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Spurious correlation #4,654 · 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 Ithaca and the second variable is Viewership count for Days of Our Lives.  The chart goes from 1990 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, the residents of Ithaca were finally able to go outside and enjoy activities other than watching TV, like hiking, cycling, and picnicking. They traded soap operas for fresh air operas!

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: An image that looks like it is a scene from a Disney movie: The sun shines brightly over Ithaca, where families are seen picnicking in a lush, green park. Some are cycling on the serene pathways, while others are hiking through the colorful foliage. In the background, the television screens at home show a noticeable drop in viewership count for Days of Our Lives, as the residents embrace the fresh air, their new form of entertainment. Enhanced visual: A radiant sun casts a warm glow over a picturesque park in Ithaca. Lush greenery and vibrant flowers create a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. Families are gathered on picnic blankets, enjoying a delightful spread amidst the idyllic setting. Children laugh and play as adults leisurely cycle along picturesque pathways and hike through the colorful foliage. In the distance, homes stand peacefully, their windows displaying a noticeable decline in Days of Our Lives viewership as families embrace the great outdoors. The depiction should include only scenes, people, and objects, it should not include text or speech bubbles.
This image generation prompt was also generated by AI, using the following sequence:

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You select one of a few potential scene descriptors that seems to go along with the variables described. You respond only with the scene descriptions provided and say nothing else.
User prompt: Here are two variables: Air pollution in Ithaca and Viewership count for Days of Our Lives. Given these, which of the following image style descriptions seems most appropriate? Pick the one that seems to be related to one of the variables at hand. Please respond with only one of the following potential descriptions: a funny image macro Surrealism Parallax art Pop art An image that looks like it is a scene from A Disney Movie
ChatGPT: An image that looks like it is a scene from A Disney Movie

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both Air pollution in Ithaca and Viewership count for Days of Our Lives, in the following situation: As the air quality improved, the residents of Ithaca were finally able to go outside and enjoy activities other than watching TV, like hiking, cycling, and picnicking. They traded soap operas for fresh air operas!. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: The sun shines brightly over Ithaca, where families are seen picnicking in a lush, green park. Some are cycling on the serene pathways, while others are hiking through the colorful foliage. In the background, the television screens at home show a noticeable drop in viewership count for Days of Our Lives, as the residents embrace the fresh air, their new form of entertainment.

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: [ An image that looks like it is a scene from A Disney Movie ] and depicting this scene: The sun shines brightly over Ithaca, where families are seen picnicking in a lush, green park. Some are cycling on the serene pathways, while others are hiking through the colorful foliage. In the background, the television screens at home show a noticeable drop in viewership count for Days of Our Lives, as the residents embrace the fresh air, their new form of entertainment. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: An image that looks like it is a scene from a Disney movie: The sun shines brightly over Ithaca, where families are seen picnicking in a lush, green park. Some are cycling on the serene pathways, while others are hiking through the colorful foliage. In the background, the television screens at home show a noticeable drop in viewership count for Days of Our Lives, as the residents embrace the fresh air, their new form of entertainment. Enhanced visual: A radiant sun casts a warm glow over a picturesque park in Ithaca. Lush greenery and vibrant flowers create a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. Families are gathered on picnic blankets, enjoying a delightful spread amidst the idyllic setting. Children laugh and play as adults leisurely cycle along picturesque pathways and hike through the colorful foliage. In the distance, homes stand peacefully, their windows displaying a noticeable decline in Days of Our Lives viewership as families embrace the great outdoors.

*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 Ithaca caused Viewership count for Days of Our Lives to decrease. Add a funny one-liner at the end.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Airing the Affect of Air Pollution: An Alliterative Analysis of the Astounding Association between Ithaca's Air Quality and Days of Our Lives Viewership

Journal of Airborne Amusements

Jan 2024

Reminder: This paper is AI-generated. Not real!
Quick note: This sequence is long and repetitive. That's how the prompt engineering works for this one. I manage the output in Python to format it into this PDF.




Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a researcher writing an academic paper.You write titles and abstracts of goofy academic research papers.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, and add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Ithaca and Viewership count for Days of Our Lives. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Make the title an alliteration.

Your research team used data from Environmental Protection Agency and Wikipedia to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.8801793 and p < 0.01 for 1990 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]]
Airing the Affect of Air Pollution: An Alliterative Analysis of the Astounding Association between Ithaca's Air Quality and Days of Our Lives Viewership

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research paper unearths the unexpected connection between air pollution in the quaint town of Ithaca and the viewership count for the long-running soap opera "Days of Our Lives." Our study delves into the data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Wikipedia, leveraging an alliterative analysis to unravel the relationship between these seemingly disparate factors. With meticulous statistical analysis, we discovered a correlation coefficient of 0.8801793 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1990 to 2021. Prepare to be astounded as we unveil the peculiar parallels and peculiarities between particulate matter and plotlines, ozone levels and on-screen love triangles. In this lighthearted yet rigorous investigation, we aim to shed light on this whimsical correlation and spark a conversation that is both intellectually stimulating and acutely amusing.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a researcher writing an academic paper.You draft the introduction section of an academic research paper.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Ithaca and Viewership count for Days of Our Lives. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Airing the Affect of Air Pollution: An Alliterative Analysis of the Astounding Association between Ithaca's Air Quality and Days of Our Lives Viewership

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research paper unearths the unexpected connection between air pollution in the quaint town of Ithaca and the viewership count for the long-running soap opera "Days of Our Lives." Our study delves into the data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Wikipedia, leveraging an alliterative analysis to unravel the relationship between these seemingly disparate factors. With meticulous statistical analysis, we discovered a correlation coefficient of 0.8801793 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1990 to 2021. Prepare to be astounded as we unveil the peculiar parallels and peculiarities between particulate matter and plotlines, ozone levels and on-screen love triangles. In this lighthearted yet rigorous investigation, we aim to shed light on this whimsical correlation and spark a conversation that is both intellectually stimulating and acutely amusing.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

Greetings esteemed colleagues and fellow aficionados of the academic absurdity! Today, we embark on a whimsical journey into the realm of correlation, causation, and soap opera sensations. In this fanciful foray, we aim to unravel the peculiar parallels between Ithaca's air quality and the quintessential daytime drama, "Days of Our Lives." Yes, you read that right. We are about to dive headfirst into the aromatic abyss of air pollution and the gripping storylines of Salem's finest residents. So, fasten your lab coats, grab your popcorn, and get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the realms of environmental science and soap opera fandom.

As we all know, Ithaca is renowned for its natural beauty, gorges, and improbable weather patterns. It's the epitome of a picturesque paradise, nestled amidst the Finger Lakes region of New York. However, lurking beneath the surface of this idyllic setting is the enigmatic interplay of air pollutants, from the benign to the downright befuddling. On the other hand, "Days of Our Lives," a stalwart of daytime television, has been enthralling audiences with its convoluted plotlines, amorous escapades, and the occasional resurrection for over half a century. Now, what could possibly bridge the gap between these seemingly incongruous entities?

Enter our intrepid endeavor – an audacious attempt to unearth the curious correlation between these disparate phenomena. Armed with an arsenal of data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the annals of Wikipedia, we set out to sniff out the connection between Ithaca's air quality and the viewership count for "Days of Our Lives." A dash of statistics, a smidgen of skepticism, and a generous dollop of whimsy formed the cornerstone of our methodology. What we unearthed was nothing short of astonishing – a correlation coefficient that would make even the most seasoned statistician raise an eyebrow and a p-value that could make a skeptic stop, well, being so skeptical.

Now, before you dismiss our findings as the delirious rants of academic pranksters, let's remember that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. In this lighthearted yet rigorous investigation, we invite you to join us in unpacking the peculiar parallels and peculiarities between particulate matter and plotlines, ozone levels and on-screen love triangles. Our aim is not just to elucidate this whimsical correlation, but to infuse a healthy dose of, dare we say, mirth into the often austere world of scholarly discourse. We implore you to become a part of this mirthful pursuit, as we probe the intersection of air pollution and soap opera suspense, and leave no pun unturned in our quest for enlightenment. Stay tuned for the deluge of data, the drama of statistical analyses, and the delightful detours into the humorous side of academia. It's time to take a breath of fresh air, albeit with a hint of statistical emissions, as we unravel the astoundingly absurd association between Ithaca's air quality and the timeless allure of "Days of Our Lives." Let's dive in, shall we?


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a researcher writing an academic paper.You draft a literature review section of an academic research paper, that starts out dry for the first few sentences but then becomes hilarious and goofy.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Ithaca and Viewership count for Days of Our Lives. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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 devolve ever further, and mention something completely ridiculous, like you conducted literature review by reading the backs of shampoo bottles.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Airing the Affect of Air Pollution: An Alliterative Analysis of the Astounding Association between Ithaca's Air Quality and Days of Our Lives Viewership

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research paper unearths the unexpected connection between air pollution in the quaint town of Ithaca and the viewership count for the long-running soap opera "Days of Our Lives." Our study delves into the data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Wikipedia, leveraging an alliterative analysis to unravel the relationship between these seemingly disparate factors. With meticulous statistical analysis, we discovered a correlation coefficient of 0.8801793 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1990 to 2021. Prepare to be astounded as we unveil the peculiar parallels and peculiarities between particulate matter and plotlines, ozone levels and on-screen love triangles. In this lighthearted yet rigorous investigation, we aim to shed light on this whimsical correlation and spark a conversation that is both intellectually stimulating and acutely amusing.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
Greetings esteemed colleagues and fellow aficionados of the academic absurdity! Today, we embark on a whimsical journey into the realm of correlation, causation, and soap opera sensations. In this fanciful foray, we aim to unravel the peculiar parallels between Ithaca's air quality and the quintessential daytime drama, "Days of Our Lives." Yes, you read that right. We are about to dive headfirst into the aromatic abyss of air pollution and the gripping storylines of Salem's finest residents. So, fasten your lab coats, grab your popcorn, and get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the realms of environmental science and soap opera fandom.
As we all know, Ithaca is renowned for its natural beauty, gorges, and improbable weather patterns. It's the epitome of a picturesque paradise, nestled amidst the Finger Lakes region of New York. However, lurking beneath the surface of this idyllic setting is the enigmatic interplay of air pollutants, from the benign to the downright befuddling. On the other hand, "Days of Our Lives," a stalwart of daytime television, has been enthralling audiences with its convoluted plotlines, amorous escapades, and the occasional resurrection for over half a century. Now, what could possibly bridge the gap between these seemingly incongruous entities?
Enter our intrepid endeavor – an audacious attempt to unearth the curious correlation between these disparate phenomena. Armed with an arsenal of data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the annals of Wikipedia, we set out to sniff out the connection between Ithaca's air quality and the viewership count for "Days of Our Lives." A dash of statistics, a smidgen of skepticism, and a generous dollop of whimsy formed the cornerstone of our methodology. What we unearthed was nothing short of astonishing – a correlation coefficient that would make even the most seasoned statistician raise an eyebrow and a p-value that could make a skeptic stop, well, being so skeptical.
Now, before you dismiss our findings as the delirious rants of academic pranksters, let's remember that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. In this lighthearted yet rigorous investigation, we invite you to join us in unpacking the peculiar parallels and peculiarities between particulate matter and plotlines, ozone levels and on-screen love triangles. Our aim is not just to elucidate this whimsical correlation, but to infuse a healthy dose of, dare we say, mirth into the often austere world of scholarly discourse. We implore you to become a part of this mirthful pursuit, as we probe the intersection of air pollution and soap opera suspense, and leave no pun unturned in our quest for enlightenment. Stay tuned for the deluge of data, the drama of statistical analyses, and the delightful detours into the humorous side of academia. It's time to take a breath of fresh air, albeit with a hint of statistical emissions, as we unravel the astoundingly absurd association between Ithaca's air quality and the timeless allure of "Days of Our Lives." Let's dive in, shall we?

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The relationship between environmental factors and human behavior has long been a subject of interest in academic circles. Numerous studies have sought to explore the influence of air pollution on various aspects of human activity, from health outcomes to cognitive function. Smith and Doe (2010) investigated the impact of particulate matter on human mood and found a significant association between elevated levels of air pollutants and a decrease in overall sense of well-being. Similarly, Jones et al. (2015) examined the effects of ozone exposure on cognitive performance, revealing a negative correlation between ozone concentrations and cognitive abilities.

Moving on to the realm of entertainment and media consumption, the literature offers intriguing insights into the factors influencing viewership patterns. In "The Media Equation," Reeves and Nass (1996) delved into the psychological mechanisms underlying individuals' responses to media content, shedding light on the emotional and cognitive connections forged between audiences and televised narratives. Moreover, the enduring popularity of soap operas, as explored in "Soap Opera and Social Order" by Ang (1985), reflects the enduring appeal of melodramatic storytelling and its resonance with viewers across diverse demographics.

Venturing into the more lighthearted side of literary analysis, we encounter fictional works that, while not directly related to our research focus, bear titles and themes that evoke the whimsy and intrigue inherent in our endeavor. "The Scent of Scandal" by Carole Matthews might prompt one to imagine the olfactory repercussions of Ithaca's air quality issues on the scandalous plotlines of "Days of Our Lives." Meanwhile, the timeless classic "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell beckons us to ponder the metaphorical implications of airborne pollutants sweeping through the lives of Salem's inhabitants like a tempestuous gust.

In a departure from conventional research sources, we must divulge a rather unusual but nonetheless enlightening avenue we pursued in our literature review. As part of our unorthodox approach to gathering diverse perspectives, our team delved into the realm of unconventional text sources, including the backs of shampoo bottles, with their enigmatic promises of "hair transformations" and "revitalizing effects." While the applicability of such sources to our research may seem tenuous at best, we found them to be surprisingly refreshing and informative, if not entirely odorless.

This eclectic traversal through the literature landscape provides a comprehensive backdrop for our investigation into the correlation between Ithaca's air quality and "Days of Our Lives" viewership. As we navigate the scholarly terrain and embrace the occasional detour into levity, we remain resolute in our commitment to unraveling the profound yet preposterous connection between environmental air pollutants and the melodramatic allure of daytime television.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a researcher writing an academic paper.You draft the methodology section of an academic research paper.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Ithaca and Viewership count for Days of Our Lives. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Environmental Protection Agency and Wikipedia . You used data from 1990 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]]
Airing the Affect of Air Pollution: An Alliterative Analysis of the Astounding Association between Ithaca's Air Quality and Days of Our Lives Viewership

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research paper unearths the unexpected connection between air pollution in the quaint town of Ithaca and the viewership count for the long-running soap opera "Days of Our Lives." Our study delves into the data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Wikipedia, leveraging an alliterative analysis to unravel the relationship between these seemingly disparate factors. With meticulous statistical analysis, we discovered a correlation coefficient of 0.8801793 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1990 to 2021. Prepare to be astounded as we unveil the peculiar parallels and peculiarities between particulate matter and plotlines, ozone levels and on-screen love triangles. In this lighthearted yet rigorous investigation, we aim to shed light on this whimsical correlation and spark a conversation that is both intellectually stimulating and acutely amusing.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
Greetings esteemed colleagues and fellow aficionados of the academic absurdity! Today, we embark on a whimsical journey into the realm of correlation, causation, and soap opera sensations. In this fanciful foray, we aim to unravel the peculiar parallels between Ithaca's air quality and the quintessential daytime drama, "Days of Our Lives." Yes, you read that right. We are about to dive headfirst into the aromatic abyss of air pollution and the gripping storylines of Salem's finest residents. So, fasten your lab coats, grab your popcorn, and get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the realms of environmental science and soap opera fandom.
As we all know, Ithaca is renowned for its natural beauty, gorges, and improbable weather patterns. It's the epitome of a picturesque paradise, nestled amidst the Finger Lakes region of New York. However, lurking beneath the surface of this idyllic setting is the enigmatic interplay of air pollutants, from the benign to the downright befuddling. On the other hand, "Days of Our Lives," a stalwart of daytime television, has been enthralling audiences with its convoluted plotlines, amorous escapades, and the occasional resurrection for over half a century. Now, what could possibly bridge the gap between these seemingly incongruous entities?
Enter our intrepid endeavor – an audacious attempt to unearth the curious correlation between these disparate phenomena. Armed with an arsenal of data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the annals of Wikipedia, we set out to sniff out the connection between Ithaca's air quality and the viewership count for "Days of Our Lives." A dash of statistics, a smidgen of skepticism, and a generous dollop of whimsy formed the cornerstone of our methodology. What we unearthed was nothing short of astonishing – a correlation coefficient that would make even the most seasoned statistician raise an eyebrow and a p-value that could make a skeptic stop, well, being so skeptical.
Now, before you dismiss our findings as the delirious rants of academic pranksters, let's remember that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. In this lighthearted yet rigorous investigation, we invite you to join us in unpacking the peculiar parallels and peculiarities between particulate matter and plotlines, ozone levels and on-screen love triangles. Our aim is not just to elucidate this whimsical correlation, but to infuse a healthy dose of, dare we say, mirth into the often austere world of scholarly discourse. We implore you to become a part of this mirthful pursuit, as we probe the intersection of air pollution and soap opera suspense, and leave no pun unturned in our quest for enlightenment. Stay tuned for the deluge of data, the drama of statistical analyses, and the delightful detours into the humorous side of academia. It's time to take a breath of fresh air, albeit with a hint of statistical emissions, as we unravel the astoundingly absurd association between Ithaca's air quality and the timeless allure of "Days of Our Lives." Let's dive in, shall we?

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To commence our outlandish odyssey into uncovering the correlation between air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for "Days of Our Lives," we undertook a methodology both whimsical and rigorous. Our team of intrepid researchers, armed with inexhaustible reserves of curiosity and an eclectic playlist of soap opera soundtracks, ventured forth into the labyrinthine landscape of data analysis. Now, let's peel back the curtain and reveal the convoluted concoction of methods that fueled our fanciful investigation.

Data Collection:
First and foremost, we scoured the troves of the Environmental Protection Agency, where air quality data from 1990 to 2021 danced like dust motes in the digital domain. We assimilated a profusion of information on various air pollutants, including but not limited to particulate matter, ozone, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide. From these archives of airborne anomalies, we extracted the quintessence of Ithaca's atmospheric alchemy.

Simultaneously, we traversed the virtual corridors of Wikipedia, where the annals of "Days of Our Lives" viewership counts awaited our unfettered scrutiny. With an eye for the absurd and a penchant for pop culture profundity, we compiled the tumultuous tale of soap opera success through the lens of viewership data spanning the same period.

Correlation Calculations and Statistical Shenanigans:
Armed with a cacophony of statistical software and a cargo hold of caffeine, we embarked on the treacherous trek through correlation calculations. We dared to cast our lot with the Pearson correlation coefficient, beckoning it to unravel the enigmatic entanglement between air pollutants and soap opera saga. Lo and behold, the correlation coefficient of 0.8801793 emerged from the statistical cauldron, casting a spell of shock and awe upon our intrepid team.

But wait, that's not all! The p-value – that elusive arbiter of statistical significance – graced us with its presence, flaunting a value of less than 0.01. A moment of silence, if you will, for the incredulousness that ensued. Yes, we dared to dream, and in the realm of p-values, our dreams materialized into the statistically significant evidence of an astonishing association.

Regression Modeling and Residual Revelry:
With the correlation coefficient and p-value in hand, we steer our ship into the tempest of regression modeling. We ventured forth to swathe our data in the warmth of regression curves, allowing the residuals to tell their own peculiar tale. The residual revelry that transpired defied mundane expectations, adding a whimsical layer of intrigue to our already befuddling study.

To further ensure the robustness of our analysis, we subjected our findings to the discerning gaze of a sensitivity analysis. We prodded and poked the data, subjecting it to stress tests and perturbations, yet the correlation remained stalwart, a testament to the resolute bond between air pollution and soap opera sentiment.

In summation, our methodology was a medley of mirth and methodology, a whimsical fusion of statistical sacraments and soap opera sorcery. Our alliterative analysis led us to not only confirm the correlation between air pollution in Ithaca and "Days of Our Lives" viewership count but also to revel in the delightfully absurd nature of academic pursuits. As we march forth, let us hoist the flag of mirthful investigation high and celebrate the enchanting confluence of air pollutants and soap opera musings. Onward, fellow scholars, to the realm of statistical whimsy and scholarly satire!


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a researcher writing an academic paper.You draft the results section of an academic research paper. You speak in the past tense (you found...).
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Ithaca and Viewership count for Days of Our Lives. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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

For the time period 1990 to 2021, you found a correlation 0.8801793, r-squared of 0.7747155, 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]]
Airing the Affect of Air Pollution: An Alliterative Analysis of the Astounding Association between Ithaca's Air Quality and Days of Our Lives Viewership

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research paper unearths the unexpected connection between air pollution in the quaint town of Ithaca and the viewership count for the long-running soap opera "Days of Our Lives." Our study delves into the data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Wikipedia, leveraging an alliterative analysis to unravel the relationship between these seemingly disparate factors. With meticulous statistical analysis, we discovered a correlation coefficient of 0.8801793 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1990 to 2021. Prepare to be astounded as we unveil the peculiar parallels and peculiarities between particulate matter and plotlines, ozone levels and on-screen love triangles. In this lighthearted yet rigorous investigation, we aim to shed light on this whimsical correlation and spark a conversation that is both intellectually stimulating and acutely amusing.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
Greetings esteemed colleagues and fellow aficionados of the academic absurdity! Today, we embark on a whimsical journey into the realm of correlation, causation, and soap opera sensations. In this fanciful foray, we aim to unravel the peculiar parallels between Ithaca's air quality and the quintessential daytime drama, "Days of Our Lives." Yes, you read that right. We are about to dive headfirst into the aromatic abyss of air pollution and the gripping storylines of Salem's finest residents. So, fasten your lab coats, grab your popcorn, and get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the realms of environmental science and soap opera fandom.
As we all know, Ithaca is renowned for its natural beauty, gorges, and improbable weather patterns. It's the epitome of a picturesque paradise, nestled amidst the Finger Lakes region of New York. However, lurking beneath the surface of this idyllic setting is the enigmatic interplay of air pollutants, from the benign to the downright befuddling. On the other hand, "Days of Our Lives," a stalwart of daytime television, has been enthralling audiences with its convoluted plotlines, amorous escapades, and the occasional resurrection for over half a century. Now, what could possibly bridge the gap between these seemingly incongruous entities?
Enter our intrepid endeavor – an audacious attempt to unearth the curious correlation between these disparate phenomena. Armed with an arsenal of data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the annals of Wikipedia, we set out to sniff out the connection between Ithaca's air quality and the viewership count for "Days of Our Lives." A dash of statistics, a smidgen of skepticism, and a generous dollop of whimsy formed the cornerstone of our methodology. What we unearthed was nothing short of astonishing – a correlation coefficient that would make even the most seasoned statistician raise an eyebrow and a p-value that could make a skeptic stop, well, being so skeptical.
Now, before you dismiss our findings as the delirious rants of academic pranksters, let's remember that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. In this lighthearted yet rigorous investigation, we invite you to join us in unpacking the peculiar parallels and peculiarities between particulate matter and plotlines, ozone levels and on-screen love triangles. Our aim is not just to elucidate this whimsical correlation, but to infuse a healthy dose of, dare we say, mirth into the often austere world of scholarly discourse. We implore you to become a part of this mirthful pursuit, as we probe the intersection of air pollution and soap opera suspense, and leave no pun unturned in our quest for enlightenment. Stay tuned for the deluge of data, the drama of statistical analyses, and the delightful detours into the humorous side of academia. It's time to take a breath of fresh air, albeit with a hint of statistical emissions, as we unravel the astoundingly absurd association between Ithaca's air quality and the timeless allure of "Days of Our Lives." Let's dive in, shall we?

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

Upon conducting our meticulous statistical analysis, we uncovered a remarkably strong correlation between air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for "Days of Our Lives." With a correlation coefficient of 0.8801793 and an r-squared of 0.7747155, the connection between these seemingly unrelated entities surpassed our initial expectations. In addition, the p-value being less than 0.01 provided further evidence of the robustness of this unconventional relationship.

We present the compelling evidence in the form of a scatterplot (Fig. 1), which unequivocally illustrates the striking correlation between air pollution levels and the number of "Days of Our Lives" viewers. The scatterplot vividly captures the intertwining of these two seemingly incongruous variables, leaving no room for doubt regarding the strength of their association.

This finding not only defies conventional logic but also provides a whimsically intriguing insight into the potential influence of environmental factors on television viewership. As we continue to ponder the implications of this discovery, we are reminded that truth can indeed be stranger than fiction. The allure of statistical correlations truly knows no bounds, and the interconnectedness of the world never ceases to amaze, whether in matters of science, art, or, as we have discovered, soap operas.

In conclusion, our results highlight the substantial and statistically significant relationship between air pollution in Ithaca and the enduring popularity of "Days of Our Lives." This discovery beckons further exploration and may serve as a catalyst for engaging discussions at the intersection of environmental science and popular culture. As we revel in this unexpected convergence, let us remember that amidst the data and hypotheses, there is always room for a touch of whimsy and wonder.

Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the implications of this peculiar correlation and continue to uncover the delightful surprises that await at the intersection of science and storytelling. It's enough to take your breath away... or fill it with statistically significant suspense!


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a researcher writing an academic paper.You draft the discussion section of an academic research paper.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Ithaca and Viewership count for Days of Our Lives. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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]]
Airing the Affect of Air Pollution: An Alliterative Analysis of the Astounding Association between Ithaca's Air Quality and Days of Our Lives Viewership

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research paper unearths the unexpected connection between air pollution in the quaint town of Ithaca and the viewership count for the long-running soap opera "Days of Our Lives." Our study delves into the data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Wikipedia, leveraging an alliterative analysis to unravel the relationship between these seemingly disparate factors. With meticulous statistical analysis, we discovered a correlation coefficient of 0.8801793 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1990 to 2021. Prepare to be astounded as we unveil the peculiar parallels and peculiarities between particulate matter and plotlines, ozone levels and on-screen love triangles. In this lighthearted yet rigorous investigation, we aim to shed light on this whimsical correlation and spark a conversation that is both intellectually stimulating and acutely amusing.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The relationship between environmental factors and human behavior has long been a subject of interest in academic circles. Numerous studies have sought to explore the influence of air pollution on various aspects of human activity, from health outcomes to cognitive function. Smith and Doe (2010) investigated the impact of particulate matter on human mood and found a significant association between elevated levels of air pollutants and a decrease in overall sense of well-being. Similarly, Jones et al. (2015) examined the effects of ozone exposure on cognitive performance, revealing a negative correlation between ozone concentrations and cognitive abilities.
Moving on to the realm of entertainment and media consumption, the literature offers intriguing insights into the factors influencing viewership patterns. In "The Media Equation," Reeves and Nass (1996) delved into the psychological mechanisms underlying individuals' responses to media content, shedding light on the emotional and cognitive connections forged between audiences and televised narratives. Moreover, the enduring popularity of soap operas, as explored in "Soap Opera and Social Order" by Ang (1985), reflects the enduring appeal of melodramatic storytelling and its resonance with viewers across diverse demographics.
Venturing into the more lighthearted side of literary analysis, we encounter fictional works that, while not directly related to our research focus, bear titles and themes that evoke the whimsy and intrigue inherent in our endeavor. "The Scent of Scandal" by Carole Matthews might prompt one to imagine the olfactory repercussions of Ithaca's air quality issues on the scandalous plotlines of "Days of Our Lives." Meanwhile, the timeless classic "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell beckons us to ponder the metaphorical implications of airborne pollutants sweeping through the lives of Salem's inhabitants like a tempestuous gust.
In a departure from conventional research sources, we must divulge a rather unusual but nonetheless enlightening avenue we pursued in our literature review. As part of our unorthodox approach to gathering diverse perspectives, our team delved into the realm of unconventional text sources, including the backs of shampoo bottles, with their enigmatic promises of "hair transformations" and "revitalizing effects." While the applicability of such sources to our research may seem tenuous at best, we found them to be surprisingly refreshing and informative, if not entirely odorless.
This eclectic traversal through the literature landscape provides a comprehensive backdrop for our investigation into the correlation between Ithaca's air quality and "Days of Our Lives" viewership. As we navigate the scholarly terrain and embrace the occasional detour into levity, we remain resolute in our commitment to unraveling the profound yet preposterous connection between environmental air pollutants and the melodramatic allure of daytime television.

[[RESULTS]]
Upon conducting our meticulous statistical analysis, we uncovered a remarkably strong correlation between air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for "Days of Our Lives." With a correlation coefficient of 0.8801793 and an r-squared of 0.7747155, the connection between these seemingly unrelated entities surpassed our initial expectations. In addition, the p-value being less than 0.01 provided further evidence of the robustness of this unconventional relationship.
We present the compelling evidence in the form of a scatterplot (Fig. 1), which unequivocally illustrates the striking correlation between air pollution levels and the number of "Days of Our Lives" viewers. The scatterplot vividly captures the intertwining of these two seemingly incongruous variables, leaving no room for doubt regarding the strength of their association.
This finding not only defies conventional logic but also provides a whimsically intriguing insight into the potential influence of environmental factors on television viewership. As we continue to ponder the implications of this discovery, we are reminded that truth can indeed be stranger than fiction. The allure of statistical correlations truly knows no bounds, and the interconnectedness of the world never ceases to amaze, whether in matters of science, art, or, as we have discovered, soap operas.
In conclusion, our results highlight the substantial and statistically significant relationship between air pollution in Ithaca and the enduring popularity of "Days of Our Lives." This discovery beckons further exploration and may serve as a catalyst for engaging discussions at the intersection of environmental science and popular culture. As we revel in this unexpected convergence, let us remember that amidst the data and hypotheses, there is always room for a touch of whimsy and wonder.
Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the implications of this peculiar correlation and continue to uncover the delightful surprises that await at the intersection of science and storytelling. It's enough to take your breath away... or fill it with statistically significant suspense!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The correlation we uncovered between air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for "Days of Our Lives" is nothing short of staggering. It seems that the dramatic twists and turns of soap opera plots may not be the only factors keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. Our findings not only support prior research but add a breath of fresh air to the field by shedding light on an unusual correlation that is as unpredictable as a soap opera's plotline.

Our literature review, while not short on amusing diversions, did provide invaluable insights that align with our results. Smith and Doe's (2010) study on the impact of particulate matter on mood resonated with our findings, as the fluctuating levels of air pollutants can indeed be mood-altering in more ways than one. Jones et al.'s (2015) investigation into the effects of ozone exposure on cognitive performance also seems to align with our discovery, which could suggest that air quality may influence not just cognitive abilities but also entertainment choices. Who knew that breathing in clean air could be as rewarding as tuning in to your favorite soap opera?

Furthermore, the mirthful references to speculative literary works actually sparked some intriguing thoughts. Could the "scent of scandal" indeed be wafting through the air of Ithaca and finding its way onto the small screen in Salem? The metaphorical implications of airborne pollutants "sweeping through the lives" of Salem's inhabitants in "Gone with the Wind" take on a surprisingly synchronous tone in light of our findings. It seems that life is imitating art in more ways than previously imagined.

In essence, our results lend credence to the idea that the whimsical correlation between environmental air pollutants and the melodramatic allure of daytime television cannot be dismissed as mere happenstance. The statistical significance underscores the robustness of this intriguing relationship, inviting further exploration and perhaps inspiring a new genre of entertainment - "environmental soap operas," anyone? It is abundantly clear that truth can indeed be stranger than fiction, and our study serves as a testament to the unexpected twists awaiting discovery at the intersection of science and storytelling.

As we eagerly anticipate future avenues of research into the curious confluence of air pollution and daytime drama, it is evident that this unlikely association has unfurled a new chapter in the annals of interdisciplinary exploration. The implications of our findings, while undeniably lighthearted, hold the potential to prompt thoughtful discussions on the ripple effects of environmental factors in shaping cultural preferences and behavior. So, let us not only marvel at the statistical marvels but also revel in the captivating allure of uncovering the unexpected amidst the seemingly ordinary. Who knew that the air in Ithaca could carry such dramatic weight and be as influential as the most compelling soap opera saga? It's truly a breath of fresh air in the world of research.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a researcher writing an academic paper.You draft the discussion section of goofy academic research papers that sounds like it belongs based on the title and abstract provided.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Ithaca and Viewership count for Days of Our Lives. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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]]
Airing the Affect of Air Pollution: An Alliterative Analysis of the Astounding Association between Ithaca's Air Quality and Days of Our Lives Viewership

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research paper unearths the unexpected connection between air pollution in the quaint town of Ithaca and the viewership count for the long-running soap opera "Days of Our Lives." Our study delves into the data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Wikipedia, leveraging an alliterative analysis to unravel the relationship between these seemingly disparate factors. With meticulous statistical analysis, we discovered a correlation coefficient of 0.8801793 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1990 to 2021. Prepare to be astounded as we unveil the peculiar parallels and peculiarities between particulate matter and plotlines, ozone levels and on-screen love triangles. In this lighthearted yet rigorous investigation, we aim to shed light on this whimsical correlation and spark a conversation that is both intellectually stimulating and acutely amusing.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
Greetings esteemed colleagues and fellow aficionados of the academic absurdity! Today, we embark on a whimsical journey into the realm of correlation, causation, and soap opera sensations. In this fanciful foray, we aim to unravel the peculiar parallels between Ithaca's air quality and the quintessential daytime drama, "Days of Our Lives." Yes, you read that right. We are about to dive headfirst into the aromatic abyss of air pollution and the gripping storylines of Salem's finest residents. So, fasten your lab coats, grab your popcorn, and get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the realms of environmental science and soap opera fandom.
As we all know, Ithaca is renowned for its natural beauty, gorges, and improbable weather patterns. It's the epitome of a picturesque paradise, nestled amidst the Finger Lakes region of New York. However, lurking beneath the surface of this idyllic setting is the enigmatic interplay of air pollutants, from the benign to the downright befuddling. On the other hand, "Days of Our Lives," a stalwart of daytime television, has been enthralling audiences with its convoluted plotlines, amorous escapades, and the occasional resurrection for over half a century. Now, what could possibly bridge the gap between these seemingly incongruous entities?
Enter our intrepid endeavor – an audacious attempt to unearth the curious correlation between these disparate phenomena. Armed with an arsenal of data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the annals of Wikipedia, we set out to sniff out the connection between Ithaca's air quality and the viewership count for "Days of Our Lives." A dash of statistics, a smidgen of skepticism, and a generous dollop of whimsy formed the cornerstone of our methodology. What we unearthed was nothing short of astonishing – a correlation coefficient that would make even the most seasoned statistician raise an eyebrow and a p-value that could make a skeptic stop, well, being so skeptical.
Now, before you dismiss our findings as the delirious rants of academic pranksters, let's remember that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. In this lighthearted yet rigorous investigation, we invite you to join us in unpacking the peculiar parallels and peculiarities between particulate matter and plotlines, ozone levels and on-screen love triangles. Our aim is not just to elucidate this whimsical correlation, but to infuse a healthy dose of, dare we say, mirth into the often austere world of scholarly discourse. We implore you to become a part of this mirthful pursuit, as we probe the intersection of air pollution and soap opera suspense, and leave no pun unturned in our quest for enlightenment. Stay tuned for the deluge of data, the drama of statistical analyses, and the delightful detours into the humorous side of academia. It's time to take a breath of fresh air, albeit with a hint of statistical emissions, as we unravel the astoundingly absurd association between Ithaca's air quality and the timeless allure of "Days of Our Lives." Let's dive in, shall we?

[[RESULTS]]
Upon conducting our meticulous statistical analysis, we uncovered a remarkably strong correlation between air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for "Days of Our Lives." With a correlation coefficient of 0.8801793 and an r-squared of 0.7747155, the connection between these seemingly unrelated entities surpassed our initial expectations. In addition, the p-value being less than 0.01 provided further evidence of the robustness of this unconventional relationship.
We present the compelling evidence in the form of a scatterplot (Fig. 1), which unequivocally illustrates the striking correlation between air pollution levels and the number of "Days of Our Lives" viewers. The scatterplot vividly captures the intertwining of these two seemingly incongruous variables, leaving no room for doubt regarding the strength of their association.
This finding not only defies conventional logic but also provides a whimsically intriguing insight into the potential influence of environmental factors on television viewership. As we continue to ponder the implications of this discovery, we are reminded that truth can indeed be stranger than fiction. The allure of statistical correlations truly knows no bounds, and the interconnectedness of the world never ceases to amaze, whether in matters of science, art, or, as we have discovered, soap operas.
In conclusion, our results highlight the substantial and statistically significant relationship between air pollution in Ithaca and the enduring popularity of "Days of Our Lives." This discovery beckons further exploration and may serve as a catalyst for engaging discussions at the intersection of environmental science and popular culture. As we revel in this unexpected convergence, let us remember that amidst the data and hypotheses, there is always room for a touch of whimsy and wonder.
Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the implications of this peculiar correlation and continue to uncover the delightful surprises that await at the intersection of science and storytelling. It's enough to take your breath away... or fill it with statistically significant suspense!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In closing, we have aired the astonishing association between Ithaca's air quality and "Days of Our Lives" viewership, revealing a correlation that rivals the drama on-screen. The statistical evidence is as clear as the skies on a pollution-free day, leaving no room for disbelief unless you're in Salem! While we acknowledge the seemingly absurd nature of this correlation, we are nonetheless astounded by its resolute strength and significance, which almost makes us want to call it "Air Pollution and the Restless Viewers." This groundbreaking research not only adds a breath of fresh air to the field but also proves that when it comes to statistical correlations, truth can often be stranger than fiction.

Now, as we close the chapter on this alliterative analysis, we confidently assert that no further research in this area is needed. After all, we've already aired out the unexpected connections between air pollution and soap opera viewership! So, let's raise a toast to the whimsy and wonder of scholarly exploration and bid adieu to this peculiar but surprisingly significant correlation. As the sands of time keep flowing in both the world of soap operas and environmental science, let us remember that sometimes, truth truly is more fantastical than the most convoluted soap opera plotline. Thank you for joining us on this delightfully dubious journey, and may the allure of statistical correlations continue to entertain and bemuse us all!


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 Airing the Affect of Air Pollution: An Alliterative Analysis of the Astounding Association between Ithaca's Air Quality and Days of Our Lives Viewership. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

Journal of Airborne Amusements


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 Airing the Affect of Air Pollution: An Alliterative Analysis of the Astounding Association between Ithaca's Air Quality and Days of Our Lives Viewership. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Institute for Zephyr Zealotry


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 Airing the Affect of Air Pollution: An Alliterative Analysis of the Astounding Association between Ithaca's Air Quality and Days of Our Lives Viewership with an abstract of This research paper unearths the unexpected connection between air pollution in the quaint town of Ithaca and the viewership count for the long-running soap opera "Days of Our Lives." Our study delves into the data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Wikipedia, leveraging an alliterative analysis to unravel the relationship between these seemingly disparate factors. With meticulous statistical analysis, we discovered a correlation coefficient of 0.8801793 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1990 to 2021. Prepare to be astounded as we unveil the peculiar parallels and peculiarities between particulate matter and plotlines, ozone levels and on-screen love triangles. In this lighthearted yet rigorous investigation, we aim to shed light on this whimsical correlation and spark a conversation that is both intellectually stimulating and acutely amusing.

ChatGPT:

Ithaca air pollution, Days of Our Lives viewership, air quality correlation, Environmental Protection Agency data, statistical analysis, particulate matter and plotlines, ozone levels and love triangles, alliterative analysis, whimsical correlation, peculiar parallels, astute conversation, intellectually stimulating, lighthearted investigation

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

Viewership count for Days of Our Lives
Detailed data title: Metered viewership count for Days of Our Lives
Source: Wikipedia
See what else correlates with Viewership count for Days of Our Lives

Correlation r = 0.8801793 (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 = 0.7747155 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 77.5% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Viewership count for Days of Our Lives) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Air pollution in Ithaca) over the 32 years from 1990 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 3.2E-11. 0.0000000000317901005038775500
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 0.88 in 3.2E-9% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 31,456,333,392 random variables You don't actually need 31 billion 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 31 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 31 because we have two variables measured over a period of 32 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.

[ 0.77, 0.94 ] 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.
19901991199219931994199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021
Air pollution in Ithaca (Bad air quality days)0.04885060.113260.0439560.07191780.0573770.07434940.04878050.04722220.09166670.05747130.03160920.06128130.06371190.02173910.005681820.03305780.002873560.0112360.0083102500.011594200.01714290000.0055401700.00277778000.00277778
Viewership count for Days of Our Lives (Nielson share)52000005400000490000056000005300000580000058000005100000580000042000003800000360000031000003100000270000026000002300000210000022000002200000200000020000002100000190000020500001800000160000016000001600000140000012000001200000




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.




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([0.0488506,0.11326,0.043956,0.0719178,0.057377,0.0743494,0.0487805,0.0472222,0.0916667,0.0574713,0.0316092,0.0612813,0.0637119,0.0217391,0.00568182,0.0330578,0.00287356,0.011236,0.00831025,0,0.0115942,0,0.0171429,0,0,0,0.00554017,0,0.00277778,0,0,0.00277778,])
array_2 = np.array([5200000,5400000,4900000,5600000,5300000,5800000,5800000,5100000,5800000,4200000,3800000,3600000,3100000,3100000,2700000,2600000,2300000,2100000,2200000,2200000,2000000,2000000,2100000,1900000,2050000,1800000,1600000,1600000,1600000,1400000,1200000,1200000,])
array_1_name = "Air pollution in Ithaca"
array_2_name = "Viewership count for Days of Our Lives"

# 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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You do not need to attribute "the spurious correlations website," and you don't even need to link here if you don't want to. I don't gain anything from pageviews. There are no ads on this site, there is nothing for sale, and I am not for hire.

For the record, I am just one person. Tyler Vigen, he/him/his. I do have degrees, but they should not go after my name unless you want to annoy my wife. If that is your goal, then go ahead and cite me as "Tyler Vigen, A.A. A.A.S. B.A. J.D." Otherwise it is just "Tyler Vigen."

When spoken, my last name is pronounced "vegan," like I don't eat meat.

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Correlation ID: 4654 · Black Variable ID: 22196 · Red Variable ID: 87
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