about · email me · subscribe
Spurious correlation #4,460 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Republican votes for Senators in Utah and the second variable is Number of times 3 was a winning Mega Millions number.  The chart goes from 2002 to 2018, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image

AI explanation

- Perhaps there's a widespread lucky number belief, leading more people to choose 3, fueled by political fervor. - Alternatively, the conservative shift may have inadvertently activated a secret 3-centric numerology campaign, swaying lottery outcomes. - Or maybe, the GOP's rising influence sparked a wave of pro-3 propaganda, subliminally shaping lottery results in a numerically charged manner. - Ultimately, the connection between Republican votes in Utah and 3 emerging as a winning Mega Millions number is simply a mathematical anomaly, defying conventional logic and leaving us all scratching our heads.

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Create an image of a vintage-inspired town square in Utah bustling with activity. A prominent "Vote Republican" banner hangs above the square, and people clad in vibrant red shirts and hats adorned with the number 3 are seen casting their ballots. Nearby, a lottery kiosk is surrounded by excited players eagerly purchasing tickets, their hopeful eyes fixated on the digital display showing the previous winning numbers, with the number 3 glowing prominently. The scene is an intriguing blend of political zeal and numerical serendipity, with observers left pondering the mysterious connection between Republican votes and the recurring appearance of the number 3 in the lottery. 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: Republican votes for Senators in Utah and Number of times 3 was a winning Mega Millions number. 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: Data cyber art Art nouveau Cutsy graphics Hyper-realistic Steampunk
ChatGPT: Data cyber art

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both Republican votes for Senators in Utah and Number of times 3 was a winning Mega Millions number, in the following situation: - Perhaps there's a widespread lucky number belief, leading more people to choose 3, fueled by political fervor. - Alternatively, the conservative shift may have inadvertently activated a secret 3-centric numerology campaign, swaying lottery outcomes. - Or maybe, the GOP's rising influence sparked a wave of pro-3 propaganda, subliminally shaping lottery results in a numerically charged manner. - Ultimately, the connection between Republican votes in Utah and 3 emerging as a winning Mega Millions number is simply a mathematical anomaly, defying conventional logic and leaving us all scratching our heads.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a bustling town square in Utah, a large "Vote Republican" banner hangs prominently. People are busy casting their ballots, with many proudly wearing red shirts and hats adorned with the number 3. Meanwhile, nearby, a lottery kiosk is surrounded by excited players eagerly buying tickets, their hopeful eyes fixed on the digital display showing the previous winning numbers, with the number 3 shining bright. The scene is a perplexing blend of political enthusiasm and numerical serendipity, as the influence of Republican votes and the recurring appearance of the number 3 in the lottery leave observers wondering about the mysterious connection.

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: [ Data cyber art ] and depicting this scene: In a bustling town square in Utah, a large "Vote Republican" banner hangs prominently. People are busy casting their ballots, with many proudly wearing red shirts and hats adorned with the number 3. Meanwhile, nearby, a lottery kiosk is surrounded by excited players eagerly buying tickets, their hopeful eyes fixed on the digital display showing the previous winning numbers, with the number 3 shining bright. The scene is a perplexing blend of political enthusiasm and numerical serendipity, as the influence of Republican votes and the recurring appearance of the number 3 in the lottery leave observers wondering about the mysterious connection. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Create an image of a vintage-inspired town square in Utah bustling with activity. A prominent "Vote Republican" banner hangs above the square, and people clad in vibrant red shirts and hats adorned with the number 3 are seen casting their ballots. Nearby, a lottery kiosk is surrounded by excited players eagerly purchasing tickets, their hopeful eyes fixated on the digital display showing the previous winning numbers, with the number 3 glowing prominently. The scene is an intriguing blend of political zeal and numerical serendipity, with observers left pondering the mysterious connection between Republican votes and the recurring appearance of the number 3 in the lottery.

*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 increases in Republican votes for Senators in Utah positively influenced Number of times 3 was a winning Mega Millions number.\Make it sound serious until the end.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
3 Strikes and You're Utah: The Mega Influence of Mega Millions on Republican Votes for Senators in the Beehive State

The Journal of Political Polling and Punditry

Jan 2024
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 silly 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 Republican votes for Senators in Utah and Number of times 3 was a winning Mega Millions number. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Make the title seem clever.

Your research team used data from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse and NY Mega Millions Lottery to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.9621009 and p < 0.01 for 2002 to 2018.

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]]
"3 Strikes and You're Utah: The Mega Influence of Mega Millions on Republican Votes for Senators in the Beehive State"

[[ABSTRACT]]
Our research delves into the curious correlation between the number of times 3 appeared as a winning number in the Mega Millions lottery and the Republican votes for Senators in Utah. Harnessing the power of data from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and the NY Mega Millions Lottery, our team applied rigorous statistical analysis to uncover a surprising connection. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9621009 and p < 0.01 for the years 2002 to 2018, our findings suggest that the presence of the number 3 in lottery draws may have a hefty impact on political preferences in the Beehive State. Our study lends a comical twist to the intersection of lottery luck and political choices, highlighting the "mega influence" that seemingly random numbers can have on the voting behavior of Utah's Republican constituency.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a silly 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 Republican votes for Senators in Utah and Number of times 3 was a winning Mega Millions number. 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]]
"3 Strikes and You're Utah: The Mega Influence of Mega Millions on Republican Votes for Senators in the Beehive State"

[[ABSTRACT]]
Our research delves into the curious correlation between the number of times 3 appeared as a winning number in the Mega Millions lottery and the Republican votes for Senators in Utah. Harnessing the power of data from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and the NY Mega Millions Lottery, our team applied rigorous statistical analysis to uncover a surprising connection. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9621009 and p < 0.01 for the years 2002 to 2018, our findings suggest that the presence of the number 3 in lottery draws may have a hefty impact on political preferences in the Beehive State. Our study lends a comical twist to the intersection of lottery luck and political choices, highlighting the "mega influence" that seemingly random numbers can have on the voting behavior of Utah's Republican constituency.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
INTRODUCTION

When it comes to politics and the lottery, one might assume they have as much in common as a chicken and a filing cabinet - not much at all. However, our team of intrepid researchers set out to explore the connection between the seemingly disparate worlds of senatorial elections and the Mega Millions lottery in the great state of Utah. At first glance, one might think, "What do the numbers drawn in a game of chance have to do with the political inclinations of Utahans?" Well, as it turns out, potentially quite a lot! Buckle up and prepare to be "mega" amazed as we unravel the peculiar relationship between the frequency of the number 3 as a winning Mega Millions number and the votes cast for Republican Senators in Utah.

As proponents of empirical evidence and sharp statistical analysis, our team harnessed the power of data from esteemed sources such as the MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and the New York Mega Millions Lottery. Armed with these robust datasets, we set out to apply thorough statistical rigor to investigate any potential relationship between the number 3 and the election outcomes in Utah. The stakes were high, the puns were plentiful, and the results were as intriguing as a magician's disappearing act.

Our paper unveils a curious correlation coefficient of 0.9621009, accompanied by the much-revered "p < 0.01," for the years spanning 2002 to 2018. These numbers not only raise eyebrows but also suggest that there might be something more than mere chance at play when it comes to the influence of lottery numbers on political sentiments. Indeed, our findings indicate a remarkably strong association between the prevalence of the number 3 in Mega Millions draws and the voting behavior of the Republican constituency in the Beehive State. It appears that "3" truly isn't just a crowd; it's a winning ticket in the Utah political arena.

Our research, which began with a mere hint of skepticism, has now blossomed into a fresh and noteworthy take on the interplay of lottery permutations and political predilections. We aim to bring to light the rather unexpected yet amusing dynamics at play, demonstrating that even in the solemn realm of political decision-making, the whims of a chance draw may exert an outsized "mega" influence. So, without further ado, let's delve into this captivating journey of numbers, ballots, and the curious dance of fate and politics in the land of Utah. After all, who said academic research can't have a sense of humor?



Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a silly 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 Republican votes for Senators in Utah and Number of times 3 was a winning Mega Millions number. 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 devolve ever further, and mention something completely ridiculous, like you conducted literature review by reading CVS receipts.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"3 Strikes and You're Utah: The Mega Influence of Mega Millions on Republican Votes for Senators in the Beehive State"

[[ABSTRACT]]
Our research delves into the curious correlation between the number of times 3 appeared as a winning number in the Mega Millions lottery and the Republican votes for Senators in Utah. Harnessing the power of data from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and the NY Mega Millions Lottery, our team applied rigorous statistical analysis to uncover a surprising connection. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9621009 and p < 0.01 for the years 2002 to 2018, our findings suggest that the presence of the number 3 in lottery draws may have a hefty impact on political preferences in the Beehive State. Our study lends a comical twist to the intersection of lottery luck and political choices, highlighting the "mega influence" that seemingly random numbers can have on the voting behavior of Utah's Republican constituency.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
INTRODUCTION
When it comes to politics and the lottery, one might assume they have as much in common as a chicken and a filing cabinet - not much at all. However, our team of intrepid researchers set out to explore the connection between the seemingly disparate worlds of senatorial elections and the Mega Millions lottery in the great state of Utah. At first glance, one might think, "What do the numbers drawn in a game of chance have to do with the political inclinations of Utahans?" Well, as it turns out, potentially quite a lot! Buckle up and prepare to be "mega" amazed as we unravel the peculiar relationship between the frequency of the number 3 as a winning Mega Millions number and the votes cast for Republican Senators in Utah.
As proponents of empirical evidence and sharp statistical analysis, our team harnessed the power of data from esteemed sources such as the MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and the New York Mega Millions Lottery. Armed with these robust datasets, we set out to apply thorough statistical rigor to investigate any potential relationship between the number 3 and the election outcomes in Utah. The stakes were high, the puns were plentiful, and the results were as intriguing as a magician's disappearing act.
Our paper unveils a curious correlation coefficient of 0.9621009, accompanied by the much-revered "p < 0.01," for the years spanning 2002 to 2018. These numbers not only raise eyebrows but also suggest that there might be something more than mere chance at play when it comes to the influence of lottery numbers on political sentiments. Indeed, our findings indicate a remarkably strong association between the prevalence of the number 3 in Mega Millions draws and the voting behavior of the Republican constituency in the Beehive State. It appears that "3" truly isn't just a crowd; it's a winning ticket in the Utah political arena.
Our research, which began with a mere hint of skepticism, has now blossomed into a fresh and noteworthy take on the interplay of lottery permutations and political predilections. We aim to bring to light the rather unexpected yet amusing dynamics at play, demonstrating that even in the solemn realm of political decision-making, the whims of a chance draw may exert an outsized "mega" influence. So, without further ado, let's delve into this captivating journey of numbers, ballots, and the curious dance of fate and politics in the land of Utah. After all, who said academic research can't have a sense of humor?


-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
To delve into the curious correlation between the frequency of the number 3 as a winning Mega Millions number and the Republican votes for Senators in Utah, we turn to the existing literature in search of insights and perspectives on this seemingly whimsical yet intriguing connection.

Smith and Doe (2015) explore the concept of random number generation and its potential impact on decision-making processes, shedding light on the psychological underpinnings of individuals' responses to numerical stimuli. Meanwhile, Jones (2017) delves into the behavioral economics of lottery participation, addressing the complex interplay between chance events and human behavior. These studies offer valuable theoretical foundations for understanding the role of seemingly random numbers, such as those found in lottery draws, in shaping individual attitudes and preferences.

Drawing from non-fiction works, we find that "Freakonomics" by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner presents a compelling examination of unexpected correlations and their implications in various societal constructs. The authors' exploration of unconventional connections encourages a thought-provoking approach to understanding the seemingly unrelated worlds of lottery numbers and political choices. Additionally, "The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg offers insights into the influence of patterns and routines on decision-making, emphasizing the potential impact of recurring numerical sequences, such as the appearance of the number 3, on voting behavior.

In the realm of fiction, "The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown captivates readers with its intricate web of hidden meanings and cryptic symbols, prompting contemplation of hidden connections in seemingly disparate phenomena. While not directly related to the topic at hand, the book's thematic exploration of uncovering unexpected patterns serves as a metaphor for our quest to unravel the enigmatic relationship between lottery numbers and political allegiance.

However, our review extends beyond conventional academic sources to incorporate unconventional sources of inspiration. In a lighthearted endeavor to capture the essence of chance and unpredictability, we delved into an array of seemingly unrelated materials, including random internet forums, urban legends about lucky numbers, and, yes, even the comical randomness of CVS receipts. While unconventional, this approach reflects our commitment to embracing the unexpected and entertaining a wide spectrum of influences on our research endeavors. After all, in the spirit of uncovering unconventional connections, sometimes the unlikeliest sources hold the key to unlocking new insights.

As we synthesize these diverse perspectives, our literature review underscores the multidimensionality of the intersection between numerical chance and political inclinations, guiding us toward a more comprehensive understanding of the "mega" influence of lottery numbers on the political landscape of Utah.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a silly 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 Republican votes for Senators in Utah and Number of times 3 was a winning Mega Millions number. 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 MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse and NY Mega Millions Lottery . You used data from 2002 to 2018

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]]
"3 Strikes and You're Utah: The Mega Influence of Mega Millions on Republican Votes for Senators in the Beehive State"

[[ABSTRACT]]
Our research delves into the curious correlation between the number of times 3 appeared as a winning number in the Mega Millions lottery and the Republican votes for Senators in Utah. Harnessing the power of data from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and the NY Mega Millions Lottery, our team applied rigorous statistical analysis to uncover a surprising connection. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9621009 and p < 0.01 for the years 2002 to 2018, our findings suggest that the presence of the number 3 in lottery draws may have a hefty impact on political preferences in the Beehive State. Our study lends a comical twist to the intersection of lottery luck and political choices, highlighting the "mega influence" that seemingly random numbers can have on the voting behavior of Utah's Republican constituency.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
INTRODUCTION
When it comes to politics and the lottery, one might assume they have as much in common as a chicken and a filing cabinet - not much at all. However, our team of intrepid researchers set out to explore the connection between the seemingly disparate worlds of senatorial elections and the Mega Millions lottery in the great state of Utah. At first glance, one might think, "What do the numbers drawn in a game of chance have to do with the political inclinations of Utahans?" Well, as it turns out, potentially quite a lot! Buckle up and prepare to be "mega" amazed as we unravel the peculiar relationship between the frequency of the number 3 as a winning Mega Millions number and the votes cast for Republican Senators in Utah.
As proponents of empirical evidence and sharp statistical analysis, our team harnessed the power of data from esteemed sources such as the MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and the New York Mega Millions Lottery. Armed with these robust datasets, we set out to apply thorough statistical rigor to investigate any potential relationship between the number 3 and the election outcomes in Utah. The stakes were high, the puns were plentiful, and the results were as intriguing as a magician's disappearing act.
Our paper unveils a curious correlation coefficient of 0.9621009, accompanied by the much-revered "p < 0.01," for the years spanning 2002 to 2018. These numbers not only raise eyebrows but also suggest that there might be something more than mere chance at play when it comes to the influence of lottery numbers on political sentiments. Indeed, our findings indicate a remarkably strong association between the prevalence of the number 3 in Mega Millions draws and the voting behavior of the Republican constituency in the Beehive State. It appears that "3" truly isn't just a crowd; it's a winning ticket in the Utah political arena.
Our research, which began with a mere hint of skepticism, has now blossomed into a fresh and noteworthy take on the interplay of lottery permutations and political predilections. We aim to bring to light the rather unexpected yet amusing dynamics at play, demonstrating that even in the solemn realm of political decision-making, the whims of a chance draw may exert an outsized "mega" influence. So, without further ado, let's delve into this captivating journey of numbers, ballots, and the curious dance of fate and politics in the land of Utah. After all, who said academic research can't have a sense of humor?


-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To untangle the web of numerically-driven political intrigue, our research team utilized a multifaceted approach that combined rigorous statistical analysis with a dash of whimsy and a sprinkle of statistical magic. Our first step involved gathering data from a variety of sources, including the aptly named MIT Election Data and Science Lab, the scholarly haven of the Harvard Dataverse, and the bustling world of the New York Mega Millions Lottery.

We began by compiling the historical results of Mega Millions draws from 2002 to 2018, meticulously recording the frequency of each winning number, including the elusive yet omnipresent number 3. Our team went to great lengths to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the lottery data, recognizing that even the subtlest numerical nuance could hold sway over Utah's political landscape.

Next, armed with this wealth of lottery wisdom, we turned our attention to the political sphere, specifically focusing our telescopic gaze on the Republican votes for Senators in the esteemed state of Utah. We combed through the electoral records with the meticulousness of an archaeologist excavating ancient artifacts, extracting the voting data with painstaking precision to ensure the integrity of our analysis.

With both sets of data in hand, we then brought out the heavy statistical artillery, deploying the formidable powers of correlation analysis and regression modeling. Our team meticulously calculated the correlation coefficient between the frequency of the number 3 as a winning Mega Millions number and the Republican votes for Senators in Utah, harnessing the divine power of mathematical formulas to uncover potential patterns and interconnections.

To ensure the robustness of our findings, we applied a series of sensitivity analyses, scrutinizing our results from every conceivable angle like a detective solving an intricate puzzle. We also incorporated control variables, considering factors such as economic indicators and political events to disentangle the potential influence of confounding variables, mindful of the perils of jumping to hasty conclusions.

Finally, as we embarked on this scholarly odyssey through the corridors of numbers and politics, we applied a lighthearted lens to our methodology, recognizing that even the most arcane statistical procedures could benefit from an infusion of levity. After all, in the whimsical world of number crunching and political punditry, a sprinkle of humor can be as potent as any statistical test.

In summation, our methodology danced across the boundaries of rigorous analysis and scholarly merriment, blending the seriousness of empirical inquiry with the playfulness befitting a "mega" inquiry into the curious connection between lottery numbers and political preferences.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a silly 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 Republican votes for Senators in Utah and Number of times 3 was a winning Mega Millions number. 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 MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse and NY Mega Millions Lottery .

For the time period 2002 to 2018, you found a correlation 0.9621009, r-squared of 0.9256382, 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]]
"3 Strikes and You're Utah: The Mega Influence of Mega Millions on Republican Votes for Senators in the Beehive State"

[[ABSTRACT]]
Our research delves into the curious correlation between the number of times 3 appeared as a winning number in the Mega Millions lottery and the Republican votes for Senators in Utah. Harnessing the power of data from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and the NY Mega Millions Lottery, our team applied rigorous statistical analysis to uncover a surprising connection. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9621009 and p < 0.01 for the years 2002 to 2018, our findings suggest that the presence of the number 3 in lottery draws may have a hefty impact on political preferences in the Beehive State. Our study lends a comical twist to the intersection of lottery luck and political choices, highlighting the "mega influence" that seemingly random numbers can have on the voting behavior of Utah's Republican constituency.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
INTRODUCTION
When it comes to politics and the lottery, one might assume they have as much in common as a chicken and a filing cabinet - not much at all. However, our team of intrepid researchers set out to explore the connection between the seemingly disparate worlds of senatorial elections and the Mega Millions lottery in the great state of Utah. At first glance, one might think, "What do the numbers drawn in a game of chance have to do with the political inclinations of Utahans?" Well, as it turns out, potentially quite a lot! Buckle up and prepare to be "mega" amazed as we unravel the peculiar relationship between the frequency of the number 3 as a winning Mega Millions number and the votes cast for Republican Senators in Utah.
As proponents of empirical evidence and sharp statistical analysis, our team harnessed the power of data from esteemed sources such as the MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and the New York Mega Millions Lottery. Armed with these robust datasets, we set out to apply thorough statistical rigor to investigate any potential relationship between the number 3 and the election outcomes in Utah. The stakes were high, the puns were plentiful, and the results were as intriguing as a magician's disappearing act.
Our paper unveils a curious correlation coefficient of 0.9621009, accompanied by the much-revered "p < 0.01," for the years spanning 2002 to 2018. These numbers not only raise eyebrows but also suggest that there might be something more than mere chance at play when it comes to the influence of lottery numbers on political sentiments. Indeed, our findings indicate a remarkably strong association between the prevalence of the number 3 in Mega Millions draws and the voting behavior of the Republican constituency in the Beehive State. It appears that "3" truly isn't just a crowd; it's a winning ticket in the Utah political arena.
Our research, which began with a mere hint of skepticism, has now blossomed into a fresh and noteworthy take on the interplay of lottery permutations and political predilections. We aim to bring to light the rather unexpected yet amusing dynamics at play, demonstrating that even in the solemn realm of political decision-making, the whims of a chance draw may exert an outsized "mega" influence. So, without further ado, let's delve into this captivating journey of numbers, ballots, and the curious dance of fate and politics in the land of Utah. After all, who said academic research can't have a sense of humor?


-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The results of our analysis revealed a remarkably strong correlation between the frequency of the number 3 appearing as a winning Mega Millions number and the Republican votes for Senators in Utah, stirring up more intrigue than a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat. The correlation coefficient of 0.9621009 and an r-squared of 0.9256382 for the time period 2002 to 2018 presented an unmistakable relationship that piqued our curiosity and tickled our statistical senses.

Figure 1 (to be included) depicts a scatterplot that visually encapsulates the robust connection between these seemingly unrelated variables. One might say that the correlation is as clear as the numbers on a lottery ticket, leaving little room for doubt about the influence of the "mega" numbers on Utah's political landscape.

The findings of our investigation leave us akin to puzzled lottery players: scratching our heads in bemusement while contemplating the whims of fate and probability. The significant correlation and exceptionally high r-squared value suggest that the presence of the number 3 in Mega Millions draws may not be as arbitrary as one might think. In fact, it appears to yield a substantial impact on the voting behavior of Utah's Republican electorate, shaping their senatorial preferences in a most unexpected manner.

The implications of these results extend beyond statistical fascination and into the realm of the unexpected dance between chance and choice in the political arena. The "mega influence" of the number 3 on Republican votes for Senators in Utah serves as a delightful reminder that even in the serious business of politics, numbers can tiptoe in and steal the show, much like an unexpected guest at a dinner party.

In summary, our findings uphold the notion that when it comes to numbers and politics in Utah, there's more than meets the eye - or the ballot paper. With a wink and a nod to the curious interplay of lottery luck and political preferences, our research brings to the fore the notion that in Utah, the number 3 might just be the "jackpot" in deciding senatorial outcomes.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a silly 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 Republican votes for Senators in Utah and Number of times 3 was a winning Mega Millions number. 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]]
"3 Strikes and You're Utah: The Mega Influence of Mega Millions on Republican Votes for Senators in the Beehive State"

[[ABSTRACT]]
Our research delves into the curious correlation between the number of times 3 appeared as a winning number in the Mega Millions lottery and the Republican votes for Senators in Utah. Harnessing the power of data from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and the NY Mega Millions Lottery, our team applied rigorous statistical analysis to uncover a surprising connection. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9621009 and p < 0.01 for the years 2002 to 2018, our findings suggest that the presence of the number 3 in lottery draws may have a hefty impact on political preferences in the Beehive State. Our study lends a comical twist to the intersection of lottery luck and political choices, highlighting the "mega influence" that seemingly random numbers can have on the voting behavior of Utah's Republican constituency.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
To delve into the curious correlation between the frequency of the number 3 as a winning Mega Millions number and the Republican votes for Senators in Utah, we turn to the existing literature in search of insights and perspectives on this seemingly whimsical yet intriguing connection.
Smith and Doe (2015) explore the concept of random number generation and its potential impact on decision-making processes, shedding light on the psychological underpinnings of individuals' responses to numerical stimuli. Meanwhile, Jones (2017) delves into the behavioral economics of lottery participation, addressing the complex interplay between chance events and human behavior. These studies offer valuable theoretical foundations for understanding the role of seemingly random numbers, such as those found in lottery draws, in shaping individual attitudes and preferences.
Drawing from non-fiction works, we find that "Freakonomics" by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner presents a compelling examination of unexpected correlations and their implications in various societal constructs. The authors' exploration of unconventional connections encourages a thought-provoking approach to understanding the seemingly unrelated worlds of lottery numbers and political choices. Additionally, "The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg offers insights into the influence of patterns and routines on decision-making, emphasizing the potential impact of recurring numerical sequences, such as the appearance of the number 3, on voting behavior.
In the realm of fiction, "The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown captivates readers with its intricate web of hidden meanings and cryptic symbols, prompting contemplation of hidden connections in seemingly disparate phenomena. While not directly related to the topic at hand, the book's thematic exploration of uncovering unexpected patterns serves as a metaphor for our quest to unravel the enigmatic relationship between lottery numbers and political allegiance.
However, our review extends beyond conventional academic sources to incorporate unconventional sources of inspiration. In a lighthearted endeavor to capture the essence of chance and unpredictability, we delved into an array of seemingly unrelated materials, including random internet forums, urban legends about lucky numbers, and, yes, even the comical randomness of CVS receipts. While unconventional, this approach reflects our commitment to embracing the unexpected and entertaining a wide spectrum of influences on our research endeavors. After all, in the spirit of uncovering unconventional connections, sometimes the unlikeliest sources hold the key to unlocking new insights.
As we synthesize these diverse perspectives, our literature review underscores the multidimensionality of the intersection between numerical chance and political inclinations, guiding us toward a more comprehensive understanding of the "mega" influence of lottery numbers on the political landscape of Utah.

[[RESULTS]]
The results of our analysis revealed a remarkably strong correlation between the frequency of the number 3 appearing as a winning Mega Millions number and the Republican votes for Senators in Utah, stirring up more intrigue than a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat. The correlation coefficient of 0.9621009 and an r-squared of 0.9256382 for the time period 2002 to 2018 presented an unmistakable relationship that piqued our curiosity and tickled our statistical senses.
Figure 1 (to be included) depicts a scatterplot that visually encapsulates the robust connection between these seemingly unrelated variables. One might say that the correlation is as clear as the numbers on a lottery ticket, leaving little room for doubt about the influence of the "mega" numbers on Utah's political landscape.
The findings of our investigation leave us akin to puzzled lottery players: scratching our heads in bemusement while contemplating the whims of fate and probability. The significant correlation and exceptionally high r-squared value suggest that the presence of the number 3 in Mega Millions draws may not be as arbitrary as one might think. In fact, it appears to yield a substantial impact on the voting behavior of Utah's Republican electorate, shaping their senatorial preferences in a most unexpected manner.
The implications of these results extend beyond statistical fascination and into the realm of the unexpected dance between chance and choice in the political arena. The "mega influence" of the number 3 on Republican votes for Senators in Utah serves as a delightful reminder that even in the serious business of politics, numbers can tiptoe in and steal the show, much like an unexpected guest at a dinner party.
In summary, our findings uphold the notion that when it comes to numbers and politics in Utah, there's more than meets the eye - or the ballot paper. With a wink and a nod to the curious interplay of lottery luck and political preferences, our research brings to the fore the notion that in Utah, the number 3 might just be the "jackpot" in deciding senatorial outcomes.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

The robust correlation between the frequency of the number 3 as a winning Mega Millions number and the Republican votes for Senators in Utah has left us as baffled as a riddle wrapped in an enigma. Our results waltz into the realm of political influence, hand in hand with the seemingly capricious world of lottery numbers, much like an unexpected dance at a formal ball.

Our findings seem to confirm the earlier speculation of Smith and Doe (2015) regarding the psychological impact of numerical stimuli on decision-making processes. It appears that the presence of the number 3 in lottery draws may indeed wield a considerable influence on the voting behavior of Utah's Republican constituency, akin to a magician wielding quite the persuasive wand.

Moreover, our results lend support to Jones's (2017) exploration of the behavioral economics of lottery participation. It would seem that the unpredictable allure of the Mega Millions, especially when adorned with the number 3, can stealthily whisper its way into the political preferences of Utah's voters, much like a sly fox in the henhouse.

Let's not forget the unexpected voices of "Freakonomics" and "The Power of Habit," with their thematic explorations and insights into unlikely correlations. Our study has, in a sense, brought forth a "freakish" connection and highlighted the potential impact of recurring numerical sequences on voter behavior, not unlike discovering a hidden treasure map in the attic.

Drawing from the unconventional sources we unearthed in our literature review, our findings echo the unpredictable and entertaining nature of chance and probability, much like finding a four-leaf clover in a field of three-leaf ones. They serve as a whimsical reminder that sometimes the unlikeliest sources hold the key to unlocking new insights, much like stumbling upon a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.

In essence, our research has cracked open the amusingly surreal shell of the intersection between lottery numbers and political allegiance, revealing a more comprehensive understanding of the "mega" influence of the number 3 on the political landscape of Utah. It appears that in the case of Utah's political preferences, the number 3 might just be the "trifecta" that tips the scales.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a silly 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 Republican votes for Senators in Utah and Number of times 3 was a winning Mega Millions number. 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]]
"3 Strikes and You're Utah: The Mega Influence of Mega Millions on Republican Votes for Senators in the Beehive State"

[[ABSTRACT]]
Our research delves into the curious correlation between the number of times 3 appeared as a winning number in the Mega Millions lottery and the Republican votes for Senators in Utah. Harnessing the power of data from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and the NY Mega Millions Lottery, our team applied rigorous statistical analysis to uncover a surprising connection. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9621009 and p < 0.01 for the years 2002 to 2018, our findings suggest that the presence of the number 3 in lottery draws may have a hefty impact on political preferences in the Beehive State. Our study lends a comical twist to the intersection of lottery luck and political choices, highlighting the "mega influence" that seemingly random numbers can have on the voting behavior of Utah's Republican constituency.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
INTRODUCTION
When it comes to politics and the lottery, one might assume they have as much in common as a chicken and a filing cabinet - not much at all. However, our team of intrepid researchers set out to explore the connection between the seemingly disparate worlds of senatorial elections and the Mega Millions lottery in the great state of Utah. At first glance, one might think, "What do the numbers drawn in a game of chance have to do with the political inclinations of Utahans?" Well, as it turns out, potentially quite a lot! Buckle up and prepare to be "mega" amazed as we unravel the peculiar relationship between the frequency of the number 3 as a winning Mega Millions number and the votes cast for Republican Senators in Utah.
As proponents of empirical evidence and sharp statistical analysis, our team harnessed the power of data from esteemed sources such as the MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and the New York Mega Millions Lottery. Armed with these robust datasets, we set out to apply thorough statistical rigor to investigate any potential relationship between the number 3 and the election outcomes in Utah. The stakes were high, the puns were plentiful, and the results were as intriguing as a magician's disappearing act.
Our paper unveils a curious correlation coefficient of 0.9621009, accompanied by the much-revered "p < 0.01," for the years spanning 2002 to 2018. These numbers not only raise eyebrows but also suggest that there might be something more than mere chance at play when it comes to the influence of lottery numbers on political sentiments. Indeed, our findings indicate a remarkably strong association between the prevalence of the number 3 in Mega Millions draws and the voting behavior of the Republican constituency in the Beehive State. It appears that "3" truly isn't just a crowd; it's a winning ticket in the Utah political arena.
Our research, which began with a mere hint of skepticism, has now blossomed into a fresh and noteworthy take on the interplay of lottery permutations and political predilections. We aim to bring to light the rather unexpected yet amusing dynamics at play, demonstrating that even in the solemn realm of political decision-making, the whims of a chance draw may exert an outsized "mega" influence. So, without further ado, let's delve into this captivating journey of numbers, ballots, and the curious dance of fate and politics in the land of Utah. After all, who said academic research can't have a sense of humor?


[[RESULTS]]
The results of our analysis revealed a remarkably strong correlation between the frequency of the number 3 appearing as a winning Mega Millions number and the Republican votes for Senators in Utah, stirring up more intrigue than a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat. The correlation coefficient of 0.9621009 and an r-squared of 0.9256382 for the time period 2002 to 2018 presented an unmistakable relationship that piqued our curiosity and tickled our statistical senses.
Figure 1 (to be included) depicts a scatterplot that visually encapsulates the robust connection between these seemingly unrelated variables. One might say that the correlation is as clear as the numbers on a lottery ticket, leaving little room for doubt about the influence of the "mega" numbers on Utah's political landscape.
The findings of our investigation leave us akin to puzzled lottery players: scratching our heads in bemusement while contemplating the whims of fate and probability. The significant correlation and exceptionally high r-squared value suggest that the presence of the number 3 in Mega Millions draws may not be as arbitrary as one might think. In fact, it appears to yield a substantial impact on the voting behavior of Utah's Republican electorate, shaping their senatorial preferences in a most unexpected manner.
The implications of these results extend beyond statistical fascination and into the realm of the unexpected dance between chance and choice in the political arena. The "mega influence" of the number 3 on Republican votes for Senators in Utah serves as a delightful reminder that even in the serious business of politics, numbers can tiptoe in and steal the show, much like an unexpected guest at a dinner party.
In summary, our findings uphold the notion that when it comes to numbers and politics in Utah, there's more than meets the eye - or the ballot paper. With a wink and a nod to the curious interplay of lottery luck and political preferences, our research brings to the fore the notion that in Utah, the number 3 might just be the "jackpot" in deciding senatorial outcomes.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our research has uncovered a compelling correlation between the frequency of the number 3 as a winning Mega Millions number and the Republican votes for Senators in Utah. It seems that the "trifecta" of lottery luck has a surprising influence on political preferences in the Beehive State, emphasizing the "mega" nature of this seemingly whimsical connection. Our findings raise interesting questions and provide an entertaining twist to the otherwise serious world of political analysis. One might say that our study has added a dash of humor in the scholarly pursuit of data-driven insights, proving that even in the realm of numbers and politics, there's always room for a good laugh – or perhaps a lucky number.

The strength of the correlation coefficient and the r-squared value not only pique curiosity but also emphasize the whimsical dance of chance and choice in the Beehive State. After all, who would have thought that a lottery number could hold such sway over senatorial votes? It appears that in the land of Utah, the number 3 is not just a mere digit; it's a political player, making the most out of its "mega" potential.

As much as we've enjoyed unearthing this unexpected connection, it seems that our research has shed ample light on the "Mega Influence" of the lottery on political leanings in Utah. With this in mind, it's fair to say that further research in this area might be as redundant as a broken pencil – there's no point! Our findings stand as a testament to the whimsical dance between fate and politics, offering a lighthearted yet enlightening perspective on the curious interplay between lottery draws and voting behavior.

In the spirit of academic rigor and a touch of amusement, we gracefully conclude that our foray into the world of "Mega Millions" and senatorial votes in Utah has proven to be as delightful as a surprise win, leaving us with the satisfying feeling of uncovering a comical twist in the otherwise staid realm of political analysis. Indeed, in the grand nexus of lottery luck and political preferences, it seems that the number "3" has made its mark, serving as a fitting reminder that in the game of politics, one must always be prepared for the unexpected – much like a winning number in a lottery draw.


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 3 Strikes and You're Utah: The Mega Influence of Mega Millions on Republican Votes for Senators in the Beehive State. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Political Polling and Punditry


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 3 Strikes and You're Utah: The Mega Influence of Mega Millions on Republican Votes for Senators in the Beehive State. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Society for Economic and Political Research Advancement (SEPRA)


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 3 Strikes and You're Utah: The Mega Influence of Mega Millions on Republican Votes for Senators in the Beehive State with an abstract of Our research delves into the curious correlation between the number of times 3 appeared as a winning number in the Mega Millions lottery and the Republican votes for Senators in Utah. Harnessing the power of data from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and the NY Mega Millions Lottery, our team applied rigorous statistical analysis to uncover a surprising connection. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9621009 and p < 0.01 for the years 2002 to 2018, our findings suggest that the presence of the number 3 in lottery draws may have a hefty impact on political preferences in the Beehive State. Our study lends a comical twist to the intersection of lottery luck and political choices, highlighting the "mega influence" that seemingly random numbers can have on the voting behavior of Utah's Republican constituency.

ChatGPT:

Mega Millions, Utah, Republican votes, Senators, Beehive State, lottery, correlation, MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, NY Mega Millions Lottery, statistical analysis, correlation coefficient, political preferences, lottery luck, voting behavior

*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

Republican votes for Senators in Utah
Detailed data title: Total number of votes cast for Federal Republican Senate candidates in Utah
Source: MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse
See what else correlates with Republican votes for Senators in Utah

Number of times 3 was a winning Mega Millions number
Detailed data title: Number of times the Mega Millions lottery Megaball landed on #3
Source: NY Mega Millions Lottery
See what else correlates with Number of times 3 was a winning Mega Millions number

Correlation r = 0.9621009 (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 = 0.9256382 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 92.6% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Number of times 3 was a winning Mega Millions number) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Republican votes for Senators in Utah) over the 6 years from 2002 through 2018.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 0.0021. 0.0021272903220720834000000000
The p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme. More specifically the p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme if we had only tested one pair of variables one time.

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

Who is going to stop me? p-value reporting doesn't require me to report how many calculations I had to go through in order to find a low p-value!
On average, you will find a correaltion as strong as 0.96 in 0.21% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 470 random variables Which I absolutely did.
with the same 5 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 5 because we have two variables measured over a period of 6 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.

[ 0.69, 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.
200420062010201220162018
Republican votes for Senators in Utah (Total votes)626640356238360403657608760220665215
Number of times 3 was a winning Mega Millions number (Number of megaballs)311453




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. Very low n: There are not many data points included in this analysis. Even if the p-value is high, we should be suspicious of using so few datapoints in a correlation.




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([626640,356238,360403,657608,760220,665215,])
array_2 = np.array([3,1,1,4,5,3,])
array_1_name = "Republican votes for Senators in Utah"
array_2_name = "Number of times 3 was a winning Mega Millions number"

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

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



Reuseable content

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

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

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

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

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

Download images for these variables:


View another random correlation

How fun was this correlation?

Your correlation inspection deserves a standing ovation!


Correlation ID: 4460 · Black Variable ID: 26323 · Red Variable ID: 869
about · subscribe · emailme@tylervigen.com · twitter

CC BY 4.0