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Spurious correlation #2,438 · 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 Derrick and the second variable is Burglaries in California.  The chart goes from 1985 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

Hearing the name Derrick reminded people of the phrase "break in," inadvertently prompting them to become more vigilant and security-conscious. This collective mindset shift led to a decrease in successful burglary attempts in California. But in reality, the two are completely unrelated.

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Certainly! Here's a refined image generation prompt for DALL·E-3: Generate a comic-book-style illustration with muted colors and a dotted halftone pattern reminiscent of the 1960s. Depict a vibrant neighborhood in California where the once common name "Derrick" has declined in popularity, coinciding with a decrease in the number of reported burglaries. The streets, once bustling with potential mischievous activity, now display a welcomed calm, as if the absence of Derricks served as a "burglar-repellent." The residents rejoice in the decreased incidence of crime, attributing it to the vanishing of the name "Derrick," while parents are left pondering their choices for their children's names. Remember to keep the visual depiction simple, without including any words or speech bubbles. 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 Derrick and Burglaries in California. 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: Psychedelic A comic-book-style illustration with muted colors and a dotted halftone pattern from the 1960s A scene from Skyrim Cute 2D animation a funny image macro
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 Derrick and Burglaries in California, in the following situation: As the popularity of the name Derrick declined, so did the number of people "daring" to commit burglaries in California. It seems the "de-Derrick-tion" in the name led to a "de-crease" in criminal activity. Perhaps without as many Derricks around, there was a "de-Derrick" in the pool of potential burglars. It's as if the name Derrick had a "burglar-repellent" effect, leaving California residents saying "Good riddance, Derrick, we don't want no trouble around here!" So, it turns out, the real "crime" was just naming your child Derrick in the first place!. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a vibrant neighborhood in California, the once common name "Derrick" dwindled in popularity, coinciding with a decline in the number of reported burglaries. The streets, once bustling with potential mischievous activity, now displayed a welcomed calm, as if the absence of Derricks served as a "burglar-repellent." The residents rejoiced in the decreased incidence of crime, attributing it to the vanishing of the name "Derrick," while parents were left pondering their choices for their children's names.

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 vibrant neighborhood in California, the once common name "Derrick" dwindled in popularity, coinciding with a decline in the number of reported burglaries. The streets, once bustling with potential mischievous activity, now displayed a welcomed calm, as if the absence of Derricks served as a "burglar-repellent." The residents rejoiced in the decreased incidence of crime, attributing it to the vanishing of the name "Derrick," while parents were left pondering their choices for their children's names. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Certainly! Here's a refined image generation prompt for DALL·E-3: Generate a comic-book-style illustration with muted colors and a dotted halftone pattern reminiscent of the 1960s. Depict a vibrant neighborhood in California where the once common name "Derrick" has declined in popularity, coinciding with a decrease in the number of reported burglaries. The streets, once bustling with potential mischievous activity, now display a welcomed calm, as if the absence of Derricks served as a "burglar-repellent." The residents rejoice in the decreased incidence of crime, attributing it to the vanishing of the name "Derrick," while parents are left pondering their choices for their children's names. Remember to keep the visual depiction simple, without including any words or speech bubbles.

*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 Derrick caused Burglaries in California to decrease.\Make it sound serious until the end.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Derek to the Crime - The Curious Case of Derrick: A Correlational Study of Derrickness and Burglaries in California

Journal of Quirky Criminology

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 Derrick and Burglaries in California. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Make the title punny if you can come up with clever pun. If not, just make it sound clever.

Your research team used data from US Social Security Administration and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.9859879 and p < 0.01 for 1985 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]]
Derek to the Crime - The Curious Case of Derrick: A Correlational Study of Derrickness and Burglaries in California

[[ABSTRACT]]
Derrick. It's a name that's been around for ages, and it seems to have had its share of ups and downs. But what if I told you that there might be a link between the popularity of this name and the occurrence of burglaries in the sunny state of California? Our research team delved into this intriguing conundrum using a comprehensive data analysis approach that's bound to keep you on the edge of your seat.

With a twist of fate that would leave even Schroedinger impressed, our findings revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.9859879 and p < 0.01 between the usage of the name Derrick and the frequency of burglaries in California from 1985 to 2022. It's as if the name Derrick holds some secret power over criminal activity, or perhaps it's all just a quirky coincidence.

Now, let's address the elephant in the room - or should I say, the dad joke? Why did the name Derrick get a job as a locksmith? Because it had a knack for breaking and entering! All silliness aside, our study sheds light on the unexpected connections that can emerge from the analysis of seemingly unrelated data. So, the next time you meet a Derrick in California, you might want to keep an eye on your valuables – just for good measure.


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 Derrick and Burglaries in California. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Derek to the Crime - The Curious Case of Derrick: A Correlational Study of Derrickness and Burglaries in California

[[ABSTRACT]]
Derrick. It's a name that's been around for ages, and it seems to have had its share of ups and downs. But what if I told you that there might be a link between the popularity of this name and the occurrence of burglaries in the sunny state of California? Our research team delved into this intriguing conundrum using a comprehensive data analysis approach that's bound to keep you on the edge of your seat.

With a twist of fate that would leave even Schroedinger impressed, our findings revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.9859879 and p < 0.01 between the usage of the name Derrick and the frequency of burglaries in California from 1985 to 2022. It's as if the name Derrick holds some secret power over criminal activity, or perhaps it's all just a quirky coincidence.

Now, let's address the elephant in the room - or should I say, the dad joke? Why did the name Derrick get a job as a locksmith? Because it had a knack for breaking and entering! All silliness aside, our study sheds light on the unexpected connections that can emerge from the analysis of seemingly unrelated data. So, the next time you meet a Derrick in California, you might want to keep an eye on your valuables – just for good measure.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

Imagine this scenario: a new baby boy is born in California, and his parents, feeling particularly fond of the name "Derrick," decide to bestow it upon their young bundle of joy. Meanwhile, across town, a series of burglaries are occurring, leaving homeowners scratching their heads and security systems in a tizzy. What if these two seemingly disconnected events were actually intertwined by an invisible statistical thread? Our study delves into this enigmatic connection, uncovering the perplexing relationship between the popularity of the name Derrick and the occurrence of burglaries in the Golden State.

As researchers, we often find ourselves knee-deep in data, trying to make sense of it all. It's like being on a treasure hunt where the treasure is buried under layers of spreadsheets and histograms, and the map is written in a language only a statistician could love. But fear not, fellow data detectives, because we've ventured into this complex terrain armed with our trusty statistical tools and a healthy dose of humor.

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's address the causality conundrum – did the popularity of the name Derrick lead to an increase in burglaries, or vice versa? It's a classic case of the chicken and the egg, or in this instance, the "Derrick" and the "burglary." Speaking of which, what do you call a sneaky egg? A "cagey" egg! Just like our enigmatic correlation, some mysteries just can't be cracked with a simple pun.

Our investigation took us through decades of data, like time travelers charting the ebb and flow of both the name Derrick and the incidence of burglaries. The intertwining dance of these variables unfolded before our eyes, like a statistical tango where Derrick took the lead and burglaries followed suit. It's as if the very essence of the name holds some mysterious cosmic sway over the criminal underworld, or maybe it's just an amusing statistical anomaly – the kind that would make any researcher do a double-take.

Stay tuned for the next installment of our journey, where we'll unpack the methodology and unveil the surprising results that left us dumbfounded and amused in equal measure. It might just make you ponder: "Is there more to a name than meets the eye?"


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 Derrick and Burglaries in California. 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 you might move on to cartoons and children's shows that you watched for research.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Derek to the Crime - The Curious Case of Derrick: A Correlational Study of Derrickness and Burglaries in California

[[ABSTRACT]]
Derrick. It's a name that's been around for ages, and it seems to have had its share of ups and downs. But what if I told you that there might be a link between the popularity of this name and the occurrence of burglaries in the sunny state of California? Our research team delved into this intriguing conundrum using a comprehensive data analysis approach that's bound to keep you on the edge of your seat.

With a twist of fate that would leave even Schroedinger impressed, our findings revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.9859879 and p < 0.01 between the usage of the name Derrick and the frequency of burglaries in California from 1985 to 2022. It's as if the name Derrick holds some secret power over criminal activity, or perhaps it's all just a quirky coincidence.

Now, let's address the elephant in the room - or should I say, the dad joke? Why did the name Derrick get a job as a locksmith? Because it had a knack for breaking and entering! All silliness aside, our study sheds light on the unexpected connections that can emerge from the analysis of seemingly unrelated data. So, the next time you meet a Derrick in California, you might want to keep an eye on your valuables – just for good measure.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
Imagine this scenario: a new baby boy is born in California, and his parents, feeling particularly fond of the name "Derrick," decide to bestow it upon their young bundle of joy. Meanwhile, across town, a series of burglaries are occurring, leaving homeowners scratching their heads and security systems in a tizzy. What if these two seemingly disconnected events were actually intertwined by an invisible statistical thread? Our study delves into this enigmatic connection, uncovering the perplexing relationship between the popularity of the name Derrick and the occurrence of burglaries in the Golden State.
As researchers, we often find ourselves knee-deep in data, trying to make sense of it all. It's like being on a treasure hunt where the treasure is buried under layers of spreadsheets and histograms, and the map is written in a language only a statistician could love. But fear not, fellow data detectives, because we've ventured into this complex terrain armed with our trusty statistical tools and a healthy dose of humor.
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's address the causality conundrum – did the popularity of the name Derrick lead to an increase in burglaries, or vice versa? It's a classic case of the chicken and the egg, or in this instance, the "Derrick" and the "burglary." Speaking of which, what do you call a sneaky egg? A "cagey" egg! Just like our enigmatic correlation, some mysteries just can't be cracked with a simple pun.
Our investigation took us through decades of data, like time travelers charting the ebb and flow of both the name Derrick and the incidence of burglaries. The intertwining dance of these variables unfolded before our eyes, like a statistical tango where Derrick took the lead and burglaries followed suit. It's as if the very essence of the name holds some mysterious cosmic sway over the criminal underworld, or maybe it's just an amusing statistical anomaly – the kind that would make any researcher do a double-take.
Stay tuned for the next installment of our journey, where we'll unpack the methodology and unveil the surprising results that left us dumbfounded and amused in equal measure. It might just make you ponder: "Is there more to a name than meets the eye?"

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

In "Smith et al.," the authors find a significant relationship between the frequency of the name "Derrick" and property crimes in various states, laying the groundwork for our investigation into the specific case of California. The study delves into the societal implications of naming trends and criminal activities, sparking curiosity about potential connections that transcend conventional wisdom.

Turning to the work of "Doe and Johnson," a comprehensive analysis of naming patterns highlights the cyclical nature of popular names and their potential impact on societal behaviors. The intricate web of causality between nomenclature and criminal acts becomes increasingly enigmatic, prompting the need for focused scrutiny within specific geographical contexts.

Delving into the non-fiction literature, "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri presents a thought-provoking exploration of identity and the significance of names in shaping individual experiences. While not directly addressing crime rates, the themes of interconnectedness and personal significance resonate with the underlying premise of our research – that names may hold unforeseen influence over societal phenomena.

On a fictional note, "The Burglar in the Closet" by Lawrence Block offers a lighthearted take on the escapades of a witty burglar, infusing humor into the realm of criminal activities. While purely fictional, the juxtaposition of burglary with comedic undertones serves as a reminder that unexpected associations can emerge in the most unlikely of places – much like our investigation into the correlation between "Derrick" and burglaries in California.

In the world of animated entertainment, "Dora the Explorer" takes viewers on educational escapades through imaginative landscapes, perhaps imparting lessons that extend beyond language and geography. As we navigate the terrain of statistical analysis, the spirit of exploration and discovery outlined in children's shows serves as a reminder to approach our findings with a sense of wonder and open-mindedness.

It's evident that the realm of Derrick and burglaries is as complex and multifaceted as the enigmatic relationship between a pun and its inevitable groan. With each turn of the page, our understanding deepens, accompanied by a sprinkle of humor and a dash of curiosity, paving the way for an unconventional yet intriguing investigation into the curious case of Derrickness and its potential links to criminal activity in the vibrant state of California.


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 Derrick and Burglaries in California. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from US Social Security Administration and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services . You used data from 1985 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]]
Derek to the Crime - The Curious Case of Derrick: A Correlational Study of Derrickness and Burglaries in California

[[ABSTRACT]]
Derrick. It's a name that's been around for ages, and it seems to have had its share of ups and downs. But what if I told you that there might be a link between the popularity of this name and the occurrence of burglaries in the sunny state of California? Our research team delved into this intriguing conundrum using a comprehensive data analysis approach that's bound to keep you on the edge of your seat.

With a twist of fate that would leave even Schroedinger impressed, our findings revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.9859879 and p < 0.01 between the usage of the name Derrick and the frequency of burglaries in California from 1985 to 2022. It's as if the name Derrick holds some secret power over criminal activity, or perhaps it's all just a quirky coincidence.

Now, let's address the elephant in the room - or should I say, the dad joke? Why did the name Derrick get a job as a locksmith? Because it had a knack for breaking and entering! All silliness aside, our study sheds light on the unexpected connections that can emerge from the analysis of seemingly unrelated data. So, the next time you meet a Derrick in California, you might want to keep an eye on your valuables – just for good measure.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
Imagine this scenario: a new baby boy is born in California, and his parents, feeling particularly fond of the name "Derrick," decide to bestow it upon their young bundle of joy. Meanwhile, across town, a series of burglaries are occurring, leaving homeowners scratching their heads and security systems in a tizzy. What if these two seemingly disconnected events were actually intertwined by an invisible statistical thread? Our study delves into this enigmatic connection, uncovering the perplexing relationship between the popularity of the name Derrick and the occurrence of burglaries in the Golden State.
As researchers, we often find ourselves knee-deep in data, trying to make sense of it all. It's like being on a treasure hunt where the treasure is buried under layers of spreadsheets and histograms, and the map is written in a language only a statistician could love. But fear not, fellow data detectives, because we've ventured into this complex terrain armed with our trusty statistical tools and a healthy dose of humor.
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's address the causality conundrum – did the popularity of the name Derrick lead to an increase in burglaries, or vice versa? It's a classic case of the chicken and the egg, or in this instance, the "Derrick" and the "burglary." Speaking of which, what do you call a sneaky egg? A "cagey" egg! Just like our enigmatic correlation, some mysteries just can't be cracked with a simple pun.
Our investigation took us through decades of data, like time travelers charting the ebb and flow of both the name Derrick and the incidence of burglaries. The intertwining dance of these variables unfolded before our eyes, like a statistical tango where Derrick took the lead and burglaries followed suit. It's as if the very essence of the name holds some mysterious cosmic sway over the criminal underworld, or maybe it's just an amusing statistical anomaly – the kind that would make any researcher do a double-take.
Stay tuned for the next installment of our journey, where we'll unpack the methodology and unveil the surprising results that left us dumbfounded and amused in equal measure. It might just make you ponder: "Is there more to a name than meets the eye?"

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

Now, let's unravel the mysterious methodology behind our eye-opening study. Our research team conjured up a concoction of data-gathering techniques that would make even the most reticent statistician crack a smile.

To kick things off, we scoured the virtual archives of the US Social Security Administration, traversing through decades of baby name records like intrepid explorers navigating the vast seas of nomenclature. It was a veritable name-filled treasure trove – or, as we like to call it, "Derrick's Den of Data."

Once we had our hands on the Derrick data, we delved into the labyrinthine corridors of the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services. The task at hand? To unravel the cryptic patterns of burglaries in California and see if there was a sneaky correlation with the ebb and flow of Derrick's popularity. Think of it as conducting a statistical séance with the ghosts of crime data past, present, and future.

Now, brace yourselves for the technical wizardry that ensued. We unleashed the full arsenal of statistical tools, from the steadfast Pearson correlation coefficient to the alchemical p-value, to distill the essence of the relationship between Derrick's trajectory and burglary rates. It was like performing a statistical conga, with each variable taking its turn under the analytical spotlight.

But wait, here's a statistical riddle for you – why did the statistician go to art school? To draw meaningful conclusions! Our own journey through the data jungle involved crafting elaborate graphs, dissecting histograms, and consulting the ancient scrolls of chi-squared tests in our quest for statistical enlightenment.

And just when you thought things couldn't get any more whimsical, we employed a top-secret algorithmic concoction known as the "Derrick-Burglary Decoder." This groundbreaking tool sifted through the data with the precision of a cat burglar, uncovering patterns that left us alternating between scratching our heads and sharing incredulous chuckles.

And now, with our cloak of statistical secrecy lifted, we present the results of our daring expedition into the uncharted territory of Derrickness and its intriguing dance with burglary rates in California. Prepare to be both flabbergasted and tickled as we unveil the mystifying conclusions that have left us pondering the enigma of Derrick and the art of statistical serendipity.


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 Derrick and Burglaries in California. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from US Social Security Administration and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services .

For the time period 1985 to 2022, you found a correlation 0.9859879, r-squared of 0.9721722, 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]]
Derek to the Crime - The Curious Case of Derrick: A Correlational Study of Derrickness and Burglaries in California

[[ABSTRACT]]
Derrick. It's a name that's been around for ages, and it seems to have had its share of ups and downs. But what if I told you that there might be a link between the popularity of this name and the occurrence of burglaries in the sunny state of California? Our research team delved into this intriguing conundrum using a comprehensive data analysis approach that's bound to keep you on the edge of your seat.

With a twist of fate that would leave even Schroedinger impressed, our findings revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.9859879 and p < 0.01 between the usage of the name Derrick and the frequency of burglaries in California from 1985 to 2022. It's as if the name Derrick holds some secret power over criminal activity, or perhaps it's all just a quirky coincidence.

Now, let's address the elephant in the room - or should I say, the dad joke? Why did the name Derrick get a job as a locksmith? Because it had a knack for breaking and entering! All silliness aside, our study sheds light on the unexpected connections that can emerge from the analysis of seemingly unrelated data. So, the next time you meet a Derrick in California, you might want to keep an eye on your valuables – just for good measure.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
Imagine this scenario: a new baby boy is born in California, and his parents, feeling particularly fond of the name "Derrick," decide to bestow it upon their young bundle of joy. Meanwhile, across town, a series of burglaries are occurring, leaving homeowners scratching their heads and security systems in a tizzy. What if these two seemingly disconnected events were actually intertwined by an invisible statistical thread? Our study delves into this enigmatic connection, uncovering the perplexing relationship between the popularity of the name Derrick and the occurrence of burglaries in the Golden State.
As researchers, we often find ourselves knee-deep in data, trying to make sense of it all. It's like being on a treasure hunt where the treasure is buried under layers of spreadsheets and histograms, and the map is written in a language only a statistician could love. But fear not, fellow data detectives, because we've ventured into this complex terrain armed with our trusty statistical tools and a healthy dose of humor.
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's address the causality conundrum – did the popularity of the name Derrick lead to an increase in burglaries, or vice versa? It's a classic case of the chicken and the egg, or in this instance, the "Derrick" and the "burglary." Speaking of which, what do you call a sneaky egg? A "cagey" egg! Just like our enigmatic correlation, some mysteries just can't be cracked with a simple pun.
Our investigation took us through decades of data, like time travelers charting the ebb and flow of both the name Derrick and the incidence of burglaries. The intertwining dance of these variables unfolded before our eyes, like a statistical tango where Derrick took the lead and burglaries followed suit. It's as if the very essence of the name holds some mysterious cosmic sway over the criminal underworld, or maybe it's just an amusing statistical anomaly – the kind that would make any researcher do a double-take.
Stay tuned for the next installment of our journey, where we'll unpack the methodology and unveil the surprising results that left us dumbfounded and amused in equal measure. It might just make you ponder: "Is there more to a name than meets the eye?"

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The analysis of data from the US Social Security Administration and the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services revealed a staggering correlation coefficient of 0.9859879 between the popularity of the first name Derrick and the frequency of burglaries in California from 1985 to 2022. It's like these two variables were having a secret rendezvous in the world of statistics, whispering sweet correlations to each other behind our backs.

With an r-squared value of 0.9721722, we can say with confidence that a whopping 97.2% of the variance in burglary rates can be explained by the popularity of the name Derrick. It's as if Derrick's popularity exerts a gravitational pull on criminal activities, leaving us to wonder whether there's more to this name than meets the eye, or if we've stumbled upon a statistical rabbit hole that's more whimsical than we anticipated.

Now, let's talk about convenience – not the "convenience" of the statistical method, but the sheer convenience of burglaries attributed to the name Derrick. It's almost as if burglars were saying, "Hey, Derrick's popularity is skyrocketing, let's make our way to the Californian suburbs!" Perhaps we've stumbled upon a whole new dimension of criminal motivation – the allure of a popular name.

In the spirit of a good pun, let's address the figure in the room – or should I say the figure on the page? Fig. 1 showcases a charmingly strong positive correlation between the name Derrick's popularity and the occurrence of burglaries in California. It's like they were holding hands in statistical harmony, skipping along the x and y-axes like a pair of data points meandering through the garden of crime and nomenclature.

Speaking of names, here's a dad joke for you: Why did the statistician name their dog "Sixty"? Because 6 * 9. It's a pun that's both mathematically incorrect and yet oddly fitting for our tale of Derrick's statistical prowess.

In conclusion, our research has unearthed a thought-provoking correlation between the name Derrick and burglaries in California. Whether it's sheer coincidence or a statistical phenomenon of cosmic proportions, the conundrum surrounding Derrick's influence on criminal activities certainly merits further investigation. Or perhaps we've stumbled upon the statistical equivalent of a dad joke – confusing, amusing, and yet surprisingly thought-provoking.


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 Derrick and Burglaries in California. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

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]]
Derek to the Crime - The Curious Case of Derrick: A Correlational Study of Derrickness and Burglaries in California

[[ABSTRACT]]
Derrick. It's a name that's been around for ages, and it seems to have had its share of ups and downs. But what if I told you that there might be a link between the popularity of this name and the occurrence of burglaries in the sunny state of California? Our research team delved into this intriguing conundrum using a comprehensive data analysis approach that's bound to keep you on the edge of your seat.

With a twist of fate that would leave even Schroedinger impressed, our findings revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.9859879 and p < 0.01 between the usage of the name Derrick and the frequency of burglaries in California from 1985 to 2022. It's as if the name Derrick holds some secret power over criminal activity, or perhaps it's all just a quirky coincidence.

Now, let's address the elephant in the room - or should I say, the dad joke? Why did the name Derrick get a job as a locksmith? Because it had a knack for breaking and entering! All silliness aside, our study sheds light on the unexpected connections that can emerge from the analysis of seemingly unrelated data. So, the next time you meet a Derrick in California, you might want to keep an eye on your valuables – just for good measure.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
In "Smith et al.," the authors find a significant relationship between the frequency of the name "Derrick" and property crimes in various states, laying the groundwork for our investigation into the specific case of California. The study delves into the societal implications of naming trends and criminal activities, sparking curiosity about potential connections that transcend conventional wisdom.
Turning to the work of "Doe and Johnson," a comprehensive analysis of naming patterns highlights the cyclical nature of popular names and their potential impact on societal behaviors. The intricate web of causality between nomenclature and criminal acts becomes increasingly enigmatic, prompting the need for focused scrutiny within specific geographical contexts.
Delving into the non-fiction literature, "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri presents a thought-provoking exploration of identity and the significance of names in shaping individual experiences. While not directly addressing crime rates, the themes of interconnectedness and personal significance resonate with the underlying premise of our research – that names may hold unforeseen influence over societal phenomena.
On a fictional note, "The Burglar in the Closet" by Lawrence Block offers a lighthearted take on the escapades of a witty burglar, infusing humor into the realm of criminal activities. While purely fictional, the juxtaposition of burglary with comedic undertones serves as a reminder that unexpected associations can emerge in the most unlikely of places – much like our investigation into the correlation between "Derrick" and burglaries in California.
In the world of animated entertainment, "Dora the Explorer" takes viewers on educational escapades through imaginative landscapes, perhaps imparting lessons that extend beyond language and geography. As we navigate the terrain of statistical analysis, the spirit of exploration and discovery outlined in children's shows serves as a reminder to approach our findings with a sense of wonder and open-mindedness.
It's evident that the realm of Derrick and burglaries is as complex and multifaceted as the enigmatic relationship between a pun and its inevitable groan. With each turn of the page, our understanding deepens, accompanied by a sprinkle of humor and a dash of curiosity, paving the way for an unconventional yet intriguing investigation into the curious case of Derrickness and its potential links to criminal activity in the vibrant state of California.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of data from the US Social Security Administration and the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services revealed a staggering correlation coefficient of 0.9859879 between the popularity of the first name Derrick and the frequency of burglaries in California from 1985 to 2022. It's like these two variables were having a secret rendezvous in the world of statistics, whispering sweet correlations to each other behind our backs.
With an r-squared value of 0.9721722, we can say with confidence that a whopping 97.2% of the variance in burglary rates can be explained by the popularity of the name Derrick. It's as if Derrick's popularity exerts a gravitational pull on criminal activities, leaving us to wonder whether there's more to this name than meets the eye, or if we've stumbled upon a statistical rabbit hole that's more whimsical than we anticipated.
Now, let's talk about convenience – not the "convenience" of the statistical method, but the sheer convenience of burglaries attributed to the name Derrick. It's almost as if burglars were saying, "Hey, Derrick's popularity is skyrocketing, let's make our way to the Californian suburbs!" Perhaps we've stumbled upon a whole new dimension of criminal motivation – the allure of a popular name.
In the spirit of a good pun, let's address the figure in the room – or should I say the figure on the page? Fig. 1 showcases a charmingly strong positive correlation between the name Derrick's popularity and the occurrence of burglaries in California. It's like they were holding hands in statistical harmony, skipping along the x and y-axes like a pair of data points meandering through the garden of crime and nomenclature.
Speaking of names, here's a dad joke for you: Why did the statistician name their dog "Sixty"? Because 6 * 9. It's a pun that's both mathematically incorrect and yet oddly fitting for our tale of Derrick's statistical prowess.
In conclusion, our research has unearthed a thought-provoking correlation between the name Derrick and burglaries in California. Whether it's sheer coincidence or a statistical phenomenon of cosmic proportions, the conundrum surrounding Derrick's influence on criminal activities certainly merits further investigation. Or perhaps we've stumbled upon the statistical equivalent of a dad joke – confusing, amusing, and yet surprisingly thought-provoking.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

Our findings present a compelling argument for the association between the popularity of the first name Derrick and the occurrence of burglaries in California. It's as if the name Derrick has become an unexpected stalwart in the world of crime statistics, exerting its influence over criminal activities with a whimsical charm akin to a cleverly placed pun. Building upon the prior research, our study not only supports but also amplifies the notion of a significant correlation between naming patterns and societal behaviors – much like the punchline to a science-themed joke: "If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate."

Drawing parallels to the work of Smith et al., our investigation mirrors their findings, establishing a robust connection between the frequency of the name "Derrick" and property crimes, albeit within the unique context of California. It's as if the correlations between the variables have formed an intricate dance routine, weaving a narrative that's equal parts intriguing and enigmatic – much like the convoluted plot of a mystery novel, punctuated with an occasional dad joke to keep things light.

In a similar vein, our results add a layer of scientific allure to the insights gleaned from the work of Doe and Johnson, underscoring the cyclical nature of popular names and their potential impact on societal behaviors. The interplay between nomenclature and criminal acts seems to be unfolding like a captivating science-fiction saga, with Derrick's prominence emerging as a key player in the plot twist – a twist so unexpected yet so fitting that it rivals the punchline of a well-crafted dad joke.

While we may have approached our research with a cautious blend of seriousness and scientific rigor, the uncovered correlations between Derrick's popularity and burglary rates appear to carry a touch of whimsy – not unlike the comedic undertones of "The Burglar in the Closet" by Lawrence Block. It's as if Derrick's notoriety and criminal activities have collided in a plotline that mimics the curious absurdity of a well-delivered pun – surprising, oddly fitting, and deserving of a good-natured chuckle.

As we navigate the statistical terrain of our findings, it is clear that our study has uncovered a charmingly strong positive correlation, akin to the delightful harmony between a clever pun and a well-timed groan. While our results warrant further exploration and scrutiny, the quirks and nuances that underpin the correlation between Derrick's popularity and burglary rates serve as a reminder that scientific inquiry, much like a good dad joke, can be simultaneously perplexing and illuminating.


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 Derrick and Burglaries in California. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

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]]
Derek to the Crime - The Curious Case of Derrick: A Correlational Study of Derrickness and Burglaries in California

[[ABSTRACT]]
Derrick. It's a name that's been around for ages, and it seems to have had its share of ups and downs. But what if I told you that there might be a link between the popularity of this name and the occurrence of burglaries in the sunny state of California? Our research team delved into this intriguing conundrum using a comprehensive data analysis approach that's bound to keep you on the edge of your seat.

With a twist of fate that would leave even Schroedinger impressed, our findings revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.9859879 and p < 0.01 between the usage of the name Derrick and the frequency of burglaries in California from 1985 to 2022. It's as if the name Derrick holds some secret power over criminal activity, or perhaps it's all just a quirky coincidence.

Now, let's address the elephant in the room - or should I say, the dad joke? Why did the name Derrick get a job as a locksmith? Because it had a knack for breaking and entering! All silliness aside, our study sheds light on the unexpected connections that can emerge from the analysis of seemingly unrelated data. So, the next time you meet a Derrick in California, you might want to keep an eye on your valuables – just for good measure.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
Imagine this scenario: a new baby boy is born in California, and his parents, feeling particularly fond of the name "Derrick," decide to bestow it upon their young bundle of joy. Meanwhile, across town, a series of burglaries are occurring, leaving homeowners scratching their heads and security systems in a tizzy. What if these two seemingly disconnected events were actually intertwined by an invisible statistical thread? Our study delves into this enigmatic connection, uncovering the perplexing relationship between the popularity of the name Derrick and the occurrence of burglaries in the Golden State.
As researchers, we often find ourselves knee-deep in data, trying to make sense of it all. It's like being on a treasure hunt where the treasure is buried under layers of spreadsheets and histograms, and the map is written in a language only a statistician could love. But fear not, fellow data detectives, because we've ventured into this complex terrain armed with our trusty statistical tools and a healthy dose of humor.
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's address the causality conundrum – did the popularity of the name Derrick lead to an increase in burglaries, or vice versa? It's a classic case of the chicken and the egg, or in this instance, the "Derrick" and the "burglary." Speaking of which, what do you call a sneaky egg? A "cagey" egg! Just like our enigmatic correlation, some mysteries just can't be cracked with a simple pun.
Our investigation took us through decades of data, like time travelers charting the ebb and flow of both the name Derrick and the incidence of burglaries. The intertwining dance of these variables unfolded before our eyes, like a statistical tango where Derrick took the lead and burglaries followed suit. It's as if the very essence of the name holds some mysterious cosmic sway over the criminal underworld, or maybe it's just an amusing statistical anomaly – the kind that would make any researcher do a double-take.
Stay tuned for the next installment of our journey, where we'll unpack the methodology and unveil the surprising results that left us dumbfounded and amused in equal measure. It might just make you ponder: "Is there more to a name than meets the eye?"

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of data from the US Social Security Administration and the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services revealed a staggering correlation coefficient of 0.9859879 between the popularity of the first name Derrick and the frequency of burglaries in California from 1985 to 2022. It's like these two variables were having a secret rendezvous in the world of statistics, whispering sweet correlations to each other behind our backs.
With an r-squared value of 0.9721722, we can say with confidence that a whopping 97.2% of the variance in burglary rates can be explained by the popularity of the name Derrick. It's as if Derrick's popularity exerts a gravitational pull on criminal activities, leaving us to wonder whether there's more to this name than meets the eye, or if we've stumbled upon a statistical rabbit hole that's more whimsical than we anticipated.
Now, let's talk about convenience – not the "convenience" of the statistical method, but the sheer convenience of burglaries attributed to the name Derrick. It's almost as if burglars were saying, "Hey, Derrick's popularity is skyrocketing, let's make our way to the Californian suburbs!" Perhaps we've stumbled upon a whole new dimension of criminal motivation – the allure of a popular name.
In the spirit of a good pun, let's address the figure in the room – or should I say the figure on the page? Fig. 1 showcases a charmingly strong positive correlation between the name Derrick's popularity and the occurrence of burglaries in California. It's like they were holding hands in statistical harmony, skipping along the x and y-axes like a pair of data points meandering through the garden of crime and nomenclature.
Speaking of names, here's a dad joke for you: Why did the statistician name their dog "Sixty"? Because 6 * 9. It's a pun that's both mathematically incorrect and yet oddly fitting for our tale of Derrick's statistical prowess.
In conclusion, our research has unearthed a thought-provoking correlation between the name Derrick and burglaries in California. Whether it's sheer coincidence or a statistical phenomenon of cosmic proportions, the conundrum surrounding Derrick's influence on criminal activities certainly merits further investigation. Or perhaps we've stumbled upon the statistical equivalent of a dad joke – confusing, amusing, and yet surprisingly thought-provoking.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In summary, our study has uncovered a remarkable correlation between the popularity of the first name Derrick and the frequency of burglaries in California. It's as if Derrick's influence stretches beyond playgrounds and boardrooms, reaching into the shadowy realms of criminal activity. Who would've thought that a name could hold such statistical sway? It's like the punchline to a cosmic joke – statistically mysterious and yet undeniably intriguing.

Dad joke alert! Why did the statistician bring a ladder to the crime scene? Because he heard the case was over his head! Just like our findings, some puns are so bad that they're actually good.

This peculiar correlation, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9859879 and p < 0.01, begs the question: is Derrick stirring up crime waves, or are burglars simply drawn to the charm of a popular name? We've uncovered a statistical tango between Derrick and burglaries, a dance of data points that leaves us swaying between amusement and perplexity.

Now, let's address the elephant in the room – or should I say, the dad joke? Why did the name Derrick get a job as a locksmith? Because it had a knack for breaking and entering! All silliness aside, our study sheds light on the unexpected connections that can emerge from the analysis of seemingly unrelated data. So, the next time you meet a Derrick in California, you might want to keep an eye on your valuables – just for good measure.

In conclusion, our research has unearthed a thought-provoking correlation between the name Derrick and burglaries in California. Whether it's sheer coincidence or a statistical phenomenon of cosmic proportions, the conundrum surrounding Derrick's influence on criminal activities certainly merits further investigation. Or perhaps we've stumbled upon the statistical equivalent of a dad joke – confusing, amusing, and yet surprisingly thought-provoking.

And with that, we assert that no further research is needed in this area. After all, we've probably "Derrick"-ed that off the to-do list!


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 Derek to the Crime - The Curious Case of Derrick: A Correlational Study of Derrickness and Burglaries in California. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

Journal of Quirky Criminology


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 Derek to the Crime - The Curious Case of Derrick: A Correlational Study of Derrickness and Burglaries in California. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Center for Derrynomics and Societal Trends


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 Derek to the Crime - The Curious Case of Derrick: A Correlational Study of Derrickness and Burglaries in California with an abstract of Derrick. It's a name that's been around for ages, and it seems to have had its share of ups and downs. But what if I told you that there might be a link between the popularity of this name and the occurrence of burglaries in the sunny state of California? Our research team delved into this intriguing conundrum using a comprehensive data analysis approach that's bound to keep you on the edge of your seat.
With a twist of fate that would leave even Schroedinger impressed, our findings revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.9859879 and p < 0.01 between the usage of the name Derrick and the frequency of burglaries in California from 1985 to 2022. It's as if the name Derrick holds some secret power over criminal activity, or perhaps it's all just a quirky coincidence.
Now, let's address the elephant in the room - or should I say, the dad joke? Why did the name Derrick get a job as a locksmith? Because it had a knack for breaking and entering! All silliness aside, our study sheds light on the unexpected connections that can emerge from the analysis of seemingly unrelated data. So, the next time you meet a Derrick in California, you might want to keep an eye on your valuables – just for good measure.

ChatGPT:

Derrick, Derrickness, burglaries, California, correlation study, data analysis, name popularity, crime rate, Derrick name, criminal activity, correlation coefficient, burglaries in California, usage of the name Derrick, frequency of burglaries, data analysis approach, unexpected connections, name and criminal activity, crime in California

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

Burglaries in California
Detailed data title: The burglary rate per 100,000 residents in California
Source: FBI Criminal Justice Information Services
See what else correlates with Burglaries in California

Correlation r = 0.9859879 (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 = 0.9721722 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 97.2% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Burglaries in California) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Popularity of the first name Derrick) over the 38 years from 1985 through 2022.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 0. 0.0000000000000000000000000000
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 0.99 in 0% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated
Warning: Division by zero in /var/www/html/spurious/_CORRELATION_VIEW_PAGE.php on line 636
inf random variables
Warning: Division by zero in /var/www/html/spurious/_CORRELATION_VIEW_PAGE.php on line 638
You don't actually need
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INF variables to find a correlation like this one.
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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.
Warning: Division by zero in /var/www/html/spurious/_CORRELATION_VIEW_PAGE.php on line 646


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 37 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 37 because we have two variables measured over a period of 38 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.

[ 0.97, 0.99 ] 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.
19851986198719881989199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022
Popularity of the first name Derrick (Babies born)3821336535663335345833763104292127192581219719951784175516181596145514421385133013791362129511961115103510981053980911835746700609580516456366
Burglaries in California (Burglary rate)1701.11696.41518.21447.11412.31345.41397.81384.913271222.51120.3979.4927.4823.5675.3656.3671.3681.2683.2686.1692.9678.1650.7647622.8612.9610.5646.8603.8522.4506.2479.2448.4417.2386.8369.7344.6371.9




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([3821,3365,3566,3335,3458,3376,3104,2921,2719,2581,2197,1995,1784,1755,1618,1596,1455,1442,1385,1330,1379,1362,1295,1196,1115,1035,1098,1053,980,911,835,746,700,609,580,516,456,366,])
array_2 = np.array([1701.1,1696.4,1518.2,1447.1,1412.3,1345.4,1397.8,1384.9,1327,1222.5,1120.3,979.4,927.4,823.5,675.3,656.3,671.3,681.2,683.2,686.1,692.9,678.1,650.7,647,622.8,612.9,610.5,646.8,603.8,522.4,506.2,479.2,448.4,417.2,386.8,369.7,344.6,371.9,])
array_1_name = "Popularity of the first name Derrick"
array_2_name = "Burglaries in California"

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

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



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Correlation ID: 2438 · Black Variable ID: 2299 · Red Variable ID: 20128
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