spurious correlations
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where each of these is an academic paper
View details about correlation #1,781
Minds Over Matter: The Psych-ing Connection Between Bachelor's Degrees in Psychology and Groundskeepers in Utah
As the number of psychology graduates rose, so did the demand for shrinks, er, I mean shrub experts. It seems like everyone was finally recognizing the deep-rooted issues in Utah's green spaces and decided to take a leaf out of Freud's book by tackling them head-on. As these graduates mulled over their career options, they realized that they could cultivate a fulfilling career in groundskeeping, digging deep into the soil of the human psyche while also mowing lawns. It's a Freudian field of work indeed, where they can help grass cope with its existential crises and provide much-needed therapy for plants experiencing growth issues. It's safe to say that these psychology grads are really raking in the success in the world of horticulture, proving that when it comes to tending to the state of Utah's landscapes, they're not just whistling dixie!
What else correlates?
Bachelor's degrees awarded in Psychology · all education
The number of groundskeepers in Utah · all cccupations
Bachelor's degrees awarded in Psychology · all education
The number of groundskeepers in Utah · all cccupations
View details about correlation #4,994
Hair Today, Like a Boss Tomorrow: The Curious Connection Between 'Like a Boss' Meme Popularity and DIY Haircut Searches
As the 'like a boss' meme gained traction, people's confidence levels soared, leading to a spike in the belief that they could tackle haircuts with the same swag. And, as more folks tried to emulate the fearlessness of 'bosses' in the meme, they bossed up their hair cutting skills, proving that when it comes to DIY haircuts, attitude really does clip-ly everything!
What else correlates?
Popularity of the 'like a boss' meme · all memes
Google searches for 'how to cut own hair' · all google searches
Popularity of the 'like a boss' meme · all memes
Google searches for 'how to cut own hair' · all google searches
View details about correlation #2,666
Voltage Variety: The Shocking Connection Between Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies Bachelor's Degrees and Electricity Generation in Angola
As more students delved into the vast and varied world of Multi/interdisciplinary studies, they sparked a surge in brainpower. This intellectual firestorm led to an influx of innovative ideas for improving efficiency in electricity generation. It's shocking how these interdisciplinary graduates connected the dots to current flow in Angola's power sector, igniting a revolution in energy production. You could say they truly sparked a bright idea or two!
What else correlates?
Bachelor's degrees awarded in interdisciplinary studies · all education
Electricity generation in Angola · all energy
Bachelor's degrees awarded in interdisciplinary studies · all education
Electricity generation in Angola · all energy
View details about correlation #2,985
Ariels in Michigan: Making Waves in Fashion Design
As the name Ariel gained popularity, more and more people were inspired by the fashionable and stylish image of the Disney princess. This led to a surge in interest in fashion and design, including in Michigan. It's as if the trend was making waves in the world of fashion, and the designers just couldn't flounder in their pursuit of creating fabulous looks!
What else correlates?
Popularity of the first name Ariel · all first names
The number of fashion designers in Michigan · all cccupations
Popularity of the first name Ariel · all first names
The number of fashion designers in Michigan · all cccupations
View details about correlation #2,648
The Olympics Effect: The Interplay between International Sporting Events and Small-Town Dramas
As the international rivalry heated up, more people tuned in to the epic competition between Smallville's superheroes and supervillains. Who knew that Clark Kent's quest for gold would be the ultimate ratings booster for Smallville? As they say, it's not the size of the nation in the Olympics, it's the TV ratings of Smallville's finale that really matters!
View details about correlation #2,867
Chilling Consequences: Uncovering the Icy Relationship between Air Pollution and 'Ice Bath' Google Searches in Appleton, Wisconsin
As the air quality dipped, residents of Appleton, Wisconsin found themselves taking 'chill pills' in the form of ice baths. It seems like the smog just couldn't take a hint and decided to 'mist' with people's routines, leading them to seek refreshing relief in a tub of ice. It's a classic case of pollution causing a cool-ution, as the city's air became more inhospitable, driving folks to 'cool off' in the most literal way possible. Who knew that as the pollution levels rose, so did the temptation to take the plunge into an icy situation? It's enough to make you say, "What in the world is 'smog-nifying' this frosty trend?" But hey, when the going gets 'foggy,' the foggy get going... straight to the freezer for an impromptu arctic dip.
What else correlates?
Air pollution in Appleton, Wisconsin · all weather
Google searches for 'ice bath' · all google searches
Air pollution in Appleton, Wisconsin · all weather
Google searches for 'ice bath' · all google searches
View details about correlation #4,950
We Live in a Current-Generating Society: The Shocking Connection Between 'We Live in a Society' Meme Popularity and Wind Power Generated in Namibia
As the 'we live in a society' meme gained traction, it created a whirlwind of attention. People all over were embracing the idea and it blew a breath of fresh air into the internet. This societal reflection led to a surge in demand for clean energy and a realization that we truly do 'reap what we sow.' In Namibia, this meant a gust of support for wind power, propelling the industry forward. It's a true testament to the power of memes - they can really turbine things around for the better!
What else correlates?
Popularity of the 'we live in a society' meme · all memes
Wind power generated in Namibia · all energy
Popularity of the 'we live in a society' meme · all memes
Wind power generated in Namibia · all energy
View details about correlation #3,981
The Highwaymen: Exploring the Hold-Up between Robberies in New Mexico and Car Crashes in the US
It turns out the robbers were the ones causing all the high-speed chases! Without them around, the roads are a lot safer. Plus, with fewer robberies, there's less need for getaway cars, so it's really a win-win situation for everyone - except the robbers, of course. It's like they say, "Steer clear of crime and you'll brake for fewer accidents!"
What else correlates?
Robberies in New Mexico · all random state specific
Car crashes in the US · all weird & wacky
Robberies in New Mexico · all random state specific
Car crashes in the US · all weird & wacky
View details about correlation #2,929
A Breath of Fresh Air: Examining the Atmospheric Impact on Warner Bros. Discovery's Stock Price in Vineland, New Jersey
As the air quality in Vineland improved, it created a more uplifting atmosphere. This positivity wafted its way to Wall Street, where investors, feeling a breath of fresh air, decided to inflate the stock price of Warner Bros. Discovery. It seems like cleaner air isn't just good for the environment, but also for giving stocks a 'breathe' of life!
What else correlates?
Air quality in Vineland, New Jersey · all weather
Warner Bros. Discovery's stock price (WBD) · all stocks
Air quality in Vineland, New Jersey · all weather
Warner Bros. Discovery's stock price (WBD) · all stocks
View details about correlation #5,230
Dexter's Dichotomy: Delving into the Data Doldrums of 'Bing' and Baby Names
As the popularity of the name Dexter rose, so did the number of people naming their kids after everyone's favorite fictional serial killer. This led to a surge in interest for all things dark and mysterious, including the search engine Bing, because why google when you can bing in the name of irony and edginess.
What else correlates?
Popularity of the first name Dexter · all first names
Google searches for 'bing' · all google searches
Popularity of the first name Dexter · all first names
Google searches for 'bing' · all google searches
View details about correlation #5,894
Watt's Up, Matt? The Electrifying Connection Between Matt Levine's Wednesday Bloomberg Articles and Nuclear Power Generation in France
Apparently, Matt's puns were so powerful, they were causing a chain reaction in the French energy sector. Who knew finance and fission had such a strong connection? Keep an eye out for his next article - it might just be the catalyst for a meltdown!
View details about correlation #4,018
Cheddar and Cheddar: The Cheesy Connection Between American Cheese Consumption and BlackRock's Stock Price
As Americans consumed more American cheese, they found themselves feeling more patriotic. This surge of patriotism led to a general increase in national pride. As national pride soared, so did the overall confidence in the American economy. This confidence boost directly impacted the stock market, leading to an increase in stock prices across the board, including BlackRock's. Who knew that the key to a strong stock market was just a little bit of cheesy motivation?
What else correlates?
American cheese consumption · all food
BlackRock's stock price (BLK) · all stocks
American cheese consumption · all food
BlackRock's stock price (BLK) · all stocks
View details about correlation #5,953
The Prevalence of Poignant Proportions: Public School Pupils in 11th grade and the Popularity of the 'This is Fine' Meme
The surge in 11th graders hit a tipping point where their collective stress and apathy created a meme resonance, leading to the widespread adoption of the 'this is fine' attitude as a coping mechanism.
What else correlates?
Number of public school students in 11th grade · all education
Popularity of the 'this is fine' meme · all memes
Number of public school students in 11th grade · all education
Popularity of the 'this is fine' meme · all memes
View details about correlation #2,085
Unidentified First Name Phenomena: The Anns and Aliens Connection in South Carolina
It's simple, really. As more parents named their daughters Annabelle after the creepy doll in the horror movies, they inadvertently unleashed a wave of spooky energy. This supernatural surge somehow attracted UFOs to South Carolina, creating a breeding ground for otherworldly encounters. Remember, when it rains popularity, it pours unidentified flying objects!
What else correlates?
Popularity of the first name Annabelle · all first names
UFO sightings in South Carolina · all random state specific
Popularity of the first name Annabelle · all first names
UFO sightings in South Carolina · all random state specific
View details about correlation #1,034
Lost in Space Opera: An Interstellar Analysis of Neptune's Distance from the Sun and its Impact on Days of Our Lives Viewership
It seems that Neptune's newfound proximity to the Sun created a soap opera of its own, leading the viewers to switch from the fictional drama of Days of Our Lives to the real-life gravitational tug-of-war between the two celestial bodies. It's a classic case of cosmic competition for attention! Remember, even in space, everyone loves a good plot twist.
What else correlates?
The distance between Neptune and the Sun · all planets
Viewership count for Days of Our Lives · all weird & wacky
The distance between Neptune and the Sun · all planets
Viewership count for Days of Our Lives · all weird & wacky
View details about correlation #1,744
The Corny Connection: The Correlation Between GMO Corn and Postmaster Proliferation in Kansas
As GMO use in Kansas corn decreased, the size of corn cobs also decreased, leading to a nationwide corn shortage. With fewer corn shipments requiring postal services, the demand for postmasters in Kansas plummeted. Who knew that small corn could lead to even smaller postmaster populations?
What else correlates?
GMO use in corn grown in Kansas · all food
The number of postmasters in Kansas · all cccupations
GMO use in corn grown in Kansas · all food
The number of postmasters in Kansas · all cccupations
View details about correlation #1,530
The Liberal Arts Laughs: A Gut-Busting Investigation into the Correlation between Associates Degrees in Liberal Arts and Google Searches for 'Tummy Ache'
As more people delved into the depths of philosophy and existential thinking, the collective realization of the absurdity of human existence led to a wave of stomach-churning existential dread and questioning of the universe's grand design. This, in turn, manifested as a notable uptick in tummy ache-related Google searches as individuals grappled with the cosmic uncertainty while pondering the true nature of being. It seems that pondering the meaning of life may have led to some uneasy feelings in the pit of many a contemplative stomach.
What else correlates?
Associates degrees awarded in Liberal arts · all education
Google searches for 'tummy ache' · all google searches
Associates degrees awarded in Liberal arts · all education
Google searches for 'tummy ache' · all google searches
View details about correlation #5,920
Spreading Love and Margarine: An Examination of the Butter-Splitter Correlation in Maine
Perhaps as people used less margarine, they became less slippery in their relationships. The lack of artificial spread may have kept the couples from buttering each other up, leading to a decrease in overall marital strife. That's the reality when you can't believe it's not butter - it's a recipe for marital success. Alternatively, it could be that as the margarine consumption decreased, so did the overall slickness in the state, leading to fewer instances of partners feeling like they couldn't grip the marriage.
What else correlates?
Per capita consumption of margarine · all food
The divorce rate in Maine · all random state specific
Per capita consumption of margarine · all food
The divorce rate in Maine · all random state specific
Why this works
- Data dredging: I have 25,237 variables in my database. I compare all these variables against each other to find ones that randomly match up. That's 636,906,169 correlation calculations! This is called “data dredging.”
Fun fact: the chart used on the wikipedia page to demonstrate data dredging is also from me. I've been being naughty with data since 2014.
Instead of starting with a hypothesis and testing it, I instead tossed a bunch of data in a blender to see what correlations would shake out. It’s a dangerous way to go about analysis, because any sufficiently large dataset will yield strong correlations completely at random. - Lack of causal connection: There is probably no direct connection between these variables, despite what the AI says above.
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.
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. - Observations not independent: For many variables, sequential years are not independent of each other. You will often see trend-lines form. 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 naive p-value calculation does not take this into account.
You will calculate a lower chance of "randomly" achieving the result than represents reality.
To be more specific: p-value tests are probability values, where you are calculating the probability of achieving a result at least as extreme as you found completely by chance. When calculating a p-value, you need to assert how many "degrees of freedom" your variable has. I count each year (minus one) as a "degree of freedom," but this is misleading for continuous variables.
This kind of thing can creep up on you pretty easily when using p-values, which is why it's best to take it as "one of many" inputs that help you assess the results of your analysis.
- Y-axes doesn't start at zero: I truncated the Y-axes of the graphs above. I also used a line graph, which makes the visual connection stand out more than it deserves.
Nothing against line graphs. They are great at telling a story when you have linear data! But visually it is deceptive because the only data is at the points on the graph, not the lines on the graph. In between each point, the data could have been doing anything. Like going for a random walk by itself!
Mathematically what I showed is true, but it is intentionally misleading. If you click on any of the charts that abuse this, you can scroll down to see a version that starts at zero. - Confounding variable: Confounding variables (like global pandemics) will cause two variables to look connected when in fact a "sneaky third" variable is influencing both of them behind the scenes.
- Outliers: Some datasets here have outliers which drag up the correlation.
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.
Because this page is automatically generated, I don't know whether any of the charts displayed on it have outliers. I'm just a footnote. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I intentionally mishandeled outliers, which makes the correlation look extra strong. - Low n: There are not many data points included in some of these charts.
You can do analyses with low ns! But you shouldn't data dredge with a low n.
Even if the p-value is high, we should be suspicious of using so few datapoints in a correlation.
Pro-tip: click on any correlation to see:
- Detailed data sources
- Prompts for the AI-generated content
- Explanations of each of the calculations (correlation, p-value)
- Python code to calculate it yourself
