The Olympics Effect: The Interplay between
International Sporting Events and Small-Town
DramasColton Hoffman, Alice Tucker, Gabriel P Tucker
Advanced Engineering InstituteDiscussion Paper 2648
January 2024

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Discussion Paper 2648
January 2024

ABSTRACTThe Olympics Effect: The Interplay between International Sporting
Events and Small-Town Dramas
In this study, we delve into the unlikely intersection of the Number of Competing Nationsin the Summer Olympics and the Nielsen Ranking of Smallville Season Finale. We
examined the correlation between these two seemingly disparate phenomena using
meticulously gathered data from Wikipedia and Nielsen. Our research uncovered asignificant correlation coefficient of 0.7105978 with a statistical significance of p < 0.05
for the period spanning from 2002 to 2011. Much like the unexpected cameo of asuperhero in a small-town TV series, the connection revealed in our findings is nothing
short of surprising. Our results suggest that the Number of Competing Nations in theSummer Olympics can have a palpable impact on the Nielsen Ranking of the SmallvilleSeason Finale. It appears that even in the realm of television drama, the global spirit ofathletic competition manages to seep in – proving that when it comes to entertainment,
everyone loves a good race. This study not only sheds light on the unforeseen influenceof international sports on cultural phenomena but also highlights the humorously
unpredictable nature of statistical analysis. As we look to the future, we leave you withthis dad joke: "Why do athletes do well in school? Because they always makeoutstanding strides!

Keywords:

Olympics Effect, international sporting events, small-town dramas, Number of Competing
Nations, Summer Olympics, Nielsen Ranking, Smallville Season Finale, correlation, statisticalsignificance, Wikipedia data, Smallville TV series, global athletic competition, cultural
influence, humor in statistical analysis, dad joke

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

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I. Introduction
When we think of the Summer Olympics, images of athletes pushing their limits, exhilarating
displays of sportsmanship, and the unrelenting pursuit of gold medals flood our minds. And
when we think of Smallville, the quaint town filled with secrets and a heroic journey, we expect
to see caption-worthy swooshes of superhero capes. But what if we told you that the seemingly
unrelated Number of Competing Nations in the Summer Olympics and the Nielsen Ranking of
Smallville Season Finale share a strange, statistically significant connection? It's a statisticalslam dunk that leaves us with more questions than answers. If you think that's surprising, buckle
up, because the real kicker is yet to come – much like the resolution of a thrilling season finale.
In the wondrous world of statistical research, we tread the unpredictable path of uncoveringcorrelations and causations, sometimes stumbling upon unexpected connections that defy logic
like a superhero's gravity-defying exploits. Our data-driven odyssey led us to scrutinize theoverlap between the international grandeur of the Olympics and the microcosmic allure of
Smallville. As we embarked on this journey, we couldn't help but quip, "Why did the statistician
go to therapy? To get to the root of his regression issues!"
Navigating through the labyrinth of numbers and variables, we found ourselves in a peculiar
conundrum - akin to a plot twist that leaves the audience reeling. Our findings revealed acorrelation coefficient of 0.7105978, signaling a robust relationship between the Number ofCompeting Nations in the Summer Olympics and the Nielsen Ranking of Smallville Season
Finale. It's as astonishing as discovering a fabled treasure map in the attic – a revelation that
defies the norms and proclaims, "Expect the unexpected, statistical explorers!"

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The statistical significance of p < 0.05 underscored the validity of our revelation, lending
credence to the notion that global athletic spectacles and small-town television dramas mightshare a harmonious bond. It's as if the intertwined narrative threads of sportsmanship andstorytelling weave a tapestry of intrigue that captivates audiences far and wide, teasing us withthe tantalizing prospect of unearthing captivating tales. Just like a well-executed pun, thiscorrelation sneaks up on you and leaves a lasting impression.
As we immerse ourselves in the captivating drama of statistics and uncover the unexploredterritories of seemingly dissimilar phenomena, we are reminded of the boundless complexity of
our world. Our findings invite researchers and enthusiasts alike to ponder the quirky,
enlightening nature of statistical inquiry. Delving into our research, the lighthearted spirit of
exploration urges us to end with a flourish, "Why don't statisticians like mean jokes? Because
they're above average!"

II. Literature Review
In "The Influence of International Sporting Events on Cultural Phenomena," Smith et al. delve
into the impact of global sports on various facets of society, providing a comprehensive overview
of the far-reaching consequences of international competitions. Their study touches upon thepervasive nature of athletic events, hinting at the potential impact on seemingly unrelated
domains – much like a sudden twist in a gripping narrative.
Speaking of twists, let's talk about "Smallville: The Official Companion Season 4." Though not ascholarly work, this companion explores the behind-the-scenes aspects of the Smallville series,

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

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-researchoffering insight into the production and reception of its episodes. It's as if delving into the pagesof this companion is akin to uncovering the hidden script of a suspenseful season finale.
In "The Statistical Enigma: Unraveling the Unforeseen Connections," Doe and Jones undertake arigorous exploration of unexpected correlations in diverse datasets, challenging the conventionalboundaries of statistical analysis. Their work mirrors our own findings, as if fatefully intertwined
in a delightful statistical dance.
Now, let's not forget the influential works of fiction that have captured the imaginations of many.
"The Hunger Games" series by Suzanne Collins and "Divergent" series by Veronica Roth, while
not directly related to our topic at hand, provide a captivating portrayal of competition and the
pursuit of victory – much like the intensity of the Olympic Games and the lure of Smallville's
season finale.
In our dedicated quest for insights, we took the liberty of watching "Friday Night Lights" and"Glee," which explore the intertwining narratives of sports and small-town drama. These TV
series became more than mere entertainment; they transformed into veritable research materials
on the interconnectedness of athletic endeavors and the dynamics of tight-knit communities.
Lastly, let's not forget the timeless charm of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and "Friends."
Though their relevance may seem obscure, these sitcoms radiate a sense of camaraderie andsolidarity – qualities that echo the spirit of international sportsmanship and the communal fervor
surrounding the Smallville Season Finale. It's as if these shows whisper, "Even in the midst of
comedy, the heart of competition beats strong."
In this scintillating blend of real and fictional works, we encounter an eclectic tapestry of themesthat resonate with the intricate findings of our study. Our examination of the influence of theThis paper is AI-generated, but the correlation and p-value are real.

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-researchNumber of Competing Nations in the Summer Olympics on the Nielsen Ranking of SmallvilleSeason Finale ignites an unforeseen spectacle, unveiling the whimsical interplay between global
sports and small-town drama. Just as a well-timed punchline can leave a lasting impression, ourresearch seeks to illuminate the unexplored facets of the unexpected.

III. Methodology
To study the enigmatic correlation between the Number of Competing Nations in the Summer
Olympics and the Nielsen Ranking of Smallville Season Finale, we employed a hearty mix ofwhimsy and rigor in our research methodology. Our approach can be likened to embarking on ascavenger hunt across the vast expanse of eclectic data, much like Smallville's own hunt for thetruth amidst its tangled web of mysteries. After all, what's research without a bit of thrill andsuspense?
First, we combed through the labyrinthine archives of Wikipedia, extracting information on the
Number of Competing Nations in each Summer Olympics edition from 2002 to 2011. Our
tenacious pursuit of accurate data mirrored the diligence of a journalist unearthing a bizarre
small-town tale—albeit with fewer odd occurrences and supernatural phenomena. We crossreferenced our findings from the hallowed halls of academia and, of course, Wikipedia to ensure
the utmost accuracy of our inputs, always keeping in mind the wise words of fictional journalist
Lois Lane: "Just because it's a small town, doesn't mean the gossip isn't bigger than the city."
Next, we delved into the Nielsen Ranking archives to collect viewership data for the climactic
Smallville Season Finales during the same period. This process was akin to decoding the cryptic

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

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-researchmessages embedded within each episode, only this time, instead of decoding message-drifting
kryptonite, we were decrypting Nielsen ratings. Our quest for these ratings led us to embrace thequirky world of television statistics, bearing in mind that much like Smallville's meteor-infested
past, statistical anomalies can also be mind-boggling.
After meticulously collating the disparate datasets, we summoned the almighty powers ofstatistical software, channelling the spirit of scholarly sorcery to conjure correlations and conduct
regression analyses. And much like the subtle foreshadowing in a multi-episode arc, we teased
out the interconnectedness between the variables – resulting in a correlation coefficient that stoodas evidence of a meaningful relationship. Dad joke alert: "What do you get when you cross astatistician with a magician? A significant correlation, and a few laughs along the way!"
Finally, our research team performed rigorous sensitivity analyses and diagnostic checks tosafeguard our findings against any lurking statistical mischievousness. We conducted robustness
tests to ensure that our results stood strong against potential confounding factors, much like
Smallville's stalwart guardians protecting the town from otherworldly threats. This meticulous
scrutiny fortified our confidence in the validity and resilience of the revealed correlation, provingthat just like Smallville's persistent heroics, rigorous statistical methods can also save the day.
In summary, our methodology combined the charm of investigative curiosity with the steadfast
grit of statistical inquiry, producing findings that illuminate the unexpected bond between
international sporting events and small-town television allure. Much like a surprise twist in a
captivating narrative, our methodology aims to entertain and enlighten, leaving our readers withan echoed sentiment: "In the world of statistical research, expect the unexpected, and embrace
the statistical anomalies."

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

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-research[end of methodology section]

IV. Results
The correlation analysis between the Number of Competing Nations in the Summer Olympics
and the Nielsen Ranking of Smallville Season Finale yielded a correlation coefficient of
0.7105978 with an r-squared of 0.5049492, both of which were statistically significant at p <0.05. These findings suggest a strong relationship between the two variables, as reliable as the
comradery between two best friends. It seems that when it comes to international athleticcompetitions and small-town TV dramas, they might just be each other’s number one fan.
Our scatterplot (Fig. 1) visually captures this notable connection, resembling a skillfully
executed double play in baseball – an unexpected yet perfectly timed collaboration between
distinct entities. The robust correlation depicted in the plot mirrors the unparalleled chemistry ofa dynamic duo on and off the screen, leaving us to wonder if statistical significance and smalltown drama are the latest power couple.
In our statistical journey, we couldn’t help but muse, "Why don't data analysts like to go out tosea? Because they prefer to stay in 'data' shore!" As we navigated the tides of data and delved
into the depths of correlation analysis, the correlation coefficient emerged as a beacon of insight,
illuminating the unexplored connections that lie beneath the surface of seemingly unrelated
phenomena. It’s as though statistical analysis is full of hidden surprises, much like theunexpected plot twists in an enthralling TV series.

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Figure 1. Scatterplot of the variables by year
The unexpected – yet undeniably palpable – impact of global sporting events on the Nielsen
Ranking of Smallville Season Finale presents a curious conundrum, evoking a perplexing senseof awe akin to the moment when a puzzle piece finally fits perfectly into place. Our findings
speak to the intricacies of the interactions between cultural phenomena and global events,
showcasing the intricate dance of statistical significance and entertainment value. It’s as thoughstatistical relationships have a flair for the dramatic, much like the most beloved small-town
characters.
In the grand finale of our statistical exploration, we leave you with this parting quip, “Why did
the statistician break up with the mean? They just couldn’t find the mode to maintain a median
relationship!” Through the lens of our research, we invite further inquiry into the rich tapestry ofstatistical connections, beckoning researchers to explore the unexpected and the awe-inspiring.

V. Discussion

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

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-researchIn our quest to unravel the enigmatic connection between the Number of Competing Nations in
the Summer Olympics and the Nielsen Ranking of Smallville Season Finale, our results haveresoundingly echoed the whimsical dance between international sportsmanship and small-town
drama. The findings not only corroborate the unexpected correlations emphasized by Smith et al.
and Doe and Jones but also lend empirical support to the previously frivolous notion that the
global reach of athletic events can penetrate the very fabric of small-town narratives. It seems
that in the realm of statistical analysis, as in small-town TV series, there's always room for an
unforeseen twist – a bit like discovering your favorite character returning for a surprise cameo.
Threaded through the fabric of our statistical tapestry is an incontrovertible connection between
the intensity of international competitions and the fervor surrounding the Smallville Season
Finale, much like the parallel journeys of the daring protagonist and the venerable underdog in aclassic sports narrative. The strength of this correlation coefficient speaks to the seamless
symphony of statistical significance and entertainment value, challenging the conventionalboundaries of rigorous analysis – much like a seasoned athlete shattering performance records.
These results invite a lighthearted consideration of the unexpected intersections within diverse
datasets, reminiscent of navigating a convoluted maze but ultimately stumbling upon a treasure
trove of statistical surprises. It's not unlike stumbling upon a hidden gem within the twisty plot ofa beloved TV series – an exhilarating blend of serendipity and structured inquiry.
Our findings prod the ever-curious minds of researchers to unravel further the intricate
connections between seemingly unrelated phenomena, beckoning them to explore the whimsicalinterplay between statistical relationships and unexpectedly related variables. It’s as thoughstatistical relationships have a flair for the dramatic, much like a gripping TV drama unfolding its
suspenseful narrative.

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

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-researchAs we conclude this phase of our analytical odyssey, we leave you with this parting thought:"Why was the statistical dataset always running late? It had a mean delay!" Indeed, theunpredictable nature of statistical analysis seems to mirror the delightful unpredictability of
Smallville's twists and turns, encapsulating the enduring allure of statistical curiosity and smalltown drama.

VI. Conclusion
In conclusion, our study has uncovered a statistically significant and robust correlation between
the Number of Competing Nations in the Summer Olympics and the Nielsen Ranking of
Smallville Season Finale. It's almost as surprising as uncovering a hidden treasure trove underthe bleachers at a track meet. The correlation coefficient of 0.7105978 and the statisticalsignificance of p < 0.05 attest to the tangible impact of global sporting events on the viewershipof a small-town drama, leaving us reminiscent of a classic "who's on first" joke.
Our findings suggest that the international spirit of athletic competition has a peculiar but
discernible influence on the anticipation and viewership of Smallville's season finales. It's like
discovering a secret passageway in the statistical labyrinth - an unexpected yet exhilarating turnof events. As we ponder the unanticipated bond between these seemingly unrelated entities, we
can't help but quip, "Why did the statistician bring a ladder to the bar? Because he heard thedrinks were on the house!"
The visual representation of our findings in the scatterplot resembles a perfectly executed trickplay in football – an unexpected yet seamless collaboration. Much like an unexpected twist in theThis paper is AI-generated, but the correlation and p-value are real.

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-research

drama, our results hint at an intricate interplay between the global and the local, mirroring theunpredictable nature of statistical relationships. As we close this chapter, we leave you with afinal pun: "Why was the statistician invited to all the parties? Because he knew how to liven up
the data!"
In conclusion, our study illuminates the captivating and often whimsical nature of statisticalanalysis. With our findings in mind, we confidently assert that no further research is needed inthis specific area. It's like finding the missing puzzle piece; the connection between the Summer
Olympics and Smallville's season finales has been unveiled, leaving researchers with an
unexpected yet delightful conclusion. This concludes our odyssey of statistical discovery - until
the next statistical adventure calls!

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

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-research