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Spurious correlation #2,464 · 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 Mason and the second variable is UFO sightings in Iowa.  The chart goes from 1975 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

As the name Mason gained popularity, more and more parents unknowingly chose intergalactic beacon frequencies for their baby monitors. This led to a spike in alien activity in Iowa as the little Masons inadvertently made it easier for UFOs to communicate and coordinate their sightings. As absurd as it may sound, it's as if the universe couldn't resist the opportunity to say, "Hey, we're here for the Mason party in Iowa!"

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Create an image of a TIME magazine cover with a suburban neighborhood in Iowa as the main focus, surrounded by a starry night sky. Within the neighborhood, numerous backyard play fortresses resembling futuristic landing pads are visible. In the sky, depict a fleet of glowing UFOs hovering over the neighborhood, hinting at the surge in reported sightings due to the intergalactic tourists being drawn to the structures. Bring attention to the rising popularity of the name Mason by subtly showcasing it on a mailbox or within the neighborhood. Enhance the overall composition with vibrant colors and a sense of wonder to capture the essence of the scene. 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 Mason and UFO sightings in Iowa. 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: High-tech Cutsy art illustration Psychedelic A photo-realistic image A TIME magazine cover image
ChatGPT: A TIME magazine cover image

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both Popularity of the first name Mason and UFO sightings in Iowa, in the following situation: As the popularity of the name Mason increased, so did the construction of backyard play fortresses. Unbeknownst to the parents, these "fortresses" resembled landing pads for extraterrestrial visitors, leading to a surge in reported UFO sightings in Iowa. It seems that these little Masons were unknowingly providing prime real estate for intergalactic tourists.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a suburban neighborhood in Iowa, as the popularity of the name Mason rose, more backyard play fortresses popped up. These structures, resembling landing pads, unknowingly attracted intergalactic tourists, leading to a surge in reported UFO sightings.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You write and improve image generation prompts for DALLE-3. You maintain the same subjects, but enhance the visuals.
User prompt: Please respond with an image generation prompt that would be likely to create an interesting visual using DALLE-3, using the following style: [ A TIME magazine cover image ] and depicting this scene: In a suburban neighborhood in Iowa, as the popularity of the name Mason rose, more backyard play fortresses popped up. These structures, resembling landing pads, unknowingly attracted intergalactic tourists, leading to a surge in reported UFO sightings. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Create an image of a TIME magazine cover with a suburban neighborhood in Iowa as the main focus, surrounded by a starry night sky. Within the neighborhood, numerous backyard play fortresses resembling futuristic landing pads are visible. In the sky, depict a fleet of glowing UFOs hovering over the neighborhood, hinting at the surge in reported sightings due to the intergalactic tourists being drawn to the structures. Bring attention to the rising popularity of the name Mason by subtly showcasing it on a mailbox or within the neighborhood. Enhance the overall composition with vibrant colors and a sense of wonder to capture the essence of the scene.

*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 Mason caused UFO sightings in Iowa to increase.\Make it sound serious until the end.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Out of This World Names: Exploring the Interstellar Interplay between Masons and UFOs in Iowa

The Journal of Extraterrestrial Masonic 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 Mason and UFO sightings in Iowa. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Make the title a clever pun.

Your research team used data from US Social Security Administration and National UFO Reporting Center to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.9086814 and p < 0.01 for 1975 to 2021.

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]]
"Out of This World Names: Exploring the Interstellar Interplay between Masons and UFOs in Iowa"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper delves into the unlikely yet captivating connection between the popularity of the first name "Mason" and the incidences of UFO sightings in the state of Iowa. Leveraging data obtained from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we conducted a comprehensive analysis spanning the years 1975 to 2021. The statistical findings reveal a remarkably strong correlation coefficient of 0.9086814, accompanied by a significant p-value of less than 0.01, highlighting the seemingly otherworldly relationship between the two variables. Our results raise intriguing questions about cosmic nomenclature, celestial magnetism, and the possibility of extraterrestrial intrigue clandestinely influencing personal nomenclature preferences. While further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, our study underscores the peculiar, albeit enthralling, allure of perceiving patterns and parallelisms in seemingly unrelated phenomena.


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 Mason and UFO sightings in Iowa. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Out of This World Names: Exploring the Interstellar Interplay between Masons and UFOs in Iowa"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper delves into the unlikely yet captivating connection between the popularity of the first name "Mason" and the incidences of UFO sightings in the state of Iowa. Leveraging data obtained from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we conducted a comprehensive analysis spanning the years 1975 to 2021. The statistical findings reveal a remarkably strong correlation coefficient of 0.9086814, accompanied by a significant p-value of less than 0.01, highlighting the seemingly otherworldly relationship between the two variables. Our results raise intriguing questions about cosmic nomenclature, celestial magnetism, and the possibility of extraterrestrial intrigue clandestinely influencing personal nomenclature preferences. While further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, our study underscores the peculiar, albeit enthralling, allure of perceiving patterns and parallelisms in seemingly unrelated phenomena.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

In the realm of celestial and terrestrial phenomena, there lies an enigmatic intersection where cosmic curiosities collide with earthly appellations. This study embarks on a whimsical yet earnest exploration of the interstellar interplay between the popular first name "Mason" and the intriguing occurrences of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) in the heartland state of Iowa. One might be inclined to raise an eyebrow or two at the seemingly serendipitous alignment of these disparate subjects, but the statistical tapestry we have woven reveals a startling pattern that leaves one hovering between skepticism and sheer astonishment.

While the etymology of the name "Mason" evokes images of craftsmanship and stonemasonry, our endeavor seeks to delve beyond the surface and unearth the celestial nuances of this earthly moniker. Meanwhile, the curious reportings of UFOs in the idyllic stretches of Iowa's skies have long captivated the imaginations of residents and observers alike, leading us to ponder if there exists a cosmic connection concealed within the fabric of nomenclature.

Leveraging the invaluable troves of data provided by the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we have embarked on an odyssey that spans over four decades, from 1975 to 2021. The statistical findings that unfurled before our eyes not only beguiled our sense of scientific sobriety but also beckoned us to reinterpret the fundamental nature of cause and correlation.

As we unpack the findings of this study, we aspire to pave a path beyond the mundane and into the realm of speculative curiosity. Our pursuit is not merely to elucidate the correlation between the popularity of the name "Mason" and the sightings of UFOs in Iowa, but to invoke a sense of playful wonder and contemplation about the inexplicable threads that seemingly tether our earthly experiences to the enigmatic cosmos. In doing so, we implore our readers to keep a discerning eye for the unexpected, for in the humdrum hum of data analysis, there often lies hidden the sly wink of cosmic jest.


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 Mason and UFO sightings in Iowa. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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

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

Start by naming serious-sounding studies by authors like Smith, Doe, and Jones - but then quickly devolve. Name some real non-fiction books that would be related to the topic. Then name some real fiction books that sound like they could be related. Then name a couple popular internet memes that are related to one of the topics.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Out of This World Names: Exploring the Interstellar Interplay between Masons and UFOs in Iowa"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper delves into the unlikely yet captivating connection between the popularity of the first name "Mason" and the incidences of UFO sightings in the state of Iowa. Leveraging data obtained from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we conducted a comprehensive analysis spanning the years 1975 to 2021. The statistical findings reveal a remarkably strong correlation coefficient of 0.9086814, accompanied by a significant p-value of less than 0.01, highlighting the seemingly otherworldly relationship between the two variables. Our results raise intriguing questions about cosmic nomenclature, celestial magnetism, and the possibility of extraterrestrial intrigue clandestinely influencing personal nomenclature preferences. While further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, our study underscores the peculiar, albeit enthralling, allure of perceiving patterns and parallelisms in seemingly unrelated phenomena.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
In the realm of celestial and terrestrial phenomena, there lies an enigmatic intersection where cosmic curiosities collide with earthly appellations. This study embarks on a whimsical yet earnest exploration of the interstellar interplay between the popular first name "Mason" and the intriguing occurrences of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) in the heartland state of Iowa. One might be inclined to raise an eyebrow or two at the seemingly serendipitous alignment of these disparate subjects, but the statistical tapestry we have woven reveals a startling pattern that leaves one hovering between skepticism and sheer astonishment.
While the etymology of the name "Mason" evokes images of craftsmanship and stonemasonry, our endeavor seeks to delve beyond the surface and unearth the celestial nuances of this earthly moniker. Meanwhile, the curious reportings of UFOs in the idyllic stretches of Iowa's skies have long captivated the imaginations of residents and observers alike, leading us to ponder if there exists a cosmic connection concealed within the fabric of nomenclature.
Leveraging the invaluable troves of data provided by the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we have embarked on an odyssey that spans over four decades, from 1975 to 2021. The statistical findings that unfurled before our eyes not only beguiled our sense of scientific sobriety but also beckoned us to reinterpret the fundamental nature of cause and correlation.
As we unpack the findings of this study, we aspire to pave a path beyond the mundane and into the realm of speculative curiosity. Our pursuit is not merely to elucidate the correlation between the popularity of the name "Mason" and the sightings of UFOs in Iowa, but to invoke a sense of playful wonder and contemplation about the inexplicable threads that seemingly tether our earthly experiences to the enigmatic cosmos. In doing so, we implore our readers to keep a discerning eye for the unexpected, for in the humdrum hum of data analysis, there often lies hidden the sly wink of cosmic jest.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The synergistic interplay between the popularity of the first name "Mason" and the prevalence of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) in the state of Iowa has sparked a diverse array of studies and analyses over the years. While initial inquiries into this curious correlation may have seemed far-fetched, subsequent explorations have unearthed bewitching patterns that leave one pondering whether there might be more to this cosmic conundrum than meets the eye.

Smith et al. delve into the historical roots of cosmic nomenclature in "Celestial Signatures: The Influence of Astral Phenomena on Personal Naming Conventions," positing the intriguing theory that certain names may indeed carry encoded links to celestial occurrences. Meanwhile, Doe and Jones' seminal work, "Beyond Coincidence: Exploring the Enigmatic Lure of Unearthly Names," offers a comprehensive examination of the far-reaching implications of cosmic nomenclature on earthly events, alluding to the possibility of hidden forces at play.

In their monograph "UFOs Over the Heartland: Enigmatic Encounters in America's Breadbasket," scholars Brown and Miller survey the myriad accounts of alleged UFO sightings in the state of Iowa, painting a vivid portrait of the peculiar and perplexing nature of these otherworldly encounters. Simultaneously, the authors draw attention to the recurrent correlation between celestial sightings and seemingly mundane terrestrial phenomena, hinting at the clandestine interstellar forces that may be exerting an unseen influence.

Moving beyond the confines of academic tomes, we turn our attention to non-fiction works that have edged their way into the popular discourse. Notably, titles such as "Cosmic Coincidences: When Names Align with the Stars" and "Interplanetary Inspirations: A Journey through Celestial Nomenclature" have ignited an intellectual firestorm, drawing attention to the uncanny parallels that seem to defy conventional explanation. These works not only offer tantalizing glimpses into the cosmic conundrum at hand but also serve as a rich source of inspiration for the playful ponderings and speculations that underpin our own investigation.

While the literature on this enchanting topic continues to expand, it is imperative to acknowledge the indirect contributions of fictional masterpieces that have alluded to the cosmic nexus between names and otherworldly phenomena. Works such as Clarke's "Childhood's End" and Asimov's "The Gods Themselves" beckon readers into realms where the boundaries of possibility are delightfully blurred, nudging us to contemplate the boundless reaches of the cosmos and the delightful mysteries it holds.

In the digital age, popular internet memes such as "UFOs N' Names: A Match Made in the Cosmos" and "Mysterious Masons: The Extraterrestrial Connections" have permeated online communities, injecting a whimsical dose of humor and speculation into the discourse surrounding celestial nomenclature and cosmic coincidences. These lighthearted yet thought-provoking creations serve as a testament to the enduring appeal of this enigmatic subject, inviting individuals from all walks of life to partake in the jovial jigsaw puzzle of our celestial and terrestrial interplay.

As we tread the sometimes serious, sometimes whimsical path through this kaleidoscopic literature, we are reminded of the unanticipated allure of perceiving patterns and parallelisms in seemingly unrelated phenomena. The stage is set for our own expedition into the cosmic depths of Masons and UFOs in Iowa, where the lines between the ordinary and the extraordinary continue to blur in a delightful dance of cosmic whim and wonder.


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 Mason and UFO sightings in Iowa. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from US Social Security Administration and National UFO Reporting Center . You used data from 1975 to 2021

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

Here is the title, abstract, and introduction of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Out of This World Names: Exploring the Interstellar Interplay between Masons and UFOs in Iowa"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper delves into the unlikely yet captivating connection between the popularity of the first name "Mason" and the incidences of UFO sightings in the state of Iowa. Leveraging data obtained from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we conducted a comprehensive analysis spanning the years 1975 to 2021. The statistical findings reveal a remarkably strong correlation coefficient of 0.9086814, accompanied by a significant p-value of less than 0.01, highlighting the seemingly otherworldly relationship between the two variables. Our results raise intriguing questions about cosmic nomenclature, celestial magnetism, and the possibility of extraterrestrial intrigue clandestinely influencing personal nomenclature preferences. While further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, our study underscores the peculiar, albeit enthralling, allure of perceiving patterns and parallelisms in seemingly unrelated phenomena.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
In the realm of celestial and terrestrial phenomena, there lies an enigmatic intersection where cosmic curiosities collide with earthly appellations. This study embarks on a whimsical yet earnest exploration of the interstellar interplay between the popular first name "Mason" and the intriguing occurrences of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) in the heartland state of Iowa. One might be inclined to raise an eyebrow or two at the seemingly serendipitous alignment of these disparate subjects, but the statistical tapestry we have woven reveals a startling pattern that leaves one hovering between skepticism and sheer astonishment.
While the etymology of the name "Mason" evokes images of craftsmanship and stonemasonry, our endeavor seeks to delve beyond the surface and unearth the celestial nuances of this earthly moniker. Meanwhile, the curious reportings of UFOs in the idyllic stretches of Iowa's skies have long captivated the imaginations of residents and observers alike, leading us to ponder if there exists a cosmic connection concealed within the fabric of nomenclature.
Leveraging the invaluable troves of data provided by the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we have embarked on an odyssey that spans over four decades, from 1975 to 2021. The statistical findings that unfurled before our eyes not only beguiled our sense of scientific sobriety but also beckoned us to reinterpret the fundamental nature of cause and correlation.
As we unpack the findings of this study, we aspire to pave a path beyond the mundane and into the realm of speculative curiosity. Our pursuit is not merely to elucidate the correlation between the popularity of the name "Mason" and the sightings of UFOs in Iowa, but to invoke a sense of playful wonder and contemplation about the inexplicable threads that seemingly tether our earthly experiences to the enigmatic cosmos. In doing so, we implore our readers to keep a discerning eye for the unexpected, for in the humdrum hum of data analysis, there often lies hidden the sly wink of cosmic jest.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To investigate the uncanny correlation between the frequency of the first name "Mason" and the purported sightings of UFOs in Iowa, we employed an assortment of, shall we say, "out-of-this-world" research methods. Data on the popularity of the name "Mason" was obtained from the US Social Security Administration’s baby names database, while reports of UFO sightings in Iowa were sourced from the National UFO Reporting Center. We confess that our primary mode of data collection did veer towards the eclectic, with a liberal sprinkling of creative internet scouring tactics and the occasional invocation of intergalactic serendipity.

Our intrepid research team meticulously collated data spanning from 1975 to 2021, allowing us to paint a comprehensive portrait of the ebb and flow of Mason-mania and UFO intrigue over the decades. To establish the statistical relationship between these seemingly unrelated phenomena, we unleashed the formidable arsenal of correlation analysis and hypothesis testing, adopting a steadfast commitment to rigorously sorting through the celestial chaff for glimmers of cosmic significance.

In plumbing the depths of this curiously kaleidoscopic inquiry, we recognized the need to tread cautiously, navigating the murky waters of cosmic whimsy and earthly data with the poise of a tightrope walker on a galactic escapade. With a twinkle in our eyes and a sprinkle of stardust in our analyses, we sought to capture the elusive dance of celestial charm and statistical significance.

Our statistical analysis was performed using the grizzled veteran of statistical software, SPSS, which gallantly surmounted the cosmic confounders and terrestrial tangles to deliver the majestic 0.9086814 correlation coefficient, with a p-value that drew a knowing chuckle by lingering resolutely below the 0.01 threshold. We also conducted regression modeling to probe the entangled web of nomenclature and interstellar incandescence, unfurling the tendrils of causality and correlation with the deft precision of a cosmic sleuth.

Having emerged from the dusty annals of data analysis, we step forth to wax lyrical about our methodology with the wistful whimsy befitting a cosmic soiree, for in the merry meanderings of research, one cannot help but be enticed by the allure of the unknown and the tantalizing teases of the otherworldly.


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 Mason and UFO sightings in Iowa. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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

For the time period 1975 to 2021, you found a correlation 0.9086814, r-squared of 0.8257018, 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]]
"Out of This World Names: Exploring the Interstellar Interplay between Masons and UFOs in Iowa"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper delves into the unlikely yet captivating connection between the popularity of the first name "Mason" and the incidences of UFO sightings in the state of Iowa. Leveraging data obtained from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we conducted a comprehensive analysis spanning the years 1975 to 2021. The statistical findings reveal a remarkably strong correlation coefficient of 0.9086814, accompanied by a significant p-value of less than 0.01, highlighting the seemingly otherworldly relationship between the two variables. Our results raise intriguing questions about cosmic nomenclature, celestial magnetism, and the possibility of extraterrestrial intrigue clandestinely influencing personal nomenclature preferences. While further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, our study underscores the peculiar, albeit enthralling, allure of perceiving patterns and parallelisms in seemingly unrelated phenomena.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
In the realm of celestial and terrestrial phenomena, there lies an enigmatic intersection where cosmic curiosities collide with earthly appellations. This study embarks on a whimsical yet earnest exploration of the interstellar interplay between the popular first name "Mason" and the intriguing occurrences of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) in the heartland state of Iowa. One might be inclined to raise an eyebrow or two at the seemingly serendipitous alignment of these disparate subjects, but the statistical tapestry we have woven reveals a startling pattern that leaves one hovering between skepticism and sheer astonishment.
While the etymology of the name "Mason" evokes images of craftsmanship and stonemasonry, our endeavor seeks to delve beyond the surface and unearth the celestial nuances of this earthly moniker. Meanwhile, the curious reportings of UFOs in the idyllic stretches of Iowa's skies have long captivated the imaginations of residents and observers alike, leading us to ponder if there exists a cosmic connection concealed within the fabric of nomenclature.
Leveraging the invaluable troves of data provided by the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we have embarked on an odyssey that spans over four decades, from 1975 to 2021. The statistical findings that unfurled before our eyes not only beguiled our sense of scientific sobriety but also beckoned us to reinterpret the fundamental nature of cause and correlation.
As we unpack the findings of this study, we aspire to pave a path beyond the mundane and into the realm of speculative curiosity. Our pursuit is not merely to elucidate the correlation between the popularity of the name "Mason" and the sightings of UFOs in Iowa, but to invoke a sense of playful wonder and contemplation about the inexplicable threads that seemingly tether our earthly experiences to the enigmatic cosmos. In doing so, we implore our readers to keep a discerning eye for the unexpected, for in the humdrum hum of data analysis, there often lies hidden the sly wink of cosmic jest.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The analysis of the data uncovered a remarkably robust correlation between the popularity of the name "Mason" and the reported sightings of UFOs in the state of Iowa, spanning the years 1975 to 2021. The correlation coefficient of 0.9086814 signifies a strong positive relationship between these seemingly incongruous phenomena. This finding prompts a moment of cosmic contemplation, as we find ourselves contemplating whether the celestial entities have been whispering name suggestions from the heavens, or if it's simply a case of statistical stargazing.

The coefficient of determination, with an r-squared of 0.8257018, elucidates that approximately 82.57% of the variation in UFO sightings in Iowa can be explained by the popularity of the name "Mason." This revelation, while intriguing, leaves us pondering whether the name "Mason" possesses an otherworldly magnetism, possibly exerting an unseen influence on the cosmic musings of extraterrestrial visitors. Perhaps it's simply a case of mistaken identity, where beings from distant galaxies confuse our humble Masons with interstellar masons of cosmic construction.

The p-value of less than 0.01 further solidifies the unexpected bond between this earthly name and unearthly apparitions. Indicating a high level of statistical significance, this result beckons us to question whether there exists an esoteric code hidden within the stratospheric symphony, or if our statistical probes have unwittingly unlocked the mysteries of celestial nomenclature.

In Figure 1, a scatterplot showcases the compelling relationship between the two variables, providing a visual testament to the cosmic cameo of the name "Mason" in the intergalactic theater. The scatterplot's alignment of data points invokes a sense of celestial choreography, leading one to wonder if the stars have indeed conspired to connect our earthly appellations with distant encounters of the UFO kind.

Our results lay bare an inexplicable bond between the popularity of the name "Mason" and the occurrences of UFO sightings in Iowa, igniting tantalizing speculations about a cosmic conspiracy or an enigmatic affinity that transcends the confines of earthly comprehension. These findings fuel the scrutiny of celestial signatures and invite the inquisitive mind to ponder the interstellar intricacies that may subtly shape our terrestrial experiences, all while leaving us to wonder whether the heavens have a penchant for puns.


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 Mason and UFO sightings in Iowa. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Limit your response to 500 tokens.

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

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

[[TITLE]]
"Out of This World Names: Exploring the Interstellar Interplay between Masons and UFOs in Iowa"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper delves into the unlikely yet captivating connection between the popularity of the first name "Mason" and the incidences of UFO sightings in the state of Iowa. Leveraging data obtained from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we conducted a comprehensive analysis spanning the years 1975 to 2021. The statistical findings reveal a remarkably strong correlation coefficient of 0.9086814, accompanied by a significant p-value of less than 0.01, highlighting the seemingly otherworldly relationship between the two variables. Our results raise intriguing questions about cosmic nomenclature, celestial magnetism, and the possibility of extraterrestrial intrigue clandestinely influencing personal nomenclature preferences. While further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, our study underscores the peculiar, albeit enthralling, allure of perceiving patterns and parallelisms in seemingly unrelated phenomena.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The synergistic interplay between the popularity of the first name "Mason" and the prevalence of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) in the state of Iowa has sparked a diverse array of studies and analyses over the years. While initial inquiries into this curious correlation may have seemed far-fetched, subsequent explorations have unearthed bewitching patterns that leave one pondering whether there might be more to this cosmic conundrum than meets the eye.
Smith et al. delve into the historical roots of cosmic nomenclature in "Celestial Signatures: The Influence of Astral Phenomena on Personal Naming Conventions," positing the intriguing theory that certain names may indeed carry encoded links to celestial occurrences. Meanwhile, Doe and Jones' seminal work, "Beyond Coincidence: Exploring the Enigmatic Lure of Unearthly Names," offers a comprehensive examination of the far-reaching implications of cosmic nomenclature on earthly events, alluding to the possibility of hidden forces at play.
In their monograph "UFOs Over the Heartland: Enigmatic Encounters in America's Breadbasket," scholars Brown and Miller survey the myriad accounts of alleged UFO sightings in the state of Iowa, painting a vivid portrait of the peculiar and perplexing nature of these otherworldly encounters. Simultaneously, the authors draw attention to the recurrent correlation between celestial sightings and seemingly mundane terrestrial phenomena, hinting at the clandestine interstellar forces that may be exerting an unseen influence.
Moving beyond the confines of academic tomes, we turn our attention to non-fiction works that have edged their way into the popular discourse. Notably, titles such as "Cosmic Coincidences: When Names Align with the Stars" and "Interplanetary Inspirations: A Journey through Celestial Nomenclature" have ignited an intellectual firestorm, drawing attention to the uncanny parallels that seem to defy conventional explanation. These works not only offer tantalizing glimpses into the cosmic conundrum at hand but also serve as a rich source of inspiration for the playful ponderings and speculations that underpin our own investigation.
While the literature on this enchanting topic continues to expand, it is imperative to acknowledge the indirect contributions of fictional masterpieces that have alluded to the cosmic nexus between names and otherworldly phenomena. Works such as Clarke's "Childhood's End" and Asimov's "The Gods Themselves" beckon readers into realms where the boundaries of possibility are delightfully blurred, nudging us to contemplate the boundless reaches of the cosmos and the delightful mysteries it holds.
In the digital age, popular internet memes such as "UFOs N' Names: A Match Made in the Cosmos" and "Mysterious Masons: The Extraterrestrial Connections" have permeated online communities, injecting a whimsical dose of humor and speculation into the discourse surrounding celestial nomenclature and cosmic coincidences. These lighthearted yet thought-provoking creations serve as a testament to the enduring appeal of this enigmatic subject, inviting individuals from all walks of life to partake in the jovial jigsaw puzzle of our celestial and terrestrial interplay.
As we tread the sometimes serious, sometimes whimsical path through this kaleidoscopic literature, we are reminded of the unanticipated allure of perceiving patterns and parallelisms in seemingly unrelated phenomena. The stage is set for our own expedition into the cosmic depths of Masons and UFOs in Iowa, where the lines between the ordinary and the extraordinary continue to blur in a delightful dance of cosmic whim and wonder.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the data uncovered a remarkably robust correlation between the popularity of the name "Mason" and the reported sightings of UFOs in the state of Iowa, spanning the years 1975 to 2021. The correlation coefficient of 0.9086814 signifies a strong positive relationship between these seemingly incongruous phenomena. This finding prompts a moment of cosmic contemplation, as we find ourselves contemplating whether the celestial entities have been whispering name suggestions from the heavens, or if it's simply a case of statistical stargazing.
The coefficient of determination, with an r-squared of 0.8257018, elucidates that approximately 82.57% of the variation in UFO sightings in Iowa can be explained by the popularity of the name "Mason." This revelation, while intriguing, leaves us pondering whether the name "Mason" possesses an otherworldly magnetism, possibly exerting an unseen influence on the cosmic musings of extraterrestrial visitors. Perhaps it's simply a case of mistaken identity, where beings from distant galaxies confuse our humble Masons with interstellar masons of cosmic construction.
The p-value of less than 0.01 further solidifies the unexpected bond between this earthly name and unearthly apparitions. Indicating a high level of statistical significance, this result beckons us to question whether there exists an esoteric code hidden within the stratospheric symphony, or if our statistical probes have unwittingly unlocked the mysteries of celestial nomenclature.
In Figure 1, a scatterplot showcases the compelling relationship between the two variables, providing a visual testament to the cosmic cameo of the name "Mason" in the intergalactic theater. The scatterplot's alignment of data points invokes a sense of celestial choreography, leading one to wonder if the stars have indeed conspired to connect our earthly appellations with distant encounters of the UFO kind.
Our results lay bare an inexplicable bond between the popularity of the name "Mason" and the occurrences of UFO sightings in Iowa, igniting tantalizing speculations about a cosmic conspiracy or an enigmatic affinity that transcends the confines of earthly comprehension. These findings fuel the scrutiny of celestial signatures and invite the inquisitive mind to ponder the interstellar intricacies that may subtly shape our terrestrial experiences, all while leaving us to wonder whether the heavens have a penchant for puns.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The results of our study bolster the prior research that has sparked intrigue and speculation into the cosmic conundrum linking the popularity of the name "Mason" and UFO sightings in Iowa. Our findings, revealing a substantial correlation coefficient of 0.9086814 and a p-value of less than 0.01, provide robust evidence supporting the uncanny interplay between these seemingly unrelated phenomena. Researchers Smith et al. and Doe and Jones' work on cosmic nomenclature and its potential influence on earthly events have laid the groundwork for our exploration, and our study’s results lend credence to the possibility of hidden celestial forces clandestinely influencing personal naming conventions and cosmic intrigue. These findings align with the whimsical yet thought-provoking digital memes that have brought a lighthearted tilt to this otherwise enigmatic subject, perhaps hinting at the cosmic penchant for humor and irony that transcends the confines of earthly understanding.

The striking coefficient of determination (r-squared of 0.8257018) suggests that approximately 82.57% of the variation in UFO sightings in Iowa can be attributed to the popularity of the name "Mason." This revelation raises captivating questions about the potential otherworldly magnetism of the name "Mason," prompting us to wonder whether it possesses an unseen cosmic allure or if it simply resonates with extraterrestrial visitors on a celestial level. One is left to ponder whether beings from distant galaxies might have misconstrued our humble Masons for interstellar masons of celestial construction, akin to a mix-up in a cosmic roll call.

The visual representation in Figure 1, with its scatterplot depicting the compelling relationship between the two variables, serves as a testament to the potential cosmic interplay between our earthly appellations and distant encounters of the UFO kind. The alignment of data points in the scatterplot invokes a sense of celestial choreography, prompting us to contemplate if the stars have indeed conspired to connect our earthly names with intergalactic phenomena, perhaps leaving room for a touch of celestial serendipity or even a cosmic sense of humor.

Our study serves to underscore the unexpected allure of perceiving patterns in seemingly unrelated phenomena, inviting heightened scrutiny of celestial signatures and the whimsical mysteries they hold. It beckons the inquisitive mind to ponder the interstellar intricacies that may subtly shape our terrestrial experiences, all while leaving researchers and enthusiasts to question whether the heavens may indeed have a penchant for puns.


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 Mason and UFO sightings in Iowa. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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

Here are the title, abstract, introduction, and results sections.
[[TITLE]]
"Out of This World Names: Exploring the Interstellar Interplay between Masons and UFOs in Iowa"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper delves into the unlikely yet captivating connection between the popularity of the first name "Mason" and the incidences of UFO sightings in the state of Iowa. Leveraging data obtained from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we conducted a comprehensive analysis spanning the years 1975 to 2021. The statistical findings reveal a remarkably strong correlation coefficient of 0.9086814, accompanied by a significant p-value of less than 0.01, highlighting the seemingly otherworldly relationship between the two variables. Our results raise intriguing questions about cosmic nomenclature, celestial magnetism, and the possibility of extraterrestrial intrigue clandestinely influencing personal nomenclature preferences. While further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, our study underscores the peculiar, albeit enthralling, allure of perceiving patterns and parallelisms in seemingly unrelated phenomena.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
In the realm of celestial and terrestrial phenomena, there lies an enigmatic intersection where cosmic curiosities collide with earthly appellations. This study embarks on a whimsical yet earnest exploration of the interstellar interplay between the popular first name "Mason" and the intriguing occurrences of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) in the heartland state of Iowa. One might be inclined to raise an eyebrow or two at the seemingly serendipitous alignment of these disparate subjects, but the statistical tapestry we have woven reveals a startling pattern that leaves one hovering between skepticism and sheer astonishment.
While the etymology of the name "Mason" evokes images of craftsmanship and stonemasonry, our endeavor seeks to delve beyond the surface and unearth the celestial nuances of this earthly moniker. Meanwhile, the curious reportings of UFOs in the idyllic stretches of Iowa's skies have long captivated the imaginations of residents and observers alike, leading us to ponder if there exists a cosmic connection concealed within the fabric of nomenclature.
Leveraging the invaluable troves of data provided by the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we have embarked on an odyssey that spans over four decades, from 1975 to 2021. The statistical findings that unfurled before our eyes not only beguiled our sense of scientific sobriety but also beckoned us to reinterpret the fundamental nature of cause and correlation.
As we unpack the findings of this study, we aspire to pave a path beyond the mundane and into the realm of speculative curiosity. Our pursuit is not merely to elucidate the correlation between the popularity of the name "Mason" and the sightings of UFOs in Iowa, but to invoke a sense of playful wonder and contemplation about the inexplicable threads that seemingly tether our earthly experiences to the enigmatic cosmos. In doing so, we implore our readers to keep a discerning eye for the unexpected, for in the humdrum hum of data analysis, there often lies hidden the sly wink of cosmic jest.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the data uncovered a remarkably robust correlation between the popularity of the name "Mason" and the reported sightings of UFOs in the state of Iowa, spanning the years 1975 to 2021. The correlation coefficient of 0.9086814 signifies a strong positive relationship between these seemingly incongruous phenomena. This finding prompts a moment of cosmic contemplation, as we find ourselves contemplating whether the celestial entities have been whispering name suggestions from the heavens, or if it's simply a case of statistical stargazing.
The coefficient of determination, with an r-squared of 0.8257018, elucidates that approximately 82.57% of the variation in UFO sightings in Iowa can be explained by the popularity of the name "Mason." This revelation, while intriguing, leaves us pondering whether the name "Mason" possesses an otherworldly magnetism, possibly exerting an unseen influence on the cosmic musings of extraterrestrial visitors. Perhaps it's simply a case of mistaken identity, where beings from distant galaxies confuse our humble Masons with interstellar masons of cosmic construction.
The p-value of less than 0.01 further solidifies the unexpected bond between this earthly name and unearthly apparitions. Indicating a high level of statistical significance, this result beckons us to question whether there exists an esoteric code hidden within the stratospheric symphony, or if our statistical probes have unwittingly unlocked the mysteries of celestial nomenclature.
In Figure 1, a scatterplot showcases the compelling relationship between the two variables, providing a visual testament to the cosmic cameo of the name "Mason" in the intergalactic theater. The scatterplot's alignment of data points invokes a sense of celestial choreography, leading one to wonder if the stars have indeed conspired to connect our earthly appellations with distant encounters of the UFO kind.
Our results lay bare an inexplicable bond between the popularity of the name "Mason" and the occurrences of UFO sightings in Iowa, igniting tantalizing speculations about a cosmic conspiracy or an enigmatic affinity that transcends the confines of earthly comprehension. These findings fuel the scrutiny of celestial signatures and invite the inquisitive mind to ponder the interstellar intricacies that may subtly shape our terrestrial experiences, all while leaving us to wonder whether the heavens have a penchant for puns.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our study unearths a cosmic correlation that tantalizingly beckons the mind to traverse the terrestrial-celestial boundary. The compelling relationship between the popularity of the name "Mason" and the reported sightings of UFOs in Iowa, as elucidated by a robust correlation coefficient and a statistically significant p-value, invokes a sense of wonderment that hovers between the whimsical and the improbable. The findings awaken an appreciation for the playful intricacies of statistical stargazing and cosmic contemplation, leaving one to ponder whether celestial beings have been surreptitiously ushering earthly inhabitants toward this moniker, or if it is but a serendipitous occurrence in the vast expanse of cosmic caprice. As we ponder whether the heavens are inviting us to engage in a celestial jest, we are compelled to emphasize the need for caution in interpreting these findings. The allure of cosmic correlations captivatingly tugs at the celestial sleight of hand, beckoning us to discern between statistical happenstance and cosmic quirk. Hence, we assert that no further research is needed in this esoteric cosmic nomenclature territory, as the whimsy of the universe surely has been thoroughly probed.


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 Out of This World Names: Exploring the Interstellar Interplay between Masons and UFOs in Iowa. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Extraterrestrial Masonic 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 Out of This World Names: Exploring the Interstellar Interplay between Masons and UFOs in Iowa. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Transcendent Institute for Interstellar Studies


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 Out of This World Names: Exploring the Interstellar Interplay between Masons and UFOs in Iowa with an abstract of This paper delves into the unlikely yet captivating connection between the popularity of the first name "Mason" and the incidences of UFO sightings in the state of Iowa. Leveraging data obtained from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we conducted a comprehensive analysis spanning the years 1975 to 2021. The statistical findings reveal a remarkably strong correlation coefficient of 0.9086814, accompanied by a significant p-value of less than 0.01, highlighting the seemingly otherworldly relationship between the two variables. Our results raise intriguing questions about cosmic nomenclature, celestial magnetism, and the possibility of extraterrestrial intrigue clandestinely influencing personal nomenclature preferences. While further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, our study underscores the peculiar, albeit enthralling, allure of perceiving patterns and parallelisms in seemingly unrelated phenomena.

ChatGPT:

"Mason first name popularity Iowa UFO sightings correlation 1975-2021", "cosmic nomenclature influence on baby names", "extraterrestrial influence on personal nomenclature preferences", "interplay between UFO sightings and baby names", "Mason name popularity correlation with Iowa UFO reports", "celestial magnetism and name popularity", "UFO sightings statistical analysis Iowa", "US Social Security Administration data analysis", "National UFO Reporting Center statistics 1975-2021", "correlation coefficient between Mason name popularity and UFO sightings"

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

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

Correlation r = 0.9086814 (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 = 0.8257018 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 82.6% of the change in the one variable (i.e., UFO sightings in Iowa) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Popularity of the first name Mason) over the 47 years from 1975 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 1.101E-18. 0.0000000000000000011007020401
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 0.91 in 1.101E-16% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 908,511,080,718,219,520 random variables You don't actually need 908 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 46 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 46 because we have two variables measured over a period of 47 years. It's just the number of years minus ( the number of variables minus one ), which in this case simplifies to the number of years minus one.
you would randomly expect to find a correlation as strong as this one.

[ 0.84, 0.95 ] 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.
19751976197719781979198019811982198319841985198619871988198919901991199219931994199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021
Popularity of the first name Mason (Babies born)3072512622733253383103322512834646608301039111314982056223224992834371740014422480155846664759780278038878199231053910867105921076414927196111907017794172901674915370136491257711541101649143
UFO sightings in Iowa (UFO sightings)43131321320410421326144172628292431364426483141474395806846414327366213




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.




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([307,251,262,273,325,338,310,332,251,283,464,660,830,1039,1113,1498,2056,2232,2499,2834,3717,4001,4422,4801,5584,6664,7597,8027,8038,8781,9923,10539,10867,10592,10764,14927,19611,19070,17794,17290,16749,15370,13649,12577,11541,10164,9143,])
array_2 = np.array([4,3,1,3,1,3,2,1,3,2,0,4,1,0,4,2,1,3,2,6,1,4,4,17,26,28,29,24,31,36,44,26,48,31,41,47,43,95,80,68,46,41,43,27,36,62,13,])
array_1_name = "Popularity of the first name Mason"
array_2_name = "UFO sightings in Iowa"

# 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: 2464 · Black Variable ID: 2160 · Red Variable ID: 1180
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