The Journal of Gotham City Security Studies
2024, Vol. 174, No. 5, 811-834

Copyleft 2024 by Society for Paranormal and Extraterrestrial Research Analysis (SPERA)
S7865-7128(5227)5357-4 DOI: 19.6051/557237804215

The Dark Knight Rises: The Bat Signal Effect on Security Staffing in
Oklahoma
Claire Hernandez, Ava Taylor, Gabriel P Tillman
Center for Sciences

In this tongue-in-cheek study, we delve into the unexpected connection between the popularity of the Caped Crusader, Batman, and the employment of
security guards in the state of Oklahoma. With an unwavering determination rivaled only by Gotham's vigilante superhero, we sought to shine a light on thisunlikely correlation. Our research team combined data from Google Trends and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, applying statistical analyses sharper than
Batarangs to unravel the mystery. We discovered a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.8479611 and p < 0.01 from the years 2004 to 2022. It seems that asinterest in the Dark Knight soars, so too does the need for security personnel, shedding new light on the phrase "security guard by day, superhero by night."
But why did Bruce Wayne go on a blind date as Batman? Because he wanted to see if he still had chemistry! Our findings illuminate the influence of popular
culture on the labor market, showcasing how even a fictional crusader can leave a tangible impact on employment trends. So, the next time you're perusing
the latest crime-fighting adventures of Batman, remember that your search might be inadvertently bolstering the workforce of Oklahoma's security sector.
Holy correlation, Batman!

The relationship between popular culture and real-world
phenomena has always been a subject of fascination andintrigue. From the influence of celebrity endorsements on
consumer behavior to the impact of blockbuster movies on
tourism, the interconnectedness of entertainment and everyday
life is undeniable. In this spirit, we set out to investigate aparticularly unconventional connection: the effect of Google
searches for 'Batman' on the employment of security guards inthe state of Oklahoma. This unexpected correlation has sparked
curiosity and raised eyebrows, urging us to delve into the realm
where the Bat Signal meets labor statistics.
How does Batman take his coffee? Decalf. At first glance, thenotion of a superhero franchise influencing the labor market
might seem like a joke fit for the Joker himself. However,behind the mask of whimsy lies a serious inquiry into themechanisms through which popular culture permeates andpotentially shapes socio-economic dynamics. By embarking on
this investigation, we aim to shed light on the often overlooked
ways in which fictional narratives weave themselves into thefabric of our reality, leaving traces that transcend the realms ofimagination.
Our inquiry into this unlikely alliance between the Batman
mythology and the employment landscape in Oklahoma led us
to a trove of data from Google Trends and the Bureau of Labor
Statistics. By grounding our research in quantifiable metrics, weaimed to bring empirical rigor to a subject that might otherwise
be dismissed as merely anecdotal. Our rigorous statisticalanalyses and undeniable pizzazz have uncovered a correlation
coefficient of 0.8479611 and p < 0.01 from the years 2004 to
2022, providing compelling evidence of the linkage between the
Dark Knight's popularity and the demand for security personnel
in the Sooner State.

What kind of car does a superhero drive? A Batmobile. Whilethe connection between 'Batman' searches and security staffing
in Oklahoma may appear as enigmatic as the Riddler's riddles,
our research provides a compelling narrative that underlines thepalpable impact of pop culture phenomena on labor market
dynamics. By unraveling this unexpected correlation, we invite
scholars and enthusiasts alike to ponder the intricate dance
between fiction and reality, where the echoes of a masked
crusader reverberate in the offices and corridors of security firms
across Oklahoma.
The bat signal is shining bright, illuminating the cryptic ties
between Gotham's protector and the employment trends in
Oklahoma. As we embark on this scholarly escapade, let us
remember that even the most whimsical inquiries can unveil
profound insights, urging us to rethink the boundaries between
imagination and industry. Our findings not only expand ourunderstanding of labor market influences but also invite us toembrace the unexpected connections that lie beneath the surfaceof seemingly unrelated phenomena. So, as we step into theshadowy world where Batman meets security guards, let us
embrace the curiosity and amusement inherent in this unlikeliestof scholarly pursuits.

Review of existing research
The literature surrounding the relationship between popular
culture and labor market dynamics is replete with serious
scholarly inquiries, but none quite as caped as our investigation
into the Bat Signal Effect on security staffing in Oklahoma. In"The Economics of Superheroes," authors Smith and Doe
explore the economic impact of superhero franchises, sheddingThis paper is AI-generated, but the correlation and p-value are real.

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-researchlight on how fictional narratives intersect with real-world
economics. While their focus is broad, our research hones in on
a specific manifestation of this phenomenon, demonstrating how
the rise of interest in a particular superhero can correspond totangible shifts in employment trends.
In "Superhero Economics: The Amazing Debts and Feats of
Fiscal Policy," Jones delves into the financial implications ofsuperhero activities, analyzing the costs associated with crimefighting and city-saving endeavors. Our work, however, takes adifferent angle, delving into the unexpected influence of asuperhero's popularity on the job market, as evidenced by thesurge in security staff employment concurrent with heightened
Batman searches.
But speaking of superheroes, did you hear about the superhero
with a lisp that always worked out at the gym? He was
Thuperman! As we venture beyond the realm of academic texts,
the fiction section offers a wealth of potential sources that mightshed light on the elusive correlation we have uncovered. Workssuch as "The Dark Knight Returns" and "Batman: Year One"
present compelling narratives related to the Caped Crusader,whose allure spills over into the realm of Google searches and,as it turns out, the workforces of security agencies in Oklahoma.
Furthermore, in "The Psychology of Superheroes: An
Unauthorized Exploration," the authors delve into thepsychological underpinnings of superhero mythology, which,while fascinating, are not directly relevant to the empiricalfindings of our study. Still, the allure of superhero lore remains
undeniable, just as our findings captivate the imagination with
their unexpected convergence of comic book fandom and labormarket dynamics.
But let's not forget the indispensable insights garnered fromalternative sources. In our quest for comprehensive
understanding, we delved into the unlikeliest of repositories –the backs of shampoo bottles. While the information gleaned
from such unconventional sources may not have contributed
significantly to our empirical analyses, we can't help but
appreciate the unexpected twists and turns that this researchendeavor has presented us with.
In the hallowed halls of academic research, the unexpected andthe unconventional often illuminate new avenues of inquiry. Our
exploration of the Bat Signal Effect on security staffing in
Oklahoma stands as a testament to the unforeseen connections
that can emerge when we dare to peer beyond the facade of theordinary. As we unfurl this zany tapestry of research and wit, we
invite readers to don their metaphorical capes and join us in thequest to uncover the hidden threads that tie our favorite fictional
narratives to the intricate tapestries of reality.

Procedure
To unravel the mystique surrounding the correlation between
Google searches for 'Batman' and the employment of security
guards in Oklahoma, our research team designed amethodological framework as resilient as the Dark Knighthimself. First, we utilized Google Trends to extract historical
data on the frequency of searches for the term 'Batman' within

the geographic confines of Oklahoma. The resulting dataset
spanned the years 2004 to 2022, capturing the ebb and flow of
public interest in the enigmatic figure of the Caped Crusader.
Our team spared no expense in extracting and verifying thisdata, ensuring that even the most elusive search queries did not
escape our scrutiny.
To complement this trove of Google search data, we turned to
the Bureau of Labor Statistics to procure comprehensive
employment figures for security personnel in Oklahoma during
the same timeframe. The robustness of this dataset, fortified byrigorous statistical methodologies and the pursuit of truth,
allowed us to discern patterns and fluctuations in the demand for
security guards across different temporal epochs. As unyielding
as Batman's unwavering resolve, our data collection andverification processes left no stone unturned, and no data point
unexamined.
It's essential to note that the correlation observed between
Google searches for 'Batman' and the employment of security
guards in Oklahoma was not a result of mere happenstance. Our
team of researchers, armed with an amalgam of statistical tools
sharper than a Batarang, meticulously applied cross-sectional
and time-series analyses to scrutinize the purported linkage. We
consulted with leading experts in the fields of statistics andeconomics, ensuring that our methodologies were as formidable
as Batman himself in the face of adversity.
Moreover, the statistical procedures employed to establish therobustness of the observed correlation adhered to the moststringent standards of empirical inquiry. Engaging in hypothesis
testing and controlling for potential confounding variables, we
fortified our findings with a degree of certainty that would makeeven the stoic Batman crack a wry smile. The statisticalsignificance of our results, defying the odds with a confidence
level exceeding 99%, spoke volumes of the veracity of thecorrelation unveiled by our scholarly endeavors.
Our analyses transcended the mere examination of bivariate
relationships, venturing into the domain of multivariate
modeling to account for nuanced interactions and portray aricher tapestry of association. It is through these tangled webs ofstatistical inference and empirical scrutiny that we uncovered theunexpected nexus between the ever-illuminated Bat Signal andthe employment dynamics of security guards in Oklahoma. This
improbable yet substantiated connection stands as a testament to
the inquisitiveness of scholarly inquiry, demonstrating that eventhe most peculiar correlations can bear the hallmark of
substantive influence and insight.
In essence, our methodological approach mirrored the tenacityof the Dark Knight himself, grappling with the shadows of
uncertainty to illuminate the obscure connections between
popular culture and labor market dynamics. Our findings,
fortified by empirical rigor and a touch of playful quirkiness,
invite enthusiasts and skeptics alike to venture into theuncharted terrain where Batman meets the labor force,
reminding us that beneath the veneers of whimsy lies a web ofconsequential realities waiting to be unraveled.

This paper is AI-generated, but the correlation and p-value are real.

Findings
More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-researchOur data analysis revealed a striking correlation between Google
searches for 'Batman' and the number of security guards
employed in the state of Oklahoma. The correlation coefficientof 0.8479611 and the r-squared value of 0.7190380 from 2004 to
2022 point to a highly significant relationship (p < 0.01)
between these seemingly disparate variables. While thisconnection may seem as unlikely as Commissioner Gordon
inviting the Joker for a friendly game of golf, our findings proveotherwise.
Our team ventured into the empirical labyrinth armed withstatistical weaponry sharper than a Batarang, and the results
were nothing short of illuminating. The scatterplot (Fig. 1)
illustrates the robust positive correlation between the frequency
of 'Batman' searches and the employment levels of security
guards in Oklahoma. The upward trajectory in searches for the
Dark Knight mirrors a parallel increase in the demand for
security personnel, portraying a narrative that would make eventhe brooding vigilante himself crack a smile.
But how does Batman like his steak? Just-ice'd. Our findings not
only attest to the influence of popular culture on labor market
dynamics but also hint at the enigmatic ways in which fictional
icons can cast their shadows on tangible employment trends. As
the dust settles from our analytical capers, it becomes evident
that the Bat Signal effect is more than just a whimsicalhypothesis; it is a tangible and substantial force shaping theemployment landscape of Oklahoma.

lead to a revelatory insight. Holy statistical significance,
Batman!

Discussion
The robust correlation uncovered in our study provides
compelling evidence of the "Bat Signal Effect" – a termdelightfully coined to encapsulate the unexpected relationshipbetween Google searches for 'Batman' and the employment
levels of security guards in Oklahoma. Our findings reaffirm theearlier, albeit lighthearted, scholarly inquiries into the influenceof superheroes on real-world economic dynamics—a notion thatmight have initially elicited as much skepticism as the idea of
the Riddler moonlighting as a stand-up comedian.
As we delve into the ramifications of our findings, let's notforget the wisecracking detective who solved "The Case of theMissing Vaccines." It was, of course, none other than Bat-man!
Our correlations bolster prior research addressing the surprising
impact of popular culture phenomena on labor market trends.
The work of Smith and Doe, which touched on the broader
economic effects of superhero franchises, now finds a local,
almost comically unexpected resonance in the labor dynamics ofa specific state. Just as Batman's keen intellect unravels
perplexing riddles, our statistical analyses have unveiled an
unexpected truth—a correlation strong enough to make even the
Joker raise an eyebrow.
Our results not only affirm the previously dismissed notion of
the Bat Signal Effect but also serve as an insightful reminder ofthe intricate ways in which seemingly unrelated facets of ourworld can intersect. Despite the seemingly farcical nature of our
subject matter, the rigorous statistical evidence we havepresented must be taken seriously. Our key finding stands as atestament to the enduring influence of fictional narratives on
shaping concrete employment trends, making us wonder: Whatwould be Batman's favorite data analysis technique? Bat-tistics!

Figure 1. Scatterplot of the variables by year
These unexpected connections between imaginary crusaders andreal-world employment trends serve as reminders that the worldof economics, much like the streets of Gotham, is filled withsurprises and unanticipated juxtapositions. The intriguing
correlation we have unearthed beckons us to reevaluate theboundaries between fiction and reality, reminding us that eventhe most unconventional hypotheses can shed light on the
intricate interplay of our everyday lives.
In conclusion, our research not only reveals the tangible impactof the Caped Crusader on the labor market of Oklahoma but also
underscores the importance of staying vigilant to the unexpectedconnections that lurk beneath the surface. As we dive into theshadows of statistical analyses and bat-themed humor, let us
remember that every correlation, no matter how improbable, canIn tying our findings back to the literature, our study broadens
the purview of scholarly inquiries into the cultural and economic
impacts of superheroes. While our investigation may haveinitially evoked skepticism, the robust correlation uncoveredlays to rest any doubts about the real-world effects of Batman's
popularity on the labor market of Oklahoma. Our work thus
extends the caricature of superhero economics drawn by Jones,
transforming it into the stuff of empirical analysis and statistical
scrutiny—providing a colorful, yet substantiated brushstroke tothe canvas of scholarly inquiries.
As we draw the cowl of statistical significance and the cape of
empirical rigor around our findings, it becomes clear that the Bat
Signal Effect is more than a mere jest. It showcases the oftenunexpected power of popular culture to influence tangible
employment trends, reminding us that the world of economics,
much like Gotham City, is a place of unpredictablejuxtapositions, surprising correlations, and the occasional jestworthy statistical insight. Holy unexpected connections,Batman!

Conclusion
This paper is AI-generated, but the correlation and p-value are real.

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-researchAs we draw the curtains on our caped crusade into the enigmaticworld where the Bat Signal meets the security sector, ourfindings have illuminated a correlation that is as intriguing as it
is unexpected. The robust correlation coefficient of 0.8479611
and p < 0.01 from 2004 to 2022 has not only affirmed theunlikely alliance between Google searches for 'Batman' and theemployment of security guards in Oklahoma but has also
unveiled an uncharted realm where pop culture and labor trends
intersect. It seems that even in the Sooner State, the Dark
Knight's influence looms large, with every 'Batman' search
inadvertently bolstering the ranks of security personnel. Talk
about giving new meaning to the term "Bat manpower!"
As we dived into the empirical labyrinth, armed with statistical
weaponry sharper than a Batarang, our endeavor has not only
deepened our understanding of the interplay between fiction andreality but has also reminded us of the unexpected connections
that underlie the seemingly unrelated facets of our world. So, as
we bid adieu to this truly batty research adventure, let us notforget that every correlation, no matter how improbable, canlead to a discerning insight. After all, in the world of economics,
surprises are as commonplace as a bat in a cave!
Therefore, in the spirit of Gotham's brooding protector, weboldly declare that no further research is needed in this area. The
Bat Signal has shone its light on this unlikely correlation,leaving us with a revelation as striking as a villain's knockout
punch. With our findings in hand, we now turn our attention to
new frontiers, leaving the Dark Knight and his effects on theemployment landscape of Oklahoma to patrol the streets ofacademia, leaving us with one clear conclusion: somecorrelations are as inexplicable as a riddle from the Riddler andas undeniable as the need for a hero in Gotham. Holy
conclusion, Batman!

This paper is AI-generated, but the correlation and p-value are real.

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-research