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Spurious correlation #1,397 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Popularity of the first name Mason and the second variable is UFO sightings in Montana.  The chart goes from 1975 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

Clearly, the cosmic energy emitted by people saying the name 'Mason' somehow interferes with the cloaking devices of the UFOs, making them more visible in the skies above Montana. It's a case of unwittingly summoning our extraterrestrial neighbors with every 'Mason' uttered.

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image of a pop art style scene featuring a small town in Montana at night. The town is depicted in bold, bright colors, with exaggerated and stark contrasts. In the center of the scene, a circular formation of people, stylized as if they were constructed with geometric shapes and patterns, stand transfixed, looking up at a UFO emitting a vibrant, glowing light. The UFO should be depicted in a strikingly vivid and surreal manner that contrasts with the town, and the night sky should be filled with swirling, dynamic patterns. Within the crowd, parents should be gesturing urgently for their children to come inside, while a group of kids point excitedly at the UFO. At the heart of the gathering, a child named Mason should be shown with wide-eyed wonder, capturing the attention of the onlookers, who are depicted as if frozen in awe. The depiction should include only scenes, people, and objects, it should not include text or speech bubbles.
This image generation prompt was also generated by AI, using the following sequence:

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You select one of a few potential scene descriptors that seems to go along with the variables described. You respond only with the scene descriptions provided and say nothing else.
User prompt: Here are two variables: Popularity of the first name Mason and UFO sightings in Montana. 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: Pop art Concept art Scalar art Pop art Pop art
ChatGPT: Pop art

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both Popularity of the first name Mason and UFO sightings in Montana together. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a small town in Montana, a gathering of people stands in awe, looking up at the night sky where a UFO hovers in a circle of bright light. Among the crowd, several parents call out for their children to come inside as a group of kids excitedly point at the mysterious object. In the midst of the crowd, a child with the first name Mason looks up with wide-eyed wonder, eliciting murmurs of his popularity among the townspeople.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You write and improve image generation prompts for DALLE-3. You maintain the same subjects, but enhance the visuals.
User prompt: Please respond with an image generation prompt that would be likely to create an interesting visual using DALLE-3, using the following style: [ Pop art ] and depicting this scene: In a small town in Montana, a gathering of people stands in awe, looking up at the night sky where a UFO hovers in a circle of bright light. Among the crowd, several parents call out for their children to come inside as a group of kids excitedly point at the mysterious object. In the midst of the crowd, a child with the first name Mason looks up with wide-eyed wonder, eliciting murmurs of his popularity among the townspeople. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image of a pop art style scene featuring a small town in Montana at night. The town is depicted in bold, bright colors, with exaggerated and stark contrasts. In the center of the scene, a circular formation of people, stylized as if they were constructed with geometric shapes and patterns, stand transfixed, looking up at a UFO emitting a vibrant, glowing light. The UFO should be depicted in a strikingly vivid and surreal manner that contrasts with the town, and the night sky should be filled with swirling, dynamic patterns. Within the crowd, parents should be gesturing urgently for their children to come inside, while a group of kids point excitedly at the UFO. At the heart of the gathering, a child named Mason should be shown with wide-eyed wonder, capturing the attention of the onlookers, who are depicted as if frozen in awe.

*Variations in the User Prompts from chart to chart are just the result of random number generation in Python. I wrote a few arrays of various styles and methods to ask questions to change up the results. Every time this site writes an explanation or generates an image, the script picks from each at random.

I sequence the requests into multiple prompts because I find GPT 3.5 to perform much better with short, well-managed contexts. Thus, I track the context directly in Python and only ask ChatGPT targeted questions.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how an increase in Popularity of the first name Mason caused UFO sightings in Montana to increase.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Mason, UFOs, and Montana: Unraveling the Rhyme and Reason

The Journal of Extraterrestrial Studies

Jan 2024

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




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

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Mason and UFO sightings in Montana. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Rhyme words in the title.

Your research team used data from US Social Security Administration and National UFO Reporting Center to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.9248687 and p < 0.01 for 1975 to 2021.

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

[[TITLE]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit

[[ABSTRACT]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit



ChatGPT:
[[TITLE]]
Mason, UFOs, and Montana: Unraveling the Rhyme and Reason

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study investigates the phenomenon of the name "Mason" and its potential link to UFO sightings in the great state of Montana. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we sought to illuminate this cosmic conundrum. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9248687 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1975 to 2021.

While we initially approached this research with skepticism, the results were truly out of this world. There appears to be a celestial connection between the popularity of the name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in the vast expanse of Montana. Could it be that the allure of the cosmos has subtly influenced parental naming choices, or do individuals named "Mason" possess an otherworldly affinity that attracts extraterrestrial visitors? These questions remain unanswered, prompting us to ponder the celestial forces at play.

In conclusion, our study opens the door to a new frontier of inquiry regarding the interplay between human nomenclature and unexplained aerial phenomena. As we continue to delve into this enigmatic domain, we must not lose sight of the profound implications of our findings. After all, when it comes to investigations of this nature, the sky's the limit – both figuratively and, quite possibly, literally.


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

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Mason and UFO sightings in Montana. 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]]
Mason, UFOs, and Montana: Unraveling the Rhyme and Reason

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study investigates the phenomenon of the name "Mason" and its potential link to UFO sightings in the great state of Montana. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we sought to illuminate this cosmic conundrum. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9248687 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1975 to 2021.

While we initially approached this research with skepticism, the results were truly out of this world. There appears to be a celestial connection between the popularity of the name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in the vast expanse of Montana. Could it be that the allure of the cosmos has subtly influenced parental naming choices, or do individuals named "Mason" possess an otherworldly affinity that attracts extraterrestrial visitors? These questions remain unanswered, prompting us to ponder the celestial forces at play.

In conclusion, our study opens the door to a new frontier of inquiry regarding the interplay between human nomenclature and unexplained aerial phenomena. As we continue to delve into this enigmatic domain, we must not lose sight of the profound implications of our findings. After all, when it comes to investigations of this nature, the sky's the limit – both figuratively and, quite possibly, literally.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

Ladies and gentlemen, brace yourselves for a cosmic journey beyond the stars and into the realms of earthly nomenclature. As we embark on this peculiar odyssey, let us not be led astray by the gravitational pull of skepticism. Instead, let us envision a world where the interstellar and the terrestrial converge, where the name "Mason" and UFO sightings come together in a celestial dance. It's enough to make one exclaim, "UFO-believable!"

In the annals of human history, the significance of names has transcended mere identification, shaping destinies and spawning endless puns along the way. And what better name to delve into the mystifying cosmos than "Mason"? With its strong, dependable connotations, it seems that even in naming, we're building a case for a connection to otherworldly visitors. Talk about being "unearthly"!

As we ponder the celestial tango between "Mason" and UFO sightings in Montana, it is essential to acknowledge the unexpected twists and turns that led us down this research path. Just as a flying saucer zips across the Montana skies, our investigation has taken us on a wild ride through statistical analyses, birth data, and UFO sightings. It's enough to make even the staunchest skeptic exclaim, "UFO-mazed!"

The beauty of scientific inquiry lies in its ability to uncover unlikely associations and tickle the imagination with unexpected correlations. While some may view our pursuit as a flight of fancy, we stand firm in our resolve to unearth the mysteries that entwine the earthly with the extraterrestrial. After all, in the words of the great galactic philosopher, "To infinity and beyond!"


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

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Mason and UFO sightings in Montana. 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]]
Mason, UFOs, and Montana: Unraveling the Rhyme and Reason

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study investigates the phenomenon of the name "Mason" and its potential link to UFO sightings in the great state of Montana. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we sought to illuminate this cosmic conundrum. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9248687 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1975 to 2021.

While we initially approached this research with skepticism, the results were truly out of this world. There appears to be a celestial connection between the popularity of the name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in the vast expanse of Montana. Could it be that the allure of the cosmos has subtly influenced parental naming choices, or do individuals named "Mason" possess an otherworldly affinity that attracts extraterrestrial visitors? These questions remain unanswered, prompting us to ponder the celestial forces at play.

In conclusion, our study opens the door to a new frontier of inquiry regarding the interplay between human nomenclature and unexplained aerial phenomena. As we continue to delve into this enigmatic domain, we must not lose sight of the profound implications of our findings. After all, when it comes to investigations of this nature, the sky's the limit – both figuratively and, quite possibly, literally.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
Ladies and gentlemen, brace yourselves for a cosmic journey beyond the stars and into the realms of earthly nomenclature. As we embark on this peculiar odyssey, let us not be led astray by the gravitational pull of skepticism. Instead, let us envision a world where the interstellar and the terrestrial converge, where the name "Mason" and UFO sightings come together in a celestial dance. It's enough to make one exclaim, "UFO-believable!"
In the annals of human history, the significance of names has transcended mere identification, shaping destinies and spawning endless puns along the way. And what better name to delve into the mystifying cosmos than "Mason"? With its strong, dependable connotations, it seems that even in naming, we're building a case for a connection to otherworldly visitors. Talk about being "unearthly"!
As we ponder the celestial tango between "Mason" and UFO sightings in Montana, it is essential to acknowledge the unexpected twists and turns that led us down this research path. Just as a flying saucer zips across the Montana skies, our investigation has taken us on a wild ride through statistical analyses, birth data, and UFO sightings. It's enough to make even the staunchest skeptic exclaim, "UFO-mazed!"
The beauty of scientific inquiry lies in its ability to uncover unlikely associations and tickle the imagination with unexpected correlations. While some may view our pursuit as a flight of fancy, we stand firm in our resolve to unearth the mysteries that entwine the earthly with the extraterrestrial. After all, in the words of the great galactic philosopher, "To infinity and beyond!"

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The study of human nomenclature and its potential correlation with anomalous aerial phenomena is a topic that has received limited scholarly attention. However, the few existing investigations have unearthed intriguing patterns that prompt further exploration. In "Smith et al.'s examination of name popularity and celestial visitations," the authors find a tenuous link between certain names and the frequency of unidentified flying object sightings in specific geographical regions.

Now, onto some books that might shed light on this astronomical anomaly. In "The Name Book" by Dorothy Astoria, the author explores the significance of names and the impact they have on individuals, but curiously omits any mention of interstellar influences. Contrarily, "The UFO Experience: A Scientific Inquiry" by J. Allen Hynek delves into the realm of UFO sightings, albeit without any insight into the naming preferences of potential witnesses.

But wait, let's not forget the fiction books that have sown the seeds of curiosity and conjecture on this matter. In "Childhood's End" by Arthur C. Clarke, the novel presents a transformative vision of extraterrestrial contact that might make one wonder if the first name "Mason" holds a hidden key to cosmic communication. Similarly, in the science fiction classic "The War of the Worlds" by H.G. Wells, the potential influence of certain names on extraterrestrial encounters is left tantalizingly unexplored.

Moving on to television shows that have tackled the enigmatic intersection of human names and unexplained phenomena, "The X-Files" presents a compelling blend of investigative prowess and extraterrestrial intrigue. Meanwhile, the lighthearted series "3rd Rock from the Sun" provides a comedic lens through which to view the potential cosmic implications of everyday nomenclature. It's truly an out-of-this-world exploration of celestial naming conventions.

In "Doe and Jones's survey on UFO sightings and nomenclatural trends," the authors examine the relationship between first names and reported sightings, unearthing a peculiar association between the prominence of the name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO encounters in the expansive state of Montana.

Now, for a dad joke intermission: Did you hear about the UFO sighting at the bakery? Witnesses claim they saw a flying saucer-doughnut! It seems the cosmic connection extends even to pastries.

In a departure from the realm of strict academic inquiry, let's not overlook the potential influence of celestial-themed baby naming guides and their impact on popular culture. From "Starry Names" to "Celestial Choices," these literature sources offer a delightful, albeit speculative, glimpse into the cosmic inspirations behind human naming practices.

Returning to the probing investigations into the cosmic implications of the name "Mason," the findings by "Doe and Jones" underscore the need for a more comprehensive exploration of the underlying factors that may link nomenclature trends with extraterrestrial phenomena. As we navigate this celestial labyrinth of inquiry, it becomes increasingly apparent that the allure of the cosmos exerts a curious influence on our earthly endeavors – including the naming of our future stargazers and UFO enthusiasts.


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

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Mason and UFO sightings in Montana. 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 US Social Security Administration and National UFO Reporting Center . You used data from 1975 to 2021

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

Here is the title, abstract, and introduction of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Mason, UFOs, and Montana: Unraveling the Rhyme and Reason

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study investigates the phenomenon of the name "Mason" and its potential link to UFO sightings in the great state of Montana. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we sought to illuminate this cosmic conundrum. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9248687 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1975 to 2021.

While we initially approached this research with skepticism, the results were truly out of this world. There appears to be a celestial connection between the popularity of the name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in the vast expanse of Montana. Could it be that the allure of the cosmos has subtly influenced parental naming choices, or do individuals named "Mason" possess an otherworldly affinity that attracts extraterrestrial visitors? These questions remain unanswered, prompting us to ponder the celestial forces at play.

In conclusion, our study opens the door to a new frontier of inquiry regarding the interplay between human nomenclature and unexplained aerial phenomena. As we continue to delve into this enigmatic domain, we must not lose sight of the profound implications of our findings. After all, when it comes to investigations of this nature, the sky's the limit – both figuratively and, quite possibly, literally.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
Ladies and gentlemen, brace yourselves for a cosmic journey beyond the stars and into the realms of earthly nomenclature. As we embark on this peculiar odyssey, let us not be led astray by the gravitational pull of skepticism. Instead, let us envision a world where the interstellar and the terrestrial converge, where the name "Mason" and UFO sightings come together in a celestial dance. It's enough to make one exclaim, "UFO-believable!"
In the annals of human history, the significance of names has transcended mere identification, shaping destinies and spawning endless puns along the way. And what better name to delve into the mystifying cosmos than "Mason"? With its strong, dependable connotations, it seems that even in naming, we're building a case for a connection to otherworldly visitors. Talk about being "unearthly"!
As we ponder the celestial tango between "Mason" and UFO sightings in Montana, it is essential to acknowledge the unexpected twists and turns that led us down this research path. Just as a flying saucer zips across the Montana skies, our investigation has taken us on a wild ride through statistical analyses, birth data, and UFO sightings. It's enough to make even the staunchest skeptic exclaim, "UFO-mazed!"
The beauty of scientific inquiry lies in its ability to uncover unlikely associations and tickle the imagination with unexpected correlations. While some may view our pursuit as a flight of fancy, we stand firm in our resolve to unearth the mysteries that entwine the earthly with the extraterrestrial. After all, in the words of the great galactic philosopher, "To infinity and beyond!"

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To unravel the enigmatic entanglement between the popularity of the name "Mason" and UFO sightings in Montana, our research team embarked on a mission that was part Sherlock Holmes and part Captain Kirk. Armed with a fervent curiosity and a healthy dose of skepticism (preferably of the evidence-seeking variety), we delved into an assorted treasure trove of data sources, bravely navigating the vast cyber expanse in search of our cosmic quarry. It was a journey akin to traversing the cosmos itself, with its twists and turns leaving us feeling like we were caught in a UFOlogy-poly.

Our primary data sources included the celestial archives of the US Social Security Administration, where we mined the birth records of "Masons" across the United States. We also combed through the stellar accounts of the National UFO Reporting Center, extracting data on reported UFO sightings in the state of Montana. Swapping our space helmets for statistical hats, we then embarked on the perilous voyage of data cleaning and processing, a cosmic dance that made us appreciate the grace of a well-structured dataset and the allure of good old-fashioned data hygiene. If only all research methods were as straightforward as distinguishing between UFO sightings and unidentified flying objects in the office kitchen!

With our datasets cleansed and validated through scientifically sanctioned incantations (also known as algorithms and validation checks), we set our phasers to "analyze" and commenced the voyage of statistical exploration. Employing advanced techniques such as linear regression and time series analysis, we sought to pierce through the nebulous veil that shrouded the relationship between "Mason" popularity and UFO sightings. The terrestrial churn of statistical models and the cosmic riddle of astronomical patterns blended together in a harmonious chorus of data harmony, much like a well-tuned symphony of UFO-shaped instruments.

However, a critical juncture of our odyssey lay in the realm of causality – a celestial crossroads where correlation and causation danced a cosmic minuet. Utilizing robust econometric methods and implementing a variety of control variables, we endeavored to disentangle the celestial web of influence that may underpin the association between the name "Mason" and sightings of the unidentified in Montana's boundless skies. It was a perilous undertaking, akin to navigating through a cosmic "What came first, the Mason or the UFO?" paradox, leaving us feeling like we were caught in a celestial chicken-and-egg conundrum. Ah, the complexities of cosmic causality – they truly are a UFO-tangle!

As dawn broke on our statistical journey and the cosmic dust of variable manipulation settled, we arrived at a moment of revelation. The celestial tapestry of our data unfolded before us, revealing a correlation coefficient that sparked within us a sense of cosmic wonder. Our findings not only electrify our scientific curiosity but also invite us to consider the profound implications of this celestial coupling. As the great cosmic bard would say, "The Masons are from Mars, and the UFOs are from... Montana?"


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

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Mason and UFO sightings in Montana. 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 US Social Security Administration and National UFO Reporting Center .

For the time period 1975 to 2021, you found a correlation 0.9248687, r-squared of 0.8553821, 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]]
Mason, UFOs, and Montana: Unraveling the Rhyme and Reason

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study investigates the phenomenon of the name "Mason" and its potential link to UFO sightings in the great state of Montana. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we sought to illuminate this cosmic conundrum. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9248687 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1975 to 2021.

While we initially approached this research with skepticism, the results were truly out of this world. There appears to be a celestial connection between the popularity of the name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in the vast expanse of Montana. Could it be that the allure of the cosmos has subtly influenced parental naming choices, or do individuals named "Mason" possess an otherworldly affinity that attracts extraterrestrial visitors? These questions remain unanswered, prompting us to ponder the celestial forces at play.

In conclusion, our study opens the door to a new frontier of inquiry regarding the interplay between human nomenclature and unexplained aerial phenomena. As we continue to delve into this enigmatic domain, we must not lose sight of the profound implications of our findings. After all, when it comes to investigations of this nature, the sky's the limit – both figuratively and, quite possibly, literally.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
Ladies and gentlemen, brace yourselves for a cosmic journey beyond the stars and into the realms of earthly nomenclature. As we embark on this peculiar odyssey, let us not be led astray by the gravitational pull of skepticism. Instead, let us envision a world where the interstellar and the terrestrial converge, where the name "Mason" and UFO sightings come together in a celestial dance. It's enough to make one exclaim, "UFO-believable!"
In the annals of human history, the significance of names has transcended mere identification, shaping destinies and spawning endless puns along the way. And what better name to delve into the mystifying cosmos than "Mason"? With its strong, dependable connotations, it seems that even in naming, we're building a case for a connection to otherworldly visitors. Talk about being "unearthly"!
As we ponder the celestial tango between "Mason" and UFO sightings in Montana, it is essential to acknowledge the unexpected twists and turns that led us down this research path. Just as a flying saucer zips across the Montana skies, our investigation has taken us on a wild ride through statistical analyses, birth data, and UFO sightings. It's enough to make even the staunchest skeptic exclaim, "UFO-mazed!"
The beauty of scientific inquiry lies in its ability to uncover unlikely associations and tickle the imagination with unexpected correlations. While some may view our pursuit as a flight of fancy, we stand firm in our resolve to unearth the mysteries that entwine the earthly with the extraterrestrial. After all, in the words of the great galactic philosopher, "To infinity and beyond!"

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The results of our investigation into the cosmic connection between the popularity of the first name "Mason" and UFO sightings in Montana have left us starry-eyed. We found a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9248687, indicating a strong positive relationship between the two variables. It seems that the name "Mason" is not only constructing walls but also bridges to the stars - cue the celestial construction jokes!

Furthermore, the r-squared value of 0.8553821 signifies that approximately 85.5% of the variation in UFO sightings in Montana can be explained by the popularity of the name "Mason." To put it simply, the cosmic affinity of the name "Mason" appears to have a significant influence on the frequency of UFO sightings in the Big Sky Country. It's almost as if the very mention of the name "Mason" conjures up cosmic curiosity and interstellar intrigue. Talk about a name that's truly "out of this world"!

The p-value of less than 0.01 adds an empirical exclamation point to our findings, solidifying the statistical significance of the relationship. This result underscores the likelihood that the observed correlation is not due to mere chance, leading us to contemplate the celestial forces at play in the realm of nomenclature. It's as if the universe itself is nudging us to consider the cosmic implications of our earthly naming practices. Perhaps we should start keeping an eye on the skies when choosing baby names – after all, we don't want to "alien-ate" any potential visitors!

For a visual representation of our unearthly findings, please refer to Figure 1, which depicts a scatterplot showcasing the compelling correlation between the popularity of the name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in Montana. The alignment of data points on the plot serves as a striking visual testament to the cosmic connection we have uncovered. It's almost as if the scatterplot itself is a map of the interstellar highways frequented by our UFO-fascinated Masons!

In conclusion, the results of our study leave us gazing at the night sky with renewed wonder and curiosity. The correlation between the name "Mason" and UFO sightings in Montana challenges us to contemplate the cosmic implications of our earthly actions and choices. As we proceed with further research in this otherworldly domain, we must remain open to the vast mysteries that lie beyond our terrestrial horizons. After all, in the grand cosmic symphony of nomenclature and unexplained aerial phenomena, we might just find ourselves uttering, "Mason or mist? Perhaps the answer lies in the stars."


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

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Mason and UFO sightings in Montana. 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]]
Mason, UFOs, and Montana: Unraveling the Rhyme and Reason

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study investigates the phenomenon of the name "Mason" and its potential link to UFO sightings in the great state of Montana. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we sought to illuminate this cosmic conundrum. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9248687 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1975 to 2021.

While we initially approached this research with skepticism, the results were truly out of this world. There appears to be a celestial connection between the popularity of the name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in the vast expanse of Montana. Could it be that the allure of the cosmos has subtly influenced parental naming choices, or do individuals named "Mason" possess an otherworldly affinity that attracts extraterrestrial visitors? These questions remain unanswered, prompting us to ponder the celestial forces at play.

In conclusion, our study opens the door to a new frontier of inquiry regarding the interplay between human nomenclature and unexplained aerial phenomena. As we continue to delve into this enigmatic domain, we must not lose sight of the profound implications of our findings. After all, when it comes to investigations of this nature, the sky's the limit – both figuratively and, quite possibly, literally.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The study of human nomenclature and its potential correlation with anomalous aerial phenomena is a topic that has received limited scholarly attention. However, the few existing investigations have unearthed intriguing patterns that prompt further exploration. In "Smith et al.'s examination of name popularity and celestial visitations," the authors find a tenuous link between certain names and the frequency of unidentified flying object sightings in specific geographical regions.
Now, onto some books that might shed light on this astronomical anomaly. In "The Name Book" by Dorothy Astoria, the author explores the significance of names and the impact they have on individuals, but curiously omits any mention of interstellar influences. Contrarily, "The UFO Experience: A Scientific Inquiry" by J. Allen Hynek delves into the realm of UFO sightings, albeit without any insight into the naming preferences of potential witnesses.
But wait, let's not forget the fiction books that have sown the seeds of curiosity and conjecture on this matter. In "Childhood's End" by Arthur C. Clarke, the novel presents a transformative vision of extraterrestrial contact that might make one wonder if the first name "Mason" holds a hidden key to cosmic communication. Similarly, in the science fiction classic "The War of the Worlds" by H.G. Wells, the potential influence of certain names on extraterrestrial encounters is left tantalizingly unexplored.
Moving on to television shows that have tackled the enigmatic intersection of human names and unexplained phenomena, "The X-Files" presents a compelling blend of investigative prowess and extraterrestrial intrigue. Meanwhile, the lighthearted series "3rd Rock from the Sun" provides a comedic lens through which to view the potential cosmic implications of everyday nomenclature. It's truly an out-of-this-world exploration of celestial naming conventions.
In "Doe and Jones's survey on UFO sightings and nomenclatural trends," the authors examine the relationship between first names and reported sightings, unearthing a peculiar association between the prominence of the name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO encounters in the expansive state of Montana.
Now, for a dad joke intermission: Did you hear about the UFO sighting at the bakery? Witnesses claim they saw a flying saucer-doughnut! It seems the cosmic connection extends even to pastries.
In a departure from the realm of strict academic inquiry, let's not overlook the potential influence of celestial-themed baby naming guides and their impact on popular culture. From "Starry Names" to "Celestial Choices," these literature sources offer a delightful, albeit speculative, glimpse into the cosmic inspirations behind human naming practices.
Returning to the probing investigations into the cosmic implications of the name "Mason," the findings by "Doe and Jones" underscore the need for a more comprehensive exploration of the underlying factors that may link nomenclature trends with extraterrestrial phenomena. As we navigate this celestial labyrinth of inquiry, it becomes increasingly apparent that the allure of the cosmos exerts a curious influence on our earthly endeavors – including the naming of our future stargazers and UFO enthusiasts.

[[RESULTS]]
The results of our investigation into the cosmic connection between the popularity of the first name "Mason" and UFO sightings in Montana have left us starry-eyed. We found a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9248687, indicating a strong positive relationship between the two variables. It seems that the name "Mason" is not only constructing walls but also bridges to the stars - cue the celestial construction jokes!
Furthermore, the r-squared value of 0.8553821 signifies that approximately 85.5% of the variation in UFO sightings in Montana can be explained by the popularity of the name "Mason." To put it simply, the cosmic affinity of the name "Mason" appears to have a significant influence on the frequency of UFO sightings in the Big Sky Country. It's almost as if the very mention of the name "Mason" conjures up cosmic curiosity and interstellar intrigue. Talk about a name that's truly "out of this world"!
The p-value of less than 0.01 adds an empirical exclamation point to our findings, solidifying the statistical significance of the relationship. This result underscores the likelihood that the observed correlation is not due to mere chance, leading us to contemplate the celestial forces at play in the realm of nomenclature. It's as if the universe itself is nudging us to consider the cosmic implications of our earthly naming practices. Perhaps we should start keeping an eye on the skies when choosing baby names – after all, we don't want to "alien-ate" any potential visitors!
For a visual representation of our unearthly findings, please refer to Figure 1, which depicts a scatterplot showcasing the compelling correlation between the popularity of the name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in Montana. The alignment of data points on the plot serves as a striking visual testament to the cosmic connection we have uncovered. It's almost as if the scatterplot itself is a map of the interstellar highways frequented by our UFO-fascinated Masons!
In conclusion, the results of our study leave us gazing at the night sky with renewed wonder and curiosity. The correlation between the name "Mason" and UFO sightings in Montana challenges us to contemplate the cosmic implications of our earthly actions and choices. As we proceed with further research in this otherworldly domain, we must remain open to the vast mysteries that lie beyond our terrestrial horizons. After all, in the grand cosmic symphony of nomenclature and unexplained aerial phenomena, we might just find ourselves uttering, "Mason or mist? Perhaps the answer lies in the stars."

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The findings of our research not only affirm, but also elevate the peculiar patterns identified in prior studies that ventured into the cosmic confluence of human nomenclature and unexplained aerial phenomena. In alignment with Smith et al.'s investigation, our study reveals a compelling correlation between the popularity of the name "Mason" and UFO sightings in Montana, providing further support for the notion that certain names may indeed have a cosmic allure. It appears that the name "Mason" is constructing more than just earthly edifices – it is laying the foundation for celestial connections!

In keeping with the qualitative inquiry of "Doe and Jones," our quantitative approach not only validates their findings, but further quantifies the magnitude of this remarkable relationship. Our high correlation coefficient and statistically significant p-value underscore the cosmic allure of the name "Mason" and its intriguing link to the frequency of UFO sightings in the Big Sky Country. It's as if the very mention of the name triggers interstellar curiosity – a phenomenon not to be "taken lightly."

The astrophysical and metaphysical implications of this celestial connection raise thought-provoking questions about the cosmic forces at play in the realm of human nomenclature. Perhaps individuals named "Mason" possess an inherent affinity for the mysteries of the cosmos, drawing extraterrestrial visitors to the vast expanse of Montana. It's a "spaced-out" notion, but one that warrants further cosmic contemplation.

Bringing light to the astronomical influences on naming conventions encourages us to delve deeper into the celestial labyrinth of inquiry. As we continue to explore the interplay between nomenclature trends and extraordinary aerial encounters, we must remain open to the possibility that our earthly actions, including the naming of our future stargazers and UFO enthusiasts, may be intertwined with cosmic destinies beyond our current understanding.

On a lighter note, it seems that the "Mason" jar of mysteries is brimming with cosmic intrigue. After all, when it comes to celestial oddities, what's the "star-t" in pondering the improbable connections between human names and unexplained aerial phenomena? Keep looking up – you never know what celestial surprises await us next.

[ADD YOUR CONCLUSION HERE.]


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

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Mason and UFO sightings in Montana. 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]]
Mason, UFOs, and Montana: Unraveling the Rhyme and Reason

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study investigates the phenomenon of the name "Mason" and its potential link to UFO sightings in the great state of Montana. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we sought to illuminate this cosmic conundrum. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9248687 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1975 to 2021.

While we initially approached this research with skepticism, the results were truly out of this world. There appears to be a celestial connection between the popularity of the name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in the vast expanse of Montana. Could it be that the allure of the cosmos has subtly influenced parental naming choices, or do individuals named "Mason" possess an otherworldly affinity that attracts extraterrestrial visitors? These questions remain unanswered, prompting us to ponder the celestial forces at play.

In conclusion, our study opens the door to a new frontier of inquiry regarding the interplay between human nomenclature and unexplained aerial phenomena. As we continue to delve into this enigmatic domain, we must not lose sight of the profound implications of our findings. After all, when it comes to investigations of this nature, the sky's the limit – both figuratively and, quite possibly, literally.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
Ladies and gentlemen, brace yourselves for a cosmic journey beyond the stars and into the realms of earthly nomenclature. As we embark on this peculiar odyssey, let us not be led astray by the gravitational pull of skepticism. Instead, let us envision a world where the interstellar and the terrestrial converge, where the name "Mason" and UFO sightings come together in a celestial dance. It's enough to make one exclaim, "UFO-believable!"
In the annals of human history, the significance of names has transcended mere identification, shaping destinies and spawning endless puns along the way. And what better name to delve into the mystifying cosmos than "Mason"? With its strong, dependable connotations, it seems that even in naming, we're building a case for a connection to otherworldly visitors. Talk about being "unearthly"!
As we ponder the celestial tango between "Mason" and UFO sightings in Montana, it is essential to acknowledge the unexpected twists and turns that led us down this research path. Just as a flying saucer zips across the Montana skies, our investigation has taken us on a wild ride through statistical analyses, birth data, and UFO sightings. It's enough to make even the staunchest skeptic exclaim, "UFO-mazed!"
The beauty of scientific inquiry lies in its ability to uncover unlikely associations and tickle the imagination with unexpected correlations. While some may view our pursuit as a flight of fancy, we stand firm in our resolve to unearth the mysteries that entwine the earthly with the extraterrestrial. After all, in the words of the great galactic philosopher, "To infinity and beyond!"

[[RESULTS]]
The results of our investigation into the cosmic connection between the popularity of the first name "Mason" and UFO sightings in Montana have left us starry-eyed. We found a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9248687, indicating a strong positive relationship between the two variables. It seems that the name "Mason" is not only constructing walls but also bridges to the stars - cue the celestial construction jokes!
Furthermore, the r-squared value of 0.8553821 signifies that approximately 85.5% of the variation in UFO sightings in Montana can be explained by the popularity of the name "Mason." To put it simply, the cosmic affinity of the name "Mason" appears to have a significant influence on the frequency of UFO sightings in the Big Sky Country. It's almost as if the very mention of the name "Mason" conjures up cosmic curiosity and interstellar intrigue. Talk about a name that's truly "out of this world"!
The p-value of less than 0.01 adds an empirical exclamation point to our findings, solidifying the statistical significance of the relationship. This result underscores the likelihood that the observed correlation is not due to mere chance, leading us to contemplate the celestial forces at play in the realm of nomenclature. It's as if the universe itself is nudging us to consider the cosmic implications of our earthly naming practices. Perhaps we should start keeping an eye on the skies when choosing baby names – after all, we don't want to "alien-ate" any potential visitors!
For a visual representation of our unearthly findings, please refer to Figure 1, which depicts a scatterplot showcasing the compelling correlation between the popularity of the name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in Montana. The alignment of data points on the plot serves as a striking visual testament to the cosmic connection we have uncovered. It's almost as if the scatterplot itself is a map of the interstellar highways frequented by our UFO-fascinated Masons!
In conclusion, the results of our study leave us gazing at the night sky with renewed wonder and curiosity. The correlation between the name "Mason" and UFO sightings in Montana challenges us to contemplate the cosmic implications of our earthly actions and choices. As we proceed with further research in this otherworldly domain, we must remain open to the vast mysteries that lie beyond our terrestrial horizons. After all, in the grand cosmic symphony of nomenclature and unexplained aerial phenomena, we might just find ourselves uttering, "Mason or mist? Perhaps the answer lies in the stars."

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In light of our celestial findings, it's clear that the name "Mason" isn't just building a reputation on Earth, but also forging a cosmic connection to the heavens. Our results point to a celestial tango between this steadfast name and UFO sightings in Montana, leaving us truly "star-struck" by the implications. It's almost as if the universe itself is dropping hints in the form of statistically significant correlation coefficients and p-values.

As we ponder the implications of our study, it's hard not to crack a smile at the cosmic coincidence at play here. It seems that there's more to the phrase "reaching for the stars" than meets the eye – especially if your name happens to be "Mason"! One can't help but wonder if UFO sightings in Montana are simply celestial "constructions" drawn to the cosmic allure of this name.

Given the compelling evidence we've uncovered, it's clear that further research in this area would truly be a "UFO-no." The statistical significance and visual representations in our study provide a firm foundation for the cosmic connection between the name "Mason" and UFO sightings in Montana. As we gaze toward the stars, let us remember that in the realm of cosmic inquiry, the answers may not always be of this world – but sometimes, they may just be a dad joke away.


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 Mason, UFOs, and Montana: Unraveling the Rhyme and Reason. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Extraterrestrial Studies


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of nonprofit research organizations and associations. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding nonprofit, academic, or scientific association or organization that would sponsor research that resulted in a paper entited Mason, UFOs, and Montana: Unraveling the Rhyme and Reason. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Institute for Extraterrestrial Studies and Paranormal Phenomena


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 Mason, UFOs, and Montana: Unraveling the Rhyme and Reason with an abstract of This study investigates the phenomenon of the name "Mason" and its potential link to UFO sightings in the great state of Montana. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and the National UFO Reporting Center, we sought to illuminate this cosmic conundrum. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9248687 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1975 to 2021.
While we initially approached this research with skepticism, the results were truly out of this world. There appears to be a celestial connection between the popularity of the name "Mason" and the frequency of UFO sightings in the vast expanse of Montana. Could it be that the allure of the cosmos has subtly influenced parental naming choices, or do individuals named "Mason" possess an otherworldly affinity that attracts extraterrestrial visitors? These questions remain unanswered, prompting us to ponder the celestial forces at play.
In conclusion, our study opens the door to a new frontier of inquiry regarding the interplay between human nomenclature and unexplained aerial phenomena. As we continue to delve into this enigmatic domain, we must not lose sight of the profound implications of our findings. After all, when it comes to investigations of this nature, the sky's the limit – both figuratively and, quite possibly, literally.

ChatGPT:

Mason, UFO sightings, Montana, name popularity, US Social Security Administration data, National UFO Reporting Center, correlation coefficient, statistical significance, celestial connection, parental naming choices, otherworldly affinity, human nomenclature, unexplained aerial phenomena

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



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Data details

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

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

Correlation r = 0.9248687 (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 = 0.8553821 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 85.5% of the change in the one variable (i.e., UFO sightings in Montana) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Popularity of the first name Mason) over the 47 years from 1975 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 1.6E-20. 0.0000000000000000000162287706
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 0.92 in 1.6E-18% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 61,618,962,067,280,683,008 random variables You don't actually need 61 quintillion variables to find a correlation like this one. I don't have that many variables in my database. You can also correlate variables that are not independent. I do this a lot.

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

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

Just to be clear: I'm being completely transparent about the calculations. There is no math trickery. This is just how statistics shakes out when you calculate hundreds of millions of random correlations.
with the same 46 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 46 because we have two variables measured over a period of 47 years. It's just the number of years minus ( the number of variables minus one ), which in this case simplifies to the number of years minus one.
you would randomly expect to find a correlation as strong as this one.

[ 0.87, 0.96 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
The confidence interval is an estimate the range of the value of the correlation coefficient, using the correlation itself as an input. The values are meant to be the low and high end of the correlation coefficient with 95% confidence.

This one is a bit more complciated than the other calculations, but I include it because many people have been pushing for confidence intervals instead of p-value calculations (for example: NEJM. However, if you are dredging data, you can reliably find yourself in the 5%. That's my goal!


All values for the years included above: If I were being very sneaky, I could trim years from the beginning or end of the datasets to increase the correlation on some pairs of variables. I don't do that because there are already plenty of correlations in my database without monkeying with the years.

Still, sometimes one of the variables has more years of data available than the other. This page only shows the overlapping years. To see all the years, click on "See what else correlates with..." link above.
19751976197719781979198019811982198319841985198619871988198919901991199219931994199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021
Popularity of the first name Mason (Babies born)3072512622733253383103322512834646608301039111314982056223224992834371740014422480155846664759780278038878199231053910867105921076414927196111907017794172901674915370136491257711541101649143
UFO sightings in Montana (UFO sightings)22221004130430032352521217211414191826262420173030457150495747482654375




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. Outlandish outliers: There are "outliers" in this data. In concept, "outlier" just means "way different than the rest of your dataset." When calculating a correlation like this, they are particularly impactful because a single outlier can substantially increase your correlation.

    For the purposes of this project, I counted a point as an outlier if it the residual was two standard deviations from the mean.

    (This bullet point only shows up in the details page on charts that do, in fact, have outliers.)
    They stand out on the scatterplot above: notice the dots that are far away from any other dots. I intentionally mishandeled outliers, which makes the correlation look extra strong.




Try it yourself

You can calculate the values on this page on your own! Try running the Python code to see the calculation results. Step 1: Download and install Python on your computer.

Step 2: Open a plaintext editor like Notepad and paste the code below into it.

Step 3: Save the file as "calculate_correlation.py" in a place you will remember, like your desktop. Copy the file location to your clipboard. On Windows, you can right-click the file and click "Properties," and then copy what comes after "Location:" As an example, on my computer the location is "C:\Users\tyler\Desktop"

Step 4: Open a command line window. For example, by pressing start and typing "cmd" and them pressing enter.

Step 5: Install the required modules by typing "pip install numpy", then pressing enter, then typing "pip install scipy", then pressing enter.

Step 6: Navigate to the location where you saved the Python file by using the "cd" command. For example, I would type "cd C:\Users\tyler\Desktop" and push enter.

Step 7: Run the Python script by typing "python calculate_correlation.py"

If you run into any issues, I suggest asking ChatGPT to walk you through installing Python and running the code below on your system. Try this question:

"Walk me through installing Python on my computer to run a script that uses scipy and numpy. Go step-by-step and ask me to confirm before moving on. Start by asking me questions about my operating system so that you know how to proceed. Assume I want the simplest installation with the latest version of Python and that I do not currently have any of the necessary elements installed. Remember to only give me one step per response and confirm I have done it before proceeding."


# These modules make it easier to perform the calculation
import numpy as np
from scipy import stats

# We'll define a function that we can call to return the correlation calculations
def calculate_correlation(array1, array2):

    # Calculate Pearson correlation coefficient and p-value
    correlation, p_value = stats.pearsonr(array1, array2)

    # Calculate R-squared as the square of the correlation coefficient
    r_squared = correlation**2

    return correlation, r_squared, p_value

# These are the arrays for the variables shown on this page, but you can modify them to be any two sets of numbers
array_1 = np.array([307,251,262,273,325,338,310,332,251,283,464,660,830,1039,1113,1498,2056,2232,2499,2834,3717,4001,4422,4801,5584,6664,7597,8027,8038,8781,9923,10539,10867,10592,10764,14927,19611,19070,17794,17290,16749,15370,13649,12577,11541,10164,9143,])
array_2 = np.array([2,2,2,2,1,0,0,4,1,3,0,4,3,0,0,3,2,3,5,2,5,2,12,17,21,14,14,19,18,26,26,24,20,17,30,30,45,71,50,49,57,47,48,26,54,37,5,])
array_1_name = "Popularity of the first name Mason"
array_2_name = "UFO sightings in Montana"

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

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



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You 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.

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Correlation ID: 1397 · Black Variable ID: 2160 · Red Variable ID: 1186
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