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Spurious correlation #1,124 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Fossil fuel use in Burundi and the second variable is Automotive recalls issued by Volkswagen Group of America.  The chart goes from 1980 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
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AI explanation

As Fossil fuel use in Burundi increased, it led to a rise in overall global temperature. This, in turn, put pressure on car engines, including those in Volkswagen vehicles, causing an uptick in malfunctions and prompting more Automotive recalls. It's a classic case of sparking hot issues in the automotive world!

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: [ Symbolism ] In this image, a bustling city in Burundi comes to life with an array of cars and buses maneuvering through narrow streets as smoke billows from their exhausts. The atmosphere is thick with a sense of urgency and movement. Meanwhile, in the United States, a line of shiny Volkswagen cars stands prominently, their hoods open as skilled mechanics meticulously work on their electronic systems, surrounded by an aura of technological prowess and precision. An invisible ripple effect originating from the carbon emissions in the Burundi city travels across the globe and abruptly disrupts the once flawless Volkswagen cars, causing them to glitch and demand immediate attention. 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: Increase in fossil fuel use in Burundi caused Automotive recalls issued by Volkswagen Group of America to also increase because the excessive emissions from burning fossil fuels in Burundi created a butterfly effect, leading to a surge in defective Volkswagen cars in the US. The increased carbon emissions somehow interfered with the electronic systems in the vehicles, prompting the recalls.. 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: An image that looks like it is a scene from a Pixar movie Symbolism Psychedelic Steampunk Cute 2D animation
ChatGPT: Symbolism

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. Increase in fossil fuel use in Burundi caused Automotive recalls issued by Volkswagen Group of America to also increase because the excessive emissions from burning fossil fuels in Burundi created a butterfly effect, leading to a surge in defective Volkswagen cars in the US. The increased carbon emissions somehow interfered with the electronic systems in the vehicles, prompting the recalls.
ChatGPT: Imagine a bustling city in Burundi where cars and buses are constantly moving with smoke billowing from their exhausts. Then, picture a line of shiny Volkswagen cars in the United States, with their hoods open and mechanics working on their electronic systems. As the carbon emissions rise in the Burundi city, an invisible ripple effect travels across the globe, causing these Volkswagen cars to suddenly glitch and require attention.

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: [ Symbolism ] and depicting this scene: Imagine a bustling city in Burundi where cars and buses are constantly moving with smoke billowing from their exhausts. Then, picture a line of shiny Volkswagen cars in the United States, with their hoods open and mechanics working on their electronic systems. As the carbon emissions rise in the Burundi city, an invisible ripple effect travels across the globe, causing these Volkswagen cars to suddenly glitch and require attention. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: [ Symbolism ] In this image, a bustling city in Burundi comes to life with an array of cars and buses maneuvering through narrow streets as smoke billows from their exhausts. The atmosphere is thick with a sense of urgency and movement. Meanwhile, in the United States, a line of shiny Volkswagen cars stands prominently, their hoods open as skilled mechanics meticulously work on their electronic systems, surrounded by an aura of technological prowess and precision. An invisible ripple effect originating from the carbon emissions in the Burundi city travels across the globe and abruptly disrupts the once flawless Volkswagen cars, causing them to glitch and demand immediate attention.

*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 an increase in Fossil fuel use in Burundi caused Automotive recalls issued by Volkswagen Group of America to increase. Add a funny one-liner at the end.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Fuel for Thought: The Correlation Between Fossil Fuel Use in Burundi and Automotive Recalls by Volkswagen Group of America

The International Journal of Fuel Economics and Automotive Engineering

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 Fossil fuel use in Burundi and Automotive recalls issued by Volkswagen Group of America. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Make the title a clever pun.

Your research team used data from Energy Information Administration and US DOT to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.9120695 and p < 0.01 for 1980 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]]
Fuel for Thought: The Correlation Between Fossil Fuel Use in Burundi and Automotive Recalls by Volkswagen Group of America

[[ABSTRACT]]
As the saying goes, "where there's smoke, there's fire," and in the case of our research, where there's fossil fuel use, there's automotive recalls! In this lighthearted yet enlightening study, our research team delves into the curious connection between the consumption of fossil fuels in Burundi and the issuance of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. We've meticulously analyzed data from the Energy Information Administration and the US DOT, seeking to uncover any potential link between these seemingly unrelated factors.

With a correlation coefficient of 0.9120695 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1980 to 2021, our findings suggest a surprisingly strong relationship between fossil fuel use in Burundi and the frequency of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. It seems that when it comes to vehicle safety, the proof is in the petrol, and the correlation is undeniable—much like a dad's love for telling cringe-worthy jokes.

Our results emphasize the need for further investigation into the factors that underlie this unexpected connection, including the influence of environmental conditions on vehicle performance and the impact of fuel quality on automotive components. This research not only sheds light on this peculiar correlation, but also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary inquiry in uncovering the hidden humor—er, I mean, connections—between diverse phenomena.


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 Fossil fuel use in Burundi and Automotive recalls issued by Volkswagen Group of America. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Fuel for Thought: The Correlation Between Fossil Fuel Use in Burundi and Automotive Recalls by Volkswagen Group of America

[[ABSTRACT]]
As the saying goes, "where there's smoke, there's fire," and in the case of our research, where there's fossil fuel use, there's automotive recalls! In this lighthearted yet enlightening study, our research team delves into the curious connection between the consumption of fossil fuels in Burundi and the issuance of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. We've meticulously analyzed data from the Energy Information Administration and the US DOT, seeking to uncover any potential link between these seemingly unrelated factors.

With a correlation coefficient of 0.9120695 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1980 to 2021, our findings suggest a surprisingly strong relationship between fossil fuel use in Burundi and the frequency of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. It seems that when it comes to vehicle safety, the proof is in the petrol, and the correlation is undeniable—much like a dad's love for telling cringe-worthy jokes.

Our results emphasize the need for further investigation into the factors that underlie this unexpected connection, including the influence of environmental conditions on vehicle performance and the impact of fuel quality on automotive components. This research not only sheds light on this peculiar correlation, but also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary inquiry in uncovering the hidden humor—er, I mean, connections—between diverse phenomena.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

Fuel for Thought: The Correlation Between Fossil Fuel Use in Burundi and Automotive Recalls by Volkswagen Group of America

As the old adage goes, "I used to be a fan of gasoline, but then I realized diesel is where it's fueling." In this paper, we strive to shed light on the unexpected correlation between the consumption of fossil fuels in Burundi and the occurrence of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. Through a blend of data analysis and humorous musings, we aim to uncover the underlying factors that tie these seemingly disparate elements together.

When it comes to research, it's important to approach the topic with a good sense of humor, much like a well-oiled machine running on premium dad jokes. Our journey begins with the understanding that correlations are often like fuel gauges—sometimes full of surprises. By examining data from the Energy Information Administration and the US Department of Transportation, we endeavored to connect the dots between fossil fuel use and automotive recalls, aiming to answer the question: "What's driving the link between gas and gaffes?"

With a correlation coefficient that's tighter than a lug nut and a p-value smaller than a spark plug, our findings reveal a compelling relationship between fossil fuel consumption in Burundi and the frequency of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. This connection is no joke—though we can't promise you won't find a few puns and chuckles along the way.

Our results indicate that there's more to this correlation than meets the eye. It's as if these variables are in a gearhead relationship, with one directly impacting the performance of the other. By shining a light on this unexpected connection, we hope to spark interest in further exploration of the factors at play, such as how environmental conditions may impact vehicle safety and how fuel quality could drive automotive component issues. This research isn't just about mixing oil and water—though we've certainly added a dash of humor to the academic mix—it's about uncovering the hidden links between seemingly unrelated phenomena, much like the surprise of finding a dad joke in the footnotes of a research paper.


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 Fossil fuel use in Burundi and Automotive recalls issued by Volkswagen Group of America. 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 you might move on to cartoons and children's shows that you watched for research.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Fuel for Thought: The Correlation Between Fossil Fuel Use in Burundi and Automotive Recalls by Volkswagen Group of America

[[ABSTRACT]]
As the saying goes, "where there's smoke, there's fire," and in the case of our research, where there's fossil fuel use, there's automotive recalls! In this lighthearted yet enlightening study, our research team delves into the curious connection between the consumption of fossil fuels in Burundi and the issuance of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. We've meticulously analyzed data from the Energy Information Administration and the US DOT, seeking to uncover any potential link between these seemingly unrelated factors.

With a correlation coefficient of 0.9120695 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1980 to 2021, our findings suggest a surprisingly strong relationship between fossil fuel use in Burundi and the frequency of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. It seems that when it comes to vehicle safety, the proof is in the petrol, and the correlation is undeniable—much like a dad's love for telling cringe-worthy jokes.

Our results emphasize the need for further investigation into the factors that underlie this unexpected connection, including the influence of environmental conditions on vehicle performance and the impact of fuel quality on automotive components. This research not only sheds light on this peculiar correlation, but also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary inquiry in uncovering the hidden humor—er, I mean, connections—between diverse phenomena.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
Fuel for Thought: The Correlation Between Fossil Fuel Use in Burundi and Automotive Recalls by Volkswagen Group of America
As the old adage goes, "I used to be a fan of gasoline, but then I realized diesel is where it's fueling." In this paper, we strive to shed light on the unexpected correlation between the consumption of fossil fuels in Burundi and the occurrence of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. Through a blend of data analysis and humorous musings, we aim to uncover the underlying factors that tie these seemingly disparate elements together.
When it comes to research, it's important to approach the topic with a good sense of humor, much like a well-oiled machine running on premium dad jokes. Our journey begins with the understanding that correlations are often like fuel gauges—sometimes full of surprises. By examining data from the Energy Information Administration and the US Department of Transportation, we endeavored to connect the dots between fossil fuel use and automotive recalls, aiming to answer the question: "What's driving the link between gas and gaffes?"
With a correlation coefficient that's tighter than a lug nut and a p-value smaller than a spark plug, our findings reveal a compelling relationship between fossil fuel consumption in Burundi and the frequency of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. This connection is no joke—though we can't promise you won't find a few puns and chuckles along the way.
Our results indicate that there's more to this correlation than meets the eye. It's as if these variables are in a gearhead relationship, with one directly impacting the performance of the other. By shining a light on this unexpected connection, we hope to spark interest in further exploration of the factors at play, such as how environmental conditions may impact vehicle safety and how fuel quality could drive automotive component issues. This research isn't just about mixing oil and water—though we've certainly added a dash of humor to the academic mix—it's about uncovering the hidden links between seemingly unrelated phenomena, much like the surprise of finding a dad joke in the footnotes of a research paper.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

Numerous studies have delved into the intricate web of factors contributing to automotive recalls, with a focus on various aspects such as manufacturing defects, design flaws, and regulatory compliance. Smith et al. (2010) investigated the relationship between vehicle safety recalls and production processes, highlighting the critical role of quality control in preventing potential safety hazards. Similarly, Doe and Jones (2015) analyzed the correlation between consumer complaints and automotive recalls, emphasizing the importance of prompt responsiveness to customer feedback in ensuring product safety and satisfaction.

Now, let's shift gears and take a detour into the world of non-fiction books to gain a fresh perspective. In "The Big Rig: Trucking and the Decline of the American Dream" by Steve Viscelli, the author explores the intricate logistics of the trucking industry and its impact on fuel consumption, providing valuable insights into the complex network of fossil fuel use. Furthermore, "The Diesel Brothers: A Truckin' Awesome Guide to Trucks and Life" by Heavy D and Diesel Dave offers a lighthearted yet informative take on diesel-powered machines, showcasing the extraordinary passion and dedication that fuel enthusiasts bring to the automotive world.

And now, for a bit of creative indulgence, let's take a whimsical dive into the world of fiction. In Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Hound of the Baskervilles," the enigmatic moors and their mysterious inhabitants serve as a metaphor for the elusive connection between fossil fuel use in remote regions and the unexpected repercussions in the automotive industry. Additionally, Michael Crichton's "Jurassic Park" may seem worlds apart, but the consequences of manipulating ancient biological resources draw an uncanny parallel to the unexpected link between fossil fuel use and automotive recalls—sometimes, the past can certainly come back to haunt us.

In the spirit of interdisciplinary inquiry, we turn now to the world of cartoons and children's shows for a touch of whimsy and wonder. "The Magic School Bus" provides a delightful exploration of scientific phenomena, inviting us to hop aboard for an imaginative journey into the realms of fossil fuels and their impact on the environment. Meanwhile, "Wacky Races" offers a comical representation of automotive adventures, encapsulating the unpredictable nature of vehicle escapades that mirrors the surprising correlation we've uncovered.

But wait, there's more! Did you hear about the car that got a flat tire? It was a "tire"-rific sight!



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 Fossil fuel use in Burundi and Automotive recalls issued by Volkswagen Group of America. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Energy Information Administration and US DOT . You used data from 1980 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]]
Fuel for Thought: The Correlation Between Fossil Fuel Use in Burundi and Automotive Recalls by Volkswagen Group of America

[[ABSTRACT]]
As the saying goes, "where there's smoke, there's fire," and in the case of our research, where there's fossil fuel use, there's automotive recalls! In this lighthearted yet enlightening study, our research team delves into the curious connection between the consumption of fossil fuels in Burundi and the issuance of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. We've meticulously analyzed data from the Energy Information Administration and the US DOT, seeking to uncover any potential link between these seemingly unrelated factors.

With a correlation coefficient of 0.9120695 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1980 to 2021, our findings suggest a surprisingly strong relationship between fossil fuel use in Burundi and the frequency of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. It seems that when it comes to vehicle safety, the proof is in the petrol, and the correlation is undeniable—much like a dad's love for telling cringe-worthy jokes.

Our results emphasize the need for further investigation into the factors that underlie this unexpected connection, including the influence of environmental conditions on vehicle performance and the impact of fuel quality on automotive components. This research not only sheds light on this peculiar correlation, but also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary inquiry in uncovering the hidden humor—er, I mean, connections—between diverse phenomena.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
Fuel for Thought: The Correlation Between Fossil Fuel Use in Burundi and Automotive Recalls by Volkswagen Group of America
As the old adage goes, "I used to be a fan of gasoline, but then I realized diesel is where it's fueling." In this paper, we strive to shed light on the unexpected correlation between the consumption of fossil fuels in Burundi and the occurrence of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. Through a blend of data analysis and humorous musings, we aim to uncover the underlying factors that tie these seemingly disparate elements together.
When it comes to research, it's important to approach the topic with a good sense of humor, much like a well-oiled machine running on premium dad jokes. Our journey begins with the understanding that correlations are often like fuel gauges—sometimes full of surprises. By examining data from the Energy Information Administration and the US Department of Transportation, we endeavored to connect the dots between fossil fuel use and automotive recalls, aiming to answer the question: "What's driving the link between gas and gaffes?"
With a correlation coefficient that's tighter than a lug nut and a p-value smaller than a spark plug, our findings reveal a compelling relationship between fossil fuel consumption in Burundi and the frequency of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. This connection is no joke—though we can't promise you won't find a few puns and chuckles along the way.
Our results indicate that there's more to this correlation than meets the eye. It's as if these variables are in a gearhead relationship, with one directly impacting the performance of the other. By shining a light on this unexpected connection, we hope to spark interest in further exploration of the factors at play, such as how environmental conditions may impact vehicle safety and how fuel quality could drive automotive component issues. This research isn't just about mixing oil and water—though we've certainly added a dash of humor to the academic mix—it's about uncovering the hidden links between seemingly unrelated phenomena, much like the surprise of finding a dad joke in the footnotes of a research paper.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To unearth the interconnectedness of fossil fuel use in Burundi and automotive recalls issued by Volkswagen Group of America, our research team conducted a series of rigorous yet rib-tickling data analyses. First, we had to fuel up on data, combing through a plethora of sources like an overzealous mechanic on a quest for the perfect meme—our primary pit stops being the Energy Information Administration and the US Department of Transportation. With data spanning from 1980 to 2021, we were prepared to rev our engines and embark on the most unconventional of comparative explorations.

To measure the extent of fossil fuel use in Burundi, we implemented a uniquely convoluted methodology that involved counting the number of ostriches in the country (for their carbon footprint, of course) and converting this figure into an estimate of fossil fuel consumption using an algorithm we affectionately named "Petro-Poultry Converter 9000." This approach allowed us to incorporate an avian perspective into our research, after all, who better to gauge the impact of fossil fuels than the flightless wonders of the animal kingdom?

Inspired by the concept of "vroom vroom" rather than "broom broom," our method for assessing the volume of automotive recalls issued by Volkswagen Group of America involved tracking the number of unsuspecting drivers who, upon hearing about a recall, exclaimed, "Oh, the humanity!" We then cross-referenced this with the pre-determined level of exasperation in their voices, measured on a scale from "mild inconvenience" to "existential crisis." Of course, in the interest of scientific accuracy, we also factored in the actual quantity of recalls reported by the company.

Next, to establish the correlation between these seemingly disparate phenomena, we employed a statistical technique so cutting-edge that it could rival the finest Swiss cheese grater. Our aptly named "Fun with Fuelometrics" analysis method utilized a combination of regression models and a side of good-natured banter to determine the strength and significance of the relationship between fossil fuel use in Burundi and automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. We then proceeded to calculate the correlation coefficient with the same gusto as a car enthusiast viewing a vintage Bugatti.

Finally, in ongoing homage to all things automotive and absurd, we conducted a sensitivity analysis by varying the horsepower of our computational model to ascertain the robustness of our findings. This included casting the data in a variety of automotive-themed scenarios, such as simulating a high-speed chase with statistical outliers or navigating the treacherous terrain of multicollinearity with the finesse of a Formula 1 driver.

In essence, our methodology combines the precision of scientific inquiry with the levity of a stand-up comedy show, producing a comprehensive yet delightfully unconventional exploration of the correlation between fossil fuel use in Burundi and the issuance of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America.


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 Fossil fuel use in Burundi and Automotive recalls issued by Volkswagen Group of America. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Energy Information Administration and US DOT .

For the time period 1980 to 2021, you found a correlation 0.9120695, r-squared of 0.8318708, 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]]
Fuel for Thought: The Correlation Between Fossil Fuel Use in Burundi and Automotive Recalls by Volkswagen Group of America

[[ABSTRACT]]
As the saying goes, "where there's smoke, there's fire," and in the case of our research, where there's fossil fuel use, there's automotive recalls! In this lighthearted yet enlightening study, our research team delves into the curious connection between the consumption of fossil fuels in Burundi and the issuance of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. We've meticulously analyzed data from the Energy Information Administration and the US DOT, seeking to uncover any potential link between these seemingly unrelated factors.

With a correlation coefficient of 0.9120695 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1980 to 2021, our findings suggest a surprisingly strong relationship between fossil fuel use in Burundi and the frequency of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. It seems that when it comes to vehicle safety, the proof is in the petrol, and the correlation is undeniable—much like a dad's love for telling cringe-worthy jokes.

Our results emphasize the need for further investigation into the factors that underlie this unexpected connection, including the influence of environmental conditions on vehicle performance and the impact of fuel quality on automotive components. This research not only sheds light on this peculiar correlation, but also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary inquiry in uncovering the hidden humor—er, I mean, connections—between diverse phenomena.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
Fuel for Thought: The Correlation Between Fossil Fuel Use in Burundi and Automotive Recalls by Volkswagen Group of America
As the old adage goes, "I used to be a fan of gasoline, but then I realized diesel is where it's fueling." In this paper, we strive to shed light on the unexpected correlation between the consumption of fossil fuels in Burundi and the occurrence of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. Through a blend of data analysis and humorous musings, we aim to uncover the underlying factors that tie these seemingly disparate elements together.
When it comes to research, it's important to approach the topic with a good sense of humor, much like a well-oiled machine running on premium dad jokes. Our journey begins with the understanding that correlations are often like fuel gauges—sometimes full of surprises. By examining data from the Energy Information Administration and the US Department of Transportation, we endeavored to connect the dots between fossil fuel use and automotive recalls, aiming to answer the question: "What's driving the link between gas and gaffes?"
With a correlation coefficient that's tighter than a lug nut and a p-value smaller than a spark plug, our findings reveal a compelling relationship between fossil fuel consumption in Burundi and the frequency of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. This connection is no joke—though we can't promise you won't find a few puns and chuckles along the way.
Our results indicate that there's more to this correlation than meets the eye. It's as if these variables are in a gearhead relationship, with one directly impacting the performance of the other. By shining a light on this unexpected connection, we hope to spark interest in further exploration of the factors at play, such as how environmental conditions may impact vehicle safety and how fuel quality could drive automotive component issues. This research isn't just about mixing oil and water—though we've certainly added a dash of humor to the academic mix—it's about uncovering the hidden links between seemingly unrelated phenomena, much like the surprise of finding a dad joke in the footnotes of a research paper.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The analysis of the data uncovered a remarkably strong correlation between fossil fuel use in Burundi and the volume of automotive recalls issued by Volkswagen Group of America. The correlation coefficient of 0.9120695 suggests a relationship tighter than a well-tuned engine, demonstrating a connection that can't be dismissed as mere coincidence. Our findings indicate that as fossil fuel consumption in Burundi increased, so did the frequency of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America, painting a picture that's as clear as the view through a windshield wiped clean of bad jokes.

The r-squared value of 0.8318708 further emphasizes the robustness of the correlation, highlighting the validity and reliability of the relationship between these two seemingly incongruent variables. The p-value of less than 0.01 reinforces the statistical significance of the correlation, revealing a connection more solid than a car door shut tight, and certainly not up for debate—though it might be up for a bit of dad joke banter.

The scatterplot (see Fig. 1) visually represents the strong positive correlation between fossil fuel use in Burundi and automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. The data points form a clear upward trend, indicating that as fossil fuel use increased, so did the number of automotive recalls—an association as undeniable as a mechanic's love for a good "wrench" in the plans.

These results provide compelling evidence for the existence of a substantive relationship between these variables, inviting further exploration and investigation into the underlying mechanisms driving this unexpected correlation. After all, when it comes to uncovering hidden connections, it seems that where there's fuel, there's sure to be some "spark" of insight.


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 Fossil fuel use in Burundi and Automotive recalls issued by Volkswagen Group of America. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

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]]
Fuel for Thought: The Correlation Between Fossil Fuel Use in Burundi and Automotive Recalls by Volkswagen Group of America

[[ABSTRACT]]
As the saying goes, "where there's smoke, there's fire," and in the case of our research, where there's fossil fuel use, there's automotive recalls! In this lighthearted yet enlightening study, our research team delves into the curious connection between the consumption of fossil fuels in Burundi and the issuance of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. We've meticulously analyzed data from the Energy Information Administration and the US DOT, seeking to uncover any potential link between these seemingly unrelated factors.

With a correlation coefficient of 0.9120695 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1980 to 2021, our findings suggest a surprisingly strong relationship between fossil fuel use in Burundi and the frequency of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. It seems that when it comes to vehicle safety, the proof is in the petrol, and the correlation is undeniable—much like a dad's love for telling cringe-worthy jokes.

Our results emphasize the need for further investigation into the factors that underlie this unexpected connection, including the influence of environmental conditions on vehicle performance and the impact of fuel quality on automotive components. This research not only sheds light on this peculiar correlation, but also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary inquiry in uncovering the hidden humor—er, I mean, connections—between diverse phenomena.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
Numerous studies have delved into the intricate web of factors contributing to automotive recalls, with a focus on various aspects such as manufacturing defects, design flaws, and regulatory compliance. Smith et al. (2010) investigated the relationship between vehicle safety recalls and production processes, highlighting the critical role of quality control in preventing potential safety hazards. Similarly, Doe and Jones (2015) analyzed the correlation between consumer complaints and automotive recalls, emphasizing the importance of prompt responsiveness to customer feedback in ensuring product safety and satisfaction.
Now, let's shift gears and take a detour into the world of non-fiction books to gain a fresh perspective. In "The Big Rig: Trucking and the Decline of the American Dream" by Steve Viscelli, the author explores the intricate logistics of the trucking industry and its impact on fuel consumption, providing valuable insights into the complex network of fossil fuel use. Furthermore, "The Diesel Brothers: A Truckin' Awesome Guide to Trucks and Life" by Heavy D and Diesel Dave offers a lighthearted yet informative take on diesel-powered machines, showcasing the extraordinary passion and dedication that fuel enthusiasts bring to the automotive world.
And now, for a bit of creative indulgence, let's take a whimsical dive into the world of fiction. In Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Hound of the Baskervilles," the enigmatic moors and their mysterious inhabitants serve as a metaphor for the elusive connection between fossil fuel use in remote regions and the unexpected repercussions in the automotive industry. Additionally, Michael Crichton's "Jurassic Park" may seem worlds apart, but the consequences of manipulating ancient biological resources draw an uncanny parallel to the unexpected link between fossil fuel use and automotive recalls—sometimes, the past can certainly come back to haunt us.
In the spirit of interdisciplinary inquiry, we turn now to the world of cartoons and children's shows for a touch of whimsy and wonder. "The Magic School Bus" provides a delightful exploration of scientific phenomena, inviting us to hop aboard for an imaginative journey into the realms of fossil fuels and their impact on the environment. Meanwhile, "Wacky Races" offers a comical representation of automotive adventures, encapsulating the unpredictable nature of vehicle escapades that mirrors the surprising correlation we've uncovered.
But wait, there's more! Did you hear about the car that got a flat tire? It was a "tire"-rific sight!


[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the data uncovered a remarkably strong correlation between fossil fuel use in Burundi and the volume of automotive recalls issued by Volkswagen Group of America. The correlation coefficient of 0.9120695 suggests a relationship tighter than a well-tuned engine, demonstrating a connection that can't be dismissed as mere coincidence. Our findings indicate that as fossil fuel consumption in Burundi increased, so did the frequency of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America, painting a picture that's as clear as the view through a windshield wiped clean of bad jokes.
The r-squared value of 0.8318708 further emphasizes the robustness of the correlation, highlighting the validity and reliability of the relationship between these two seemingly incongruent variables. The p-value of less than 0.01 reinforces the statistical significance of the correlation, revealing a connection more solid than a car door shut tight, and certainly not up for debate—though it might be up for a bit of dad joke banter.
The scatterplot (see Fig. 1) visually represents the strong positive correlation between fossil fuel use in Burundi and automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. The data points form a clear upward trend, indicating that as fossil fuel use increased, so did the number of automotive recalls—an association as undeniable as a mechanic's love for a good "wrench" in the plans.
These results provide compelling evidence for the existence of a substantive relationship between these variables, inviting further exploration and investigation into the underlying mechanisms driving this unexpected correlation. After all, when it comes to uncovering hidden connections, it seems that where there's fuel, there's sure to be some "spark" of insight.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

Our results have confirmed the findings of prior research suggesting a link between environmental factors and automotive recalls. Smith et al. (2010) highlighted the critical role of quality control in preventing safety hazards, which aligns with our investigation into the impact of fossil fuel use on vehicle performance. It seems that when it comes to vehicle safety, the proof is not only in the pudding but also in the petrol tank!

Moreover, our study supports the insights of Doe and Jones (2015) regarding the importance of prompt responsiveness to customer feedback. In our case, the feedback might just be coming from the hum of a fuel-guzzling engine. It appears that staying attuned to both customer complaints and, shall we say, environmental whispers is indeed essential in ensuring automotive safety and quality.

Diving into the unconventional literature review, it's clear that even the whimsical connections we explored have found a semblance of truth in our results. The intricate logistics of the trucking industry in "The Big Rig: Trucking and the Decline of the American Dream" by Steve Viscelli have shown us that fuel consumption has its tentacles in areas we wouldn't always expect. Meanwhile, the humor-infused "The Diesel Brothers: A Truckin' Awesome Guide to Trucks and Life" by Heavy D and Diesel Dave has reinforced the notion that our findings are indeed truckin' awesome in their own right.

A lighthearted dive into fiction also yielded uncanny parallels to our research. Much like the mysterious moors and their eerie inhabitants in "The Hound of the Baskervilles," our investigation has uncovered a connection that initially seemed shrouded in enigma. And, reminiscent of the cautionary tale of "Jurassic Park," our findings reveal that the repercussions of manipulating ancient resources might extend beyond the realms of escapist fiction.

As for the frivolous foray into cartoons and children's shows, it seems that "The Magic School Bus" has offered us more than just a whimsical exploration of scientific phenomena. It has inadvertently guided us through the twists and turns of uncovering the impact of fossil fuels on the automotive world. And, "Wacky Races" has perhaps proven to be not so wacky after all, offering a comical representation of automotive adventures that mirrors the surprising correlation we've unveiled.

In light of these findings, it's evident that our results have shed light on a correlation that, much like a flat tire, may have initially seemed deflating but has turned out to be remarkably "tire"-rific. This study not only underscores the importance of interdisciplinary inquiry in uncovering unforeseen connections but also highlights the potential for humor and insight to go hand in hand. After all, when it comes to unveiling unexpected correlations, it might just be a matter of stepping on the gas and letting the data take the wheel!


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 Fossil fuel use in Burundi and Automotive recalls issued by Volkswagen Group of America. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

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]]
Fuel for Thought: The Correlation Between Fossil Fuel Use in Burundi and Automotive Recalls by Volkswagen Group of America

[[ABSTRACT]]
As the saying goes, "where there's smoke, there's fire," and in the case of our research, where there's fossil fuel use, there's automotive recalls! In this lighthearted yet enlightening study, our research team delves into the curious connection between the consumption of fossil fuels in Burundi and the issuance of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. We've meticulously analyzed data from the Energy Information Administration and the US DOT, seeking to uncover any potential link between these seemingly unrelated factors.

With a correlation coefficient of 0.9120695 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1980 to 2021, our findings suggest a surprisingly strong relationship between fossil fuel use in Burundi and the frequency of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. It seems that when it comes to vehicle safety, the proof is in the petrol, and the correlation is undeniable—much like a dad's love for telling cringe-worthy jokes.

Our results emphasize the need for further investigation into the factors that underlie this unexpected connection, including the influence of environmental conditions on vehicle performance and the impact of fuel quality on automotive components. This research not only sheds light on this peculiar correlation, but also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary inquiry in uncovering the hidden humor—er, I mean, connections—between diverse phenomena.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
Fuel for Thought: The Correlation Between Fossil Fuel Use in Burundi and Automotive Recalls by Volkswagen Group of America
As the old adage goes, "I used to be a fan of gasoline, but then I realized diesel is where it's fueling." In this paper, we strive to shed light on the unexpected correlation between the consumption of fossil fuels in Burundi and the occurrence of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. Through a blend of data analysis and humorous musings, we aim to uncover the underlying factors that tie these seemingly disparate elements together.
When it comes to research, it's important to approach the topic with a good sense of humor, much like a well-oiled machine running on premium dad jokes. Our journey begins with the understanding that correlations are often like fuel gauges—sometimes full of surprises. By examining data from the Energy Information Administration and the US Department of Transportation, we endeavored to connect the dots between fossil fuel use and automotive recalls, aiming to answer the question: "What's driving the link between gas and gaffes?"
With a correlation coefficient that's tighter than a lug nut and a p-value smaller than a spark plug, our findings reveal a compelling relationship between fossil fuel consumption in Burundi and the frequency of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. This connection is no joke—though we can't promise you won't find a few puns and chuckles along the way.
Our results indicate that there's more to this correlation than meets the eye. It's as if these variables are in a gearhead relationship, with one directly impacting the performance of the other. By shining a light on this unexpected connection, we hope to spark interest in further exploration of the factors at play, such as how environmental conditions may impact vehicle safety and how fuel quality could drive automotive component issues. This research isn't just about mixing oil and water—though we've certainly added a dash of humor to the academic mix—it's about uncovering the hidden links between seemingly unrelated phenomena, much like the surprise of finding a dad joke in the footnotes of a research paper.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the data uncovered a remarkably strong correlation between fossil fuel use in Burundi and the volume of automotive recalls issued by Volkswagen Group of America. The correlation coefficient of 0.9120695 suggests a relationship tighter than a well-tuned engine, demonstrating a connection that can't be dismissed as mere coincidence. Our findings indicate that as fossil fuel consumption in Burundi increased, so did the frequency of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America, painting a picture that's as clear as the view through a windshield wiped clean of bad jokes.
The r-squared value of 0.8318708 further emphasizes the robustness of the correlation, highlighting the validity and reliability of the relationship between these two seemingly incongruent variables. The p-value of less than 0.01 reinforces the statistical significance of the correlation, revealing a connection more solid than a car door shut tight, and certainly not up for debate—though it might be up for a bit of dad joke banter.
The scatterplot (see Fig. 1) visually represents the strong positive correlation between fossil fuel use in Burundi and automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. The data points form a clear upward trend, indicating that as fossil fuel use increased, so did the number of automotive recalls—an association as undeniable as a mechanic's love for a good "wrench" in the plans.
These results provide compelling evidence for the existence of a substantive relationship between these variables, inviting further exploration and investigation into the underlying mechanisms driving this unexpected correlation. After all, when it comes to uncovering hidden connections, it seems that where there's fuel, there's sure to be some "spark" of insight.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our research has unveiled a correlation between fossil fuel use in Burundi and automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America that's tighter than a lug nut on a wheel. This unexpected link is no mere fender bender; it's as robust as a diesel engine and as statistically significant as a factory recall. It seems that when it comes to vehicle safety, the impact of fuel consumption in Burundi is no joke—though we've certainly fueled this paper with a few puns along the way.

Our findings underscore the need for further investigation into the factors driving this correlation. It's as if these variables are in a gearhead relationship, each impacting the performance of the other, like a well-choreographed "car" dance. It's clear that there's more at play here than meets the eye, much like the surprise of finding a dad joke in the footnotes of a research paper.

As for future research, it seems that no more investigation is needed in this area. The correlation is as solid as a well-maintained road, and there's no need for further exploration. It seems that this unexpected connection between fossil fuel use in Burundi and automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America is where our journey ends—much like a car ride that's run out of gas. It's time to put the brakes on this topic and steer our attention elsewhere.


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 Fuel for Thought: The Correlation Between Fossil Fuel Use in Burundi and Automotive Recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The International Journal of Fuel Economics and Automotive Engineering


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 Fuel for Thought: The Correlation Between Fossil Fuel Use in Burundi and Automotive Recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Institute for Global Energy Ethics and 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 Fuel for Thought: The Correlation Between Fossil Fuel Use in Burundi and Automotive Recalls by Volkswagen Group of America with an abstract of As the saying goes, "where there's smoke, there's fire," and in the case of our research, where there's fossil fuel use, there's automotive recalls! In this lighthearted yet enlightening study, our research team delves into the curious connection between the consumption of fossil fuels in Burundi and the issuance of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. We've meticulously analyzed data from the Energy Information Administration and the US DOT, seeking to uncover any potential link between these seemingly unrelated factors.
With a correlation coefficient of 0.9120695 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1980 to 2021, our findings suggest a surprisingly strong relationship between fossil fuel use in Burundi and the frequency of automotive recalls by Volkswagen Group of America. It seems that when it comes to vehicle safety, the proof is in the petrol, and the correlation is undeniable—much like a dad's love for telling cringe-worthy jokes.
Our results emphasize the need for further investigation into the factors that underlie this unexpected connection, including the influence of environmental conditions on vehicle performance and the impact of fuel quality on automotive components. This research not only sheds light on this peculiar correlation, but also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary inquiry in uncovering the hidden humor—er, I mean, connections—between diverse phenomena.

ChatGPT:

"Fossil fuel use, automotive recalls, Burundi, Volkswagen Group of America, correlation coefficient, p-value, Energy Information Administration, US DOT, vehicle safety, fuel quality, environmental conditions, interdisciplinary inquiry"

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



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Data details

Fossil fuel use in Burundi
Detailed data title: Total fossil fuel use in Burundi in billion kWh
Source: Energy Information Administration
See what else correlates with Fossil fuel use in Burundi

Automotive recalls issued by Volkswagen Group of America
Detailed data title: Automotive recals issued by Volkswagen Group of America
Source: US DOT
See what else correlates with Automotive recalls issued by Volkswagen Group of America

Correlation r = 0.9120695 (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 = 0.8318708 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 83.2% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Automotive recalls issued by Volkswagen Group of America) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Fossil fuel use in Burundi) over the 42 years from 1980 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 4.5E-17. 0.0000000000000000445617792249
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 0.91 in 4.5E-15% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 22,440,755,674,343,120 random variables You don't actually need 22 quadrillion 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 41 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 41 because we have two variables measured over a period of 42 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.

[ 0.84, 0.95 ] 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.
198019811982198319841985198619871988198919901991199219931994199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021
Fossil fuel use in Burundi (Billion kWh)0.0010.0020.0020.0020.0020.0010.0010.0010.0010.0010.0020.0020.0020.0020.0020.0020.0010.0010.0020.0020.0020.0020.0020.0020.0020.0020.0020.0020.0020.0020.0020.0120.0030.0260.0370.0330.0290.0790.105090.1229460.1167330.124204
Automotive recalls issued by Volkswagen Group of America (Recalls)56235541563584723556765688510698211541113252735273034




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. Confounding variable: 2020 is particularly different from the other years on this graph. Confounding variables (like global pandemics) will cause two variables to look connected when in fact a "sneaky third" variable is influencing both of them behind the scenes.
  5. Outlandish outliers: There are "outliers" in this data. In concept, "outlier" just means "way different than the rest of your dataset." When calculating a correlation like this, they are particularly impactful because a single outlier can substantially increase your correlation.

    For the purposes of this project, I counted a point as an outlier if it the residual was two standard deviations from the mean.

    (This bullet point only shows up in the details page on charts that do, in fact, have outliers.)
    They stand out on the scatterplot above: notice the dots that are far away from any other dots. I intentionally mishandeled outliers, which makes the correlation look extra strong.




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([0.001,0.002,0.002,0.002,0.002,0.001,0.001,0.001,0.001,0.001,0.002,0.002,0.002,0.002,0.002,0.002,0.001,0.001,0.002,0.002,0.002,0.002,0.002,0.002,0.002,0.002,0.002,0.002,0.002,0.002,0.002,0.012,0.003,0.026,0.037,0.033,0.029,0.079,0.10509,0.122946,0.116733,0.124204,])
array_2 = np.array([5,6,2,3,5,5,4,15,6,3,5,8,4,7,2,3,5,5,6,7,6,5,6,8,8,5,10,6,9,8,2,11,5,4,11,13,25,27,35,27,30,34,])
array_1_name = "Fossil fuel use in Burundi"
array_2_name = "Automotive recalls issued by Volkswagen Group of America"

# 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: 1124 · Black Variable ID: 23561 · Red Variable ID: 1120
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