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Spurious correlation #1,323 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Boston Celtics' annual draft pick count and the second variable is Google searches for 'please clap'.  The chart goes from 2004 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

The more draft picks the Boston Celtics receive, the more they please the basketball gods. In turn, these pleased deities subtly influence people to search for Jeb Bush's infamous "please clap" moment, spreading good-natured amusement and reminding everyone that even in the world of sports, we could all use a polite golf clap now and then. Remember, it's all about that cosmic hoop connection!

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: "Generate a black-and-white newspaper illustration of a basketball court where the Boston Celtics are playing. As the Celtics score fewer points, the crowd starts to disperse. In another part of the scene, a large fading Google search bar appears, with people typing in "please clap" as the crowd dissipates, reflecting the decrease in Google searches for "please clap"." 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 situation described. You respond only with the scene descriptions provided and say nothing else.
User prompt: Here is a situation: The decrease in Boston Celtics' annual draft pick count caused a decrease in Google searches for "please clap" because the universe got tired of people asking for applause for their underwhelming performance and decided to cut them some slack.. Given that situation, which of the following image descriptions seems most appropriate? Pick the one that seems to be related to one of the variables at hand and the tone of the explanation. Please respond with only one of the following potential descriptions: Photorealism Steampunk A black-and-white newspaper illustration Photorealism A comic-book-style illustration with muted colors and a dotted halftone pattern from the 1960s
ChatGPT: A black-and-white newspaper illustration

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated and the explanation described. Do not reference graphs or charts; describe physical objects.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that depicts the following situation. Keep the description simple. The decrease in Boston Celtics' annual draft pick count caused a decrease in Google searches for "please clap" because the universe got tired of people asking for applause for their underwhelming performance and decided to cut them some slack.
ChatGPT: Imagine a basketball court where the Boston Celtics are playing a game. As they score fewer points, the crowd begins to lose interest and starts to disperse. Meanwhile, in another part of the scene, a large Google search bar appears, and people start typing in "please clap." However, as the crowd dissipates, the search bar begins to fade, reflecting the decrease in Google searches for "please clap."

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 black-and-white newspaper illustration ] and depicting this scene: Imagine a basketball court where the Boston Celtics are playing a game. As they score fewer points, the crowd begins to lose interest and starts to disperse. Meanwhile, in another part of the scene, a large Google search bar appears, and people start typing in "please clap." However, as the crowd dissipates, the search bar begins to fade, reflecting the decrease in Google searches for "please clap." Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: "Generate a black-and-white newspaper illustration of a basketball court where the Boston Celtics are playing. As the Celtics score fewer points, the crowd starts to disperse. In another part of the scene, a large fading Google search bar appears, with people typing in "please clap" as the crowd dissipates, reflecting the decrease in Google searches for "please clap"."

*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 Boston Celtics' annual draft pick count positively influenced please clap (Google searches for 'please clap').

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Clapback: A Statistical Analysis of the Connection Between Boston Celtics' Annual Draft Picks and Google Searches for 'Please Clap'

The Journal of Sports Analytics and Internet Culture

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 witty academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a statistics journal.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 Boston Celtics' annual draft pick count and Google searches for 'please clap'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Make the title seem clever.

Your research team used data from Basketball Refererence and Google Trends to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.8610868 and p < 0.01 for 2004 to 2022.

Please respond in this format (replace "Lorem ipsum dolor sit" with your title and abstract)

[[TITLE]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit

[[ABSTRACT]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit



ChatGPT:
[[TITLE]]
"Clapback: A Statistical Analysis of the Connection Between Boston Celtics' Annual Draft Picks and Google Searches for 'Please Clap'"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the intriguing relationship between the Boston Celtics' annual draft pick count and the frequency of Google searches for the phrase "please clap". In what may appear to be a peculiar correlation at first glance, our research team dives deep into this amusing intersection of sports and public sentiment. Leveraging data from Basketball Reference and Google Trends, we applied rigorous statistical analysis to unravel the mystery behind the observed patterns.

In our investigation, we uncovered a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8610868 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the years spanning from 2004 to 2022. This finding points to a robust association between the Boston Celtics' draft picks and the popularity of the plea for applause. As the saying goes, "I used to be a baker, but I couldn't make enough dough."

The implications of these results extend beyond mere amusement, shedding light on the intertwined dynamics of sports fandom, public discourse, and online behavior. This study not only adds a touch of statistical humor to the world of sports analytics but also underscores the potential for uncovering unexpected connections in the vast landscape of data. So, why did the statistician break up with the other statistician? They just didn't add up.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a witty academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a statistics journal.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 Boston Celtics' annual draft pick count and Google searches for 'please clap'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Clapback: A Statistical Analysis of the Connection Between Boston Celtics' Annual Draft Picks and Google Searches for 'Please Clap'"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the intriguing relationship between the Boston Celtics' annual draft pick count and the frequency of Google searches for the phrase "please clap". In what may appear to be a peculiar correlation at first glance, our research team dives deep into this amusing intersection of sports and public sentiment. Leveraging data from Basketball Reference and Google Trends, we applied rigorous statistical analysis to unravel the mystery behind the observed patterns.

In our investigation, we uncovered a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8610868 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the years spanning from 2004 to 2022. This finding points to a robust association between the Boston Celtics' draft picks and the popularity of the plea for applause. As the saying goes, "I used to be a baker, but I couldn't make enough dough."

The implications of these results extend beyond mere amusement, shedding light on the intertwined dynamics of sports fandom, public discourse, and online behavior. This study not only adds a touch of statistical humor to the world of sports analytics but also underscores the potential for uncovering unexpected connections in the vast landscape of data. So, why did the statistician break up with the other statistician? They just didn't add up.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

The connection between sports and popular culture has always been an area of fascination, often yielding unexpected and amusing insights. In this vein, our research delves into the curious relationship between the annual draft pick count of the Boston Celtics, a storied franchise in the realm of basketball, and the frequency of Google searches for the phrase "please clap." This investigation blends the seriousness of statistical analysis with the lightheartedness of internet humor, much like a good old game of basketball under the bright lights. As the Celtics gear up for another draft, it's time to present our findings and see whether the crowd will cheer or deliver a resounding "Please clap."

The annual NBA draft serves as a pivotal moment for teams to fortify their rosters and lay the groundwork for future success. Similarly, the frequency of Google searches can offer a window into prevailing public sentiment and online zeitgeist. Through the lens of statistical analysis, we aim to uncover whether there exists a correlation between the Celtics' draft picks and the popularity of the beseeching phrase "please clap," an endeavor that may rival the excitement of a buzzer-beater shot.

"Statisticians - they like to think a lot, always calculating and computing," or so the old joke goes. In this study, we harness the power of quantitative methods to scrutinize the data from Basketball Reference, obtaining the annual draft pick count for the Boston Celtics, and data from Google Trends, capturing the search interest for "please clap." With these tools in hand, we embark on an exhilarating journey to unravel the mystery behind this peculiar yet captivating correlation. Just like a good basketball game, this research is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat while also offering a few chuckles along the way.

The statistical conundrum that lies at the heart of this investigation encompasses not only the realm of sports but also the intricacies of online behavior and communication. As we peel back the layers of data and analysis, we hope to provide a rich tapestry of insight that transcends the boundaries of traditional sports analytics. The interplay between fandom, public sentiment, and internet culture often yields unexpected connections, akin to a classic crossover move leaving the defender mystified. In the same spirit, we aim to reveal the unexpected but statistically robust connection between the Boston Celtics' draft pick count and the echo of "please clap" reverberating through the digital arena.


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

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Boston Celtics' annual draft pick count and Google searches for 'please clap'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

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

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

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

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Clapback: A Statistical Analysis of the Connection Between Boston Celtics' Annual Draft Picks and Google Searches for 'Please Clap'"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the intriguing relationship between the Boston Celtics' annual draft pick count and the frequency of Google searches for the phrase "please clap". In what may appear to be a peculiar correlation at first glance, our research team dives deep into this amusing intersection of sports and public sentiment. Leveraging data from Basketball Reference and Google Trends, we applied rigorous statistical analysis to unravel the mystery behind the observed patterns.

In our investigation, we uncovered a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8610868 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the years spanning from 2004 to 2022. This finding points to a robust association between the Boston Celtics' draft picks and the popularity of the plea for applause. As the saying goes, "I used to be a baker, but I couldn't make enough dough."

The implications of these results extend beyond mere amusement, shedding light on the intertwined dynamics of sports fandom, public discourse, and online behavior. This study not only adds a touch of statistical humor to the world of sports analytics but also underscores the potential for uncovering unexpected connections in the vast landscape of data. So, why did the statistician break up with the other statistician? They just didn't add up.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The connection between sports and popular culture has always been an area of fascination, often yielding unexpected and amusing insights. In this vein, our research delves into the curious relationship between the annual draft pick count of the Boston Celtics, a storied franchise in the realm of basketball, and the frequency of Google searches for the phrase "please clap." This investigation blends the seriousness of statistical analysis with the lightheartedness of internet humor, much like a good old game of basketball under the bright lights. As the Celtics gear up for another draft, it's time to present our findings and see whether the crowd will cheer or deliver a resounding "Please clap."

The annual NBA draft serves as a pivotal moment for teams to fortify their rosters and lay the groundwork for future success. Similarly, the frequency of Google searches can offer a window into prevailing public sentiment and online zeitgeist. Through the lens of statistical analysis, we aim to uncover whether there exists a correlation between the Celtics' draft picks and the popularity of the beseeching phrase "please clap," an endeavor that may rival the excitement of a buzzer-beater shot.

"Statisticians - they like to think a lot, always calculating and computing," or so the old joke goes. In this study, we harness the power of quantitative methods to scrutinize the data from Basketball Reference, obtaining the annual draft pick count for the Boston Celtics, and data from Google Trends, capturing the search interest for "please clap." With these tools in hand, we embark on an exhilarating journey to unravel the mystery behind this peculiar yet captivating correlation. Just like a good basketball game, this research is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat while also offering a few chuckles along the way.

The statistical conundrum that lies at the heart of this investigation encompasses not only the realm of sports but also the intricacies of online behavior and communication. As we peel back the layers of data and analysis, we hope to provide a rich tapestry of insight that transcends the boundaries of traditional sports analytics. The interplay between fandom, public sentiment, and internet culture often yields unexpected connections, akin to a classic crossover move leaving the defender mystified. In the same spirit, we aim to reveal the unexpected but statistically robust connection between the Boston Celtics' draft pick count and the echo of "please clap" reverberating through the digital arena.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The connection between the annual draft pick count of the Boston Celtics and Google searches for the phrase "please clap" has sparked a unique intersection of statistical analysis and internet culture. While the correlation may seem as improbable as a half-court shot, the evidence supporting this peculiar relationship is more robust than one might expect. In "Drafts and Digital Desires," Smith (2017) first draws attention to the surprising correlation between sports team performance metrics and public reactions in online platforms. However, none could have anticipated the extent of this phenomenon, reminiscent of a three-pointer from the half-court line.

As the investigation progresses, it becomes evident that this correlation transcends conventional sports analytics, venturing into the realm of whimsical statistical phenomena. Doe (2020) provides further insight into the nuanced dynamics between sports team performance and online behavior, laying the groundwork for the unlikely association between the Boston Celtics' draft picks and the plea for applause. Much like a well-executed pick-and-roll play, the connection between these seemingly disparate elements unfolds in a delightful yet statistically significant manner. "You always miss 100% of the shots you don't take," the statistician jests, but in this case, we managed to find the backboard at least.

Delving into more lighthearted aspects of the research landscape, "The Statistical Humorist's Guide to Unlikely Correlations" by Jones (2019) offers a refreshing perspective on the unexpected connections that statistical analysis can reveal. Through a series of tongue-in-cheek anecdotes and data-driven hilarity, Jones (2019) paves the way for our exploration of the interplay between the Boston Celtics' draft picks and the plea for applause encapsulated in the search term "please clap." With a good dose of statistical wit, this scholarly work brings a new meaning to the phrase "data humor," much like a well-timed pun in the midst of a serious statistical discussion.

Transitioning into a more narrative dimension, "Clapping for Draft Success: A Fan's Journey" by A. Basketballenthusiast (2018) shares personal anecdotes from fans exploring the emotional rollercoaster of draft season and the quest for team success. Though lacking in empirical rigidity, this work provides a valuable peek into the human side of the statistical phenomenon under study, akin to a heartwarming sports movie with a few statistical quirks thrown in for good measure. "The Statistician’s Guide to Basketball Banter" by R. Hoopstastic (2021) takes a more light-hearted approach, chronicling the humorous side of statistical analysis in the context of sports. With a comedic flair, this work provides a refreshing take on the correlation between sports team dynamics and peculiar online behavior, reminiscent of a well-timed jest during a tense basketball match.

Taking a brief detour into visual media, "Stats Galore: A TV Show for the Data-Obsessed" and "The Statisticians Stand: A Dramedy of Correlation and Causation" offer fictional portrayals of statistical intrigue in the context of sports and entertainment. While these works may not offer empirical evidence, they contribute to the cultural landscape surrounding statistical analysis and its whimsical potential, similar to the thrill of a surprise plot twist in a statistical sitcom.


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

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Boston Celtics' annual draft pick count and Google searches for 'please clap'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Basketball Refererence and Google Trends . You used data from 2004 to 2022

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

Here is the title, abstract, and introduction of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Clapback: A Statistical Analysis of the Connection Between Boston Celtics' Annual Draft Picks and Google Searches for 'Please Clap'"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the intriguing relationship between the Boston Celtics' annual draft pick count and the frequency of Google searches for the phrase "please clap". In what may appear to be a peculiar correlation at first glance, our research team dives deep into this amusing intersection of sports and public sentiment. Leveraging data from Basketball Reference and Google Trends, we applied rigorous statistical analysis to unravel the mystery behind the observed patterns.

In our investigation, we uncovered a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8610868 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the years spanning from 2004 to 2022. This finding points to a robust association between the Boston Celtics' draft picks and the popularity of the plea for applause. As the saying goes, "I used to be a baker, but I couldn't make enough dough."

The implications of these results extend beyond mere amusement, shedding light on the intertwined dynamics of sports fandom, public discourse, and online behavior. This study not only adds a touch of statistical humor to the world of sports analytics but also underscores the potential for uncovering unexpected connections in the vast landscape of data. So, why did the statistician break up with the other statistician? They just didn't add up.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The connection between sports and popular culture has always been an area of fascination, often yielding unexpected and amusing insights. In this vein, our research delves into the curious relationship between the annual draft pick count of the Boston Celtics, a storied franchise in the realm of basketball, and the frequency of Google searches for the phrase "please clap." This investigation blends the seriousness of statistical analysis with the lightheartedness of internet humor, much like a good old game of basketball under the bright lights. As the Celtics gear up for another draft, it's time to present our findings and see whether the crowd will cheer or deliver a resounding "Please clap."

The annual NBA draft serves as a pivotal moment for teams to fortify their rosters and lay the groundwork for future success. Similarly, the frequency of Google searches can offer a window into prevailing public sentiment and online zeitgeist. Through the lens of statistical analysis, we aim to uncover whether there exists a correlation between the Celtics' draft picks and the popularity of the beseeching phrase "please clap," an endeavor that may rival the excitement of a buzzer-beater shot.

"Statisticians - they like to think a lot, always calculating and computing," or so the old joke goes. In this study, we harness the power of quantitative methods to scrutinize the data from Basketball Reference, obtaining the annual draft pick count for the Boston Celtics, and data from Google Trends, capturing the search interest for "please clap." With these tools in hand, we embark on an exhilarating journey to unravel the mystery behind this peculiar yet captivating correlation. Just like a good basketball game, this research is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat while also offering a few chuckles along the way.

The statistical conundrum that lies at the heart of this investigation encompasses not only the realm of sports but also the intricacies of online behavior and communication. As we peel back the layers of data and analysis, we hope to provide a rich tapestry of insight that transcends the boundaries of traditional sports analytics. The interplay between fandom, public sentiment, and internet culture often yields unexpected connections, akin to a classic crossover move leaving the defender mystified. In the same spirit, we aim to reveal the unexpected but statistically robust connection between the Boston Celtics' draft pick count and the echo of "please clap" reverberating through the digital arena.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To investigate the connection between the annual draft pick count of the Boston Celtics and the frequency of Google searches for "please clap," our research team embarked on a whimsical yet data-intensive journey. Embracing the spirit of statistical mirth, we employed an assortment of data collection and analysis methods that would make a unicorn blush. First, we harnessed the power of Basketball Reference, a treasure trove of NBA statistics, to obtain the annual draft pick count for the Boston Celtics. Like a basketball player aiming for that perfect three-pointer, we meticulously gathered data spanning from 2004 to 2022, ensuring a comprehensive and robust dataset that would rival the resilience of a basketball hoop.

With a bounce in our step and a twinkle in our eye, we galloped into the realm of Google Trends, where we wrangled the search interest data for the phrase "please clap." Like a seasoned rodeo cowboy, we tamed the wild stallion of internet search patterns, capturing the ebbs and flows of public sentiment and online discourse with grace and precision. Our aim was to corral a dataset that would shed light on the peaks and valleys of enthusiasm, much like an exciting game of basketball reaching its crescendo.

Once the data was in our clutches, we donned our statistical thinking caps and unleashed a barrage of analytical techniques that would leave even the most seasoned numbers crunchers nodding in approval. We computed the correlation coefficient between the Celtics' draft pick count and the Google searches for "please clap" with the fervor of a player determined to score the winning basket. Utilizing robust statistical software, we also flexed our muscles to calculate an impressive p-value, signaling the statistical significance of our findings.

In the realm of statistical analysis, we left no stone unturned, employing regression models, time series analysis, and various other marvels of quantitative inquiry. Like a magician wielding the power of illusion, we wove a captivating narrative from the threads of data, revealing the unseen connections between the Celtics' draft picks and the digital reverberations of applause. Our methodology was not merely an exercise in data analysis, but a lively dance with the intricacies of sports fandom and internet quirkiness, much like a basketball game that stirs the hearts and tickles the funny bones of fans.

In the end, our methodology encapsulates the whimsy and rigor that characterize this investigation, offering a rousing testament to the power of statistical inquiry in illuminating the curious interplay between sports, online culture, and the ever-echoing plea for applause. As the saying goes, "Why did the basketball player bring string to the game? He wanted to tie the score."


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a witty academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a statistics journal.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 Boston Celtics' annual draft pick count and Google searches for 'please clap'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Basketball Refererence and Google Trends .

For the time period 2004 to 2022, you found a correlation 0.8610868, r-squared of 0.7414704, 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]]
"Clapback: A Statistical Analysis of the Connection Between Boston Celtics' Annual Draft Picks and Google Searches for 'Please Clap'"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the intriguing relationship between the Boston Celtics' annual draft pick count and the frequency of Google searches for the phrase "please clap". In what may appear to be a peculiar correlation at first glance, our research team dives deep into this amusing intersection of sports and public sentiment. Leveraging data from Basketball Reference and Google Trends, we applied rigorous statistical analysis to unravel the mystery behind the observed patterns.

In our investigation, we uncovered a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8610868 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the years spanning from 2004 to 2022. This finding points to a robust association between the Boston Celtics' draft picks and the popularity of the plea for applause. As the saying goes, "I used to be a baker, but I couldn't make enough dough."

The implications of these results extend beyond mere amusement, shedding light on the intertwined dynamics of sports fandom, public discourse, and online behavior. This study not only adds a touch of statistical humor to the world of sports analytics but also underscores the potential for uncovering unexpected connections in the vast landscape of data. So, why did the statistician break up with the other statistician? They just didn't add up.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
The connection between sports and popular culture has always been an area of fascination, often yielding unexpected and amusing insights. In this vein, our research delves into the curious relationship between the annual draft pick count of the Boston Celtics, a storied franchise in the realm of basketball, and the frequency of Google searches for the phrase "please clap." This investigation blends the seriousness of statistical analysis with the lightheartedness of internet humor, much like a good old game of basketball under the bright lights. As the Celtics gear up for another draft, it's time to present our findings and see whether the crowd will cheer or deliver a resounding "Please clap."

The annual NBA draft serves as a pivotal moment for teams to fortify their rosters and lay the groundwork for future success. Similarly, the frequency of Google searches can offer a window into prevailing public sentiment and online zeitgeist. Through the lens of statistical analysis, we aim to uncover whether there exists a correlation between the Celtics' draft picks and the popularity of the beseeching phrase "please clap," an endeavor that may rival the excitement of a buzzer-beater shot.

"Statisticians - they like to think a lot, always calculating and computing," or so the old joke goes. In this study, we harness the power of quantitative methods to scrutinize the data from Basketball Reference, obtaining the annual draft pick count for the Boston Celtics, and data from Google Trends, capturing the search interest for "please clap." With these tools in hand, we embark on an exhilarating journey to unravel the mystery behind this peculiar yet captivating correlation. Just like a good basketball game, this research is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat while also offering a few chuckles along the way.

The statistical conundrum that lies at the heart of this investigation encompasses not only the realm of sports but also the intricacies of online behavior and communication. As we peel back the layers of data and analysis, we hope to provide a rich tapestry of insight that transcends the boundaries of traditional sports analytics. The interplay between fandom, public sentiment, and internet culture often yields unexpected connections, akin to a classic crossover move leaving the defender mystified. In the same spirit, we aim to reveal the unexpected but statistically robust connection between the Boston Celtics' draft pick count and the echo of "please clap" reverberating through the digital arena.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

Upon conducting our analysis, we discovered a strong positive correlation between the annual draft pick count of the Boston Celtics and the frequency of Google searches for the phrase "please clap" for the years spanning from 2004 to 2022. The correlation coefficient of 0.8610868 indicates a noteworthy relationship between these seemingly disparate variables. This finding suggests that as the Celtics secured a higher number of draft picks, there was a corresponding increase in the prevalence of online exhortations for applause. It seems that the fate of the Celtics and the desire for applause are intertwined in ways that defy conventional logic. It's like we've unlocked the statistical equivalent of a full-court press!

The r-squared value of 0.7414704 further emphasizes the strength of the association between the Boston Celtics' draft pick count and the frequency of searches for "please clap". This coefficient indicates that approximately 74.15% of the variability in the frequency of the plea for applause can be explained by the annual draft pick count of the Celtics. It's as if the Celtics' draft picks hold the key to understanding the ebb and flow of online requests for applause. Who knew that basketball draft picks held such sway over internet etiquette?

Moreover, the p-value of less than 0.01 provides compelling evidence of the statistical significance of this relationship. The probability of observing such a strong association between the Celtics' draft picks and Google searches for "please clap" by random chance alone is notably low, bolstering the validity of our findings. It's as rare as finding a basketball player who doesn't like to dunk.

As shown in Figure 1, the scatterplot visually illustrates the robust correlation between the annual draft pick count of the Boston Celtics and the frequency of Google searches for "please clap." Each data point in the plot represents a specific year, capturing the alignment between the Celtics' draft picks and the online pleas for applause. It's as if the data points are performing a perfect pick-and-roll, seamlessly demonstrating the symbiotic relationship between these variables.


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

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Boston Celtics' annual draft pick count and Google searches for 'please clap'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

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]]
"Clapback: A Statistical Analysis of the Connection Between Boston Celtics' Annual Draft Picks and Google Searches for 'Please Clap'"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the intriguing relationship between the Boston Celtics' annual draft pick count and the frequency of Google searches for the phrase "please clap". In what may appear to be a peculiar correlation at first glance, our research team dives deep into this amusing intersection of sports and public sentiment. Leveraging data from Basketball Reference and Google Trends, we applied rigorous statistical analysis to unravel the mystery behind the observed patterns.

In our investigation, we uncovered a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8610868 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the years spanning from 2004 to 2022. This finding points to a robust association between the Boston Celtics' draft picks and the popularity of the plea for applause. As the saying goes, "I used to be a baker, but I couldn't make enough dough."

The implications of these results extend beyond mere amusement, shedding light on the intertwined dynamics of sports fandom, public discourse, and online behavior. This study not only adds a touch of statistical humor to the world of sports analytics but also underscores the potential for uncovering unexpected connections in the vast landscape of data. So, why did the statistician break up with the other statistician? They just didn't add up.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The connection between the annual draft pick count of the Boston Celtics and Google searches for the phrase "please clap" has sparked a unique intersection of statistical analysis and internet culture. While the correlation may seem as improbable as a half-court shot, the evidence supporting this peculiar relationship is more robust than one might expect. In "Drafts and Digital Desires," Smith (2017) first draws attention to the surprising correlation between sports team performance metrics and public reactions in online platforms. However, none could have anticipated the extent of this phenomenon, reminiscent of a three-pointer from the half-court line.
As the investigation progresses, it becomes evident that this correlation transcends conventional sports analytics, venturing into the realm of whimsical statistical phenomena. Doe (2020) provides further insight into the nuanced dynamics between sports team performance and online behavior, laying the groundwork for the unlikely association between the Boston Celtics' draft picks and the plea for applause. Much like a well-executed pick-and-roll play, the connection between these seemingly disparate elements unfolds in a delightful yet statistically significant manner. "You always miss 100% of the shots you don't take," the statistician jests, but in this case, we managed to find the backboard at least.
Delving into more lighthearted aspects of the research landscape, "The Statistical Humorist's Guide to Unlikely Correlations" by Jones (2019) offers a refreshing perspective on the unexpected connections that statistical analysis can reveal. Through a series of tongue-in-cheek anecdotes and data-driven hilarity, Jones (2019) paves the way for our exploration of the interplay between the Boston Celtics' draft picks and the plea for applause encapsulated in the search term "please clap." With a good dose of statistical wit, this scholarly work brings a new meaning to the phrase "data humor," much like a well-timed pun in the midst of a serious statistical discussion.
Transitioning into a more narrative dimension, "Clapping for Draft Success: A Fan's Journey" by A. Basketballenthusiast (2018) shares personal anecdotes from fans exploring the emotional rollercoaster of draft season and the quest for team success. Though lacking in empirical rigidity, this work provides a valuable peek into the human side of the statistical phenomenon under study, akin to a heartwarming sports movie with a few statistical quirks thrown in for good measure. "The Statistician’s Guide to Basketball Banter" by R. Hoopstastic (2021) takes a more light-hearted approach, chronicling the humorous side of statistical analysis in the context of sports. With a comedic flair, this work provides a refreshing take on the correlation between sports team dynamics and peculiar online behavior, reminiscent of a well-timed jest during a tense basketball match.
Taking a brief detour into visual media, "Stats Galore: A TV Show for the Data-Obsessed" and "The Statisticians Stand: A Dramedy of Correlation and Causation" offer fictional portrayals of statistical intrigue in the context of sports and entertainment. While these works may not offer empirical evidence, they contribute to the cultural landscape surrounding statistical analysis and its whimsical potential, similar to the thrill of a surprise plot twist in a statistical sitcom.

[[RESULTS]]
Upon conducting our analysis, we discovered a strong positive correlation between the annual draft pick count of the Boston Celtics and the frequency of Google searches for the phrase "please clap" for the years spanning from 2004 to 2022. The correlation coefficient of 0.8610868 indicates a noteworthy relationship between these seemingly disparate variables. This finding suggests that as the Celtics secured a higher number of draft picks, there was a corresponding increase in the prevalence of online exhortations for applause. It seems that the fate of the Celtics and the desire for applause are intertwined in ways that defy conventional logic. It's like we've unlocked the statistical equivalent of a full-court press!
The r-squared value of 0.7414704 further emphasizes the strength of the association between the Boston Celtics' draft pick count and the frequency of searches for "please clap". This coefficient indicates that approximately 74.15% of the variability in the frequency of the plea for applause can be explained by the annual draft pick count of the Celtics. It's as if the Celtics' draft picks hold the key to understanding the ebb and flow of online requests for applause. Who knew that basketball draft picks held such sway over internet etiquette?
Moreover, the p-value of less than 0.01 provides compelling evidence of the statistical significance of this relationship. The probability of observing such a strong association between the Celtics' draft picks and Google searches for "please clap" by random chance alone is notably low, bolstering the validity of our findings. It's as rare as finding a basketball player who doesn't like to dunk.
As shown in Figure 1, the scatterplot visually illustrates the robust correlation between the annual draft pick count of the Boston Celtics and the frequency of Google searches for "please clap." Each data point in the plot represents a specific year, capturing the alignment between the Celtics' draft picks and the online pleas for applause. It's as if the data points are performing a perfect pick-and-roll, seamlessly demonstrating the symbiotic relationship between these variables.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The results of our study provide compelling evidence for a robust and statistically significant correlation between the annual draft pick count of the Boston Celtics and the frequency of Google searches for the phrase "please clap". Our findings corroborate previous research that hinted at the potential connection between sports team performance metrics and online behavior. It seems that the Celtics' fate and the public's desire for applause are indeed intertwined in an unexpected and statistically significant manner.

Our study's correlation coefficient of 0.8610868 aligns with prior literature emphasizing the surprising association between sports team dynamics and public reactions in online platforms. This robust coefficient underlines the noteworthy relationship between the Celtics' draft picks and the prevalence of online exhortations for applause. It's as if the sound of a basketball swishing through the net is directly echoed in the online calls for acknowledgment. The statistical evidence seems to suggest that for every basketball jersey, there is an equivalent virtual round of applause.

Moreover, the strong correlation captured in our study is further supported by an r-squared value of 0.7414704, indicating that approximately 74.15% of the variability in the frequency of the plea for applause can be explained by the annual draft pick count of the Celtics. This substantial proportion of explained variability heightens the impact of our findings, suggesting that the Celtics' draft picks may hold surprising sway over the public's online behavior. It's as if each draft pick carries a virtual standing ovation alongside it, ready to surface in the digital realm at a moment's notice.

The statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 in our analysis further strengthens the validity of our findings. The low probability of observing such a strong association between the Celtics' draft picks and Google searches for "please clap" by random chance alone highlights the robustness of this unexpected relationship. It's like finding a three-point shooter with a 100% success rate - rare and remarkable in equal measure.

In conclusion, our study not only sheds light on the whimsical yet statistically significant intersection of basketball draft picks and online pleas for applause but also underscores the potential for unearthing captivating connections in the vast expanse of data. Our findings add a touch of statistical humor to the world of sports analytics, illustrating that even the most peculiar correlations can uncover insightful patterns. It's as if statistical analysis has embarked on a full-court press, revealing the unexpected delights of uncovering statistical connections in the playful game of data exploration.


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

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Boston Celtics' annual draft pick count and Google searches for 'please clap'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

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]]
"Clapback: A Statistical Analysis of the Connection Between Boston Celtics' Annual Draft Picks and Google Searches for 'Please Clap'"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the intriguing relationship between the Boston Celtics' annual draft pick count and the frequency of Google searches for the phrase "please clap". In what may appear to be a peculiar correlation at first glance, our research team dives deep into this amusing intersection of sports and public sentiment. Leveraging data from Basketball Reference and Google Trends, we applied rigorous statistical analysis to unravel the mystery behind the observed patterns.

In our investigation, we uncovered a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8610868 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the years spanning from 2004 to 2022. This finding points to a robust association between the Boston Celtics' draft picks and the popularity of the plea for applause. As the saying goes, "I used to be a baker, but I couldn't make enough dough."

The implications of these results extend beyond mere amusement, shedding light on the intertwined dynamics of sports fandom, public discourse, and online behavior. This study not only adds a touch of statistical humor to the world of sports analytics but also underscores the potential for uncovering unexpected connections in the vast landscape of data. So, why did the statistician break up with the other statistician? They just didn't add up.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The connection between sports and popular culture has always been an area of fascination, often yielding unexpected and amusing insights. In this vein, our research delves into the curious relationship between the annual draft pick count of the Boston Celtics, a storied franchise in the realm of basketball, and the frequency of Google searches for the phrase "please clap." This investigation blends the seriousness of statistical analysis with the lightheartedness of internet humor, much like a good old game of basketball under the bright lights. As the Celtics gear up for another draft, it's time to present our findings and see whether the crowd will cheer or deliver a resounding "Please clap."

The annual NBA draft serves as a pivotal moment for teams to fortify their rosters and lay the groundwork for future success. Similarly, the frequency of Google searches can offer a window into prevailing public sentiment and online zeitgeist. Through the lens of statistical analysis, we aim to uncover whether there exists a correlation between the Celtics' draft picks and the popularity of the beseeching phrase "please clap," an endeavor that may rival the excitement of a buzzer-beater shot.

"Statisticians - they like to think a lot, always calculating and computing," or so the old joke goes. In this study, we harness the power of quantitative methods to scrutinize the data from Basketball Reference, obtaining the annual draft pick count for the Boston Celtics, and data from Google Trends, capturing the search interest for "please clap." With these tools in hand, we embark on an exhilarating journey to unravel the mystery behind this peculiar yet captivating correlation. Just like a good basketball game, this research is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat while also offering a few chuckles along the way.

The statistical conundrum that lies at the heart of this investigation encompasses not only the realm of sports but also the intricacies of online behavior and communication. As we peel back the layers of data and analysis, we hope to provide a rich tapestry of insight that transcends the boundaries of traditional sports analytics. The interplay between fandom, public sentiment, and internet culture often yields unexpected connections, akin to a classic crossover move leaving the defender mystified. In the same spirit, we aim to reveal the unexpected but statistically robust connection between the Boston Celtics' draft pick count and the echo of "please clap" reverberating through the digital arena.

[[RESULTS]]
Upon conducting our analysis, we discovered a strong positive correlation between the annual draft pick count of the Boston Celtics and the frequency of Google searches for the phrase "please clap" for the years spanning from 2004 to 2022. The correlation coefficient of 0.8610868 indicates a noteworthy relationship between these seemingly disparate variables. This finding suggests that as the Celtics secured a higher number of draft picks, there was a corresponding increase in the prevalence of online exhortations for applause. It seems that the fate of the Celtics and the desire for applause are intertwined in ways that defy conventional logic. It's like we've unlocked the statistical equivalent of a full-court press!
The r-squared value of 0.7414704 further emphasizes the strength of the association between the Boston Celtics' draft pick count and the frequency of searches for "please clap". This coefficient indicates that approximately 74.15% of the variability in the frequency of the plea for applause can be explained by the annual draft pick count of the Celtics. It's as if the Celtics' draft picks hold the key to understanding the ebb and flow of online requests for applause. Who knew that basketball draft picks held such sway over internet etiquette?
Moreover, the p-value of less than 0.01 provides compelling evidence of the statistical significance of this relationship. The probability of observing such a strong association between the Celtics' draft picks and Google searches for "please clap" by random chance alone is notably low, bolstering the validity of our findings. It's as rare as finding a basketball player who doesn't like to dunk.
As shown in Figure 1, the scatterplot visually illustrates the robust correlation between the annual draft pick count of the Boston Celtics and the frequency of Google searches for "please clap." Each data point in the plot represents a specific year, capturing the alignment between the Celtics' draft picks and the online pleas for applause. It's as if the data points are performing a perfect pick-and-roll, seamlessly demonstrating the symbiotic relationship between these variables.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our research has elucidated a compelling and statistically robust connection between the Boston Celtics' annual draft pick count and the frequency of Google searches for "please clap." The striking correlation coefficient, significant p-value, and high r-squared value collectively underscore the intertwined nature of basketball draft picks and online pleas for applause. This finding not only adds a touch of statistical humor to the sports analytics landscape but also highlights the capacity for uncovering unexpected associations within data, much like finding an unexpected swish from half-court.

The implications of our findings extend beyond the realm of sports and internet culture, offering a unique perspective on the interplay between public sentiment and athletic decision-making. This study brings a new dimension to the adage, "It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you search for 'please clap' on Google." By revealing the mysterious bond between draft picks and digital applause requests, we have expanded the frontiers of statistical analysis, proving that sometimes the most unlikely connections can hold the most meaning.

It's as if this research has delivered a slam dunk of statistical hilarity, proving that even the most seemingly incongruous phenomena can converge in a harmonious statistical dance. As we conclude our investigation, we leave you with one final dad joke: Why don't statisticians trust atoms? Because they make up everything! Today, we've confirmed that even the most unexpected statistical relationships can be the real deal.

Therefore, we assert that no further research is needed in this area, as the evidence points to a resounding and conclusive connection between the Boston Celtics' draft picks and the plea for applause. It's a statistical game-winning shot that puts this amusing correlation to rest.


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 Clapback: A Statistical Analysis of the Connection Between Boston Celtics' Annual Draft Picks and Google Searches for 'Please Clap'. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Sports Analytics and Internet Culture


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 Clapback: A Statistical Analysis of the Connection Between Boston Celtics' Annual Draft Picks and Google Searches for 'Please Clap'. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Society for Unlikely Sports Analytics


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 Clapback: A Statistical Analysis of the Connection Between Boston Celtics' Annual Draft Picks and Google Searches for 'Please Clap' with an abstract of This paper investigates the intriguing relationship between the Boston Celtics' annual draft pick count and the frequency of Google searches for the phrase "please clap". In what may appear to be a peculiar correlation at first glance, our research team dives deep into this amusing intersection of sports and public sentiment. Leveraging data from Basketball Reference and Google Trends, we applied rigorous statistical analysis to unravel the mystery behind the observed patterns.
In our investigation, we uncovered a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8610868 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the years spanning from 2004 to 2022. This finding points to a robust association between the Boston Celtics' draft picks and the popularity of the plea for applause. As the saying goes, "I used to be a baker, but I couldn't make enough dough."
The implications of these results extend beyond mere amusement, shedding light on the intertwined dynamics of sports fandom, public discourse, and online behavior. This study not only adds a touch of statistical humor to the world of sports analytics but also underscores the potential for uncovering unexpected connections in the vast landscape of data. So, why did the statistician break up with the other statistician? They just didn't add up.

ChatGPT:

Boston Celtics, draft picks, Google searches, "please clap", correlation analysis, statistical humor, sports analytics, data analysis, public sentiment, public discourse, online behavior, sports fandom, unexpected connections

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



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Data details

Boston Celtics' annual draft pick count
Source: Basketball Refererence
See what else correlates with Boston Celtics' annual draft pick count

Google searches for 'please clap'
Detailed data title: Relative volume of Google searches for 'please clap' (Worldwide, without quotes)
Source: Google Trends
Additional Info: Relative search volume (not absolute numbers)

See what else correlates with Google searches for 'please clap'

Correlation r = 0.8610868 (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 = 0.7414704 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 74.1% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Google searches for 'please clap') is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Boston Celtics' annual draft pick count) over the 19 years from 2004 through 2022.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 2.21E-6. 0.0000022077754854578753000000
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 0.86 in 0.000221% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 452,945 random variables You don't actually need 452 thousand variables to find a correlation like this one. I don't have that many variables in my database. You can also correlate variables that are not independent. I do this a lot.

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

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

Just to be clear: I'm being completely transparent about the calculations. There is no math trickery. This is just how statistics shakes out when you calculate hundreds of millions of random correlations.
with the same 18 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 18 because we have two variables measured over a period of 19 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.

[ 0.67, 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.
2004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022
Boston Celtics' annual draft pick count (Picks)43122122312613715522
Google searches for 'please clap' (Rel. search volume)20.5833330.5833330.5833331.416670.7272730.8751.1666710.8333331.16667115.36364.083333.333333.083332.751.583331.83333




Why this works

  1. Data dredging: I have 25,213 variables in my database. I compare all these variables against each other to find ones that randomly match up. That's 635,695,369 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([4,3,1,2,2,1,2,2,3,1,2,6,13,7,1,5,5,2,2,])
array_2 = np.array([2,0.583333,0.583333,0.583333,1.41667,0.727273,0.875,1.16667,1,0.833333,1.16667,1,15.3636,4.08333,3.33333,3.08333,2.75,1.58333,1.83333,])
array_1_name = "Boston Celtics' annual draft pick count"
array_2_name = "Google searches for 'please clap'"

# 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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Correlation ID: 1323 · Black Variable ID: 248 · Red Variable ID: 1376
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