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Spurious correlation #2,200 · 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 Alton and the second variable is Wins for the Kansas City Royals.  The chart goes from 1975 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

As the frequency of the name Alton declined, so did the collective luck of people with rhyming names. This had a direct impact on the overall success of the Kansas City Royals, as their chances of winning were intricately linked to this unconventional form of name-based, cosmic support. It seems that in the game of baseball, every Alton truly did matter for the team's victories. One-liner: Who would've thought that the key to the Royals' wins was hidden in the AL all along?

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Prompt: Create a comic-book-style illustration with muted colors and a dotted halftone pattern from the 1960s depicting a crowded baseball stadium. The announcer excitedly calls out "Alton" as the crowd cheers and holds up signs with the name. Simultaneously, the Kansas City Royals celebrate a big win, their players high-fiving and hugging each other on the field amidst the deafening roar of the crowd. Keep the visual depiction simple. Omit words and speech bubbles. Add a vintage aesthetic to the illustration. 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 Alton and Wins for the Kansas City Royals. 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: Steampunk Cute 2D animation A comic-book-style illustration with muted colors and a dotted halftone pattern from the 1960s Cutsy graphics Cute 2D animation
ChatGPT: A comic-book-style illustration with muted colors and a dotted halftone pattern from the 1960s

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 Alton and Wins for the Kansas City Royals together. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a crowded baseball stadium, the announcer excitedly calls out "Alton" as the crowd cheers and holds up signs with the name. At the same time, the Kansas City Royals celebrate a big win, their players high-fiving and hugging each other on the field amidst the deafening roar of the crowd.

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 comic-book-style illustration with muted colors and a dotted halftone pattern from the 1960s ] and depicting this scene: In a crowded baseball stadium, the announcer excitedly calls out "Alton" as the crowd cheers and holds up signs with the name. At the same time, the Kansas City Royals celebrate a big win, their players high-fiving and hugging each other on the field amidst the deafening roar of the crowd. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Prompt: Create a comic-book-style illustration with muted colors and a dotted halftone pattern from the 1960s depicting a crowded baseball stadium. The announcer excitedly calls out "Alton" as the crowd cheers and holds up signs with the name. Simultaneously, the Kansas City Royals celebrate a big win, their players high-fiving and hugging each other on the field amidst the deafening roar of the crowd. Keep the visual depiction simple. Omit words and speech bubbles. Add a vintage aesthetic to the illustration.

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

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

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how a decrease in Popularity of the first name Alton caused Wins for the Kansas City Royals to decrease. Add a funny one-liner at the end.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Alton's Ascendancy: Analyzing the Association Between Alton and Assists for the Athletics

Journal of Quirky Sports Science

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 dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics 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 Popularity of the first name Alton and Wins for the Kansas City Royals. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Make the title an alliteration.

Your research team used data from US Social Security Administration and Baseball-Reference.com to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.6182514 and p < 0.01 for 1975 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]]
Alton's Ascendancy: Analyzing the Association Between Alton and Assists for the Athletics

[[ABSTRACT]]
Alton, a name as rare as a double play in the bottom of the ninth, has long intrigued researchers due to its cyclical popularity and its potential influence on the performance of Major League Baseball teams. In this study, we delved into the mystique of the name Alton and its seemingly cosmic connection to the Kansas City Royals' success on the field. Utilizing data from the US Social Security Administration and Baseball-Reference.com, our research team examined the period from 1975 to 2022. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.6182514 and a p-value less than 0.01, suggesting a statistically significant relationship between the name Alton and the wins achieved by the Kansas City Royals.

Dad Joke Alert: Why did the baseball team sign Alton? Because they heard he had a "grand" presence on the field!

Our study sheds light on the unconventional factors that may impact the performance of sports teams, highlighting the need for further investigation into the influence of seemingly trivial variables. Although the exact mechanism behind the Alton-Royals nexus remains a tantalizing mystery, our research provides a solid foundation for future exploration of the enigmatic interplay between nomenclature and athletic achievement.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics 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 Popularity of the first name Alton and Wins for the Kansas City Royals. 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]]
Alton's Ascendancy: Analyzing the Association Between Alton and Assists for the Athletics

[[ABSTRACT]]
Alton, a name as rare as a double play in the bottom of the ninth, has long intrigued researchers due to its cyclical popularity and its potential influence on the performance of Major League Baseball teams. In this study, we delved into the mystique of the name Alton and its seemingly cosmic connection to the Kansas City Royals' success on the field. Utilizing data from the US Social Security Administration and Baseball-Reference.com, our research team examined the period from 1975 to 2022. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.6182514 and a p-value less than 0.01, suggesting a statistically significant relationship between the name Alton and the wins achieved by the Kansas City Royals.

Dad Joke Alert: Why did the baseball team sign Alton? Because they heard he had a "grand" presence on the field!

Our study sheds light on the unconventional factors that may impact the performance of sports teams, highlighting the need for further investigation into the influence of seemingly trivial variables. Although the exact mechanism behind the Alton-Royals nexus remains a tantalizing mystery, our research provides a solid foundation for future exploration of the enigmatic interplay between nomenclature and athletic achievement.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

The quest to understand the intricate and often inconceivable factors affecting sports performance has led scholars to investigate a myriad of potential influences. While many studies have centered around the impact of training regimens, coaching strategies, and player statistics, the correlation between the popularity of a specific first name and the success of a professional sports team has remained largely uncharted territory. Enter Alton, a name as enigmatic as a knuckleball and as captivating as a bottom-of-the-ninth comeback.

Dad Joke Alert: Why did Alton go into baseball? Because he wanted to be a "big hit" in the game!

In this study, we set out to unravel the perplexing connection between the prevalence of the name Alton and the triumphs of the Kansas City Royals, a team renowned for its resilience and perseverance. Drawing upon meticulously curated data from the US Social Security Administration and Baseball-Reference.com, we embarked on a statistical odyssey spanning the years from 1975 to 2022, navigating through the annals of baseball history in pursuit of elucidating the elusive relationship between nomenclature and athletic achievement.

Our investigation unearthed a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.6182514 and a p-value lower than a knuckleball's trajectory, affirming a statistically significant linkage between the appellation "Alton" and the victories amassed by the Kansas City Royals. As we delved deeper into the data, the evidence became as clear as a perfectly executed double play, showcasing the potential influence of a seemingly innocuous name on the outcomes of professional baseball contests.

Dad Joke Alert: What did the baseball-loving statistician name his son? Alton, because he knew he'd be a "home run"!

As we traverse the terrain of this unorthodox investigation, it becomes evident that the allure of the obscure and the whimsical cannot be overlooked in the realm of sports analysis. Our endeavor serves as a clarion call for further explorations into the uncharted waters of unconventional variables, beckoning researchers to consider the myriad ways in which the seemingly inconsequential may stealthily shape the fabric of athletic endeavors. Just as a well-executed bunt can catch the opposing team off guard, so too can the influence of a name elude the conventional trappings of statistical analysis, evoking curiosity and prompting a re-evaluation of established paradigms.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics 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 Popularity of the first name Alton and Wins for the Kansas City Royals. 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 devolve ever further, and mention something completely ridiculous, like you conducted literature review by reading CVS receipts.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Alton's Ascendancy: Analyzing the Association Between Alton and Assists for the Athletics

[[ABSTRACT]]
Alton, a name as rare as a double play in the bottom of the ninth, has long intrigued researchers due to its cyclical popularity and its potential influence on the performance of Major League Baseball teams. In this study, we delved into the mystique of the name Alton and its seemingly cosmic connection to the Kansas City Royals' success on the field. Utilizing data from the US Social Security Administration and Baseball-Reference.com, our research team examined the period from 1975 to 2022. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.6182514 and a p-value less than 0.01, suggesting a statistically significant relationship between the name Alton and the wins achieved by the Kansas City Royals.

Dad Joke Alert: Why did the baseball team sign Alton? Because they heard he had a "grand" presence on the field!

Our study sheds light on the unconventional factors that may impact the performance of sports teams, highlighting the need for further investigation into the influence of seemingly trivial variables. Although the exact mechanism behind the Alton-Royals nexus remains a tantalizing mystery, our research provides a solid foundation for future exploration of the enigmatic interplay between nomenclature and athletic achievement.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The quest to understand the intricate and often inconceivable factors affecting sports performance has led scholars to investigate a myriad of potential influences. While many studies have centered around the impact of training regimens, coaching strategies, and player statistics, the correlation between the popularity of a specific first name and the success of a professional sports team has remained largely uncharted territory. Enter Alton, a name as enigmatic as a knuckleball and as captivating as a bottom-of-the-ninth comeback.
Dad Joke Alert: Why did Alton go into baseball? Because he wanted to be a "big hit" in the game!
In this study, we set out to unravel the perplexing connection between the prevalence of the name Alton and the triumphs of the Kansas City Royals, a team renowned for its resilience and perseverance. Drawing upon meticulously curated data from the US Social Security Administration and Baseball-Reference.com, we embarked on a statistical odyssey spanning the years from 1975 to 2022, navigating through the annals of baseball history in pursuit of elucidating the elusive relationship between nomenclature and athletic achievement.
Our investigation unearthed a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.6182514 and a p-value lower than a knuckleball's trajectory, affirming a statistically significant linkage between the appellation "Alton" and the victories amassed by the Kansas City Royals. As we delved deeper into the data, the evidence became as clear as a perfectly executed double play, showcasing the potential influence of a seemingly innocuous name on the outcomes of professional baseball contests.
Dad Joke Alert: What did the baseball-loving statistician name his son? Alton, because he knew he'd be a "home run"!
As we traverse the terrain of this unorthodox investigation, it becomes evident that the allure of the obscure and the whimsical cannot be overlooked in the realm of sports analysis. Our endeavor serves as a clarion call for further explorations into the uncharted waters of unconventional variables, beckoning researchers to consider the myriad ways in which the seemingly inconsequential may stealthily shape the fabric of athletic endeavors. Just as a well-executed bunt can catch the opposing team off guard, so too can the influence of a name elude the conventional trappings of statistical analysis, evoking curiosity and prompting a re-evaluation of established paradigms.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

Smith, Doe, and Jones (2015) explored the impact of first names on professional sports teams' performance, shedding light on the potential influence of nomenclature on athletic achievements. Their comprehensive analysis encompassed a wide array of first names across various sports, examining the correlation between nomenclature and success. While their study provided valuable insights into the broader landscape of name-related effects on sports teams, it did not specifically focus on the unique case of the name Alton and its association with a specific team's victories.

In "The Name Game: Exploring the Influence of Nomenclature on Sports Success," the authors delve into the intricate connections between first names and athletic performance, presenting compelling evidence for the subtle yet impactful role of nomenclature in the realm of sports.

Moving beyond the confines of academic research, popular non-fiction works such as "Freakonomics" by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner have explored unconventional connections and hidden influences, providing a broader context for investigating the seemingly inexplicable relationship between a name and a sports team's triumphs.

Furthermore, fictional works such as "Moneyball" by Michael Lewis have delved into the unorthodox strategies and unconventional factors that can shape the outcome of baseball games, offering a narrative backdrop to the exploration of the Alton-Royals connection.

Just as a curveball can baffle even the most proficient batters, the intriguing link between the name Alton and the Kansas City Royals' wins has confounded conventional expectations, prompting a re-examination of the underlying dynamics at play. In this vein, the authors felt compelled to tap into unconventional sources of information, including but not limited to perusing the esoteric annals of baseball lore, poring over classic baseball literature, and humorously sifting through everyday sources of data, such as supermarket receipts and fortune cookies, in pursuit of elucidating the mystifying Alton-Royals correlation.

Dad Joke Alert: Why did the statistician bring a ladder to the baseball game? He heard the players were good at "reaching" base!


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics 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 Popularity of the first name Alton and Wins for the Kansas City Royals. 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 Baseball-Reference.com . You used data from 1975 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]]
Alton's Ascendancy: Analyzing the Association Between Alton and Assists for the Athletics

[[ABSTRACT]]
Alton, a name as rare as a double play in the bottom of the ninth, has long intrigued researchers due to its cyclical popularity and its potential influence on the performance of Major League Baseball teams. In this study, we delved into the mystique of the name Alton and its seemingly cosmic connection to the Kansas City Royals' success on the field. Utilizing data from the US Social Security Administration and Baseball-Reference.com, our research team examined the period from 1975 to 2022. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.6182514 and a p-value less than 0.01, suggesting a statistically significant relationship between the name Alton and the wins achieved by the Kansas City Royals.

Dad Joke Alert: Why did the baseball team sign Alton? Because they heard he had a "grand" presence on the field!

Our study sheds light on the unconventional factors that may impact the performance of sports teams, highlighting the need for further investigation into the influence of seemingly trivial variables. Although the exact mechanism behind the Alton-Royals nexus remains a tantalizing mystery, our research provides a solid foundation for future exploration of the enigmatic interplay between nomenclature and athletic achievement.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The quest to understand the intricate and often inconceivable factors affecting sports performance has led scholars to investigate a myriad of potential influences. While many studies have centered around the impact of training regimens, coaching strategies, and player statistics, the correlation between the popularity of a specific first name and the success of a professional sports team has remained largely uncharted territory. Enter Alton, a name as enigmatic as a knuckleball and as captivating as a bottom-of-the-ninth comeback.
Dad Joke Alert: Why did Alton go into baseball? Because he wanted to be a "big hit" in the game!
In this study, we set out to unravel the perplexing connection between the prevalence of the name Alton and the triumphs of the Kansas City Royals, a team renowned for its resilience and perseverance. Drawing upon meticulously curated data from the US Social Security Administration and Baseball-Reference.com, we embarked on a statistical odyssey spanning the years from 1975 to 2022, navigating through the annals of baseball history in pursuit of elucidating the elusive relationship between nomenclature and athletic achievement.
Our investigation unearthed a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.6182514 and a p-value lower than a knuckleball's trajectory, affirming a statistically significant linkage between the appellation "Alton" and the victories amassed by the Kansas City Royals. As we delved deeper into the data, the evidence became as clear as a perfectly executed double play, showcasing the potential influence of a seemingly innocuous name on the outcomes of professional baseball contests.
Dad Joke Alert: What did the baseball-loving statistician name his son? Alton, because he knew he'd be a "home run"!
As we traverse the terrain of this unorthodox investigation, it becomes evident that the allure of the obscure and the whimsical cannot be overlooked in the realm of sports analysis. Our endeavor serves as a clarion call for further explorations into the uncharted waters of unconventional variables, beckoning researchers to consider the myriad ways in which the seemingly inconsequential may stealthily shape the fabric of athletic endeavors. Just as a well-executed bunt can catch the opposing team off guard, so too can the influence of a name elude the conventional trappings of statistical analysis, evoking curiosity and prompting a re-evaluation of established paradigms.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

Data Collection:
The primary data sources for this study were the US Social Security Administration and Baseball-Reference.com, which provided comprehensive datasets encompassing the period from 1975 to 2022. The US Social Security Administration's database offered valuable information regarding the prevalence of the first name "Alton" among births in the United States, while Baseball-Reference.com supplied in-depth statistics related to the performance of the Kansas City Royals during the same timeframe.

Dad Joke Alert: Why did Alton bring a baseball glove to the data collection? Because he wanted to "catch" all the relevant information!

Variable Selection:
The key variables examined in this study comprised the frequency of the first name "Alton" among male births in the United States and the number of wins achieved by the Kansas City Royals in Major League Baseball games. To ensure the robustness of our analysis, additional control variables were considered, including the overall performance of the team, demographic shifts, and other potential confounding factors.

Sampling Method:
The sampling process involved aggregating annual data on the frequency of the name "Alton" from the US Social Security Administration and aligning it with the corresponding records of wins accumulated by the Kansas City Royals from Baseball-Reference.com. The resultant dataset formed the basis for the quantitative analysis, enabling us to explore the potential relationship between the popularity of the name "Alton" and the success of the Kansas City Royals.

Dad Joke Alert: How did Alton select his data sample? He "pitched" the idea to his research team and "caught" their attention!

Statistical Analysis:
To assess the association between the frequency of the name "Alton" and the wins of the Kansas City Royals, we employed a series of statistical techniques, including correlation analysis, multiple regression modeling, and time-series analysis. These methodological approaches were chosen to capture the dynamics of the relationship over the study period and to account for potential confounders that could affect the observed patterns.

Validity and Reliability:
In order to ensure the validity and reliability of the findings, sensitivity analyses and robustness checks were performed to scrutinize the stability of the results under different model specifications and assumptions. Furthermore, diagnostic tests and goodness-of-fit measures were utilized to assess the appropriateness of the statistical models and the overall reliability of the results.

Dad Joke Alert: Why did the statistician bring a ladder to the analysis? Because he wanted to "climb" the heights of statistical rigor and "reach" robust conclusions!


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics 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 Popularity of the first name Alton and Wins for the Kansas City Royals. 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 Baseball-Reference.com .

For the time period 1975 to 2022, you found a correlation 0.6182514, r-squared of 0.3822348, 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]]
Alton's Ascendancy: Analyzing the Association Between Alton and Assists for the Athletics

[[ABSTRACT]]
Alton, a name as rare as a double play in the bottom of the ninth, has long intrigued researchers due to its cyclical popularity and its potential influence on the performance of Major League Baseball teams. In this study, we delved into the mystique of the name Alton and its seemingly cosmic connection to the Kansas City Royals' success on the field. Utilizing data from the US Social Security Administration and Baseball-Reference.com, our research team examined the period from 1975 to 2022. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.6182514 and a p-value less than 0.01, suggesting a statistically significant relationship between the name Alton and the wins achieved by the Kansas City Royals.

Dad Joke Alert: Why did the baseball team sign Alton? Because they heard he had a "grand" presence on the field!

Our study sheds light on the unconventional factors that may impact the performance of sports teams, highlighting the need for further investigation into the influence of seemingly trivial variables. Although the exact mechanism behind the Alton-Royals nexus remains a tantalizing mystery, our research provides a solid foundation for future exploration of the enigmatic interplay between nomenclature and athletic achievement.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
The quest to understand the intricate and often inconceivable factors affecting sports performance has led scholars to investigate a myriad of potential influences. While many studies have centered around the impact of training regimens, coaching strategies, and player statistics, the correlation between the popularity of a specific first name and the success of a professional sports team has remained largely uncharted territory. Enter Alton, a name as enigmatic as a knuckleball and as captivating as a bottom-of-the-ninth comeback.
Dad Joke Alert: Why did Alton go into baseball? Because he wanted to be a "big hit" in the game!
In this study, we set out to unravel the perplexing connection between the prevalence of the name Alton and the triumphs of the Kansas City Royals, a team renowned for its resilience and perseverance. Drawing upon meticulously curated data from the US Social Security Administration and Baseball-Reference.com, we embarked on a statistical odyssey spanning the years from 1975 to 2022, navigating through the annals of baseball history in pursuit of elucidating the elusive relationship between nomenclature and athletic achievement.
Our investigation unearthed a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.6182514 and a p-value lower than a knuckleball's trajectory, affirming a statistically significant linkage between the appellation "Alton" and the victories amassed by the Kansas City Royals. As we delved deeper into the data, the evidence became as clear as a perfectly executed double play, showcasing the potential influence of a seemingly innocuous name on the outcomes of professional baseball contests.
Dad Joke Alert: What did the baseball-loving statistician name his son? Alton, because he knew he'd be a "home run"!
As we traverse the terrain of this unorthodox investigation, it becomes evident that the allure of the obscure and the whimsical cannot be overlooked in the realm of sports analysis. Our endeavor serves as a clarion call for further explorations into the uncharted waters of unconventional variables, beckoning researchers to consider the myriad ways in which the seemingly inconsequential may stealthily shape the fabric of athletic endeavors. Just as a well-executed bunt can catch the opposing team off guard, so too can the influence of a name elude the conventional trappings of statistical analysis, evoking curiosity and prompting a re-evaluation of established paradigms.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The analysis of the compiled data revealed a compelling correlation between the popularity of the first name Alton and the number of wins secured by the Kansas City Royals over the period from 1975 to 2022. The correlation coefficient of 0.6182514 denoted a moderately strong positive relationship, indicating that as the popularity of the name Alton fluctuated, so did the successes of the Kansas City Royals. This finding suggests that the name Alton may have exerted an inexplicably influential presence on the team's fortunes, akin to the impact of a well-timed home run in a crucial game.

Moreover, the calculated r-squared value of 0.3822348 underscored that approximately 38.22% of the variations in the Kansas City Royals' wins can be attributed to the fluctuations in the popularity of the name Alton. While this proportion may seem modest, in the realm of unpredictable sporting outcomes, it constitutes a noteworthy and discernible influence, not unlike the steady guidance provided by an experienced coach to a team navigating tumultuous innings.

The statistical analysis further revealed a p-value of less than 0.01, signaling a statistically significant relationship between the name Alton and the performance of the Kansas City Royals. This substantiates the notion that the ebb and flow of the name Alton's popularity may not be as inconsequential as previously assumed, and its association with the Kansas City Royals' victories may be more than a serendipitous occurrence, much like a fortuitously placed line drive at a critical juncture in a game.

Figure 1 depicts a scatterplot illustrating the pronounced correlation between the prevalence of the first name Alton and the wins accumulated by the Kansas City Royals. The plot visually captures the synchronicity between these variables, solidifying the empirical evidence of their interconnectedness and highlighting the potential impact of a seemingly trivial factor on the outcomes of professional baseball contests.

In sum, our investigation into the association between the name Alton and the triumphs of the Kansas City Royals unveils a compelling linkage, urging further exploration into the enigmatic interplay between nomenclature and athletic achievement. The findings underscore the importance of considering unconventional variables in sports analysis, prompting a re-evaluation of established paradigms and beckoning forth a new era of inquiry into the unforeseen influences shaping the domain of professional sports.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics 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 Popularity of the first name Alton and Wins for the Kansas City Royals. 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]]
Alton's Ascendancy: Analyzing the Association Between Alton and Assists for the Athletics

[[ABSTRACT]]
Alton, a name as rare as a double play in the bottom of the ninth, has long intrigued researchers due to its cyclical popularity and its potential influence on the performance of Major League Baseball teams. In this study, we delved into the mystique of the name Alton and its seemingly cosmic connection to the Kansas City Royals' success on the field. Utilizing data from the US Social Security Administration and Baseball-Reference.com, our research team examined the period from 1975 to 2022. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.6182514 and a p-value less than 0.01, suggesting a statistically significant relationship between the name Alton and the wins achieved by the Kansas City Royals.

Dad Joke Alert: Why did the baseball team sign Alton? Because they heard he had a "grand" presence on the field!

Our study sheds light on the unconventional factors that may impact the performance of sports teams, highlighting the need for further investigation into the influence of seemingly trivial variables. Although the exact mechanism behind the Alton-Royals nexus remains a tantalizing mystery, our research provides a solid foundation for future exploration of the enigmatic interplay between nomenclature and athletic achievement.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
Smith, Doe, and Jones (2015) explored the impact of first names on professional sports teams' performance, shedding light on the potential influence of nomenclature on athletic achievements. Their comprehensive analysis encompassed a wide array of first names across various sports, examining the correlation between nomenclature and success. While their study provided valuable insights into the broader landscape of name-related effects on sports teams, it did not specifically focus on the unique case of the name Alton and its association with a specific team's victories.
In "The Name Game: Exploring the Influence of Nomenclature on Sports Success," the authors delve into the intricate connections between first names and athletic performance, presenting compelling evidence for the subtle yet impactful role of nomenclature in the realm of sports.
Moving beyond the confines of academic research, popular non-fiction works such as "Freakonomics" by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner have explored unconventional connections and hidden influences, providing a broader context for investigating the seemingly inexplicable relationship between a name and a sports team's triumphs.
Furthermore, fictional works such as "Moneyball" by Michael Lewis have delved into the unorthodox strategies and unconventional factors that can shape the outcome of baseball games, offering a narrative backdrop to the exploration of the Alton-Royals connection.
Just as a curveball can baffle even the most proficient batters, the intriguing link between the name Alton and the Kansas City Royals' wins has confounded conventional expectations, prompting a re-examination of the underlying dynamics at play. In this vein, the authors felt compelled to tap into unconventional sources of information, including but not limited to perusing the esoteric annals of baseball lore, poring over classic baseball literature, and humorously sifting through everyday sources of data, such as supermarket receipts and fortune cookies, in pursuit of elucidating the mystifying Alton-Royals correlation.
Dad Joke Alert: Why did the statistician bring a ladder to the baseball game? He heard the players were good at "reaching" base!

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the compiled data revealed a compelling correlation between the popularity of the first name Alton and the number of wins secured by the Kansas City Royals over the period from 1975 to 2022. The correlation coefficient of 0.6182514 denoted a moderately strong positive relationship, indicating that as the popularity of the name Alton fluctuated, so did the successes of the Kansas City Royals. This finding suggests that the name Alton may have exerted an inexplicably influential presence on the team's fortunes, akin to the impact of a well-timed home run in a crucial game.
Moreover, the calculated r-squared value of 0.3822348 underscored that approximately 38.22% of the variations in the Kansas City Royals' wins can be attributed to the fluctuations in the popularity of the name Alton. While this proportion may seem modest, in the realm of unpredictable sporting outcomes, it constitutes a noteworthy and discernible influence, not unlike the steady guidance provided by an experienced coach to a team navigating tumultuous innings.
The statistical analysis further revealed a p-value of less than 0.01, signaling a statistically significant relationship between the name Alton and the performance of the Kansas City Royals. This substantiates the notion that the ebb and flow of the name Alton's popularity may not be as inconsequential as previously assumed, and its association with the Kansas City Royals' victories may be more than a serendipitous occurrence, much like a fortuitously placed line drive at a critical juncture in a game.
Figure 1 depicts a scatterplot illustrating the pronounced correlation between the prevalence of the first name Alton and the wins accumulated by the Kansas City Royals. The plot visually captures the synchronicity between these variables, solidifying the empirical evidence of their interconnectedness and highlighting the potential impact of a seemingly trivial factor on the outcomes of professional baseball contests.
In sum, our investigation into the association between the name Alton and the triumphs of the Kansas City Royals unveils a compelling linkage, urging further exploration into the enigmatic interplay between nomenclature and athletic achievement. The findings underscore the importance of considering unconventional variables in sports analysis, prompting a re-evaluation of established paradigms and beckoning forth a new era of inquiry into the unforeseen influences shaping the domain of professional sports.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The results of this study unmistakably align with the prior research conducted by Smith, Doe, and Jones, who probed the impact of first names on sports teams' performance. While the literature review elicited a chuckle with its mention of the seemingly inexplicable influence of nomenclature, our findings substantiate the intriguing link between the popularity of the name Alton and the wins accrued by the Kansas City Royals. It appears that the enigmatic association between a moniker and a baseball team's triumphs is not as far-fetched as it may initially seem.

Dad Joke Alert: Why was Alton so good at cheering for the Royals? Because he had a "royally" good name for it!

The moderately strong positive correlation coefficient of 0.6182514, akin to the trajectory of a well-executed knuckleball, underscores the compelling relationship between the fluctuations in Alton's popularity and the Kansas City Royals' victories. This statistical revelation supports the supposition that the name Alton may possess an inexplicably influential presence, akin to a seasoned coach guiding a team through the unpredictable innings of a baseball game.

Building on the theoretical groundwork laid by the literature review, our study provides empirical evidence that the name Alton can exert a discernible influence on the outcomes of professional baseball contests. The statistically significant relationship, as indicated by a p-value of less than 0.01, has dispelled the notion that the ebb and flow of the name Alton's popularity is inconsequential. Instead, it points to the potential impact of seemingly trivial factors, akin to the fortuitously placed line drive at a critical juncture in a game, on a team's successes and failures.

Dad Joke Alert: Is the relationship between the name Alton and the Kansas City Royals really all it's "cracked" up to be? Well, our findings suggest it might just be as solid as a well-hit baseball!


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics 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 Popularity of the first name Alton and Wins for the Kansas City Royals. 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]]
Alton's Ascendancy: Analyzing the Association Between Alton and Assists for the Athletics

[[ABSTRACT]]
Alton, a name as rare as a double play in the bottom of the ninth, has long intrigued researchers due to its cyclical popularity and its potential influence on the performance of Major League Baseball teams. In this study, we delved into the mystique of the name Alton and its seemingly cosmic connection to the Kansas City Royals' success on the field. Utilizing data from the US Social Security Administration and Baseball-Reference.com, our research team examined the period from 1975 to 2022. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.6182514 and a p-value less than 0.01, suggesting a statistically significant relationship between the name Alton and the wins achieved by the Kansas City Royals.

Dad Joke Alert: Why did the baseball team sign Alton? Because they heard he had a "grand" presence on the field!

Our study sheds light on the unconventional factors that may impact the performance of sports teams, highlighting the need for further investigation into the influence of seemingly trivial variables. Although the exact mechanism behind the Alton-Royals nexus remains a tantalizing mystery, our research provides a solid foundation for future exploration of the enigmatic interplay between nomenclature and athletic achievement.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The quest to understand the intricate and often inconceivable factors affecting sports performance has led scholars to investigate a myriad of potential influences. While many studies have centered around the impact of training regimens, coaching strategies, and player statistics, the correlation between the popularity of a specific first name and the success of a professional sports team has remained largely uncharted territory. Enter Alton, a name as enigmatic as a knuckleball and as captivating as a bottom-of-the-ninth comeback.
Dad Joke Alert: Why did Alton go into baseball? Because he wanted to be a "big hit" in the game!
In this study, we set out to unravel the perplexing connection between the prevalence of the name Alton and the triumphs of the Kansas City Royals, a team renowned for its resilience and perseverance. Drawing upon meticulously curated data from the US Social Security Administration and Baseball-Reference.com, we embarked on a statistical odyssey spanning the years from 1975 to 2022, navigating through the annals of baseball history in pursuit of elucidating the elusive relationship between nomenclature and athletic achievement.
Our investigation unearthed a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.6182514 and a p-value lower than a knuckleball's trajectory, affirming a statistically significant linkage between the appellation "Alton" and the victories amassed by the Kansas City Royals. As we delved deeper into the data, the evidence became as clear as a perfectly executed double play, showcasing the potential influence of a seemingly innocuous name on the outcomes of professional baseball contests.
Dad Joke Alert: What did the baseball-loving statistician name his son? Alton, because he knew he'd be a "home run"!
As we traverse the terrain of this unorthodox investigation, it becomes evident that the allure of the obscure and the whimsical cannot be overlooked in the realm of sports analysis. Our endeavor serves as a clarion call for further explorations into the uncharted waters of unconventional variables, beckoning researchers to consider the myriad ways in which the seemingly inconsequential may stealthily shape the fabric of athletic endeavors. Just as a well-executed bunt can catch the opposing team off guard, so too can the influence of a name elude the conventional trappings of statistical analysis, evoking curiosity and prompting a re-evaluation of established paradigms.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the compiled data revealed a compelling correlation between the popularity of the first name Alton and the number of wins secured by the Kansas City Royals over the period from 1975 to 2022. The correlation coefficient of 0.6182514 denoted a moderately strong positive relationship, indicating that as the popularity of the name Alton fluctuated, so did the successes of the Kansas City Royals. This finding suggests that the name Alton may have exerted an inexplicably influential presence on the team's fortunes, akin to the impact of a well-timed home run in a crucial game.
Moreover, the calculated r-squared value of 0.3822348 underscored that approximately 38.22% of the variations in the Kansas City Royals' wins can be attributed to the fluctuations in the popularity of the name Alton. While this proportion may seem modest, in the realm of unpredictable sporting outcomes, it constitutes a noteworthy and discernible influence, not unlike the steady guidance provided by an experienced coach to a team navigating tumultuous innings.
The statistical analysis further revealed a p-value of less than 0.01, signaling a statistically significant relationship between the name Alton and the performance of the Kansas City Royals. This substantiates the notion that the ebb and flow of the name Alton's popularity may not be as inconsequential as previously assumed, and its association with the Kansas City Royals' victories may be more than a serendipitous occurrence, much like a fortuitously placed line drive at a critical juncture in a game.
Figure 1 depicts a scatterplot illustrating the pronounced correlation between the prevalence of the first name Alton and the wins accumulated by the Kansas City Royals. The plot visually captures the synchronicity between these variables, solidifying the empirical evidence of their interconnectedness and highlighting the potential impact of a seemingly trivial factor on the outcomes of professional baseball contests.
In sum, our investigation into the association between the name Alton and the triumphs of the Kansas City Royals unveils a compelling linkage, urging further exploration into the enigmatic interplay between nomenclature and athletic achievement. The findings underscore the importance of considering unconventional variables in sports analysis, prompting a re-evaluation of established paradigms and beckoning forth a new era of inquiry into the unforeseen influences shaping the domain of professional sports.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our research has elucidated a fascinating and statistically significant relationship between the prevalence of the name Alton and the performance of the Kansas City Royals. The evidence presented in this study highlights the potential influence of a seemingly trivial variable on the outcomes of professional baseball contests, prompting a re-examination of conventional assumptions and paving the way for further exploration into the nuanced interplay between nomenclature and sporting achievements.

Dad Joke Alert: Why did Alton bring a ladder to the baseball game? Because he heard the Royals needed some "extra support" on the field!

The moderately strong positive correlation coefficient and the discernible r-squared value underscore the impact of the name Alton on the victories amassed by the Kansas City Royals, akin to the way a well-placed pun can enliven a dreary academic paper. The statistical significance of this relationship challenges the notion that seemingly inconsequential factors hold no sway in the realm of sports, akin to the way a groan-inducing dad joke can unexpectedly elicit a chuckle.

Our findings advocate for a shift in the paradigm of sports analysis, inviting scholars to explore the uncharted waters of unconventional variables with the same vigor as a baseball fan scouring the stands for a coveted foul ball. The empirical evidence uncovered in this study beckons forth a new era of inquiry into the mysterious influences that shape athletic endeavors, much like the way a sudden rain delay can add an unexpected twist to a baseball game.

Therefore, it can be confidently asserted that no further research is needed in this area, as this study has conclusively demonstrated the compelling association between the name Alton and the triumphs of the Kansas City Royals, leaving no bases unaccounted for in our exploration of this intriguing nexus.


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 Alton's Ascendancy: Analyzing the Association Between Alton and Assists for the Athletics. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

Journal of Quirky Sports Science


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 Alton's Ascendancy: Analyzing the Association Between Alton and Assists for the Athletics. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Society for Sports Analytics and Performance Research


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 Alton's Ascendancy: Analyzing the Association Between Alton and Assists for the Athletics with an abstract of Alton, a name as rare as a double play in the bottom of the ninth, has long intrigued researchers due to its cyclical popularity and its potential influence on the performance of Major League Baseball teams. In this study, we delved into the mystique of the name Alton and its seemingly cosmic connection to the Kansas City Royals' success on the field. Utilizing data from the US Social Security Administration and Baseball-Reference.com, our research team examined the period from 1975 to 2022. Our findings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.6182514 and a p-value less than 0.01, suggesting a statistically significant relationship between the name Alton and the wins achieved by the Kansas City Royals.
Dad Joke Alert: Why did the baseball team sign Alton? Because they heard he had a "grand" presence on the field!
Our study sheds light on the unconventional factors that may impact the performance of sports teams, highlighting the need for further investigation into the influence of seemingly trivial variables. Although the exact mechanism behind the Alton-Royals nexus remains a tantalizing mystery, our research provides a solid foundation for future exploration of the enigmatic interplay between nomenclature and athletic achievement.

ChatGPT:

Alton, Major League Baseball, performance, Kansas City Royals, name popularity, statistical analysis, correlation coefficient, p-value, sports teams, unconventional factors, influence, nomenclature, athletic achievement

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

Wins for the Kansas City Royals
Detailed data title: The total number of season wins for the Kansas City Royals
Source: Baseball-Reference.com
See what else correlates with Wins for the Kansas City Royals

Correlation r = 0.6182514 (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 = 0.3822348 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 38.2% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Wins for the Kansas City Royals) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Popularity of the first name Alton) over the 48 years from 1975 through 2022.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 2.8E-6. 0.0000028338449813271155000000
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 0.62 in 0.00028% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 352,877 random variables You don't actually need 352 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 47 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 47 because we have two variables measured over a period of 48 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.

[ 0.41, 0.77 ] 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.
197519761977197819791980198119821983198419851986198719881989199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022
Popularity of the first name Alton (Babies born)2412692732352442512452642381952071941912421992102211831811611521361471651281361111561561471351481651621501221311661511621471481331321339213784
Wins for the Kansas City Royals (Game wins)9190102928597509079849176838492758272846470756772647765628358566269756567717286899581805859267465




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([241,269,273,235,244,251,245,264,238,195,207,194,191,242,199,210,221,183,181,161,152,136,147,165,128,136,111,156,156,147,135,148,165,162,150,122,131,166,151,162,147,148,133,132,133,92,137,84,])
array_2 = np.array([91,90,102,92,85,97,50,90,79,84,91,76,83,84,92,75,82,72,84,64,70,75,67,72,64,77,65,62,83,58,56,62,69,75,65,67,71,72,86,89,95,81,80,58,59,26,74,65,])
array_1_name = "Popularity of the first name Alton"
array_2_name = "Wins for the Kansas City Royals"

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

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



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

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

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

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Correlation ID: 2200 · Black Variable ID: 4166 · Red Variable ID: 4309
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