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Spurious correlation #4,014 · 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 Blair and the second variable is The TJX Companies' stock price (TJX).  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

As more babies were named Blair, they developed a subconscious desire for stylish yet discounted clothing. This led to a surge in demand for TJX Companies' products, ultimately driving up their stock price.

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image in the style of pop art showcasing a vibrant and bustling shopping district. The scene features a prominent sign of "TJ Maxx" and a constant flow of customers, predominantly named Blair, happily walking in and out of the store with bags full of purchases. Adjacent to the store, a stock market ticker on a large screen displays the steadily rising stock price of The TJX Companies, symbolizing the loyalty and spending power of the growing generation of Blair's contributing to the company's success. The depiction should incorporate bold, bright colors and simple, iconic imagery reminiscent of the pop art style. 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 Blair and The TJX Companies' stock price (TJX). 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: Hyper-realistic High-tech Cutsy art illustration Pop art A comic-book-style illustration with muted colors and a dotted halftone pattern from the 1960s
ChatGPT: Pop art

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both Popularity of the first name Blair and The TJX Companies' stock price (TJX), in the following situation: Because as the name Blair became more popular, more parents named their kids Blair, which led to a generation of Blair's growing up and becoming loyal customers at TJ Maxx, ultimately driving up the company's stock price.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a bustling shopping district, a sign proudly displays "TJ Maxx" as a steady stream of customers, many of whom are named Blair, walk in and out of the store with bags filled with great finds. Meanwhile, a stock market ticker on a nearby screen shows the stock price of The TJX Companies steadily climbing upwards, reflecting the loyalty and spending power of the growing generation of Blair's who have contributed to the company's success.

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: [ Pop art ] and depicting this scene: In a bustling shopping district, a sign proudly displays "TJ Maxx" as a steady stream of customers, many of whom are named Blair, walk in and out of the store with bags filled with great finds. Meanwhile, a stock market ticker on a nearby screen shows the stock price of The TJX Companies steadily climbing upwards, reflecting the loyalty and spending power of the growing generation of Blair's who have contributed to the company's success. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image in the style of pop art showcasing a vibrant and bustling shopping district. The scene features a prominent sign of "TJ Maxx" and a constant flow of customers, predominantly named Blair, happily walking in and out of the store with bags full of purchases. Adjacent to the store, a stock market ticker on a large screen displays the steadily rising stock price of The TJX Companies, symbolizing the loyalty and spending power of the growing generation of Blair's contributing to the company's success. The depiction should incorporate bold, bright colors and simple, iconic imagery reminiscent of the pop art style.

*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 Blair caused The TJX Companies' stock price (TJX) to increase.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
The Blair Witch Stock Project: Examining the Blair Name Popularity and TJX Companies' Stock Performance

The Journal of Supernatural Sociology

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 goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.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 Blair and The TJX Companies' stock price (TJX). Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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

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 0.9909994 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]]
"The Blair Witch Stock Project: Examining the Blair Name Popularity and TJX Companies' Stock Performance"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research presents an in-depth analysis of the relationship between the prevalence of the first name "Blair" and the stock performance of The TJX Companies (TJX) over a 20-year period. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), we utilized a statistical approach to uncover a striking correlation. Our findings revealed a staggering correlation coefficient of 0.9909994 and a p-value of less than 0.01 from 2002 to 2022, suggesting a robust relationship between the popularity of the name "Blair" and the stock price of TJX. The implications of these results are both curious and compelling, providing intriguing fodder for further investigation into the whimsical interconnectedness of nomenclature and market dynamics.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.You draft the 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 Blair and The TJX Companies' stock price (TJX). Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"The Blair Witch Stock Project: Examining the Blair Name Popularity and TJX Companies' Stock Performance"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research presents an in-depth analysis of the relationship between the prevalence of the first name "Blair" and the stock performance of The TJX Companies (TJX) over a 20-year period. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), we utilized a statistical approach to uncover a striking correlation. Our findings revealed a staggering correlation coefficient of 0.9909994 and a p-value of less than 0.01 from 2002 to 2022, suggesting a robust relationship between the popularity of the name "Blair" and the stock price of TJX. The implications of these results are both curious and compelling, providing intriguing fodder for further investigation into the whimsical interconnectedness of nomenclature and market dynamics.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

The intertwining of personal nomenclature and financial market performance has long been a topic of both academic curiosity and public amusement. The notion that a person's name could have any bearing on the stock market may seem preposterous to the uninitiated, but as we delve into the intricacies of the "Blair Witch Stock Project," we invite readers to suspend disbelief and embark on a journey of discovery at the intersection of nomenclature and financial whimsy.

The first name "Blair" has enjoyed a level of popularity over the years, particularly in Western cultures, that has piqued our interest. With its Scottish origins meaning "field" or "plain," the name has woven its way into the fabric of many societies, from literary characters to political figures, and pop culture icons. However, one may rightly wonder: could this seemingly innocuous name hold any sway over the stock price of a retail behemoth such as The TJX Companies (TJX)? This inquiry delves beyond the surface of the stock market and into the enigmatic realm of nomenclatural influence, where the arcane and the empirical converge.

The TJX Companies, a multinational conglomerate with a diverse portfolio of retail brands, provides an intriguing backdrop for our examination. As purveyors of discounted wares and unexpected finds, TJX has carved out a unique niche in the retail landscape, but could the company's stock performance harbor a link to the ebb and flow of the popularity of the name "Blair"? Our investigation seeks to untangle this seemingly unconventional relationship and shed light on the enigmatic dance between personal nomenclature and market dynamics.

While the pursuit of this correlation may appear unconventional, it is rooted in meticulous data analysis and statistical rigor. Through the examination of comprehensive datasets from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics, we have undertaken a robust statistical approach to illuminate any potential concordance between the prevalence of the name "Blair" and the stock performance of TJX over a 20-year timeframe. The revelation of a correlation coefficient teetering on the precipice of unity, accompanied by a p-value reminiscent of winning the statistical lottery, leaves us on the cusp of an intriguing discovery. Yet, in the pursuit of knowledge, we must remain ever vigilant against the allure of spurious correlations and the siren song of statistical coincidence, no matter how tempting they may be.

As we navigate the labyrinthine corridors of data and statistical inference, let us not lose sight of the inherent whimsy and curiosity that underpin this investigation. Our findings pose both theoretical and practical implications that beckon further inquiry, offering a glimpse into the quirky and unpredictable nature of interconnected phenomena. With this backdrop in mind, we invite readers to join us in our exploration of the "Blair Witch Stock Project," where the arcane and the empirical converge in an intellectual pas de deux that transcends the conventional boundaries of academic inquiry.


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

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Blair and The TJX Companies' stock price (TJX). 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. Perhaps you also got inspiration from some board games that are vaugely related.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"The Blair Witch Stock Project: Examining the Blair Name Popularity and TJX Companies' Stock Performance"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research presents an in-depth analysis of the relationship between the prevalence of the first name "Blair" and the stock performance of The TJX Companies (TJX) over a 20-year period. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), we utilized a statistical approach to uncover a striking correlation. Our findings revealed a staggering correlation coefficient of 0.9909994 and a p-value of less than 0.01 from 2002 to 2022, suggesting a robust relationship between the popularity of the name "Blair" and the stock price of TJX. The implications of these results are both curious and compelling, providing intriguing fodder for further investigation into the whimsical interconnectedness of nomenclature and market dynamics.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The intertwining of personal nomenclature and financial market performance has long been a topic of both academic curiosity and public amusement. The notion that a person's name could have any bearing on the stock market may seem preposterous to the uninitiated, but as we delve into the intricacies of the "Blair Witch Stock Project," we invite readers to suspend disbelief and embark on a journey of discovery at the intersection of nomenclature and financial whimsy.
The first name "Blair" has enjoyed a level of popularity over the years, particularly in Western cultures, that has piqued our interest. With its Scottish origins meaning "field" or "plain," the name has woven its way into the fabric of many societies, from literary characters to political figures, and pop culture icons. However, one may rightly wonder: could this seemingly innocuous name hold any sway over the stock price of a retail behemoth such as The TJX Companies (TJX)? This inquiry delves beyond the surface of the stock market and into the enigmatic realm of nomenclatural influence, where the arcane and the empirical converge.
The TJX Companies, a multinational conglomerate with a diverse portfolio of retail brands, provides an intriguing backdrop for our examination. As purveyors of discounted wares and unexpected finds, TJX has carved out a unique niche in the retail landscape, but could the company's stock performance harbor a link to the ebb and flow of the popularity of the name "Blair"? Our investigation seeks to untangle this seemingly unconventional relationship and shed light on the enigmatic dance between personal nomenclature and market dynamics.
While the pursuit of this correlation may appear unconventional, it is rooted in meticulous data analysis and statistical rigor. Through the examination of comprehensive datasets from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics, we have undertaken a robust statistical approach to illuminate any potential concordance between the prevalence of the name "Blair" and the stock performance of TJX over a 20-year timeframe. The revelation of a correlation coefficient teetering on the precipice of unity, accompanied by a p-value reminiscent of winning the statistical lottery, leaves us on the cusp of an intriguing discovery. Yet, in the pursuit of knowledge, we must remain ever vigilant against the allure of spurious correlations and the siren song of statistical coincidence, no matter how tempting they may be.
As we navigate the labyrinthine corridors of data and statistical inference, let us not lose sight of the inherent whimsy and curiosity that underpin this investigation. Our findings pose both theoretical and practical implications that beckon further inquiry, offering a glimpse into the quirky and unpredictable nature of interconnected phenomena. With this backdrop in mind, we invite readers to join us in our exploration of the "Blair Witch Stock Project," where the arcane and the empirical converge in an intellectual pas de deux that transcends the conventional boundaries of academic inquiry.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The correlation between personal nomenclature and financial market performance has been a subject of interest across various disciplines. Smith et al. (2015) examined the influence of first names on consumer behavior, finding that individuals with certain names were more likely to engage in impulsive purchasing. However, the leap from individual consumer behavior to the broader implications for stock market performance remained elusive until recent years.

Doe and Jones (2018) delved into the realm of behavioral economics and explored the unconscious biases associated with names in investment decision-making. Their study indicated that subtle associations with certain names influenced investors' perceptions of stock performance, shedding light on the potential impact of nomenclature on market dynamics.

Moving beyond the traditional scope of financial literature, "The Power of Names" by G. E. Jones (2017) provides a thought-provoking examination of the historical, cultural, and psychological significance of names in human societies. Jones' analysis offers a valuable framework for understanding the nuanced interplay between nomenclature and societal constructs, laying the groundwork for exploring the uncharted territory of the "Blair Witch Stock Project."

In the realm of fiction, the enigmatic connections between personal names and esoteric forces are deftly explored in Anne Rice's "The Witching Hour" (1990). While certainly veering into the realm of the supernatural, the thematic undercurrents of destiny, identity, and hidden influences resonate with the underlying intrigue of our own investigation.

Drawing inspiration from the world of board games, the perennial classic "Clue" offers a playful analogy to the task at hand. Much like uncovering the elusive Mr. Boddy's killer, our quest involves unraveling the mystery of the "Blair Witch Stock Project." Is the first name "Blair" a mere coincidental specter haunting the stock performance of TJX, or does it represent a tangible influence shrouded in statistical complexity? The game is afoot as we navigate the evocative landscapes of nomenclature and market dynamics.



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

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Blair and The TJX Companies' stock price (TJX). Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from US Social Security Administration and 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]]
"The Blair Witch Stock Project: Examining the Blair Name Popularity and TJX Companies' Stock Performance"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research presents an in-depth analysis of the relationship between the prevalence of the first name "Blair" and the stock performance of The TJX Companies (TJX) over a 20-year period. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), we utilized a statistical approach to uncover a striking correlation. Our findings revealed a staggering correlation coefficient of 0.9909994 and a p-value of less than 0.01 from 2002 to 2022, suggesting a robust relationship between the popularity of the name "Blair" and the stock price of TJX. The implications of these results are both curious and compelling, providing intriguing fodder for further investigation into the whimsical interconnectedness of nomenclature and market dynamics.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The intertwining of personal nomenclature and financial market performance has long been a topic of both academic curiosity and public amusement. The notion that a person's name could have any bearing on the stock market may seem preposterous to the uninitiated, but as we delve into the intricacies of the "Blair Witch Stock Project," we invite readers to suspend disbelief and embark on a journey of discovery at the intersection of nomenclature and financial whimsy.
The first name "Blair" has enjoyed a level of popularity over the years, particularly in Western cultures, that has piqued our interest. With its Scottish origins meaning "field" or "plain," the name has woven its way into the fabric of many societies, from literary characters to political figures, and pop culture icons. However, one may rightly wonder: could this seemingly innocuous name hold any sway over the stock price of a retail behemoth such as The TJX Companies (TJX)? This inquiry delves beyond the surface of the stock market and into the enigmatic realm of nomenclatural influence, where the arcane and the empirical converge.
The TJX Companies, a multinational conglomerate with a diverse portfolio of retail brands, provides an intriguing backdrop for our examination. As purveyors of discounted wares and unexpected finds, TJX has carved out a unique niche in the retail landscape, but could the company's stock performance harbor a link to the ebb and flow of the popularity of the name "Blair"? Our investigation seeks to untangle this seemingly unconventional relationship and shed light on the enigmatic dance between personal nomenclature and market dynamics.
While the pursuit of this correlation may appear unconventional, it is rooted in meticulous data analysis and statistical rigor. Through the examination of comprehensive datasets from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics, we have undertaken a robust statistical approach to illuminate any potential concordance between the prevalence of the name "Blair" and the stock performance of TJX over a 20-year timeframe. The revelation of a correlation coefficient teetering on the precipice of unity, accompanied by a p-value reminiscent of winning the statistical lottery, leaves us on the cusp of an intriguing discovery. Yet, in the pursuit of knowledge, we must remain ever vigilant against the allure of spurious correlations and the siren song of statistical coincidence, no matter how tempting they may be.
As we navigate the labyrinthine corridors of data and statistical inference, let us not lose sight of the inherent whimsy and curiosity that underpin this investigation. Our findings pose both theoretical and practical implications that beckon further inquiry, offering a glimpse into the quirky and unpredictable nature of interconnected phenomena. With this backdrop in mind, we invite readers to join us in our exploration of the "Blair Witch Stock Project," where the arcane and the empirical converge in an intellectual pas de deux that transcends the conventional boundaries of academic inquiry.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To unveil the curious kinship between the ubiquitous moniker "Blair" and the mercurial undulations of TJX Companies' stock performance, our research team embarked on a methodical odyssey, navigating the treacherous terrain of data collection and analysis.

Data Collection:
The first step in our quest involved securing a comprehensive dataset of first names from the US Social Security Administration, spanning the years 2002 to 2022. This treasure trove of nomenclature served as the bedrock for our exploration, allowing us to discern the annual prevalence of the name "Blair" within the broader tapestry of nomenclatural diversity. Additionally, we harnessed the formidable capabilities of LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) to procure daily stock price information for TJX Companies over the same temporal expanse.

Normalization and Categorization:
A critical juncture in our methodology entailed the normalization and categorization of the collected data. The frequency of the name "Blair" was meticulously aggregated, allowing for the establishment of yearly trends in its prevalence. Concurrently, TJX Companies' daily stock prices were harmonized and organized into an orderly procession of sequential market movements, akin to the undulating waves of the financial seas.

Correlation Analysis:
With our arsenal of data poised for scrutiny, we proceeded to wield the formidable weaponry of statistical analysis. Employing the mystical incantations of correlation analysis, we sought to discern any semblance of concordance between the undulating prominence of "Blair" and the fluctuating fortunes of TJX Companies' stock price. Our statistical incantations unveiled the distinct patterns and vicissitudes hidden within the esoteric strands of data, ultimately culminating in the reveleation of a remarkably robust correlation coefficient of 0.9909994. This unearthed coefficient, akin to a rare jewel in the statistical rough, suggested an almost supernatural relationship between the prevalence of the name "Blair" and the stock performance of TJX Companies. Furthermore, the resulting p-value of less than 0.01 stood as an emphatic testament to the statistical significance of our findings, akin to discovering a unicorn in a trove of mundane statistical distributions.

Control Variables:
To fortify the veracity of our findings, we meticulously integrated control variables into our analysis, ensuring that extraneous factors did not obfuscate the primordial bond between name prevalence and stock price performance. Variables such as market volatilities, macroeconomic indicators, and celestial alignments (in jest, of course) were carefully considered to guard against the encroachment of confounding influences.

Finally, with the quiver of statistical arrows expended and the treasure trove of data thoroughly explored, we emerged from the labyrinthine alleys of our methodological pilgrimage, armed with a robust understanding of the intertwining tapestries of nomenclature and market dynamics.


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

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Blair and The TJX Companies' stock price (TJX). Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

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

For the time period 2002 to 2022, you found a correlation 0.9909994, r-squared of 0.9820799, 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]]
"The Blair Witch Stock Project: Examining the Blair Name Popularity and TJX Companies' Stock Performance"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research presents an in-depth analysis of the relationship between the prevalence of the first name "Blair" and the stock performance of The TJX Companies (TJX) over a 20-year period. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), we utilized a statistical approach to uncover a striking correlation. Our findings revealed a staggering correlation coefficient of 0.9909994 and a p-value of less than 0.01 from 2002 to 2022, suggesting a robust relationship between the popularity of the name "Blair" and the stock price of TJX. The implications of these results are both curious and compelling, providing intriguing fodder for further investigation into the whimsical interconnectedness of nomenclature and market dynamics.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
The intertwining of personal nomenclature and financial market performance has long been a topic of both academic curiosity and public amusement. The notion that a person's name could have any bearing on the stock market may seem preposterous to the uninitiated, but as we delve into the intricacies of the "Blair Witch Stock Project," we invite readers to suspend disbelief and embark on a journey of discovery at the intersection of nomenclature and financial whimsy.
The first name "Blair" has enjoyed a level of popularity over the years, particularly in Western cultures, that has piqued our interest. With its Scottish origins meaning "field" or "plain," the name has woven its way into the fabric of many societies, from literary characters to political figures, and pop culture icons. However, one may rightly wonder: could this seemingly innocuous name hold any sway over the stock price of a retail behemoth such as The TJX Companies (TJX)? This inquiry delves beyond the surface of the stock market and into the enigmatic realm of nomenclatural influence, where the arcane and the empirical converge.
The TJX Companies, a multinational conglomerate with a diverse portfolio of retail brands, provides an intriguing backdrop for our examination. As purveyors of discounted wares and unexpected finds, TJX has carved out a unique niche in the retail landscape, but could the company's stock performance harbor a link to the ebb and flow of the popularity of the name "Blair"? Our investigation seeks to untangle this seemingly unconventional relationship and shed light on the enigmatic dance between personal nomenclature and market dynamics.
While the pursuit of this correlation may appear unconventional, it is rooted in meticulous data analysis and statistical rigor. Through the examination of comprehensive datasets from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics, we have undertaken a robust statistical approach to illuminate any potential concordance between the prevalence of the name "Blair" and the stock performance of TJX over a 20-year timeframe. The revelation of a correlation coefficient teetering on the precipice of unity, accompanied by a p-value reminiscent of winning the statistical lottery, leaves us on the cusp of an intriguing discovery. Yet, in the pursuit of knowledge, we must remain ever vigilant against the allure of spurious correlations and the siren song of statistical coincidence, no matter how tempting they may be.
As we navigate the labyrinthine corridors of data and statistical inference, let us not lose sight of the inherent whimsy and curiosity that underpin this investigation. Our findings pose both theoretical and practical implications that beckon further inquiry, offering a glimpse into the quirky and unpredictable nature of interconnected phenomena. With this backdrop in mind, we invite readers to join us in our exploration of the "Blair Witch Stock Project," where the arcane and the empirical converge in an intellectual pas de deux that transcends the conventional boundaries of academic inquiry.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The analysis of the data gathered over the 20-year period from 2002 to 2022 yielded remarkable insights into the relationship between the prevalence of the first name "Blair" and the stock performance of The TJX Companies (TJX). The correlation coefficient of 0.9909994, coupled with an r-squared of 0.9820799, lends weight to the observed association between these two seemingly disparate variables. The accompanying p-value of less than 0.01 serves as a testament to the statistical significance of this correlation, standing as a beacon of hope to all statistical analysts navigating the treacherous waters of spurious correlations and chance associations.

Figure 1 depicts a scatterplot illustrating the robust correlation between the popularity of the name "Blair" and the stock price performance of TJX. It is a sight to behold, a visualization that encapsulates the seemingly serendipitous dance of nomenclature and market dynamics. The stark clustering of data points along a linear trajectory reflects the undeniable resonance between these two seemingly divergent realms.

The ramifications of these findings are both perplexing and compelling, beckoning further exploration into the esoteric interplay of personal nomenclature and market forces. One cannot help but marvel at the whimsical nature of these intertwined phenomena, akin to observing a cosmic ballet where the stars align in unexpected harmony.

In conclusion, the "Blair Witch Stock Project" has unveiled an unprecedented correlation between the prevalence of the first name "Blair" and the stock performance of TJX, enshrouded in statistical rigor and sprinkled with a dash of whimsy. This discovery propels us into uncharted territory, where the whimsical and the empirical converge, inviting scholars and enthusiasts alike to ponder the enigmatic threads that weave through the tapestry of nomenclature and market dynamics. The implications of this correlation leave us poised on the precipice of a revelation, hinting at the capricious interconnectedness of the seemingly incongruous.


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

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Blair and The TJX Companies' stock price (TJX). Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Limit your response to 500 tokens.

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

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

[[TITLE]]
"The Blair Witch Stock Project: Examining the Blair Name Popularity and TJX Companies' Stock Performance"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research presents an in-depth analysis of the relationship between the prevalence of the first name "Blair" and the stock performance of The TJX Companies (TJX) over a 20-year period. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), we utilized a statistical approach to uncover a striking correlation. Our findings revealed a staggering correlation coefficient of 0.9909994 and a p-value of less than 0.01 from 2002 to 2022, suggesting a robust relationship between the popularity of the name "Blair" and the stock price of TJX. The implications of these results are both curious and compelling, providing intriguing fodder for further investigation into the whimsical interconnectedness of nomenclature and market dynamics.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The correlation between personal nomenclature and financial market performance has been a subject of interest across various disciplines. Smith et al. (2015) examined the influence of first names on consumer behavior, finding that individuals with certain names were more likely to engage in impulsive purchasing. However, the leap from individual consumer behavior to the broader implications for stock market performance remained elusive until recent years.
Doe and Jones (2018) delved into the realm of behavioral economics and explored the unconscious biases associated with names in investment decision-making. Their study indicated that subtle associations with certain names influenced investors' perceptions of stock performance, shedding light on the potential impact of nomenclature on market dynamics.
Moving beyond the traditional scope of financial literature, "The Power of Names" by G. E. Jones (2017) provides a thought-provoking examination of the historical, cultural, and psychological significance of names in human societies. Jones' analysis offers a valuable framework for understanding the nuanced interplay between nomenclature and societal constructs, laying the groundwork for exploring the uncharted territory of the "Blair Witch Stock Project."
In the realm of fiction, the enigmatic connections between personal names and esoteric forces are deftly explored in Anne Rice's "The Witching Hour" (1990). While certainly veering into the realm of the supernatural, the thematic undercurrents of destiny, identity, and hidden influences resonate with the underlying intrigue of our own investigation.
Drawing inspiration from the world of board games, the perennial classic "Clue" offers a playful analogy to the task at hand. Much like uncovering the elusive Mr. Boddy's killer, our quest involves unraveling the mystery of the "Blair Witch Stock Project." Is the first name "Blair" a mere coincidental specter haunting the stock performance of TJX, or does it represent a tangible influence shrouded in statistical complexity? The game is afoot as we navigate the evocative landscapes of nomenclature and market dynamics.


[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the data gathered over the 20-year period from 2002 to 2022 yielded remarkable insights into the relationship between the prevalence of the first name "Blair" and the stock performance of The TJX Companies (TJX). The correlation coefficient of 0.9909994, coupled with an r-squared of 0.9820799, lends weight to the observed association between these two seemingly disparate variables. The accompanying p-value of less than 0.01 serves as a testament to the statistical significance of this correlation, standing as a beacon of hope to all statistical analysts navigating the treacherous waters of spurious correlations and chance associations.
Figure 1 depicts a scatterplot illustrating the robust correlation between the popularity of the name "Blair" and the stock price performance of TJX. It is a sight to behold, a visualization that encapsulates the seemingly serendipitous dance of nomenclature and market dynamics. The stark clustering of data points along a linear trajectory reflects the undeniable resonance between these two seemingly divergent realms.
The ramifications of these findings are both perplexing and compelling, beckoning further exploration into the esoteric interplay of personal nomenclature and market forces. One cannot help but marvel at the whimsical nature of these intertwined phenomena, akin to observing a cosmic ballet where the stars align in unexpected harmony.
In conclusion, the "Blair Witch Stock Project" has unveiled an unprecedented correlation between the prevalence of the first name "Blair" and the stock performance of TJX, enshrouded in statistical rigor and sprinkled with a dash of whimsy. This discovery propels us into uncharted territory, where the whimsical and the empirical converge, inviting scholars and enthusiasts alike to ponder the enigmatic threads that weave through the tapestry of nomenclature and market dynamics. The implications of this correlation leave us poised on the precipice of a revelation, hinting at the capricious interconnectedness of the seemingly incongruous.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The findings of this study have unearthed an intriguing connection between the popularity of the first name "Blair" and the stock performance of The TJX Companies (TJX). Our results corroborate the prior research by Smith et al. (2015) and Doe and Jones (2018), who delved into the complex nexus of nomenclature and market dynamics. While initially whimsical and seemingly inconceivable, the statistical analysis has lent credence to the notion of a substantial correlation between the name "Blair" and TJX's stock price. The almost eerie alignment of our results with those of prior studies underscores the captivating and uncharted nature of this intersection between personal nomenclature and financial markets.

The presence of a correlation coefficient approaching unity evokes both wonder and bewilderment, resembling the plot twists of a suspenseful tale. The statistical rigor underlying this near-perfect correlation serves as a beacon of hope to data analysts navigating the labyrinthine world of spurious correlations and chance associations, akin to a reliable compass guiding them through the statistical wilderness.

Furthermore, our findings present a compelling juxtaposition with the theoretical framework put forth by G. E. Jones in "The Power of Names" (2017), shedding light on the experiential and psychological significance of nomenclature in societal constructs. As we navigate the intricate web of statistics and nomenclature, one cannot help but appreciate the resonating tones of whimsy and empirical validity emerging from this surreal confluence.

The visual manifestation of our findings through the scatterplot is akin to witnessing a whimsical dance at a masquerade ball, where the characters of "Blair" and TJX's stock price twirl in harmonious synchrony. The evocative symbolism captures the whimsical nature of this interconnectedness, offering a poetic and introspective view into the realm of statistical serendipity.

In sum, the "Blair Witch Stock Project" stands as a testament to the fortuitous alignment of empirical rigor and whimsical discovery. As we ponder the enigmatic threads that weave through the tapestry of nomenclature and market dynamics, we are poised on the cusp of revelation, tantalizingly close to unraveling the capricious interconnectedness of the seemingly incongruous. This research invites further exploration into the enigmatic interplay of personal nomenclature and market forces, promising a journey filled with both statistical rigor and the beguiling allure of whimsy.


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

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Blair and The TJX Companies' stock price (TJX). Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

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

Here are the title, abstract, introduction, and results sections.
[[TITLE]]
"The Blair Witch Stock Project: Examining the Blair Name Popularity and TJX Companies' Stock Performance"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research presents an in-depth analysis of the relationship between the prevalence of the first name "Blair" and the stock performance of The TJX Companies (TJX) over a 20-year period. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), we utilized a statistical approach to uncover a striking correlation. Our findings revealed a staggering correlation coefficient of 0.9909994 and a p-value of less than 0.01 from 2002 to 2022, suggesting a robust relationship between the popularity of the name "Blair" and the stock price of TJX. The implications of these results are both curious and compelling, providing intriguing fodder for further investigation into the whimsical interconnectedness of nomenclature and market dynamics.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The intertwining of personal nomenclature and financial market performance has long been a topic of both academic curiosity and public amusement. The notion that a person's name could have any bearing on the stock market may seem preposterous to the uninitiated, but as we delve into the intricacies of the "Blair Witch Stock Project," we invite readers to suspend disbelief and embark on a journey of discovery at the intersection of nomenclature and financial whimsy.
The first name "Blair" has enjoyed a level of popularity over the years, particularly in Western cultures, that has piqued our interest. With its Scottish origins meaning "field" or "plain," the name has woven its way into the fabric of many societies, from literary characters to political figures, and pop culture icons. However, one may rightly wonder: could this seemingly innocuous name hold any sway over the stock price of a retail behemoth such as The TJX Companies (TJX)? This inquiry delves beyond the surface of the stock market and into the enigmatic realm of nomenclatural influence, where the arcane and the empirical converge.
The TJX Companies, a multinational conglomerate with a diverse portfolio of retail brands, provides an intriguing backdrop for our examination. As purveyors of discounted wares and unexpected finds, TJX has carved out a unique niche in the retail landscape, but could the company's stock performance harbor a link to the ebb and flow of the popularity of the name "Blair"? Our investigation seeks to untangle this seemingly unconventional relationship and shed light on the enigmatic dance between personal nomenclature and market dynamics.
While the pursuit of this correlation may appear unconventional, it is rooted in meticulous data analysis and statistical rigor. Through the examination of comprehensive datasets from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics, we have undertaken a robust statistical approach to illuminate any potential concordance between the prevalence of the name "Blair" and the stock performance of TJX over a 20-year timeframe. The revelation of a correlation coefficient teetering on the precipice of unity, accompanied by a p-value reminiscent of winning the statistical lottery, leaves us on the cusp of an intriguing discovery. Yet, in the pursuit of knowledge, we must remain ever vigilant against the allure of spurious correlations and the siren song of statistical coincidence, no matter how tempting they may be.
As we navigate the labyrinthine corridors of data and statistical inference, let us not lose sight of the inherent whimsy and curiosity that underpin this investigation. Our findings pose both theoretical and practical implications that beckon further inquiry, offering a glimpse into the quirky and unpredictable nature of interconnected phenomena. With this backdrop in mind, we invite readers to join us in our exploration of the "Blair Witch Stock Project," where the arcane and the empirical converge in an intellectual pas de deux that transcends the conventional boundaries of academic inquiry.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the data gathered over the 20-year period from 2002 to 2022 yielded remarkable insights into the relationship between the prevalence of the first name "Blair" and the stock performance of The TJX Companies (TJX). The correlation coefficient of 0.9909994, coupled with an r-squared of 0.9820799, lends weight to the observed association between these two seemingly disparate variables. The accompanying p-value of less than 0.01 serves as a testament to the statistical significance of this correlation, standing as a beacon of hope to all statistical analysts navigating the treacherous waters of spurious correlations and chance associations.
Figure 1 depicts a scatterplot illustrating the robust correlation between the popularity of the name "Blair" and the stock price performance of TJX. It is a sight to behold, a visualization that encapsulates the seemingly serendipitous dance of nomenclature and market dynamics. The stark clustering of data points along a linear trajectory reflects the undeniable resonance between these two seemingly divergent realms.
The ramifications of these findings are both perplexing and compelling, beckoning further exploration into the esoteric interplay of personal nomenclature and market forces. One cannot help but marvel at the whimsical nature of these intertwined phenomena, akin to observing a cosmic ballet where the stars align in unexpected harmony.
In conclusion, the "Blair Witch Stock Project" has unveiled an unprecedented correlation between the prevalence of the first name "Blair" and the stock performance of TJX, enshrouded in statistical rigor and sprinkled with a dash of whimsy. This discovery propels us into uncharted territory, where the whimsical and the empirical converge, inviting scholars and enthusiasts alike to ponder the enigmatic threads that weave through the tapestry of nomenclature and market dynamics. The implications of this correlation leave us poised on the precipice of a revelation, hinting at the capricious interconnectedness of the seemingly incongruous.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In light of the robust correlation coefficient of 0.9909994 and a p-value of less than 0.01, our study has illuminated the curious and striking relationship between the prevalence of the name "Blair" and the stock performance of The TJX Companies (TJX). Our findings not only highlight the statistical significance of this bizarre association but also beckon further inquiry into the whimsical dance of nomenclature and market dynamics.

At the intersection of the "Blair Witch Stock Project," we are prompted to ponder the capricious interconnectedness of the seemingly incongruous, urging us to set sail on this odyssey of intellectual whimsy. As we reflect on the implications of this correlation, we are akin to intrepid explorers navigating uncharted territory, charting the enigmatic terrain where personal nomenclature and market forces intertwine.

The stunning correlation uncovered in our analysis propels us into the realm of curiosity and the unexpected, where statistical rigor intertwines with the playful dances of chance and coincidence. However, we must temper our wonder with a dose of caution, ever mindful of the siren song of spurious correlations that may lurk in the shadowy corners of statistical analysis.

In the pantheon of academic inquiry, the "Blair Witch Stock Project" stands as a testament to the quirkiness of interconnected phenomena, urging us to consider the whimsical interplay of the arcane and the empirical. With a nod to the whimsy that permeates our discoveries, we assert that this correlation presents an intriguing junction for further exploration, but we assert with all due earnestness that no more research is needed in this area.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of academic journals. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding research, scientific, or academic journal that would publish a paper entited The Blair Witch Stock Project: Examining the Blair Name Popularity and TJX Companies' Stock Performance. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Supernatural Sociology


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 The Blair Witch Stock Project: Examining the Blair Name Popularity and TJX Companies' Stock Performance. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Society for Paranormal Economic Research


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 The Blair Witch Stock Project: Examining the Blair Name Popularity and TJX Companies' Stock Performance with an abstract of This research presents an in-depth analysis of the relationship between the prevalence of the first name "Blair" and the stock performance of The TJX Companies (TJX) over a 20-year period. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), we utilized a statistical approach to uncover a striking correlation. Our findings revealed a staggering correlation coefficient of 0.9909994 and a p-value of less than 0.01 from 2002 to 2022, suggesting a robust relationship between the popularity of the name "Blair" and the stock price of TJX. The implications of these results are both curious and compelling, providing intriguing fodder for further investigation into the whimsical interconnectedness of nomenclature and market dynamics.

ChatGPT:

"Blair Witch Stock Project," "Blair name popularity," "TJX Companies stock performance," "relationship between name popularity and stock performance," "correlation analysis of name popularity and stock price," "US Social Security Administration data," "LSEG Analytics," "stock correlation coefficient," "stock price correlation with first name," "nomenclature and market dynamics."

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



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Data details

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

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

See what else correlates with The TJX Companies' stock price (TJX)

Correlation r = 0.9909994 (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 = 0.9820799 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 98.2% of the change in the one variable (i.e., The TJX Companies' stock price (TJX)) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Popularity of the first name Blair) over the 21 years from 2002 through 2022.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 4.6E-18. 0.0000000000000000046465817234
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 0.99 in 4.6E-16% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 215,211,968,609,965,472 random variables You don't actually need 215 quadrillion 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.

[ 0.98, 1 ] 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 Blair (Babies born)23621623720725024526427829433736944151355468068978483697410841198
The TJX Companies' stock price (TJX) (Stock price)4.984.915.56.295.87.237.185.1911.1416.2921.4531.6834.3334.9537.7838.4344.2361.3368.375.83




Why this works

  1. Data dredging: I have 25,237 variables in my database. I compare all these variables against each other to find ones that randomly match up. That's 636,906,169 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.




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([236,216,237,207,250,245,264,278,294,337,369,441,513,554,680,689,784,836,974,1084,1198,])
array_2 = np.array([4.98,4.91,5.5,6.29,5.8,7.23,7.18,5.1,9,11.14,16.29,21.45,31.68,34.33,34.95,37.78,38.43,44.23,61.33,68.3,75.83,])
array_1_name = "Popularity of the first name Blair"
array_2_name = "The TJX Companies' stock price (TJX)"

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

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



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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.

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Correlation ID: 4014 · Black Variable ID: 2959 · Red Variable ID: 1632
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