about · email me · subscribe
Spurious correlation #4,241 · 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 Sarah and the second variable is Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon.  The chart goes from 1987 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

As the popularity of the name Sarah waned, so too did the number of Sarahaus trees, a rare and beloved species found only in the Brazilian Amazon. Local legend has it that these trees whispered the name "Sarah" every time a woodcutter approached, leading to a swift and unintentional protection of the remaining forest cover. Remember, every time a Sarah loses its 'h', a Sarahaus tree loses its leaves!

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: [ Symbolism ] Generate an image of a majestic tree named Sarah standing tall in a clearing deep in the Brazilian Amazon. The tree exudes an aura of royalty and nobility, standing amidst a lush forest. Before her, the forest covers were dense, representing the influence and obligation associated with her majestic presence. As fewer babies were named Sarah, symbolize the diminishing royal influence by showing the thinning out of surrounding forest cover and the once mighty trees feeling less obligated to remain standing and regal, causing a decrease in remaining forest coverage. 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 Sarah and Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon. 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: Scalar art Psychedelic a funny image macro An image that looks like it is a scene from 'Star Wars' Symbolism
ChatGPT: Symbolism

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 Sarah and Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon, in the following situation: As fewer and fewer babies were named Sarah, the collective power of all the "Sarah" name meanings (which include "princess," "noblewoman," and "lady") dwindled. With this decline in royal influence, the trees in the Brazilian Amazon felt less obligated to remain standing and regal, leading to a decrease in remaining forest cover.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a clearing deep in the Brazilian Amazon, a majestic tree named Sarah stood tall and proud, surrounded by a lush forest. As fewer and fewer babies were named Sarah, the aura of royalty and nobility that once emanated from the tree slowly began to fade. With this decline in royal influence, the surrounding forest cover started to thin out, the once mighty trees feeling less obligated to remain standing and regal, causing a decrease in remaining forest cover.

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: [ Symbolism ] and depicting this scene: In a clearing deep in the Brazilian Amazon, a majestic tree named Sarah stood tall and proud, surrounded by a lush forest. As fewer and fewer babies were named Sarah, the aura of royalty and nobility that once emanated from the tree slowly began to fade. With this decline in royal influence, the surrounding forest cover started to thin out, the once mighty trees feeling less obligated to remain standing and regal, causing a decrease in remaining forest cover. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: [ Symbolism ] Generate an image of a majestic tree named Sarah standing tall in a clearing deep in the Brazilian Amazon. The tree exudes an aura of royalty and nobility, standing amidst a lush forest. Before her, the forest covers were dense, representing the influence and obligation associated with her majestic presence. As fewer babies were named Sarah, symbolize the diminishing royal influence by showing the thinning out of surrounding forest cover and the once mighty trees feeling less obligated to remain standing and regal, causing a decrease in remaining forest coverage.

*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 a decrease in Popularity of the first name Sarah caused Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon to decrease. Add a funny one-liner at the end.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
The Sarah Effect: Surprising Association of Sarah's Popularity and Sizable Amazonian Arboreal Attendance

Journal of Quirky Botanical Studies

Jan 2024

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




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

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Sarah and Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Make the title an alliteration.

Your research team used data from US Social Security Administration and Mongabay to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.9943754 and p < 0.01 for 1987 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 Sarah Effect: Surprising Association of Sarah's Popularity and Sizable Amazonian Arboreal Attendance

[[ABSTRACT]]
Our research investigates the peculiar relationship between the popularity of the first name Sarah and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and Mongabay, we embarked on a quest to uncover the intricate and enigmatic connection between human nomenclature and ecological phenomena. Remarkably, our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.9943754, with statistical significance at p < 0.01 for the period spanning 1987 to 2022.

In a twist of fate, it appears that as the number of Sarahs in the world has waxed, the forest cover of the Brazilian Amazon has waned. The Sarah Effect, as we affectionately refer to this unusual phenomenon, presents an intriguing conundrum for environmental and anthropological studies. While the causative mechanisms behind this correlation remain shrouded in mystery, our findings suggest that a blooming Sarah population coincides with a diminishing Amazonian greenery. This correlation, though startling, opens a new avenue for interdisciplinary inquiry, inviting further investigation into the unanticipated interplay between human names and the natural world.


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

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Sarah and Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Make lots of 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 Sarah Effect: Surprising Association of Sarah's Popularity and Sizable Amazonian Arboreal Attendance

[[ABSTRACT]]
Our research investigates the peculiar relationship between the popularity of the first name Sarah and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and Mongabay, we embarked on a quest to uncover the intricate and enigmatic connection between human nomenclature and ecological phenomena. Remarkably, our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.9943754, with statistical significance at p < 0.01 for the period spanning 1987 to 2022.

In a twist of fate, it appears that as the number of Sarahs in the world has waxed, the forest cover of the Brazilian Amazon has waned. The Sarah Effect, as we affectionately refer to this unusual phenomenon, presents an intriguing conundrum for environmental and anthropological studies. While the causative mechanisms behind this correlation remain shrouded in mystery, our findings suggest that a blooming Sarah population coincides with a diminishing Amazonian greenery. This correlation, though startling, opens a new avenue for interdisciplinary inquiry, inviting further investigation into the unanticipated interplay between human names and the natural world.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

Every so often, a scientific discovery emerges that leaves one scratching their head, furrowing their brow, or perhaps even murmuring an incredulous "Say what now?" Today, esteemed colleagues, we stand on the precipice of such a revelation. Our research delves into the unlikely correlation between the popularity of the first name Sarah and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Unraveling this enigma has been nothing short of a wild ride through the jungle of statistical analysis and linguistic whimsy.

At first glance, one might dismiss the idea that the moniker "Sarah" could have any bearing on the ecological fate of the Amazon rainforest. Yet, as we delved into the data, a pattern emerged that was as clear as a tropical dawn – a correlation coefficient so strong it could swing from vine to vine, with statistical significance shimmering like the iridescent wings of a jungle butterfly. This peculiar connection, which we affectionately dub the "Sarah Effect," has left us straddling the intriguing intersection of name trends and arboreal landscapes.

But how, you might ask, could the popularity of a name possibly influence the fate of a verdant expanse thousands of miles away? Fear not, dear reader, as we are equally confounded. The relationship between Sarahs and the Amazon's greenery appears to be as mysterious and confounding as the ethereal call of a forest-dwelling bird at dusk. We stand at the crossroads of curiosity and astonishment, beckoning further exploration into this uncharted terrain.

As we unravel the threads of this curious tapestry, we invite you to join us on a journey of statistical inquiry, linguistic whimsy, and the oddity of unexpected connections. Ready your machetes, pack your statistics kit, and prepare for the expedition of a lifetime as we venture into the heart of the Sarah Effect.


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

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Sarah and Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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

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

Start by naming serious-sounding studies by authors like Smith, Doe, and Jones - but then quickly devolve. Name some real non-fiction books that would be related to the topic. Then name some real fiction books that sound like they could be related. Then name some cartoons and childrens' shows that you watched that are related to the topic.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Sarah Effect: Surprising Association of Sarah's Popularity and Sizable Amazonian Arboreal Attendance

[[ABSTRACT]]
Our research investigates the peculiar relationship between the popularity of the first name Sarah and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and Mongabay, we embarked on a quest to uncover the intricate and enigmatic connection between human nomenclature and ecological phenomena. Remarkably, our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.9943754, with statistical significance at p < 0.01 for the period spanning 1987 to 2022.

In a twist of fate, it appears that as the number of Sarahs in the world has waxed, the forest cover of the Brazilian Amazon has waned. The Sarah Effect, as we affectionately refer to this unusual phenomenon, presents an intriguing conundrum for environmental and anthropological studies. While the causative mechanisms behind this correlation remain shrouded in mystery, our findings suggest that a blooming Sarah population coincides with a diminishing Amazonian greenery. This correlation, though startling, opens a new avenue for interdisciplinary inquiry, inviting further investigation into the unanticipated interplay between human names and the natural world.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
Every so often, a scientific discovery emerges that leaves one scratching their head, furrowing their brow, or perhaps even murmuring an incredulous "Say what now?" Today, esteemed colleagues, we stand on the precipice of such a revelation. Our research delves into the unlikely correlation between the popularity of the first name Sarah and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Unraveling this enigma has been nothing short of a wild ride through the jungle of statistical analysis and linguistic whimsy.
At first glance, one might dismiss the idea that the moniker "Sarah" could have any bearing on the ecological fate of the Amazon rainforest. Yet, as we delved into the data, a pattern emerged that was as clear as a tropical dawn – a correlation coefficient so strong it could swing from vine to vine, with statistical significance shimmering like the iridescent wings of a jungle butterfly. This peculiar connection, which we affectionately dub the "Sarah Effect," has left us straddling the intriguing intersection of name trends and arboreal landscapes.
But how, you might ask, could the popularity of a name possibly influence the fate of a verdant expanse thousands of miles away? Fear not, dear reader, as we are equally confounded. The relationship between Sarahs and the Amazon's greenery appears to be as mysterious and confounding as the ethereal call of a forest-dwelling bird at dusk. We stand at the crossroads of curiosity and astonishment, beckoning further exploration into this uncharted terrain.
As we unravel the threads of this curious tapestry, we invite you to join us on a journey of statistical inquiry, linguistic whimsy, and the oddity of unexpected connections. Ready your machetes, pack your statistics kit, and prepare for the expedition of a lifetime as we venture into the heart of the Sarah Effect.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The connection between human nomenclature and ecological phenomena has long piqued the curiosity of researchers and scholars. Smith delves into the intricate world of child naming trends and their potential ramifications on the environment, uncovering surprising correlations that challenge conventional wisdom. Doe, in a groundbreaking study, explores the societal impact of popular names and their unforeseen consequences on natural ecosystems, paving the way for our own foray into the enigmatic realm of the "Sarah Effect."

Furthermore, Jones provides insight into the psychological and cultural dimensions of naming conventions and their implications for broader societal trends. This rich tapestry of research sets the stage for our investigation into the unlikely relationship between the popularity of the first name Sarah and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon.

As we transition from the scholarly to the slightly offbeat, we encounter non-fiction works such as "The Hidden Life of Trees" by Peter Wohlleben and "The Jungle Effect" by Daphne Miller. The former provides a captivating exploration of the complex and interconnected world of forests, shedding light on the secrets of arboreal communities. The latter, albeit unrelated in subject matter, prompts us to consider the unexpected consequences of seemingly unrelated factors on natural landscapes.

On the frontier of fiction, the works of Michael Crichton, particularly "Jurassic Park," introduce a dose of speculative fiction and scientific intrigue into our understanding of ecosystems and human influence. Although the narrative centers on prehistoric creatures rather than tropical greenery, the underlying themes resonate with the unexpected and inexplicable connections that fuel our own investigation.

Turning to the realm of children's entertainment, the animated series "The Wild Thornberrys" and "Dora the Explorer" offer a whimsical lens through which to consider the intersection of human activity and wild environments. Though aimed at a younger audience, these shows present a playful approach to the exploration of exotic locales and their inhabitants, echoing our own lighthearted yet inquisitive stance as we navigate the peculiar territory of the "Sarah Effect."

In the spirit of inquiry and a touch of irreverence, we embark on a journey through the academic, the imaginative, and the hilariously unexpected as we unravel the tangled vines of the Sarah Effect and its implications for both human society and the Amazonian ecosystem. Let us venture forth with curiosity and a healthy dose of levity as we seek to demystify the improbable connection between a name and the verdant expanse that is the Brazilian Amazon.


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

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Sarah and Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Make lots of 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 Mongabay . You used data from 1987 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 Sarah Effect: Surprising Association of Sarah's Popularity and Sizable Amazonian Arboreal Attendance

[[ABSTRACT]]
Our research investigates the peculiar relationship between the popularity of the first name Sarah and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and Mongabay, we embarked on a quest to uncover the intricate and enigmatic connection between human nomenclature and ecological phenomena. Remarkably, our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.9943754, with statistical significance at p < 0.01 for the period spanning 1987 to 2022.

In a twist of fate, it appears that as the number of Sarahs in the world has waxed, the forest cover of the Brazilian Amazon has waned. The Sarah Effect, as we affectionately refer to this unusual phenomenon, presents an intriguing conundrum for environmental and anthropological studies. While the causative mechanisms behind this correlation remain shrouded in mystery, our findings suggest that a blooming Sarah population coincides with a diminishing Amazonian greenery. This correlation, though startling, opens a new avenue for interdisciplinary inquiry, inviting further investigation into the unanticipated interplay between human names and the natural world.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
Every so often, a scientific discovery emerges that leaves one scratching their head, furrowing their brow, or perhaps even murmuring an incredulous "Say what now?" Today, esteemed colleagues, we stand on the precipice of such a revelation. Our research delves into the unlikely correlation between the popularity of the first name Sarah and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Unraveling this enigma has been nothing short of a wild ride through the jungle of statistical analysis and linguistic whimsy.
At first glance, one might dismiss the idea that the moniker "Sarah" could have any bearing on the ecological fate of the Amazon rainforest. Yet, as we delved into the data, a pattern emerged that was as clear as a tropical dawn – a correlation coefficient so strong it could swing from vine to vine, with statistical significance shimmering like the iridescent wings of a jungle butterfly. This peculiar connection, which we affectionately dub the "Sarah Effect," has left us straddling the intriguing intersection of name trends and arboreal landscapes.
But how, you might ask, could the popularity of a name possibly influence the fate of a verdant expanse thousands of miles away? Fear not, dear reader, as we are equally confounded. The relationship between Sarahs and the Amazon's greenery appears to be as mysterious and confounding as the ethereal call of a forest-dwelling bird at dusk. We stand at the crossroads of curiosity and astonishment, beckoning further exploration into this uncharted terrain.
As we unravel the threads of this curious tapestry, we invite you to join us on a journey of statistical inquiry, linguistic whimsy, and the oddity of unexpected connections. Ready your machetes, pack your statistics kit, and prepare for the expedition of a lifetime as we venture into the heart of the Sarah Effect.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

The initial hurdle in unraveling the perplexing link between the popularity of the name Sarah and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon lay in the method of data collection. Our intrepid team scoured the depths of the internet, navigating through the winding corridors of the US Social Security Administration database and venturing into the lush, data-rich underbrush of Mongabay. Armed with tenacity and an avid spirit for statistical exploration, we extracted data spanning from the year 1987 to 2022, encompassing an amply-grown pool of Sarahs and a flourishing expanse of Amazonian greenery.

To delve into the familial forest of mighty data, we employed a mixed-methods approach, employing robust statistical analysis in conjunction with linguistic sensitivity, akin to peering through the branches to glean insights that lie beyond the surface. Our first task involved attempting to quantify the ephemeral aura of the name Sarah, a formidable endeavor indeed. The popularity of the name was meticulously scrutinized and cross-referenced with the gradual emergence of deforested patches in the Amazon. As we attempted to distinguish correlation from causation, we clung to our statistical tools as fervently as a sloth clings to a tree branch, albeit with a tad more excitement.

Using a combination of linear regression, time-series analysis, and an array of elaborate computations, we endeavored to decrypt the intricate dance between the proliferation of Sarahs and the waning Amazonian foliage. After many a late night and possibly too much coffee, we arrived at a correlation coefficient that gleamed like a hidden emerald nestled in the rainforest underbrush - a resplendent 0.9943754, with statistical significance that sparkled alluringly at p < 0.01.

Our statistical model, though rigorous and unwavering, also paid homage to the dance of language, subtly swaying in the breeze of linguistic whimsy. It deftly incorporated the socio-cultural dimensions of the name Sarah, navigating the labyrinthine undergrowth of human nomenclature with the dexterity of a capuchin monkey traversing the canopy. This holistic approach allowed us to tease apart the tangled vines of causation from the robust roots of correlation, shedding light on the curious Sarah Effect that captivated and confounded us in equal measure.

Amidst the convoluted cacophony of data extraction, manipulation, and interpretation, we maintained a firm grip on our scientific compass, staying true to the empirical ethos while allowing for the occasional flourish of humor and contemplation. The result is a methodology as vibrant and intricate as the rainforest itself, delving into the uncharted territories where statistical rigor meets linguistic delight, all in pursuit of the elusive nexus between Sarahs and the Amazon.


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

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Sarah and Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Make lots of 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 Mongabay .

For the time period 1987 to 2022, you found a correlation 0.9943754, r-squared of 0.9887824, 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 Sarah Effect: Surprising Association of Sarah's Popularity and Sizable Amazonian Arboreal Attendance

[[ABSTRACT]]
Our research investigates the peculiar relationship between the popularity of the first name Sarah and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and Mongabay, we embarked on a quest to uncover the intricate and enigmatic connection between human nomenclature and ecological phenomena. Remarkably, our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.9943754, with statistical significance at p < 0.01 for the period spanning 1987 to 2022.

In a twist of fate, it appears that as the number of Sarahs in the world has waxed, the forest cover of the Brazilian Amazon has waned. The Sarah Effect, as we affectionately refer to this unusual phenomenon, presents an intriguing conundrum for environmental and anthropological studies. While the causative mechanisms behind this correlation remain shrouded in mystery, our findings suggest that a blooming Sarah population coincides with a diminishing Amazonian greenery. This correlation, though startling, opens a new avenue for interdisciplinary inquiry, inviting further investigation into the unanticipated interplay between human names and the natural world.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
Every so often, a scientific discovery emerges that leaves one scratching their head, furrowing their brow, or perhaps even murmuring an incredulous "Say what now?" Today, esteemed colleagues, we stand on the precipice of such a revelation. Our research delves into the unlikely correlation between the popularity of the first name Sarah and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Unraveling this enigma has been nothing short of a wild ride through the jungle of statistical analysis and linguistic whimsy.
At first glance, one might dismiss the idea that the moniker "Sarah" could have any bearing on the ecological fate of the Amazon rainforest. Yet, as we delved into the data, a pattern emerged that was as clear as a tropical dawn – a correlation coefficient so strong it could swing from vine to vine, with statistical significance shimmering like the iridescent wings of a jungle butterfly. This peculiar connection, which we affectionately dub the "Sarah Effect," has left us straddling the intriguing intersection of name trends and arboreal landscapes.
But how, you might ask, could the popularity of a name possibly influence the fate of a verdant expanse thousands of miles away? Fear not, dear reader, as we are equally confounded. The relationship between Sarahs and the Amazon's greenery appears to be as mysterious and confounding as the ethereal call of a forest-dwelling bird at dusk. We stand at the crossroads of curiosity and astonishment, beckoning further exploration into this uncharted terrain.
As we unravel the threads of this curious tapestry, we invite you to join us on a journey of statistical inquiry, linguistic whimsy, and the oddity of unexpected connections. Ready your machetes, pack your statistics kit, and prepare for the expedition of a lifetime as we venture into the heart of the Sarah Effect.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

Our statistical analysis revealed a striking correlation between the popularity of the first name Sarah and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Over the period from 1987 to 2022, we discovered a correlation coefficient of 0.9943754, with an r-squared of 0.9887824, and a p-value of less than 0.01. In other words, the relationship between the prevalence of Sarahs and the Amazon's arboreal expanse is stronger than the bond between a sloth and its favorite tree.

The figure (Fig. 1) illustrates this remarkable association, depicting a scatterplot that would make even the most impassive statistician raise an eyebrow. The data points align with such precision that it's as if the Sarahs are conducting a symphony, orchestrating the dance of the Amazon's forest cover.

It seems that as the number of Sarahs has surged, the forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon has dwindled. This unexpected connection, which we have affectionately dubbed the "Sarah Effect," has left us pondering the whims of statistical fate and the capricious nature of nomenclature.

Our findings suggest that the rise in the popularity of the name Sarah coincides with a decline in the Amazon's greenery, a correlation that has taken us by surprise, much like stumbling upon an elusive species of flora amidst the dense rainforest undergrowth. While the causative mechanisms underlying this correlation remain as elusive as an elusive rare bird in the jungle, our discovery opens up a hitherto unexplored realm of inquiry at the intersection of human naming practices and ecological phenomena.

In conclusion, the "Sarah Effect" challenges established paradigms and beckons us to embark on a new and exhilarating expedition into the uncharted territory of the unexpected connections between human activities and the natural world. As we grapple with the enigma of the Sarah Effect, we find ourselves confronted with the irresistible allure of exploration and discovery, much like intrepid travelers setting off into the uncharted expanses of the Amazonian jungle.


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

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Sarah and Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Make lots of 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 Sarah Effect: Surprising Association of Sarah's Popularity and Sizable Amazonian Arboreal Attendance

[[ABSTRACT]]
Our research investigates the peculiar relationship between the popularity of the first name Sarah and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and Mongabay, we embarked on a quest to uncover the intricate and enigmatic connection between human nomenclature and ecological phenomena. Remarkably, our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.9943754, with statistical significance at p < 0.01 for the period spanning 1987 to 2022.

In a twist of fate, it appears that as the number of Sarahs in the world has waxed, the forest cover of the Brazilian Amazon has waned. The Sarah Effect, as we affectionately refer to this unusual phenomenon, presents an intriguing conundrum for environmental and anthropological studies. While the causative mechanisms behind this correlation remain shrouded in mystery, our findings suggest that a blooming Sarah population coincides with a diminishing Amazonian greenery. This correlation, though startling, opens a new avenue for interdisciplinary inquiry, inviting further investigation into the unanticipated interplay between human names and the natural world.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The connection between human nomenclature and ecological phenomena has long piqued the curiosity of researchers and scholars. Smith delves into the intricate world of child naming trends and their potential ramifications on the environment, uncovering surprising correlations that challenge conventional wisdom. Doe, in a groundbreaking study, explores the societal impact of popular names and their unforeseen consequences on natural ecosystems, paving the way for our own foray into the enigmatic realm of the "Sarah Effect."
Furthermore, Jones provides insight into the psychological and cultural dimensions of naming conventions and their implications for broader societal trends. This rich tapestry of research sets the stage for our investigation into the unlikely relationship between the popularity of the first name Sarah and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon.
As we transition from the scholarly to the slightly offbeat, we encounter non-fiction works such as "The Hidden Life of Trees" by Peter Wohlleben and "The Jungle Effect" by Daphne Miller. The former provides a captivating exploration of the complex and interconnected world of forests, shedding light on the secrets of arboreal communities. The latter, albeit unrelated in subject matter, prompts us to consider the unexpected consequences of seemingly unrelated factors on natural landscapes.
On the frontier of fiction, the works of Michael Crichton, particularly "Jurassic Park," introduce a dose of speculative fiction and scientific intrigue into our understanding of ecosystems and human influence. Although the narrative centers on prehistoric creatures rather than tropical greenery, the underlying themes resonate with the unexpected and inexplicable connections that fuel our own investigation.
Turning to the realm of children's entertainment, the animated series "The Wild Thornberrys" and "Dora the Explorer" offer a whimsical lens through which to consider the intersection of human activity and wild environments. Though aimed at a younger audience, these shows present a playful approach to the exploration of exotic locales and their inhabitants, echoing our own lighthearted yet inquisitive stance as we navigate the peculiar territory of the "Sarah Effect."
In the spirit of inquiry and a touch of irreverence, we embark on a journey through the academic, the imaginative, and the hilariously unexpected as we unravel the tangled vines of the Sarah Effect and its implications for both human society and the Amazonian ecosystem. Let us venture forth with curiosity and a healthy dose of levity as we seek to demystify the improbable connection between a name and the verdant expanse that is the Brazilian Amazon.

[[RESULTS]]
Our statistical analysis revealed a striking correlation between the popularity of the first name Sarah and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Over the period from 1987 to 2022, we discovered a correlation coefficient of 0.9943754, with an r-squared of 0.9887824, and a p-value of less than 0.01. In other words, the relationship between the prevalence of Sarahs and the Amazon's arboreal expanse is stronger than the bond between a sloth and its favorite tree.
The figure (Fig. 1) illustrates this remarkable association, depicting a scatterplot that would make even the most impassive statistician raise an eyebrow. The data points align with such precision that it's as if the Sarahs are conducting a symphony, orchestrating the dance of the Amazon's forest cover.
It seems that as the number of Sarahs has surged, the forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon has dwindled. This unexpected connection, which we have affectionately dubbed the "Sarah Effect," has left us pondering the whims of statistical fate and the capricious nature of nomenclature.
Our findings suggest that the rise in the popularity of the name Sarah coincides with a decline in the Amazon's greenery, a correlation that has taken us by surprise, much like stumbling upon an elusive species of flora amidst the dense rainforest undergrowth. While the causative mechanisms underlying this correlation remain as elusive as an elusive rare bird in the jungle, our discovery opens up a hitherto unexplored realm of inquiry at the intersection of human naming practices and ecological phenomena.
In conclusion, the "Sarah Effect" challenges established paradigms and beckons us to embark on a new and exhilarating expedition into the uncharted territory of the unexpected connections between human activities and the natural world. As we grapple with the enigma of the Sarah Effect, we find ourselves confronted with the irresistible allure of exploration and discovery, much like intrepid travelers setting off into the uncharted expanses of the Amazonian jungle.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

In our discussion of the peculiar correlation between the popularity of the first name Sarah and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon, it's hard to remain fully serious when the topic itself seems to have been plucked from the fertile soil of absurdity. The very idea that a name, no matter how lovely and ubiquitous, could influence the grandeur and greenery of the Amazonian rainforest appears at first blush to be as fantastical as an Amazonian tree frog spontaneously breaking into a chorus of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."

However, humor aside, our findings have provided substantial support for prior research in this uncharted territory. Smith, Doe, and Jones, the intrepid explorers who have ventured into the labyrinthine realm of human nomenclature and its unexpected reverberations on the natural world, may have stumbled upon this very correlation from their own obscure data sets and perplexing discussions over tea.

The remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.9943754 that we have unearthed, akin to stumbling upon a symmetrical leaf pattern in the jungle's underbrush, underscores the robustness of the "Sarah Effect." This statistical bond, stronger than the grip of a capuchin monkey on a tantalizing piece of fruit, reinforces the notion that as the Sarah population swells, the flourishing green canopy of the Amazon withers, much like a delicate rainforest flower in the path of an Amazonian ant eater.

Our findings echo the sentiment conveyed in the works of Peter Wohlleben and Daphne Miller, whose writings prompt us to ponder the incongruous links between apparently unrelated factors and their impact on ecosystems, much like a jaguar returning to its favourite hunting ground. The unexpected connections, though initially perplexing, unravel like a banana leaf being unfurled to reveal the serpentine dance of the Sarah Effect within the Amazonian ecosystem, brimming with an unexpected enigma more confounding than the riddle of a sly Amazonian river dolphin playing hide and seek amidst the Amazon's muddy waters.

As we unravel the tangled vines of this improbable yet undeniable correlation, we stand at the crossroads of wonder and bewilderment, ready to delve deeper into the unexplored territory we have stumbled upon. Our research lays the groundwork for an exhilarating expedition, where we wade through the thick undergrowth of statistical anomalies and unexpected connections, eager to discern the unfathomable melodies of the Sarahs and their remarkable influence on the verdant expanse that is the Brazilian Amazon.


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

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Sarah and Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Make lots of 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 Sarah Effect: Surprising Association of Sarah's Popularity and Sizable Amazonian Arboreal Attendance

[[ABSTRACT]]
Our research investigates the peculiar relationship between the popularity of the first name Sarah and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and Mongabay, we embarked on a quest to uncover the intricate and enigmatic connection between human nomenclature and ecological phenomena. Remarkably, our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.9943754, with statistical significance at p < 0.01 for the period spanning 1987 to 2022.

In a twist of fate, it appears that as the number of Sarahs in the world has waxed, the forest cover of the Brazilian Amazon has waned. The Sarah Effect, as we affectionately refer to this unusual phenomenon, presents an intriguing conundrum for environmental and anthropological studies. While the causative mechanisms behind this correlation remain shrouded in mystery, our findings suggest that a blooming Sarah population coincides with a diminishing Amazonian greenery. This correlation, though startling, opens a new avenue for interdisciplinary inquiry, inviting further investigation into the unanticipated interplay between human names and the natural world.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
Every so often, a scientific discovery emerges that leaves one scratching their head, furrowing their brow, or perhaps even murmuring an incredulous "Say what now?" Today, esteemed colleagues, we stand on the precipice of such a revelation. Our research delves into the unlikely correlation between the popularity of the first name Sarah and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Unraveling this enigma has been nothing short of a wild ride through the jungle of statistical analysis and linguistic whimsy.
At first glance, one might dismiss the idea that the moniker "Sarah" could have any bearing on the ecological fate of the Amazon rainforest. Yet, as we delved into the data, a pattern emerged that was as clear as a tropical dawn – a correlation coefficient so strong it could swing from vine to vine, with statistical significance shimmering like the iridescent wings of a jungle butterfly. This peculiar connection, which we affectionately dub the "Sarah Effect," has left us straddling the intriguing intersection of name trends and arboreal landscapes.
But how, you might ask, could the popularity of a name possibly influence the fate of a verdant expanse thousands of miles away? Fear not, dear reader, as we are equally confounded. The relationship between Sarahs and the Amazon's greenery appears to be as mysterious and confounding as the ethereal call of a forest-dwelling bird at dusk. We stand at the crossroads of curiosity and astonishment, beckoning further exploration into this uncharted terrain.
As we unravel the threads of this curious tapestry, we invite you to join us on a journey of statistical inquiry, linguistic whimsy, and the oddity of unexpected connections. Ready your machetes, pack your statistics kit, and prepare for the expedition of a lifetime as we venture into the heart of the Sarah Effect.

[[RESULTS]]
Our statistical analysis revealed a striking correlation between the popularity of the first name Sarah and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Over the period from 1987 to 2022, we discovered a correlation coefficient of 0.9943754, with an r-squared of 0.9887824, and a p-value of less than 0.01. In other words, the relationship between the prevalence of Sarahs and the Amazon's arboreal expanse is stronger than the bond between a sloth and its favorite tree.
The figure (Fig. 1) illustrates this remarkable association, depicting a scatterplot that would make even the most impassive statistician raise an eyebrow. The data points align with such precision that it's as if the Sarahs are conducting a symphony, orchestrating the dance of the Amazon's forest cover.
It seems that as the number of Sarahs has surged, the forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon has dwindled. This unexpected connection, which we have affectionately dubbed the "Sarah Effect," has left us pondering the whims of statistical fate and the capricious nature of nomenclature.
Our findings suggest that the rise in the popularity of the name Sarah coincides with a decline in the Amazon's greenery, a correlation that has taken us by surprise, much like stumbling upon an elusive species of flora amidst the dense rainforest undergrowth. While the causative mechanisms underlying this correlation remain as elusive as an elusive rare bird in the jungle, our discovery opens up a hitherto unexplored realm of inquiry at the intersection of human naming practices and ecological phenomena.
In conclusion, the "Sarah Effect" challenges established paradigms and beckons us to embark on a new and exhilarating expedition into the uncharted territory of the unexpected connections between human activities and the natural world. As we grapple with the enigma of the Sarah Effect, we find ourselves confronted with the irresistible allure of exploration and discovery, much like intrepid travelers setting off into the uncharted expanses of the Amazonian jungle.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In the face of this unexpected and bizarre correlation between the popularity of the name Sarah and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon, we are left grappling with the perplexing perplexities of statistical probability and the serendipitous serendipities of human nomenclature. The "Sarah Effect" has pirouetted its way into our hearts and minds, leaving us in awe of the marvelously mysterious machinations of the natural world.

As we draw the curtains on this peculiar investigation, we find ourselves at a crossroads; a juncture where statistical significance meets the hum of the rainforest, and the resonances of human naming practices reverberate through the verdant expanse of the Amazon. Our results, depicting the astounding correlation between a surge in the Sarah population and a decline in the Amazon's forest cover, require no further verification, as the statistical dance of the data points leaves no doubt as to the strength of this unexpected correlation.

In closing, we assert with unwavering confidence that the Sarah Effect stands as a testament to the capricious and unpredictably hilarious nature of statistical phenomena. We leave this exploration with a heartfelt chuckle and the assurance that no further inquiry is needed in this delightfully whimsical area of research. As we bid adieu to the Sarah Effect, we encourage future researchers to embrace the unexpected and relish the joy of uncovering correlations as curious and endearing as the dance of the Sarahs and the Amazonian arboreal expanse. Can I get a "Sarah ho!" for this remarkable journey?


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 Sarah Effect: Surprising Association of Sarah's Popularity and Sizable Amazonian Arboreal Attendance. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

Journal of Quirky Botanical Studies


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 Sarah Effect: Surprising Association of Sarah's Popularity and Sizable Amazonian Arboreal Attendance. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Institute for Arboreal Anthropology and Arboriculture


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 Sarah Effect: Surprising Association of Sarah's Popularity and Sizable Amazonian Arboreal Attendance with an abstract of Our research investigates the peculiar relationship between the popularity of the first name Sarah and the remaining forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and Mongabay, we embarked on a quest to uncover the intricate and enigmatic connection between human nomenclature and ecological phenomena. Remarkably, our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.9943754, with statistical significance at p < 0.01 for the period spanning 1987 to 2022.
In a twist of fate, it appears that as the number of Sarahs in the world has waxed, the forest cover of the Brazilian Amazon has waned. The Sarah Effect, as we affectionately refer to this unusual phenomenon, presents an intriguing conundrum for environmental and anthropological studies. While the causative mechanisms behind this correlation remain shrouded in mystery, our findings suggest that a blooming Sarah population coincides with a diminishing Amazonian greenery. This correlation, though startling, opens a new avenue for interdisciplinary inquiry, inviting further investigation into the unanticipated interplay between human names and the natural world.

ChatGPT:

Sarah, first name popularity, Brazilian Amazon, forest cover, correlation, ecological phenomena, human nomenclature, interplay, environmental studies, anthropological studies, Sarah Effect, causative mechanisms, interdisciplinary inquiry

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



Random correlation

Discover a new correlation

View all correlations

View all research papers

Report an error


Data details

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

Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon
Detailed data title: Estimated Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon
Source: Mongabay
See what else correlates with Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon

Correlation r = 0.9943754 (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 = 0.9887824 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 98.9% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Popularity of the first name Sarah) over the 36 years from 1987 through 2022.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 0. 0.0000000000000000000000000000
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 0% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated
Warning: Division by zero in /var/www/html/spurious/_CORRELATION_VIEW_PAGE.php on line 631
inf random variables
Warning: Division by zero in /var/www/html/spurious/_CORRELATION_VIEW_PAGE.php on line 633
You don't actually need
Warning: Division by zero in /var/www/html/spurious/_CORRELATION_VIEW_PAGE.php on line 638

Notice: Undefined offset: 10 in /var/www/html/spurious/_CORRELATION_VIEW_PAGE.php on line 567
INF variables to find a correlation like this one.
Warning: Division by zero in /var/www/html/spurious/_CORRELATION_VIEW_PAGE.php on line 638
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.
Warning: Division by zero in /var/www/html/spurious/_CORRELATION_VIEW_PAGE.php on line 641


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 35 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 35 because we have two variables measured over a period of 36 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.

[ 0.99, 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.
198719881989199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022
Popularity of the first name Sarah (Babies born)280042846027938258792526524689243002233921426210742073119918191281773815942147931380512804115651117410016906577986343557052074715471045394432403937743316306828552780
Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon (Sq. KM)374457037235203705750369202036809903667200365231036374103608350359019035769603559580354232035241003505930348428034588803431110341210033978103386160337325033657903358790335237033478003341910333690033306903322800331585033083103298550329012032796503268050




Why this works

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




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([28004,28460,27938,25879,25265,24689,24300,22339,21426,21074,20731,19918,19128,17738,15942,14793,13805,12804,11565,11174,10016,9065,7798,6343,5570,5207,4715,4710,4539,4432,4039,3774,3316,3068,2855,2780,])
array_2 = np.array([3744570,3723520,3705750,3692020,3680990,3667200,3652310,3637410,3608350,3590190,3576960,3559580,3542320,3524100,3505930,3484280,3458880,3431110,3412100,3397810,3386160,3373250,3365790,3358790,3352370,3347800,3341910,3336900,3330690,3322800,3315850,3308310,3298550,3290120,3279650,3268050,])
array_1_name = "Popularity of the first name Sarah"
array_2_name = "Remaining Forest Cover in the Brazilian Amazon"

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

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



Reuseable content

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

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

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

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

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

Download images for these variables:


View another random correlation

How fun was this correlation?

Kudos for rating!


Correlation ID: 4241 · Black Variable ID: 1994 · Red Variable ID: 372
about · subscribe · emailme@tylervigen.com · twitter

CC BY 4.0