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Spurious correlation #1,122 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Air pollution in Huntsville and the second variable is The divorce rate in Alabama.  The chart goes from 1999 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

As the air quality improved, people in Huntsville could finally see things clearly - including the state of their marriage. With fewer pollutants clouding their judgment, couples found it easier to breathe new life into their relationships. The spark of romance wafted back into the air, leading to a clean break from the brink of divorce. It's like their love was smog-resistant and their bond became as unbreakable as carbon bonds in a purified atmosphere.

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: The cozy living room is illuminated with warm, soft light as the couple sits facing each other. Their expressions are initially strained, with squinting eyes and furrowed brows due to the thick smoke filling the room. Rays of light filter through the hazy air, casting an ethereal glow. As the window opens and a gentle breeze sweeps inside, the smoke begins to disperse, revealing a clear, bright blue sky outside. The couple's features gradually soften, and their smiles emerge as they inhale deeply, savoring the refreshing, clean air. The room transforms, becoming filled with a sense of relief and tranquility, and the couple's body language eases into an embrace, conveying a newfound sense of joy and connection. 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 situation described. You respond only with the scene descriptions provided and say nothing else.
User prompt: Here is a situation: Unhealthy air quality in Huntsville was literally causing some serious "bad air" between couples in Alabama, as researchers found a correlation between the two. When the air quality improved, it seems the atmosphere in marriages across the state also improved – who would have thought?! Maybe the clean air helped clear the fog of marital discord, or perhaps people were just breathing a little easier. Either way, it's a breath of fresh air for relationships in the Heart of Dixie!. Given that situation, which of the following image descriptions seems most appropriate? Pick the one that seems to be related to one of the variables at hand and the tone of the explanation. Please respond with only one of the following potential descriptions: Parallax art Hyper-realistic Realistic Cutsy art illustration Voxel art
ChatGPT: Hyper-realistic

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated and the explanation described. Do not reference graphs or charts; describe physical objects.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that depicts the following situation. Keep the description simple. Unhealthy air quality in Huntsville was literally causing some serious "bad air" between couples in Alabama, as researchers found a correlation between the two. When the air quality improved, it seems the atmosphere in marriages across the state also improved – who would have thought?! Maybe the clean air helped clear the fog of marital discord, or perhaps people were just breathing a little easier. Either way, it's a breath of fresh air for relationships in the Heart of Dixie!
ChatGPT: Imagine a cozy living room where a couple is sitting across from each other. The air is thick with smoke from a nearby factory, making it difficult to see clearly and causing the couple to squint and frown. As the window opens and a fresh breeze flows in, the smoke begins to clear, and the couple's expressions relax into smiles as they take deep breaths of the clean, fresh air. The atmosphere in the room becomes lighter and more joyful, and the tension between the couple melts away.

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: [ Hyper-realistic ] and depicting this scene: Imagine a cozy living room where a couple is sitting across from each other. The air is thick with smoke from a nearby factory, making it difficult to see clearly and causing the couple to squint and frown. As the window opens and a fresh breeze flows in, the smoke begins to clear, and the couple's expressions relax into smiles as they take deep breaths of the clean, fresh air. The atmosphere in the room becomes lighter and more joyful, and the tension between the couple melts away. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: The cozy living room is illuminated with warm, soft light as the couple sits facing each other. Their expressions are initially strained, with squinting eyes and furrowed brows due to the thick smoke filling the room. Rays of light filter through the hazy air, casting an ethereal glow. As the window opens and a gentle breeze sweeps inside, the smoke begins to disperse, revealing a clear, bright blue sky outside. The couple's features gradually soften, and their smiles emerge as they inhale deeply, savoring the refreshing, clean air. The room transforms, becoming filled with a sense of relief and tranquility, and the couple's body language eases into an embrace, conveying a newfound sense of joy and connection.

*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 Air pollution in Huntsville caused The divorce rate in Alabama to decrease.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Air Unfair: The Affair of Unhealthy Air and Alabama's Divorce Despair

The Journal of Ecological Irony

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 silly 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 Unhealthy air quality in Huntsville and The divorce rate in Alabama. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Rhyme words in the title.

Your research team used data from Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.8394382 and p < 0.01 for 1999 to 2021.

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]]
Air Unfair: The Affair of Unhealthy Air and Alabama's Divorce Despair

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delve into the intriguing connection between unhealthy air quality in Huntsville, Alabama, and the divorce rate in the state. Our research team sought to answer the burning question: does polluted air contribute to marital strife? Armed with data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics, we scrutinized air quality indices and divorce rates from 1999 to 2021. To our surprise, our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.8394382 and p < 0.01, suggesting a strong association between poor air quality and an uptick in divorce rates. It seems that when the air quality is smoggy, it's not only the atmosphere that's polluted but also the marital bliss in Alabama! Perhaps it's time to add "air purifiers" to the list of marriage counseling strategies. After all, cleaning up toxic air could lead to cleaner relationships, and who wouldn’t want that?


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a silly 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 Unhealthy air quality in Huntsville and The divorce rate in Alabama. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Air Unfair: The Affair of Unhealthy Air and Alabama's Divorce Despair

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delve into the intriguing connection between unhealthy air quality in Huntsville, Alabama, and the divorce rate in the state. Our research team sought to answer the burning question: does polluted air contribute to marital strife? Armed with data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics, we scrutinized air quality indices and divorce rates from 1999 to 2021. To our surprise, our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.8394382 and p < 0.01, suggesting a strong association between poor air quality and an uptick in divorce rates. It seems that when the air quality is smoggy, it's not only the atmosphere that's polluted but also the marital bliss in Alabama! Perhaps it's time to add "air purifiers" to the list of marriage counseling strategies. After all, cleaning up toxic air could lead to cleaner relationships, and who wouldn’t want that?

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

While matters of the heart have traditionally been the primary area of focus for discussions of divorce, our research aims to shed light on a potential external factor that may be contributing to the dissolution of marriages in Alabama. We turn our attention to the often-neglected but omnipresent culprit of unhealthy air quality. As comedian Stephen Wright once mused, "I’m writing a book on reverse psychology. I hope people don’t buy it!" Speaking of reversals, our investigation uncovers an unexpected twist that may have husbands and wives up in smog.

In recent years, the issue of poor air quality has gained increasing attention due to its adverse effects on human health. However, its impact on interpersonal relationships remains relatively unexplored. As we sniff around for answers, we can't help but sense a certain air of irony—quite literally! Cue the dad joke: "Why did the air quality report get promoted? Because it was 'air'ing out some dirty laundry!"

Huntsville, Alabama, serves as our focal point, as it ranks among the cities with the worst air quality in the United States. It is perhaps fitting that a place known for its stellar contributions to space exploration is now facing a different kind of cosmic challenge. Our research endeavors to connect the dots between particulate matter and marital chatters, aiming to show that behind every cloud of smog, there may be a cloud of discord.

As we embark on this scientific odyssey, we take a moment to appreciate the inherent paradox—while "breathing space" is often cited as a necessary ingredient in relationships, it seems that it's the quality of the air itself that might be leaving couples gasping for clarity. It's almost as if Mother Nature herself is asking, "What do you call two birds in love? Tweethearts! But what do you call two birds in smog? Coughin'!"

In presenting our findings, we hope to contribute to a wider understanding of the multifaceted impact of environmental factors on human well-being. After all, who knew that in addition to counseling and therapy, a breath of fresh air might also be a remedy for couples to "clear the air"?


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a silly 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 Unhealthy air quality in Huntsville and The divorce rate in Alabama. 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 name a few real TV shows that sound like they might be relevant to the topic that you watched as research.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Air Unfair: The Affair of Unhealthy Air and Alabama's Divorce Despair

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delve into the intriguing connection between unhealthy air quality in Huntsville, Alabama, and the divorce rate in the state. Our research team sought to answer the burning question: does polluted air contribute to marital strife? Armed with data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics, we scrutinized air quality indices and divorce rates from 1999 to 2021. To our surprise, our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.8394382 and p < 0.01, suggesting a strong association between poor air quality and an uptick in divorce rates. It seems that when the air quality is smoggy, it's not only the atmosphere that's polluted but also the marital bliss in Alabama! Perhaps it's time to add "air purifiers" to the list of marriage counseling strategies. After all, cleaning up toxic air could lead to cleaner relationships, and who wouldn’t want that?

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
While matters of the heart have traditionally been the primary area of focus for discussions of divorce, our research aims to shed light on a potential external factor that may be contributing to the dissolution of marriages in Alabama. We turn our attention to the often-neglected but omnipresent culprit of unhealthy air quality. As comedian Stephen Wright once mused, "I’m writing a book on reverse psychology. I hope people don’t buy it!" Speaking of reversals, our investigation uncovers an unexpected twist that may have husbands and wives up in smog.
In recent years, the issue of poor air quality has gained increasing attention due to its adverse effects on human health. However, its impact on interpersonal relationships remains relatively unexplored. As we sniff around for answers, we can't help but sense a certain air of irony—quite literally! Cue the dad joke: "Why did the air quality report get promoted? Because it was 'air'ing out some dirty laundry!"
Huntsville, Alabama, serves as our focal point, as it ranks among the cities with the worst air quality in the United States. It is perhaps fitting that a place known for its stellar contributions to space exploration is now facing a different kind of cosmic challenge. Our research endeavors to connect the dots between particulate matter and marital chatters, aiming to show that behind every cloud of smog, there may be a cloud of discord.
As we embark on this scientific odyssey, we take a moment to appreciate the inherent paradox—while "breathing space" is often cited as a necessary ingredient in relationships, it seems that it's the quality of the air itself that might be leaving couples gasping for clarity. It's almost as if Mother Nature herself is asking, "What do you call two birds in love? Tweethearts! But what do you call two birds in smog? Coughin'!"
In presenting our findings, we hope to contribute to a wider understanding of the multifaceted impact of environmental factors on human well-being. After all, who knew that in addition to counseling and therapy, a breath of fresh air might also be a remedy for couples to "clear the air"?

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

In "The Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health" by Smith et al., the authors find compelling evidence linking exposure to polluted air with various health issues, such as respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and even cognitive impairment. This body of research underscores the pervasive impact of poor air quality on individuals' well-being and highlights the urgency of addressing air pollution as a public health concern. Indeed, it seems that when it comes to air quality, the stakes are as high as the pollen count in spring!

Turning to the realm of social dynamics, Doe and Jones, in "Environmental Factors and Social Behavior," discuss the influence of environmental factors on interpersonal relationships. While their focus is broad, encompassing factors such as urbanization and natural disasters, their work prompts consideration of the potential role of air quality in shaping social interactions. It's as if the air particles aren't the only things forming bonds – so are those troubled by the air quality in Alabama!

Further exploring the potential interplay between environmental conditions and human behavior, "Rising Tides: The Impact of Climate Change on Society" by Lorem Ipsum examines the intricate connections between environmental stressors and societal changes. Though air quality specifically is not the central focus, the broader concept of environmental impact on human behavior could offer valuable insights into the potential correlation between air pollution and marital discord. Who knew the phrase "marital strife" could take on a literal meaning with air pollution thrown into the mix?

Shifting gears slightly, we look to popular non-fiction works that touch on the complexities of human relationships. In "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman, the author proposes that individuals express and interpret love through distinct "languages," including words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch. As we ponder the potential influence of air quality on these love languages, one can't help but wonder if a sixth love language might emerge – perhaps "clean air" as an expression of love. As the saying goes, "I love you to the moon and back, and to the lungs, but not the smog!"

In a similar vein, "Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find – and Keep – Love" by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller delves into the dynamics of adult attachment styles and their impact on romantic relationships. Could it be that unhealthy air quality triggers anxious attachment behaviors, causing partners to cling more tightly to each other in the face of environmental uncertainty? It's almost as if the air pollution is playing the role of an unwanted third wheel in the relationship, vying for attention!

Adding a touch of literary flair, we consider fictional works that, while not directly related to air quality and divorce, offer insights into the complexities of human connections. Gabriel Garcia Marquez's "Love in the Time of Cholera" paints a vivid portrait of love's endurance and the intricate dance of emotions between individuals. While cholera and air pollution are vastly different, the novel's examination of enduring love in the face of external challenges may resonate with the enigmatic relationship between air quality and marital stability. After all, love might be able to withstand "cholera," but can it withstand "smog-lera"?

On a tangentially related note, we reflect on TV shows that, in their exploration of relationships and societal dynamics, may indirectly inform our understanding of the potential link between air quality and divorce rates. "Married at First Sight" offers a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of arranged marriages and the inherent challenges of building relationships under unconventional circumstances. As we contemplate the impact of air quality on existing marriages, it's as if the very idea of "marrying the air" takes on a whole new meaning – and it's definitely not love at first wheeze!

Similarly, "The Bachelor" and its spin-offs provide a lens through which to observe the dynamics of romantic relationships in contrived settings. While the show may not address air quality concerns, the dramatic interactions between contestants under the watchful eye of reality TV cameras hint at the myriad ways external factors can influence relationship dynamics. One can't help but wonder if a "smoggy kiss" would be the latest dramatic plot twist, leaving everyone breathless – though not in the romantic sense!



Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a silly 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 Unhealthy air quality in Huntsville and The divorce rate in Alabama. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics . You used data from 1999 to 2021

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]]
Air Unfair: The Affair of Unhealthy Air and Alabama's Divorce Despair

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delve into the intriguing connection between unhealthy air quality in Huntsville, Alabama, and the divorce rate in the state. Our research team sought to answer the burning question: does polluted air contribute to marital strife? Armed with data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics, we scrutinized air quality indices and divorce rates from 1999 to 2021. To our surprise, our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.8394382 and p < 0.01, suggesting a strong association between poor air quality and an uptick in divorce rates. It seems that when the air quality is smoggy, it's not only the atmosphere that's polluted but also the marital bliss in Alabama! Perhaps it's time to add "air purifiers" to the list of marriage counseling strategies. After all, cleaning up toxic air could lead to cleaner relationships, and who wouldn’t want that?

[[INTRODUCTION]]
While matters of the heart have traditionally been the primary area of focus for discussions of divorce, our research aims to shed light on a potential external factor that may be contributing to the dissolution of marriages in Alabama. We turn our attention to the often-neglected but omnipresent culprit of unhealthy air quality. As comedian Stephen Wright once mused, "I’m writing a book on reverse psychology. I hope people don’t buy it!" Speaking of reversals, our investigation uncovers an unexpected twist that may have husbands and wives up in smog.
In recent years, the issue of poor air quality has gained increasing attention due to its adverse effects on human health. However, its impact on interpersonal relationships remains relatively unexplored. As we sniff around for answers, we can't help but sense a certain air of irony—quite literally! Cue the dad joke: "Why did the air quality report get promoted? Because it was 'air'ing out some dirty laundry!"
Huntsville, Alabama, serves as our focal point, as it ranks among the cities with the worst air quality in the United States. It is perhaps fitting that a place known for its stellar contributions to space exploration is now facing a different kind of cosmic challenge. Our research endeavors to connect the dots between particulate matter and marital chatters, aiming to show that behind every cloud of smog, there may be a cloud of discord.
As we embark on this scientific odyssey, we take a moment to appreciate the inherent paradox—while "breathing space" is often cited as a necessary ingredient in relationships, it seems that it's the quality of the air itself that might be leaving couples gasping for clarity. It's almost as if Mother Nature herself is asking, "What do you call two birds in love? Tweethearts! But what do you call two birds in smog? Coughin'!"
In presenting our findings, we hope to contribute to a wider understanding of the multifaceted impact of environmental factors on human well-being. After all, who knew that in addition to counseling and therapy, a breath of fresh air might also be a remedy for couples to "clear the air"?

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To investigate the potential association between unhealthy air quality in Huntsville, Alabama, and the divorce rate in the state, our research team employed a multifaceted approach that involved some thorough data collection and analysis. Our data sources primarily included information from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for air quality indices and the CDC National Vital Statistics for divorce rates. We aggregated and examined data spanning from 1999 to 2021, utilizing sophisticated statistical techniques and a sprinkle of whimsy to uncover any possible relationship between these seemingly disparate variables.

Firstly, we gathered air quality data from various monitoring stations in Huntsville, meticulously noting levels of pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone. Every breath you take, every move you make, we were watching those air particles! We then applied an intricate statistical methodology, performing correlation analyses and regression models to quantify the potential relationship between these air pollutants and the divorce rates in Alabama. We wanted to make sure our research wasn't just "up in the air."

Next, we dug into the divorce rates in Alabama and peered into the factors that might influence marital dissolution. We considered demographic variables, socioeconomic indicators, and even the weather patterns (because let's face it, sometimes the storm clouds roll in both literally and figuratively). Our statistical models adjusted for these potential confounding factors to ensure that any observed correlation didn't just blow in with the wind.

Moreover, we couldn't resist delving into the historical context of air quality regulations and environmental policies in Huntsville and Alabama, exploring how changes in these regulations may have influenced air quality over time. Our methodological approach required us to navigate regulatory reports and legislative documents, turning pages with the enthusiasm of a scientist in a pollen-counting competition.

To validate the robustness of our findings, we also conducted sensitivity analyses and cross-validated our models using different time periods and subsets of the data. This allowed us to gauge the consistency of the observed association across different temporal and demographic dimensions. It was a painstaking process—sort of like trying to find a breath of fresh air in a room filled with dad jokes (cue the eye rolls and groans)!

Finally, to ensure the integrity and transparency of our research, we thoroughly documented our data collection methods, analysis procedures, and any potential limitations or biases in our study. We embraced the scientific principle that transparency, much like clean air, is vital for maintaining healthy relationships, especially those between researchers and their skeptical peers. After all, who knew that uncovering the connection between air quality and divorce rates would involve so much "breathless" anticipation?

In the end, our methodological journey was not without its playful twists and turns, but we trust that our efforts have yielded a rigorous and entertaining exploration of the intersection between air pollution and marital bonds. After all, a little humor might just be the missing ingredient when it comes to discussing serious matters, much like the "fresh air" that the study of air quality and divorce rates could bring to the academic arena.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a silly 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 Unhealthy air quality in Huntsville and The divorce rate in Alabama. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics .

For the time period 1999 to 2021, you found a correlation 0.8394382, r-squared of 0.7046566, 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]]
Air Unfair: The Affair of Unhealthy Air and Alabama's Divorce Despair

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delve into the intriguing connection between unhealthy air quality in Huntsville, Alabama, and the divorce rate in the state. Our research team sought to answer the burning question: does polluted air contribute to marital strife? Armed with data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics, we scrutinized air quality indices and divorce rates from 1999 to 2021. To our surprise, our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.8394382 and p < 0.01, suggesting a strong association between poor air quality and an uptick in divorce rates. It seems that when the air quality is smoggy, it's not only the atmosphere that's polluted but also the marital bliss in Alabama! Perhaps it's time to add "air purifiers" to the list of marriage counseling strategies. After all, cleaning up toxic air could lead to cleaner relationships, and who wouldn’t want that?

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
While matters of the heart have traditionally been the primary area of focus for discussions of divorce, our research aims to shed light on a potential external factor that may be contributing to the dissolution of marriages in Alabama. We turn our attention to the often-neglected but omnipresent culprit of unhealthy air quality. As comedian Stephen Wright once mused, "I’m writing a book on reverse psychology. I hope people don’t buy it!" Speaking of reversals, our investigation uncovers an unexpected twist that may have husbands and wives up in smog.
In recent years, the issue of poor air quality has gained increasing attention due to its adverse effects on human health. However, its impact on interpersonal relationships remains relatively unexplored. As we sniff around for answers, we can't help but sense a certain air of irony—quite literally! Cue the dad joke: "Why did the air quality report get promoted? Because it was 'air'ing out some dirty laundry!"
Huntsville, Alabama, serves as our focal point, as it ranks among the cities with the worst air quality in the United States. It is perhaps fitting that a place known for its stellar contributions to space exploration is now facing a different kind of cosmic challenge. Our research endeavors to connect the dots between particulate matter and marital chatters, aiming to show that behind every cloud of smog, there may be a cloud of discord.
As we embark on this scientific odyssey, we take a moment to appreciate the inherent paradox—while "breathing space" is often cited as a necessary ingredient in relationships, it seems that it's the quality of the air itself that might be leaving couples gasping for clarity. It's almost as if Mother Nature herself is asking, "What do you call two birds in love? Tweethearts! But what do you call two birds in smog? Coughin'!"
In presenting our findings, we hope to contribute to a wider understanding of the multifaceted impact of environmental factors on human well-being. After all, who knew that in addition to counseling and therapy, a breath of fresh air might also be a remedy for couples to "clear the air"?

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The analysis of the data gathered from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics for the period 1999 to 2021 revealed a notable correlation between unhealthy air quality in Huntsville, Alabama, and the divorce rate in the state. Our team identified a strong correlation coefficient of 0.8394382, with an r-squared value of 0.7046566 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01.

Fig. 1 depicts a scatterplot illustrating the relationship between the two variables, highlighting the clear positive association between poor air quality and an increase in divorce rates. It appears that when the air quality in Huntsville is less than stellar, marital harmony may suffer, and with it, the phrase "letting off steam" takes on a new meaning in the context of relationships.

We may jest about "polluted love" and "smoggy hearts," but the implications of these findings are not to be sniffed at. Our research points to the need for further investigation into the impact of environmental factors on interpersonal relationships, particularly in regions where air quality poses a significant challenge. After all, as our findings suggest, an investment in cleaner air may not only benefit individual health but also marital well-being. As they say, "clean air, happy hearts," and who doesn't want a breath of fresh air in their relationship?

As we wrap up our results section, and perhaps also the air purifiers, we urge policymakers, environmentalists, and couples alike to consider the unexpected ways in which air quality could be affecting the dynamics of relationships. While we may chuckle at the idea of "particulate matters of the heart," the impact of environmental conditions on human interactions is indeed a serious matter worthy of further exploration.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a silly 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 Unhealthy air quality in Huntsville and The divorce rate in Alabama. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

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]]
Air Unfair: The Affair of Unhealthy Air and Alabama's Divorce Despair

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delve into the intriguing connection between unhealthy air quality in Huntsville, Alabama, and the divorce rate in the state. Our research team sought to answer the burning question: does polluted air contribute to marital strife? Armed with data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics, we scrutinized air quality indices and divorce rates from 1999 to 2021. To our surprise, our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.8394382 and p < 0.01, suggesting a strong association between poor air quality and an uptick in divorce rates. It seems that when the air quality is smoggy, it's not only the atmosphere that's polluted but also the marital bliss in Alabama! Perhaps it's time to add "air purifiers" to the list of marriage counseling strategies. After all, cleaning up toxic air could lead to cleaner relationships, and who wouldn’t want that?

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
In "The Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health" by Smith et al., the authors find compelling evidence linking exposure to polluted air with various health issues, such as respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and even cognitive impairment. This body of research underscores the pervasive impact of poor air quality on individuals' well-being and highlights the urgency of addressing air pollution as a public health concern. Indeed, it seems that when it comes to air quality, the stakes are as high as the pollen count in spring!
Turning to the realm of social dynamics, Doe and Jones, in "Environmental Factors and Social Behavior," discuss the influence of environmental factors on interpersonal relationships. While their focus is broad, encompassing factors such as urbanization and natural disasters, their work prompts consideration of the potential role of air quality in shaping social interactions. It's as if the air particles aren't the only things forming bonds – so are those troubled by the air quality in Alabama!
Further exploring the potential interplay between environmental conditions and human behavior, "Rising Tides: The Impact of Climate Change on Society" by Lorem Ipsum examines the intricate connections between environmental stressors and societal changes. Though air quality specifically is not the central focus, the broader concept of environmental impact on human behavior could offer valuable insights into the potential correlation between air pollution and marital discord. Who knew the phrase "marital strife" could take on a literal meaning with air pollution thrown into the mix?
Shifting gears slightly, we look to popular non-fiction works that touch on the complexities of human relationships. In "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman, the author proposes that individuals express and interpret love through distinct "languages," including words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch. As we ponder the potential influence of air quality on these love languages, one can't help but wonder if a sixth love language might emerge – perhaps "clean air" as an expression of love. As the saying goes, "I love you to the moon and back, and to the lungs, but not the smog!"
In a similar vein, "Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find – and Keep – Love" by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller delves into the dynamics of adult attachment styles and their impact on romantic relationships. Could it be that unhealthy air quality triggers anxious attachment behaviors, causing partners to cling more tightly to each other in the face of environmental uncertainty? It's almost as if the air pollution is playing the role of an unwanted third wheel in the relationship, vying for attention!
Adding a touch of literary flair, we consider fictional works that, while not directly related to air quality and divorce, offer insights into the complexities of human connections. Gabriel Garcia Marquez's "Love in the Time of Cholera" paints a vivid portrait of love's endurance and the intricate dance of emotions between individuals. While cholera and air pollution are vastly different, the novel's examination of enduring love in the face of external challenges may resonate with the enigmatic relationship between air quality and marital stability. After all, love might be able to withstand "cholera," but can it withstand "smog-lera"?
On a tangentially related note, we reflect on TV shows that, in their exploration of relationships and societal dynamics, may indirectly inform our understanding of the potential link between air quality and divorce rates. "Married at First Sight" offers a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of arranged marriages and the inherent challenges of building relationships under unconventional circumstances. As we contemplate the impact of air quality on existing marriages, it's as if the very idea of "marrying the air" takes on a whole new meaning – and it's definitely not love at first wheeze!
Similarly, "The Bachelor" and its spin-offs provide a lens through which to observe the dynamics of romantic relationships in contrived settings. While the show may not address air quality concerns, the dramatic interactions between contestants under the watchful eye of reality TV cameras hint at the myriad ways external factors can influence relationship dynamics. One can't help but wonder if a "smoggy kiss" would be the latest dramatic plot twist, leaving everyone breathless – though not in the romantic sense!


[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the data gathered from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics for the period 1999 to 2021 revealed a notable correlation between unhealthy air quality in Huntsville, Alabama, and the divorce rate in the state. Our team identified a strong correlation coefficient of 0.8394382, with an r-squared value of 0.7046566 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01.
Fig. 1 depicts a scatterplot illustrating the relationship between the two variables, highlighting the clear positive association between poor air quality and an increase in divorce rates. It appears that when the air quality in Huntsville is less than stellar, marital harmony may suffer, and with it, the phrase "letting off steam" takes on a new meaning in the context of relationships.
We may jest about "polluted love" and "smoggy hearts," but the implications of these findings are not to be sniffed at. Our research points to the need for further investigation into the impact of environmental factors on interpersonal relationships, particularly in regions where air quality poses a significant challenge. After all, as our findings suggest, an investment in cleaner air may not only benefit individual health but also marital well-being. As they say, "clean air, happy hearts," and who doesn't want a breath of fresh air in their relationship?
As we wrap up our results section, and perhaps also the air purifiers, we urge policymakers, environmentalists, and couples alike to consider the unexpected ways in which air quality could be affecting the dynamics of relationships. While we may chuckle at the idea of "particulate matters of the heart," the impact of environmental conditions on human interactions is indeed a serious matter worthy of further exploration.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

Our study has shed light on the interesting and unexpected relationship between unhealthy air quality in Huntsville, Alabama, and the divorce rate in the state. While it may seem like a case of "gasping for love in smoggy air," our findings profoundly support the existing literature.

The association we observed aligns with previous research, such as the work by Smith et al., which highlighted the adverse health effects of polluted air. Just as pollutants can take a toll on one's well-being, it seems they may also cast a shadow over marital harmony. One might say that when it comes to air pollution and divorce rates, the evidence is crystal clear – or rather, polluted.

Furthermore, the discussion by Doe and Jones on the influence of environmental factors on social behavior takes on a remarkably literal dimension in the context of our findings. It's as if the air particles are indeed forming bonds – not solely in the atmosphere, but in the realm of human relationships, and we certainly aren't talking about chemical bonding here!

Our results also corroborate the broader concept presented in Lorem Ipsum's work, which emphasized the complex connections between environmental stressors and societal changes. While our focus was specific to air pollution and divorce rates, the underlying theme of environmental impact on human behavior resonates strongly with our findings. It's as if cleaning up the air could breathe new life into relationships, providing a breath of fresh air in more ways than one.

It is intriguing to reimagine Gary Chapman's "Five Love Languages" in light of our research. Could "clean air" potentially emerge as a new love language? Perhaps it's time to consider adding it to the list! After all, if actions speak louder than words, then clean air might just whisper "I love you" in the most subtle yet meaningful way.

Turning to the realm of attachment theory, our findings may indeed support the notion put forth by Levine and Heller regarding the potential impact of environmental stress on attachment styles. It's as if unhealthy air quality triggers attachment behaviors akin to reaching for a partner's hand when navigating through a dense fog – only in this case, it's not metaphorical fog but actual smog!

The literature review section, while quirky with its references to reality TV shows and unlikely love scenarios, surprisingly brings relevance to our study. The dynamics of relationships in unconventional settings depicted in "Married at First Sight" and "The Bachelor" inadvertently hint at the potential influence of external factors on relationship dynamics. We can't help but wonder if a "smoggy kiss" wouldn't make for a compelling TV plot twist after all. In the game of love, it seems the air quality might just be another player we didn't anticipate.

In closing, it's evident that our research has not only found humor in the unexpected connection between air quality and divorce rates but has also uncovered a serious link that warrants further investigation. The idea of "pollution in love" may have initially sounded like a punchline, but our findings reinforce the genuine impact of air quality on marital relationships. As we take a deep breath and consider our next steps, it's clear that the notion of "clean air, happy hearts" may hold more truth than we initially realized.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a silly 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 Unhealthy air quality in Huntsville and The divorce rate in Alabama. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

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]]
Air Unfair: The Affair of Unhealthy Air and Alabama's Divorce Despair

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delve into the intriguing connection between unhealthy air quality in Huntsville, Alabama, and the divorce rate in the state. Our research team sought to answer the burning question: does polluted air contribute to marital strife? Armed with data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics, we scrutinized air quality indices and divorce rates from 1999 to 2021. To our surprise, our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.8394382 and p < 0.01, suggesting a strong association between poor air quality and an uptick in divorce rates. It seems that when the air quality is smoggy, it's not only the atmosphere that's polluted but also the marital bliss in Alabama! Perhaps it's time to add "air purifiers" to the list of marriage counseling strategies. After all, cleaning up toxic air could lead to cleaner relationships, and who wouldn’t want that?

[[INTRDUCTION]]
While matters of the heart have traditionally been the primary area of focus for discussions of divorce, our research aims to shed light on a potential external factor that may be contributing to the dissolution of marriages in Alabama. We turn our attention to the often-neglected but omnipresent culprit of unhealthy air quality. As comedian Stephen Wright once mused, "I’m writing a book on reverse psychology. I hope people don’t buy it!" Speaking of reversals, our investigation uncovers an unexpected twist that may have husbands and wives up in smog.
In recent years, the issue of poor air quality has gained increasing attention due to its adverse effects on human health. However, its impact on interpersonal relationships remains relatively unexplored. As we sniff around for answers, we can't help but sense a certain air of irony—quite literally! Cue the dad joke: "Why did the air quality report get promoted? Because it was 'air'ing out some dirty laundry!"
Huntsville, Alabama, serves as our focal point, as it ranks among the cities with the worst air quality in the United States. It is perhaps fitting that a place known for its stellar contributions to space exploration is now facing a different kind of cosmic challenge. Our research endeavors to connect the dots between particulate matter and marital chatters, aiming to show that behind every cloud of smog, there may be a cloud of discord.
As we embark on this scientific odyssey, we take a moment to appreciate the inherent paradox—while "breathing space" is often cited as a necessary ingredient in relationships, it seems that it's the quality of the air itself that might be leaving couples gasping for clarity. It's almost as if Mother Nature herself is asking, "What do you call two birds in love? Tweethearts! But what do you call two birds in smog? Coughin'!"
In presenting our findings, we hope to contribute to a wider understanding of the multifaceted impact of environmental factors on human well-being. After all, who knew that in addition to counseling and therapy, a breath of fresh air might also be a remedy for couples to "clear the air"?

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the data gathered from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics for the period 1999 to 2021 revealed a notable correlation between unhealthy air quality in Huntsville, Alabama, and the divorce rate in the state. Our team identified a strong correlation coefficient of 0.8394382, with an r-squared value of 0.7046566 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01.
Fig. 1 depicts a scatterplot illustrating the relationship between the two variables, highlighting the clear positive association between poor air quality and an increase in divorce rates. It appears that when the air quality in Huntsville is less than stellar, marital harmony may suffer, and with it, the phrase "letting off steam" takes on a new meaning in the context of relationships.
We may jest about "polluted love" and "smoggy hearts," but the implications of these findings are not to be sniffed at. Our research points to the need for further investigation into the impact of environmental factors on interpersonal relationships, particularly in regions where air quality poses a significant challenge. After all, as our findings suggest, an investment in cleaner air may not only benefit individual health but also marital well-being. As they say, "clean air, happy hearts," and who doesn't want a breath of fresh air in their relationship?
As we wrap up our results section, and perhaps also the air purifiers, we urge policymakers, environmentalists, and couples alike to consider the unexpected ways in which air quality could be affecting the dynamics of relationships. While we may chuckle at the idea of "particulate matters of the heart," the impact of environmental conditions on human interactions is indeed a serious matter worthy of further exploration.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In sum, our study illuminates the compelling relationship between unhealthy air quality in Huntsville, Alabama, and the heightened divorce rate in the state. Our findings, with a correlation coefficient of 0.8394382 and a p-value lower than 0.01, highlight the significant impact of air pollution on marital stability. It seems that when the air quality goes down, so does the likelihood of "just breathing" in a marriage. As the saying goes, "Love is in the air, but so is smog!"

Furthermore, these results underscore the importance of considering environmental factors in discussions of marital discord. It might be time for couples to add "clean air" to the list of prerequisites for a healthy relationship. After all, at the end of the day, isn't breathing in fresh air just a romantic gesture from Mother Nature? As they say, "If you come across fresh air, take a deep breath of it."

With that being said, it is clear that air quality is a critical component of the broader context in which relationships thrive or wither. Therefore, we assert that no further research is needed in this area. It's time for policymakers to put their foot down and clear the air – figuratively and literally.

It's been a breath of fresh air conducting this research, and we hope our findings leave a lasting impression on the intersection of environmental factors and marital bliss. As they say, "It's not just the thought that counts, but also the air quality!"



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 Air Unfair: The Affair of Unhealthy Air and Alabama's Divorce Despair. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Ecological Irony


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 Air Unfair: The Affair of Unhealthy Air and Alabama's Divorce Despair. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Society for the Advancement of Whimsical Environmental Research


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide potential search keywords separated by commas. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide potential search keywords for a paper titled Air Unfair: The Affair of Unhealthy Air and Alabama's Divorce Despair with an abstract of In this study, we delve into the intriguing connection between unhealthy air quality in Huntsville, Alabama, and the divorce rate in the state. Our research team sought to answer the burning question: does polluted air contribute to marital strife? Armed with data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics, we scrutinized air quality indices and divorce rates from 1999 to 2021. To our surprise, our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.8394382 and p < 0.01, suggesting a strong association between poor air quality and an uptick in divorce rates. It seems that when the air quality is smoggy, it's not only the atmosphere that's polluted but also the marital bliss in Alabama! Perhaps it's time to add "air purifiers" to the list of marriage counseling strategies. After all, cleaning up toxic air could lead to cleaner relationships, and who wouldn’t want that?

ChatGPT:

unhealthy air quality, divorce rate, Huntsville Alabama, correlation between air quality and divorce, Environmental Protection Agency data, CDC National Vital Statistics, marriage counseling strategies, air purifiers, polluted air and marital strife

*There is a bunch of Python happening behind the scenes to turn this prompt sequence into a PDF.



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Data details

Air pollution in Huntsville
Detailed data title: Percentage of days with air quality at 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' or worse in Huntsville, AL
Source: Environmental Protection Agency
See what else correlates with Air pollution in Huntsville

The divorce rate in Alabama
Source: CDC National Vital Statistics
See what else correlates with The divorce rate in Alabama

Correlation r = 0.8394382 (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 = 0.7046566 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 70.5% of the change in the one variable (i.e., The divorce rate in Alabama) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Air pollution in Huntsville) over the 23 years from 1999 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 5.5E-7. 0.0000005527129986814975000000
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 0.84 in 5.5E-5% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 1,809,257 random variables You don't actually need 1 million variables to find a correlation like this one. I don't have that many variables in my database. You can also correlate variables that are not independent. I do this a lot.

p-value calculations are useful for understanding the probability of a result happening by chance. They are most useful when used to highlight the risk of a fluke outcome. For example, if you calculate a p-value of 0.30, the risk that the result is a fluke is high. It is good to know that! But there are lots of ways to get a p-value of less than 0.01, as evidenced by this project.

In this particular case, the values are so extreme as to be meaningless. That's why no one reports p-values with specificity after they drop below 0.01.

Just to be clear: I'm being completely transparent about the calculations. There is no math trickery. This is just how statistics shakes out when you calculate hundreds of millions of random correlations.
with the same 22 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 22 because we have two variables measured over a period of 23 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.

[ 0.65, 0.93 ] 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.
19992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021
Air pollution in Huntsville (Bad air quality days)13.18689.836074.39567.123296.02743.287675.769233.86746.868132.459020.2865331.194031.208464.142010000.300300.273973000.560224
The divorce rate in Alabama (Divorce rate)5.75.55.45.45.24.94.94.94.54.34.44.44.33.63.683293.785023.853693.778713.66053.71433.572983.656183.60584




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. Y-axis doesn't start at zero: I truncated the Y-axes of the graph 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. Below is the same chart but with both Y-axes starting at zero.




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([13.1868,9.83607,4.3956,7.12329,6.0274,3.28767,5.76923,3.8674,6.86813,2.45902,0.286533,1.19403,1.20846,4.14201,0,0,0,0.3003,0,0.273973,0,0,0.560224,])
array_2 = np.array([5.7,5.5,5.4,5.4,5.2,4.9,4.9,4.9,4.5,4.3,4.4,4.4,4.3,3.6,3.68329,3.78502,3.85369,3.77871,3.6605,3.7143,3.57298,3.65618,3.60584,])
array_1_name = "Air pollution in Huntsville"
array_2_name = "The divorce rate in Alabama"

# 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: 1122 · Black Variable ID: 20731 · Red Variable ID: 19788
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