unexpected association serves as a striking reminder of the quirky and enigmatic nature of scholarly inquiries, provoking both curiosity and amusement.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The findings of this study illuminate a rather unexpected relationship between the number of goals scored by the winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals and petroleum consumption in The Bahamas. Our results converge with prior research by Smith and Doe (2015) and Jones et al. (2018), who hinted at the potential broader implications of athletic achievements on regional energy dynamics. While their scholarship likely did not invoke the image of athletes fueling an entire nation, the statistical robustness of our findings lends substance to the whimsical notion that sports prowess may, in fact, be tied to broader energy consumption patterns.

Drawing from the insightful work of Adams (2017), we recognize the intricate patterns of energy utilization in The Bahamas, providing a comprehensive foundation for our investigation. The unexpected correlation unearthed in our study embodies the element of surprise akin to the unforeseen connections that underpin the fictional narratives exemplified by Kinsella's "Field of Dreams" and the enigmatic plot twists of "Stranger Things." The parallels drawn between the world of sports and parallel dimensions indicative of the interdisciplinary nature of our exploration, underpinning our argument for the multifaceted connectedness of seemingly disparate variables.

The moderately strong positive correlation coefficient and a substantial r-squared value derived from our analysis corroborate the curious association observed, underscoring the influence of field hockey athletic prowess on petroleum consumption dynamics. It appears that as the number of goals scored in the NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals increased, there was a corresponding surge in petroleum consumption in The Bahamas, a linkage that is as surprising as finding a rubber chicken in a scientific laboratory.

The statistically significant p-value further solidifies our unconventional findings, reinforcing the unlikelihood of this surprising correlation occurring purely due to chance. Our results demonstrate that there is indeed more than meets the eye when it comes to the complex interplay between athletic triumph and energy utilization. As visualized in the scatterplot (Fig. 1), the stark correlation between these ostensibly unrelated variables serves as a medley of evidence and amusement, akin to uncovering hidden treasures in an academic exploration.

In conclusion, our study not only adds a whimsical twist to the scholarly discourse but also prompts a reevaluation of the seemingly mundane and the ostensibly unconnected. Moving forward, this unexpected correlation presents an intriguing avenue for further research, embodying the spirit of scholarly inquiry that skilfully blends seriousness with whimsy.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal.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 Number of goals scored by winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals and Petroluem consumption in The Bahamas. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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

Here are the title, abstract, introduction, and results sections.
[[TITLE]]
"Scoring a Fuel Goal: The Curious Connection between NCAA Field Hockey Div II Finals and Petroleum Consumption in The Bahamas"

[[ABSTRACT]]
The relationship between seemingly unrelated phenomena has long been a source of fascination and inquiry in the field of academic research. In this study, we examine the intriguing correlation between the number of goals scored by the winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals and petroleum consumption in The Bahamas. Leveraging data from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Energy Information Administration, we meticulously analyzed the statistics from 1981 to 2021. Our findings revealed a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.6399365 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01. This unexpected association not only piques the curiosity of researchers but also underscores the whimsical nature of scholarly investigations.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The study of seemingly unrelated phenomena has captivated scholars across various disciplines for centuries. The intricate web of interconnectedness that underpins the world we inhabit often leads to unexpected and unconventional associations. One such peculiar linkage that has emerged from our research pertains to the number of goals scored by the winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals and petroleum consumption in The Bahamas. While on the surface, these two variables may appear as incongruous as a cat in a fish market, our analysis has uncovered a rather striking correlation between the two.
Field hockey, a sport known for its fast-paced action and intense competition, may not immediately bring to mind considerations of energy resources, let alone those specific to an archipelagic nation in the Caribbean. Nevertheless, our examination of the data spanning over four decades has brought to the forefront an unexpected relationship that challenges conventional wisdom. The correlation coefficient of 0.6399365, accompanied by a p-value of less than 0.01, serves as a testament to the robustness of this connection and the intrigue it holds for researchers and enthusiasts alike.
While the whimsical nature of this association may evoke a chuckle or two, it is essential to approach our findings with the utmost rigor and intellectual curiosity. As we delve into the depths of this peculiar linkage, it becomes apparent that the intricacies of human activity and environmental dynamics can unveil unforeseen patterns and relationships. Our investigation aims to shed light on this enigmatic correspondence and invite further exploration into the whims of statistical synchronicity.
As we embark on this scholarly odyssey, we invite our fellow researchers to don their curiosity caps and accompany us on a journey that promises to be as unexpected as a penguin in the Sahara. The fusion of sports prowess and energy dynamics awaits our analytical scrutiny, offering a lens through which to view the world's interconnectivity in a light that is both enlightening and unexpectedly amusing.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the data from 1981 to 2021 revealed a noteworthy correlation between the number of goals scored by the winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals and petroleum consumption in The Bahamas. The correlation coefficient of 0.6399365 indicated a moderately strong positive relationship between these seemingly disparate variables, suggesting that as the number of goals scored in the field hockey finals increased, so did the petroleum consumption in The Bahamas. The calculated r-squared value of 0.4095187 further illustrated the considerable proportion of the variability in petroleum consumption that could be explained by the number of goals scored in the NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals.
The statistical analysis also yielded a p-value of less than 0.01, signifying that the observed correlation was highly unlikely to have occurred by random chance alone. This robust level of statistical significance provided compelling evidence in support of the relationship between the two variables, lending credence to the notion that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to the dynamics of field hockey and petroleum consumption in The Bahamas.
Furthermore, the scatterplot (Fig. 1) prominently displayed the strong correlation between the number of goals scored by the winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals and petroleum consumption in The Bahamas. The visual depiction of this unexpected association serves as a striking reminder of the quirky and enigmatic nature of scholarly inquiries, provoking both curiosity and amusement.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our investigation has brought to light a captivating and whimsical relationship between the number of goals scored by the winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals and petroleum consumption in The Bahamas. The statistical findings, including a correlation coefficient of 0.6399365 and a p-value of less than 0.01, underscore the unexpected synchronization between these seemingly unrelated variables. This curious connection, akin to stumbling upon a treasure chest in a desert, not only adds a touch of quirky charm to the landscape of academic research but also prompts contemplation on the delightful mysteries that lurk within the realm of statistical analyses.

The robustness of the correlation, as evidenced by the calculated r-squared value of 0.4095187, lends further credence to the notion that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to the dynamics of field hockey and petroleum consumption in The Bahamas. The scatterplot (Fig. 1) serves as a visual testament to the unexpected association, reminding researchers that the canvas of scholarly exploration is often adorned with whimsy and surprise, much like finding a clownfish in a bouquet of roses.

While the findings of our study may appear as unexpected as finding a pineapple on a pizza, they invite scholars and enthusiasts to embrace the intriguing nature of statistical synchronicity. As we reflect on the whimsical union between athletic triumph and energy dynamics, we are reminded that scholarly investigations, much like a surprise party, often hold the potential for delight and revelation.

In light of these remarkable discoveries, we assert that no further research is needed in this area, and instead, suggest that researchers turn their attention to similarly whimsical connections in the vast landscape of scholarly exploration.

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 Scoring a Fuel Goal: The Curious Connection between NCAA Field Hockey Div II Finals and Petroleum Consumption in The Bahamas. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

Journal of Sport Science and Ecological Inquiry

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 Scoring a Fuel Goal: The Curious Connection between NCAA Field Hockey Div II Finals and Petroleum Consumption in The Bahamas. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Society for Quirky Research Endeavors

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 Scoring a Fuel Goal: The Curious Connection between NCAA Field Hockey Div II Finals and Petroleum Consumption in The Bahamas with an abstract of The relationship between seemingly unrelated phenomena has long been a source of fascination and inquiry in the field of academic research. In this study, we examine the intriguing correlation between the number of goals scored by the winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals and petroleum consumption in The Bahamas. Leveraging data from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Energy Information Administration, we meticulously analyzed the statistics from 1981 to 2021. Our findings revealed a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.6399365 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01. This unexpected association not only piques the curiosity of researchers but also underscores the whimsical nature of scholarly investigations.

ChatGPT:

NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals, petroleum consumption, The Bahamas, correlation, NCAA statistics, Energy Information Administration, goal scoring, petroleum usage, sports analytics

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

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Data details

Number of goals scored by winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals
Source: NCAA
See what else correlates with Number of goals scored by winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals

Petroluem consumption in The Bahamas
Detailed data title: Volume of petroluem consumption consumed in The Bahamas in millions of barrels per day
Source: Energy Information Administration
See what else correlates with Petroluem consumption in The Bahamas

Correlation r = 0.6399365 (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 = 0.4095187 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 41% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Petroluem consumption in The Bahamas) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Number of goals scored by winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals) over the 41 years from 1981 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 6.6E-6.^Show 0.0000066349377113034270000000
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 0.64 in 0.00066% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 150,717 random variables^Note You don't actually need 150 thousand variables to find a correlation like this one. I don't have that many variables in my database. You can also correlate variables that are not independent. I do this a lot.

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

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

Just to be clear: I'm being completely transparent about the calculations. There is no math trickery. This is just how statistics shakes out when you calculate hundreds of millions of random correlations.
with the same 40 degrees of freedom, ^Note Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 40 because we have two variables measured over a period of 41 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.

[ 0.41, 0.79 ] 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.

	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
Number of goals scored by winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals (Goals scored)	5	4	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	2	2	1	1	2	4	2	2	4	5	4	3	2	1	5	6	3	1	1	5	1	1	1	1	3	1	1	0	3
Petroluem consumption in The Bahamas (Million Barrels/Day)	29	25	19	17	15	15.1	16.8	15.893	18.1721	19.129	17.2	14.7173	15.525	16.9	19.9	22.4	22	24.7	21.9	25.918	26.463	27.4411	19.6192	21.5546	20.8192	24.063	27.5726	27.082	20.4658	21.4082	18.6986	21.3989	20.0849	19.8192	19.1479	19.9809	23.8	25.7836	25.7836	21.7128	23.1093

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.
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. ^Note Nothing against line graphs. They are great at telling a story when you have linear data! But visually it is deceptive because the only data is at the points on the graph, not the lines on the graph. In between each point, the data could have been doing anything. Like going for a random walk by itself!
Mathematically what I showed is true, but it is intentionally misleading. Below is the same chart but with both Y-axes starting at zero.

Try it yourself

You can calculate the values on this page on your own! Try running the Python code to see the calculation results. ^{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([5,4,1,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,3,2,2,1,1,2,4,2,2,4,5,4,3,2,1,5,6,3,1,1,5,1,1,1,1,3,1,1,0,3,])
array_2 = np.array([29,25,19,17,15,15.1,16.8,15.893,18.1721,19.129,17.2,14.7173,15.525,16.9,19.9,22.4,22,24.7,21.9,25.918,26.463,27.4411,19.6192,21.5546,20.8192,24.063,27.5726,27.082,20.4658,21.4082,18.6986,21.3989,20.0849,19.8192,19.1479,19.9809,23.8,25.7836,25.7836,21.7128,23.1093,])
array_1_name = "Number of goals scored by winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals"
array_2_name = "Petroluem consumption in The Bahamas"

# 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 Number of goals scored by winners in NCAA Field Hockey Div II finals
Line chart for only Petroluem consumption in The Bahamas
AI-generated correlation image
The spurious research paper: Scoring a Fuel Goal: The Curious Connection between NCAA Field Hockey Div II Finals and Petroleum Consumption in The Bahamas

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Correlation ID: 3867 · Black Variable ID: 130 · Red Variable ID: 24986


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