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Spurious correlation #5,527 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Air quality in Lafayette, Indiana and the second variable is Google searches for 'smol'.  The chart goes from 2004 to 2023, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

The cleaner air in Lafayette led to happier, more energized individuals who were more likely to use endearing internet language like 'smol' to express their feelings. Remember, when it comes to internet trends, even the air quality can have a smol but mighty impact!

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image of a serene park in Lafayette, Indiana, with minimalistic representation of people strolling and enjoying the fresh, clean air. Depict the joyful expressions on their faces and their energetic strides, while simplistically showcasing them typing "smol" on their smartphones. The scene should evoke a sense of happiness and positive energy, combining the tranquility of nature with the endearing essence of modern communication. 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 quality in Lafayette, Indiana and Google searches for 'smol'. 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: Minimalism Charcoal Hyper-realistic inspired by bauhaus Woodblock painting
ChatGPT: Minimalism

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 quality in Lafayette, Indiana and Google searches for 'smol', in the following situation: The cleaner air in Lafayette led to happier, more energized individuals who were more likely to use endearing internet language like 'smol' to express their feelings. Remember, when it comes to internet trends, even the air quality can have a smol but mighty impact!. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In Lafayette, Indiana, you see people strolling through a park, taking in the fresh, clean air. Their smiles and energetic strides convey a sense of happiness. Meanwhile, on their smartphones, they excitedly type "smol" into the search bar as they chat with friends and express their endearing feelings. The combination of the clean air and the endearing internet language creates a positive and uplifting atmosphere.

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: [ Minimalism ] and depicting this scene: In Lafayette, Indiana, you see people strolling through a park, taking in the fresh, clean air. Their smiles and energetic strides convey a sense of happiness. Meanwhile, on their smartphones, they excitedly type "smol" into the search bar as they chat with friends and express their endearing feelings. The combination of the clean air and the endearing internet language creates a positive and uplifting atmosphere. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image of a serene park in Lafayette, Indiana, with minimalistic representation of people strolling and enjoying the fresh, clean air. Depict the joyful expressions on their faces and their energetic strides, while simplistically showcasing them typing "smol" on their smartphones. The scene should evoke a sense of happiness and positive energy, combining the tranquility of nature with the endearing essence of modern communication.

*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 increases in Air quality in Lafayette, Indiana positively influenced smol (Google searches for 'smol'). Add a funny one-liner at the end.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
The Smog and Smol Saga: Searching for Significance in Lafayette

The Journal of Ecological Wonders

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 Air quality in Lafayette, Indiana and Google searches for 'smol'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Make the title an alliteration.

Your research team used data from Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.8360132 and p < 0.01 for 2004 to 2023.

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]]
The Smog and Smol Saga: Searching for Significance in Lafayette

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delved into the intriguing connection between air quality in Lafayette, Indiana and Google searches for 'smol'. We sought to shed light on whether the air pollution in this quaint city impacts internet users' inclination to seek out endearing content related to "smol" creatures. Armed with data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, we meticulously dissected this peculiar correlation. Our statistical analysis revealed a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.8360132 with a p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning from 2004 to 2023.

As we scrutinized the data, a notable pattern emerged – a significant increase in Google searches for 'smol' corresponded with higher levels of air pollution in the area. It seems that when the air quality goes downhill, people turn to the internet in search of all things “smol” to brighten their spirits. In other words, when the smog gets thick, the search for 'smol' gets quick!

Our findings not only challenge traditional notions of air pollution's impact on public behavior, but also inspire a light-hearted observation: perhaps the residents of Lafayette are subconsciously seeking solace in the adorable realm of 'smol' creatures as a coping mechanism for the environmental challenges they face. This quirky connection between air quality and internet whimsy opens the door to further exploration, beckoning researchers to delve into the depths of human responses to environmental stressors with a sense of humor. After all, laughter is the best medicine, especially in the face of smog-induced blues.


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 Air quality in Lafayette, Indiana and Google searches for 'smol'. 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]]
The Smog and Smol Saga: Searching for Significance in Lafayette

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delved into the intriguing connection between air quality in Lafayette, Indiana and Google searches for 'smol'. We sought to shed light on whether the air pollution in this quaint city impacts internet users' inclination to seek out endearing content related to "smol" creatures. Armed with data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, we meticulously dissected this peculiar correlation. Our statistical analysis revealed a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.8360132 with a p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning from 2004 to 2023.

As we scrutinized the data, a notable pattern emerged – a significant increase in Google searches for 'smol' corresponded with higher levels of air pollution in the area. It seems that when the air quality goes downhill, people turn to the internet in search of all things “smol” to brighten their spirits. In other words, when the smog gets thick, the search for 'smol' gets quick!

Our findings not only challenge traditional notions of air pollution's impact on public behavior, but also inspire a light-hearted observation: perhaps the residents of Lafayette are subconsciously seeking solace in the adorable realm of 'smol' creatures as a coping mechanism for the environmental challenges they face. This quirky connection between air quality and internet whimsy opens the door to further exploration, beckoning researchers to delve into the depths of human responses to environmental stressors with a sense of humor. After all, laughter is the best medicine, especially in the face of smog-induced blues.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

The pursuit of knowledge often leads us down unexpected paths, and it is in the spirit of curiosity that we present the findings of our research into the peculiar connection between air quality in Lafayette, Indiana and the Google searches for 'smol'. As researchers, we are always on the lookout for those surprising moments when our data whispers a whimsical tale, and in this case, it appears that air pollution and internet cuteness have intertwined in a rather unexpected romance.

Our journey into this delightful madness began with a serious task - to investigate the impact of air pollution on public behavior. However, we soon found ourselves knee-deep in the world of 'smol' creatures, and much like air pollution itself, our interest in this correlation quickly became 'aerosol' - that's the scientific term for a smol air particle, in case you didn't know!

It's no secret that the field of environmental research can often feel heavy with the weight of pollution and its consequences. So, when we stumbled upon this quirky connection between something as serious as air quality and the lighthearted desire for 'smol' content, we couldn't help but welcome the chance to inject a bit of humor into our scientific pursuits. It seems that even the densest smog can't obscure the human need for a good chuckle, or in this case, a quick 'smol' search.

Our findings not only challenge traditional notions of air pollution's impact on public behavior, but also inspire a light-hearted observation: perhaps the residents of Lafayette are subconsciously seeking solace in the adorable realm of 'smol' creatures as a coping mechanism for the environmental challenges they face. This quirky connection between air quality and internet whimsy opens the door to further exploration, beckoning researchers to delve into the depths of human responses to environmental stressors with a sense of humor. After all, laughter is the best medicine, especially in the face of smog-induced blues. And who knows, maybe our findings will lead to innovative 'smog' masks with integrated 'smol' creature screens to lift spirits in polluted areas!


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 Air quality in Lafayette, Indiana and Google searches for 'smol'. 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. Perhaps you also got inspiration from some board games that are vaugely related.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Smog and Smol Saga: Searching for Significance in Lafayette

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delved into the intriguing connection between air quality in Lafayette, Indiana and Google searches for 'smol'. We sought to shed light on whether the air pollution in this quaint city impacts internet users' inclination to seek out endearing content related to "smol" creatures. Armed with data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, we meticulously dissected this peculiar correlation. Our statistical analysis revealed a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.8360132 with a p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning from 2004 to 2023.

As we scrutinized the data, a notable pattern emerged – a significant increase in Google searches for 'smol' corresponded with higher levels of air pollution in the area. It seems that when the air quality goes downhill, people turn to the internet in search of all things “smol” to brighten their spirits. In other words, when the smog gets thick, the search for 'smol' gets quick!

Our findings not only challenge traditional notions of air pollution's impact on public behavior, but also inspire a light-hearted observation: perhaps the residents of Lafayette are subconsciously seeking solace in the adorable realm of 'smol' creatures as a coping mechanism for the environmental challenges they face. This quirky connection between air quality and internet whimsy opens the door to further exploration, beckoning researchers to delve into the depths of human responses to environmental stressors with a sense of humor. After all, laughter is the best medicine, especially in the face of smog-induced blues.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The pursuit of knowledge often leads us down unexpected paths, and it is in the spirit of curiosity that we present the findings of our research into the peculiar connection between air quality in Lafayette, Indiana and the Google searches for 'smol'. As researchers, we are always on the lookout for those surprising moments when our data whispers a whimsical tale, and in this case, it appears that air pollution and internet cuteness have intertwined in a rather unexpected romance.
Our journey into this delightful madness began with a serious task - to investigate the impact of air pollution on public behavior. However, we soon found ourselves knee-deep in the world of 'smol' creatures, and much like air pollution itself, our interest in this correlation quickly became 'aerosol' - that's the scientific term for a smol air particle, in case you didn't know!
It's no secret that the field of environmental research can often feel heavy with the weight of pollution and its consequences. So, when we stumbled upon this quirky connection between something as serious as air quality and the lighthearted desire for 'smol' content, we couldn't help but welcome the chance to inject a bit of humor into our scientific pursuits. It seems that even the densest smog can't obscure the human need for a good chuckle, or in this case, a quick 'smol' search.
Our findings not only challenge traditional notions of air pollution's impact on public behavior, but also inspire a light-hearted observation: perhaps the residents of Lafayette are subconsciously seeking solace in the adorable realm of 'smol' creatures as a coping mechanism for the environmental challenges they face. This quirky connection between air quality and internet whimsy opens the door to further exploration, beckoning researchers to delve into the depths of human responses to environmental stressors with a sense of humor. After all, laughter is the best medicine, especially in the face of smog-induced blues. And who knows, maybe our findings will lead to innovative 'smog' masks with integrated 'smol' creature screens to lift spirits in polluted areas!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The investigation of seemingly tangential correlations between environmental factors and online behavior has inspired various scholarly inquiries in the field of public health and digital sociology. Smith et al. (2010) explored the relationship between air quality and internet search patterns, suggesting that air pollution may indeed prompt individuals to engage in alternative online activities as a means of distraction from the adverse effects of poor air quality. Similarly, Doe and Jones (2014) investigated the effects of environmental stressors on internet usage, shedding light on the potential influence of air pollution on individuals' propensity to seek out comforting online content.

Now, let's veer off the scholarly highway and take a turn into the realm of relatable non-fiction literature. In "The Hidden Life of Trees" by Peter Wohlleben, the author's exploration of the intricate connections within natural ecosystems draws a parallel to our findings – just as trees communicate through underground networks, humans seem to seek out a digital network of 'smol' content in response to environmental challenges. And who could forget "The Tao of Pooh" by Benjamin Hoff – in the wise words of Winnie the Pooh, "Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart," and it seems that the residents of Lafayette are channeling their inner Pooh bears through their 'smol' searches.

In a twist that may surprise many, our investigation also draws inspiration from the fictional realm. J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" captures the fascination with diminutive creatures in a world of grand adventures, much like internet users' fascination with 'smol' creatures amidst the grand adventure of navigating the digital landscape. Additionally, the whimsical discovery of 'smol' creatures in "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" by Newt Scamander aligns with the enchanting unpredictability of our research journey – sometimes, the most unexpected creatures (or internet trends) hide in plain sight.

The world of board games offers its own unexpected parallels to our findings. In the popular game "Pandemic," players race against the clock to contain and cure deadly diseases that threaten global populations. Our research reveals a different kind of epidemic – a surge in 'smol' searches amidst a growing environmental concern. Perhaps a playful game of "Battleship" can serve as an analogy, as we chart the uncharted waters of the internet's response to air pollution, seeking to hit the 'smol' content target with precision and humor.

In the spirit of academic inquiry, we acknowledge that this colorful blend of sources may raise an eyebrow or two among our esteemed colleagues. Nevertheless, it speaks to the quirky nature of our findings and the unexpected intersections of science and humor. As we embark on this unorthodox adventure, let us not lose sight of the importance of infusing scholarly pursuits with a touch of levity – after all, a 'smol' touch of humor can clear the air of even the thickest smog.

So, what did the environmental researcher say to the internet enthusiast? "Smol world, isn't it?"


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 Air quality in Lafayette, Indiana and Google searches for 'smol'. 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 Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends . You used data from 2004 to 2023

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]]
The Smog and Smol Saga: Searching for Significance in Lafayette

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delved into the intriguing connection between air quality in Lafayette, Indiana and Google searches for 'smol'. We sought to shed light on whether the air pollution in this quaint city impacts internet users' inclination to seek out endearing content related to "smol" creatures. Armed with data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, we meticulously dissected this peculiar correlation. Our statistical analysis revealed a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.8360132 with a p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning from 2004 to 2023.

As we scrutinized the data, a notable pattern emerged – a significant increase in Google searches for 'smol' corresponded with higher levels of air pollution in the area. It seems that when the air quality goes downhill, people turn to the internet in search of all things “smol” to brighten their spirits. In other words, when the smog gets thick, the search for 'smol' gets quick!

Our findings not only challenge traditional notions of air pollution's impact on public behavior, but also inspire a light-hearted observation: perhaps the residents of Lafayette are subconsciously seeking solace in the adorable realm of 'smol' creatures as a coping mechanism for the environmental challenges they face. This quirky connection between air quality and internet whimsy opens the door to further exploration, beckoning researchers to delve into the depths of human responses to environmental stressors with a sense of humor. After all, laughter is the best medicine, especially in the face of smog-induced blues.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The pursuit of knowledge often leads us down unexpected paths, and it is in the spirit of curiosity that we present the findings of our research into the peculiar connection between air quality in Lafayette, Indiana and the Google searches for 'smol'. As researchers, we are always on the lookout for those surprising moments when our data whispers a whimsical tale, and in this case, it appears that air pollution and internet cuteness have intertwined in a rather unexpected romance.
Our journey into this delightful madness began with a serious task - to investigate the impact of air pollution on public behavior. However, we soon found ourselves knee-deep in the world of 'smol' creatures, and much like air pollution itself, our interest in this correlation quickly became 'aerosol' - that's the scientific term for a smol air particle, in case you didn't know!
It's no secret that the field of environmental research can often feel heavy with the weight of pollution and its consequences. So, when we stumbled upon this quirky connection between something as serious as air quality and the lighthearted desire for 'smol' content, we couldn't help but welcome the chance to inject a bit of humor into our scientific pursuits. It seems that even the densest smog can't obscure the human need for a good chuckle, or in this case, a quick 'smol' search.
Our findings not only challenge traditional notions of air pollution's impact on public behavior, but also inspire a light-hearted observation: perhaps the residents of Lafayette are subconsciously seeking solace in the adorable realm of 'smol' creatures as a coping mechanism for the environmental challenges they face. This quirky connection between air quality and internet whimsy opens the door to further exploration, beckoning researchers to delve into the depths of human responses to environmental stressors with a sense of humor. After all, laughter is the best medicine, especially in the face of smog-induced blues. And who knows, maybe our findings will lead to innovative 'smog' masks with integrated 'smol' creature screens to lift spirits in polluted areas!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To begin our merry expedition into the realm of 'smol' and smog, we amassed a treasure trove of data from the Environmental Protection Agency, gathering information on air quality metrics such as particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3). We had quite the fun time sifting through these datasets, navigating the virtual air currents to capture the essence of Lafayette's atmospheric dynamics. Our team really went with the flow during this part of the study - pun intended!

Next, we turned our sights to the virtual kingdom of Google Trends, where we eagerly trolled through search data to spot trends in the usage of the term 'smol'. It was a bit like a digital treasure hunt, as we sought out the peaks and valleys of 'smol' searches, deciphering the ebbs and flows of online cuteness. We certainly had our 'smol' victories and celebrated each one with a virtual high-five!

Now, when it came to analyzing these vast amounts of data, we did not shy away from employing some seriously entertaining statistical tools. Armed with multivariate regression models and time-series analyses, we skillfully wove a tapestry of trends, correlations, and p-values. Sure, it sounds a bit heady, but with a dash of statistical sleight-of-hand, we tamed this unruly data beast and made it dance to our whims. It was data wizardry at its finest, complete with statistical spells to summon significant results!

Additionally, we wove in some spatial analysis to capture the localized nuances of Lafayette's air quality, transforming the dry science of geographic information systems (GIS) into a quest for hidden patterns and unsuspected correlations. We mapped out the terrain of the city's air pollution, navigating the digital cartographic seas as intrepid explorers in search of 'smol'-air relationships. It was like mapping out the whimsical frontier where data and cuteness collide!

We also made use of some fancy time-series decomposition techniques to unravel the intricacies of seasonal and long-term trends in both air quality and 'smol' searches. It was the scientific equivalent of peeling back layers of an onion, with each new discovery making us shed a scientific tear - pun intended!

Lastly, we indulged in some causal inference methods to suss out the potential relationship between air quality and 'smol' searches, creating an elaborate dance of counterfactual scenarios and causal pathways. It was a bit like playing a digital game of Clue, where the suspects were pollutants and the weapon of choice was a surge in 'smol' searches. We were determined to crack the case of this unlikely love story between smog and 'smol'!

In essence, our methodology involved an energetic blend of data spelunking, statistical sorcery, and digital cartography, all in pursuit of untangling the enigmatic bond between air quality and the search for 'smol'. It was a wild and whimsical journey, but one that led us straight to the heart of this delightful saga.


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 Air quality in Lafayette, Indiana and Google searches for 'smol'. 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 Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends .

For the time period 2004 to 2023, you found a correlation 0.8360132, r-squared of 0.6989181, 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]]
The Smog and Smol Saga: Searching for Significance in Lafayette

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delved into the intriguing connection between air quality in Lafayette, Indiana and Google searches for 'smol'. We sought to shed light on whether the air pollution in this quaint city impacts internet users' inclination to seek out endearing content related to "smol" creatures. Armed with data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, we meticulously dissected this peculiar correlation. Our statistical analysis revealed a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.8360132 with a p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning from 2004 to 2023.

As we scrutinized the data, a notable pattern emerged – a significant increase in Google searches for 'smol' corresponded with higher levels of air pollution in the area. It seems that when the air quality goes downhill, people turn to the internet in search of all things “smol” to brighten their spirits. In other words, when the smog gets thick, the search for 'smol' gets quick!

Our findings not only challenge traditional notions of air pollution's impact on public behavior, but also inspire a light-hearted observation: perhaps the residents of Lafayette are subconsciously seeking solace in the adorable realm of 'smol' creatures as a coping mechanism for the environmental challenges they face. This quirky connection between air quality and internet whimsy opens the door to further exploration, beckoning researchers to delve into the depths of human responses to environmental stressors with a sense of humor. After all, laughter is the best medicine, especially in the face of smog-induced blues.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
The pursuit of knowledge often leads us down unexpected paths, and it is in the spirit of curiosity that we present the findings of our research into the peculiar connection between air quality in Lafayette, Indiana and the Google searches for 'smol'. As researchers, we are always on the lookout for those surprising moments when our data whispers a whimsical tale, and in this case, it appears that air pollution and internet cuteness have intertwined in a rather unexpected romance.
Our journey into this delightful madness began with a serious task - to investigate the impact of air pollution on public behavior. However, we soon found ourselves knee-deep in the world of 'smol' creatures, and much like air pollution itself, our interest in this correlation quickly became 'aerosol' - that's the scientific term for a smol air particle, in case you didn't know!
It's no secret that the field of environmental research can often feel heavy with the weight of pollution and its consequences. So, when we stumbled upon this quirky connection between something as serious as air quality and the lighthearted desire for 'smol' content, we couldn't help but welcome the chance to inject a bit of humor into our scientific pursuits. It seems that even the densest smog can't obscure the human need for a good chuckle, or in this case, a quick 'smol' search.
Our findings not only challenge traditional notions of air pollution's impact on public behavior, but also inspire a light-hearted observation: perhaps the residents of Lafayette are subconsciously seeking solace in the adorable realm of 'smol' creatures as a coping mechanism for the environmental challenges they face. This quirky connection between air quality and internet whimsy opens the door to further exploration, beckoning researchers to delve into the depths of human responses to environmental stressors with a sense of humor. After all, laughter is the best medicine, especially in the face of smog-induced blues. And who knows, maybe our findings will lead to innovative 'smog' masks with integrated 'smol' creature screens to lift spirits in polluted areas!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The statistical analysis of our data uncovered a rather unexpected correlation between air quality in Lafayette, Indiana and Google searches for 'smol'. Our examination revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8360132, indicating a strong positive relationship between these seemingly unrelated variables. This correlation level is higher than we anticipated, making us wonder if 'smol' creatures really do hold a special place in the hearts of Lafayette's residents.

It seems that the inhabitants of Lafayette look to 'smol' creatures for comfort as the air quality takes a nosedive. The R-squared value of 0.6989181 further solidifies the link between air pollution and the surge in 'smol' searches. This high R-squared value emphasizes that a substantial portion of the variability in 'smol' searches can be explained by changes in air quality. It's a clear sign that when it comes to exploring the world of 'smol', there's more than just a breath of fresh air.

In the world of statistics, a small p-value holds significant weight, and ours did not disappoint, coming in at less than 0.01. This means that the correlation we observed between air quality and 'smol' searches is highly unlikely to have occurred due to chance alone. The relationship is the real deal, not just a statistical fluke. It seems that 'smol' searches and air pollution have formed a bond that is anything but trivial, unlike our dad jokes!

Our findings are further highlighted in Figure 1, which illustrates the strong positive correlation between air quality and 'smol' searches. The scatterplot graphically represents the cozy connection between these variables, showcasing how 'smol' searches soar as air quality deteriorates - a testament to the city's endearing search for a breath of fresh 'smol' air in the midst of pollution.

This unexpected correlation opens the door to delve deeper into the quirky world of human responses to environmental stressors with a sense of humor. It's a reminder that even in the face of smog-induced blues, a sprinkle of internet cuteness can uplift spirits. After all, who can resist the charm of a 'smol' creature, especially when the air quality is 'fowl'?


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 Air quality in Lafayette, Indiana and Google searches for 'smol'. 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]]
The Smog and Smol Saga: Searching for Significance in Lafayette

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delved into the intriguing connection between air quality in Lafayette, Indiana and Google searches for 'smol'. We sought to shed light on whether the air pollution in this quaint city impacts internet users' inclination to seek out endearing content related to "smol" creatures. Armed with data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, we meticulously dissected this peculiar correlation. Our statistical analysis revealed a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.8360132 with a p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning from 2004 to 2023.

As we scrutinized the data, a notable pattern emerged – a significant increase in Google searches for 'smol' corresponded with higher levels of air pollution in the area. It seems that when the air quality goes downhill, people turn to the internet in search of all things “smol” to brighten their spirits. In other words, when the smog gets thick, the search for 'smol' gets quick!

Our findings not only challenge traditional notions of air pollution's impact on public behavior, but also inspire a light-hearted observation: perhaps the residents of Lafayette are subconsciously seeking solace in the adorable realm of 'smol' creatures as a coping mechanism for the environmental challenges they face. This quirky connection between air quality and internet whimsy opens the door to further exploration, beckoning researchers to delve into the depths of human responses to environmental stressors with a sense of humor. After all, laughter is the best medicine, especially in the face of smog-induced blues.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The investigation of seemingly tangential correlations between environmental factors and online behavior has inspired various scholarly inquiries in the field of public health and digital sociology. Smith et al. (2010) explored the relationship between air quality and internet search patterns, suggesting that air pollution may indeed prompt individuals to engage in alternative online activities as a means of distraction from the adverse effects of poor air quality. Similarly, Doe and Jones (2014) investigated the effects of environmental stressors on internet usage, shedding light on the potential influence of air pollution on individuals' propensity to seek out comforting online content.
Now, let's veer off the scholarly highway and take a turn into the realm of relatable non-fiction literature. In "The Hidden Life of Trees" by Peter Wohlleben, the author's exploration of the intricate connections within natural ecosystems draws a parallel to our findings – just as trees communicate through underground networks, humans seem to seek out a digital network of 'smol' content in response to environmental challenges. And who could forget "The Tao of Pooh" by Benjamin Hoff – in the wise words of Winnie the Pooh, "Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart," and it seems that the residents of Lafayette are channeling their inner Pooh bears through their 'smol' searches.
In a twist that may surprise many, our investigation also draws inspiration from the fictional realm. J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" captures the fascination with diminutive creatures in a world of grand adventures, much like internet users' fascination with 'smol' creatures amidst the grand adventure of navigating the digital landscape. Additionally, the whimsical discovery of 'smol' creatures in "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" by Newt Scamander aligns with the enchanting unpredictability of our research journey – sometimes, the most unexpected creatures (or internet trends) hide in plain sight.
The world of board games offers its own unexpected parallels to our findings. In the popular game "Pandemic," players race against the clock to contain and cure deadly diseases that threaten global populations. Our research reveals a different kind of epidemic – a surge in 'smol' searches amidst a growing environmental concern. Perhaps a playful game of "Battleship" can serve as an analogy, as we chart the uncharted waters of the internet's response to air pollution, seeking to hit the 'smol' content target with precision and humor.
In the spirit of academic inquiry, we acknowledge that this colorful blend of sources may raise an eyebrow or two among our esteemed colleagues. Nevertheless, it speaks to the quirky nature of our findings and the unexpected intersections of science and humor. As we embark on this unorthodox adventure, let us not lose sight of the importance of infusing scholarly pursuits with a touch of levity – after all, a 'smol' touch of humor can clear the air of even the thickest smog.
So, what did the environmental researcher say to the internet enthusiast? "Smol world, isn't it?"

[[RESULTS]]
The statistical analysis of our data uncovered a rather unexpected correlation between air quality in Lafayette, Indiana and Google searches for 'smol'. Our examination revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8360132, indicating a strong positive relationship between these seemingly unrelated variables. This correlation level is higher than we anticipated, making us wonder if 'smol' creatures really do hold a special place in the hearts of Lafayette's residents.
It seems that the inhabitants of Lafayette look to 'smol' creatures for comfort as the air quality takes a nosedive. The R-squared value of 0.6989181 further solidifies the link between air pollution and the surge in 'smol' searches. This high R-squared value emphasizes that a substantial portion of the variability in 'smol' searches can be explained by changes in air quality. It's a clear sign that when it comes to exploring the world of 'smol', there's more than just a breath of fresh air.
In the world of statistics, a small p-value holds significant weight, and ours did not disappoint, coming in at less than 0.01. This means that the correlation we observed between air quality and 'smol' searches is highly unlikely to have occurred due to chance alone. The relationship is the real deal, not just a statistical fluke. It seems that 'smol' searches and air pollution have formed a bond that is anything but trivial, unlike our dad jokes!
Our findings are further highlighted in Figure 1, which illustrates the strong positive correlation between air quality and 'smol' searches. The scatterplot graphically represents the cozy connection between these variables, showcasing how 'smol' searches soar as air quality deteriorates - a testament to the city's endearing search for a breath of fresh 'smol' air in the midst of pollution.
This unexpected correlation opens the door to delve deeper into the quirky world of human responses to environmental stressors with a sense of humor. It's a reminder that even in the face of smog-induced blues, a sprinkle of internet cuteness can uplift spirits. After all, who can resist the charm of a 'smol' creature, especially when the air quality is 'fowl'?

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

In discussing the unexpected connection between air quality in Lafayette, Indiana and Google searches for 'smol', one might think we're merely chasing air particles with puns. However, as we muse over our findings, it's evident that there's more than meets the eye – the correlation coefficient of 0.8360132 and a p-value of less than 0.01 confirm that there's a 'smol' but significant relationship between these variables. It's as if the internet users are saying, "Smog may cloud our skies, but we won't let it fog our 'smol' searches."

Our results are in line with prior research by Smith et al. (2010) and Doe and Jones (2014), who suggested that air pollution might prompt individuals to seek out comforting online content. It seems the residents of Lafayette are indeed turning to the virtual realm of 'smol' creatures to find solace amidst the environmental challenges they face. As Winnie the Pooh once said, "Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart," and in this case, it appears the whimsical world of 'smol' creatures is taking up some digital space in the hearts of the people of Lafayette.

The high R-squared value of 0.6989181 strengthens our understanding of this unexpected correlation. It seems that a substantial portion of the variability in 'smol' searches can be explained by changes in air quality. In other words, when the air quality goes downhill, the searches for 'smol' go uphill – a 'smol' beacon of comfort amidst the pollution.

Our findings highlight the potential influence of air pollution on individuals' online behavior. The scatterplot in Figure 1 paints a clear picture of the cozy connection between air quality and 'smol' searches, showcasing how these searches soar as the air quality deteriorates. It's a visual reminder that in the face of environmental challenges, a sprinkle of internet cuteness can uplift spirits. After all, who can resist the charm of a 'smol' creature, especially when the air quality is 'fowl'?

As we reflect on this peculiar connection, we're reminded of the words of J.R.R. Tolkien in "The Hobbit" – "It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to." Our research journey has indeed taken us to unexpected places, shedding light on the human inclination to seek out 'smol' content in the face of environmental challenges. It seems that in this 'smol' world, the air quality may be a bit 'fowl', but the heartwarming allure of 'smol' creatures is anything but trivial. And as for the unexpected intersections of science and humor – well, our discussion wouldn't be complete without a 'smol' touch of levity!


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 Air quality in Lafayette, Indiana and Google searches for 'smol'. 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]]
The Smog and Smol Saga: Searching for Significance in Lafayette

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delved into the intriguing connection between air quality in Lafayette, Indiana and Google searches for 'smol'. We sought to shed light on whether the air pollution in this quaint city impacts internet users' inclination to seek out endearing content related to "smol" creatures. Armed with data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, we meticulously dissected this peculiar correlation. Our statistical analysis revealed a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.8360132 with a p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning from 2004 to 2023.

As we scrutinized the data, a notable pattern emerged – a significant increase in Google searches for 'smol' corresponded with higher levels of air pollution in the area. It seems that when the air quality goes downhill, people turn to the internet in search of all things “smol” to brighten their spirits. In other words, when the smog gets thick, the search for 'smol' gets quick!

Our findings not only challenge traditional notions of air pollution's impact on public behavior, but also inspire a light-hearted observation: perhaps the residents of Lafayette are subconsciously seeking solace in the adorable realm of 'smol' creatures as a coping mechanism for the environmental challenges they face. This quirky connection between air quality and internet whimsy opens the door to further exploration, beckoning researchers to delve into the depths of human responses to environmental stressors with a sense of humor. After all, laughter is the best medicine, especially in the face of smog-induced blues.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The pursuit of knowledge often leads us down unexpected paths, and it is in the spirit of curiosity that we present the findings of our research into the peculiar connection between air quality in Lafayette, Indiana and the Google searches for 'smol'. As researchers, we are always on the lookout for those surprising moments when our data whispers a whimsical tale, and in this case, it appears that air pollution and internet cuteness have intertwined in a rather unexpected romance.
Our journey into this delightful madness began with a serious task - to investigate the impact of air pollution on public behavior. However, we soon found ourselves knee-deep in the world of 'smol' creatures, and much like air pollution itself, our interest in this correlation quickly became 'aerosol' - that's the scientific term for a smol air particle, in case you didn't know!
It's no secret that the field of environmental research can often feel heavy with the weight of pollution and its consequences. So, when we stumbled upon this quirky connection between something as serious as air quality and the lighthearted desire for 'smol' content, we couldn't help but welcome the chance to inject a bit of humor into our scientific pursuits. It seems that even the densest smog can't obscure the human need for a good chuckle, or in this case, a quick 'smol' search.
Our findings not only challenge traditional notions of air pollution's impact on public behavior, but also inspire a light-hearted observation: perhaps the residents of Lafayette are subconsciously seeking solace in the adorable realm of 'smol' creatures as a coping mechanism for the environmental challenges they face. This quirky connection between air quality and internet whimsy opens the door to further exploration, beckoning researchers to delve into the depths of human responses to environmental stressors with a sense of humor. After all, laughter is the best medicine, especially in the face of smog-induced blues. And who knows, maybe our findings will lead to innovative 'smog' masks with integrated 'smol' creature screens to lift spirits in polluted areas!

[[RESULTS]]
The statistical analysis of our data uncovered a rather unexpected correlation between air quality in Lafayette, Indiana and Google searches for 'smol'. Our examination revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8360132, indicating a strong positive relationship between these seemingly unrelated variables. This correlation level is higher than we anticipated, making us wonder if 'smol' creatures really do hold a special place in the hearts of Lafayette's residents.
It seems that the inhabitants of Lafayette look to 'smol' creatures for comfort as the air quality takes a nosedive. The R-squared value of 0.6989181 further solidifies the link between air pollution and the surge in 'smol' searches. This high R-squared value emphasizes that a substantial portion of the variability in 'smol' searches can be explained by changes in air quality. It's a clear sign that when it comes to exploring the world of 'smol', there's more than just a breath of fresh air.
In the world of statistics, a small p-value holds significant weight, and ours did not disappoint, coming in at less than 0.01. This means that the correlation we observed between air quality and 'smol' searches is highly unlikely to have occurred due to chance alone. The relationship is the real deal, not just a statistical fluke. It seems that 'smol' searches and air pollution have formed a bond that is anything but trivial, unlike our dad jokes!
Our findings are further highlighted in Figure 1, which illustrates the strong positive correlation between air quality and 'smol' searches. The scatterplot graphically represents the cozy connection between these variables, showcasing how 'smol' searches soar as air quality deteriorates - a testament to the city's endearing search for a breath of fresh 'smol' air in the midst of pollution.
This unexpected correlation opens the door to delve deeper into the quirky world of human responses to environmental stressors with a sense of humor. It's a reminder that even in the face of smog-induced blues, a sprinkle of internet cuteness can uplift spirits. After all, who can resist the charm of a 'smol' creature, especially when the air quality is 'fowl'?

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our research has uncovered a fascinating and unexpected bond between air quality in Lafayette, Indiana and Google searches for 'smol'. Our statistical analysis illuminated a strong positive correlation, indicating that as the smog thickens, the search for 'smol' quickens. It appears that the residents of Lafayette have a knack for seeking solace in the adorable realm of 'smol' creatures when faced with environmental challenges, demonstrating the heartwarming resilience of humanity in the face of adversity.

As we wrap up our exploration of this quirky connection, we can’t help but ponder the potential practical applications of our findings. Perhaps it's time to consider implementing 'smol' screens on pollution masks to offer a dose of cheer to those navigating polluted landscapes! After all, who wouldn't welcome the chance to breathe in some 'smol' joy alongside the smog?

The delightful discovery of this correlation reminds us that even amidst the smog-induced blues, a touch of whimsy can work wonders. It serves as a gentle nudge for researchers to explore the human response to environmental stressors with a light-hearted perspective, and to remember that sometimes, a dash of humor can be the most potent antidote to distress – a bit like a 'smol' creature in the midst of pollution.

Alas, as much as we’d love to continue unraveling the mysteries of the ‘smog and smol’ saga, our research has reached the charming conclusion that no more research is needed in this area. It seems the adorable allure of 'smol' creatures in the face of smog has been well and truly uncovered - and we wouldn’t want to ‘smol-der’ the impact of our discovery with further investigation!


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 The Smog and Smol Saga: Searching for Significance in Lafayette. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Ecological Wonders


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 The Smog and Smol Saga: Searching for Significance in Lafayette. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Society for the Advancement of Smog Studies


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 The Smog and Smol Saga: Searching for Significance in Lafayette with an abstract of In this study, we delved into the intriguing connection between air quality in Lafayette, Indiana and Google searches for 'smol'. We sought to shed light on whether the air pollution in this quaint city impacts internet users' inclination to seek out endearing content related to "smol" creatures. Armed with data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, we meticulously dissected this peculiar correlation. Our statistical analysis revealed a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.8360132 with a p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning from 2004 to 2023.
As we scrutinized the data, a notable pattern emerged – a significant increase in Google searches for 'smol' corresponded with higher levels of air pollution in the area. It seems that when the air quality goes downhill, people turn to the internet in search of all things “smol” to brighten their spirits. In other words, when the smog gets thick, the search for 'smol' gets quick!
Our findings not only challenge traditional notions of air pollution's impact on public behavior, but also inspire a light-hearted observation: perhaps the residents of Lafayette are subconsciously seeking solace in the adorable realm of 'smol' creatures as a coping mechanism for the environmental challenges they face. This quirky connection between air quality and internet whimsy opens the door to further exploration, beckoning researchers to delve into the depths of human responses to environmental stressors with a sense of humor. After all, laughter is the best medicine, especially in the face of smog-induced blues.

ChatGPT:

Lafayette Indiana, air quality, smol creatures, Google searches, correlation, environmental stressors, public behavior, coping mechanism, smog, internet whimsy, statistical analysis, EPA data, Google Trends

*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 quality in Lafayette, Indiana
Detailed data title: Percentage of days with good air quality in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
Source: Environmental Protection Agency
See what else correlates with Air quality in Lafayette, Indiana

Google searches for 'smol'
Detailed data title: Relative volume of Google searches for 'smol' (Worldwide, without quotes)
Source: Google Trends
Additional Info: Relative search volume (not absolute numbers)

See what else correlates with Google searches for 'smol'

Correlation r = 0.8360132 (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 = 0.6989181 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 69.9% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Google searches for 'smol') is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Air quality in Lafayette, Indiana) over the 20 years from 2004 through 2023.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 4.4E-6. 0.0000044185894781602580000000
The p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme. More specifically the p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme if we had only tested one pair of variables one time.

But I am a p-villain. I absolutely did not test only one pair of variables one time. I correlated hundreds of millions of pairs of variables. I threw boatloads of data into an industrial-sized blender to find this correlation.

Who is going to stop me? p-value reporting doesn't require me to report how many calculations I had to go through in order to find a low p-value!
On average, you will find a correaltion as strong as 0.84 in 0.00044% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 226,317 random variables You don't actually need 226 thousand 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 19 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 19 because we have two variables measured over a period of 20 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.

[ 0.62, 0.93 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
The confidence interval is an estimate the range of the value of the correlation coefficient, using the correlation itself as an input. The values are meant to be the low and high end of the correlation coefficient with 95% confidence.

This one is a bit more complciated than the other calculations, but I include it because many people have been pushing for confidence intervals instead of p-value calculations (for example: NEJM. However, if you are dredging data, you can reliably find yourself in the 5%. That's my goal!


All values for the years included above: If I were being very sneaky, I could trim years from the beginning or end of the datasets to increase the correlation on some pairs of variables. I don't do that because there are already plenty of correlations in my database without monkeying with the years.

Still, sometimes one of the variables has more years of data available than the other. This page only shows the overlapping years. To see all the years, click on "See what else correlates with..." link above.
20042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Air quality in Lafayette, Indiana (Good air quality)0.6329110.4459020.5329670.4093410.5533710.6134970.4465750.5098040.3489010.4575340.6785710.7055560.7869320.7698630.7835620.7561640.7185790.7753420.8547950.711934
Google searches for 'smol' (Rel. search volume)12.2513.510.666712.166713.083318.519.520.333321.333326.532.08334674.833385.166786.333384.2589.083383.166775.416774




Why this works

  1. Data dredging: I have 25,237 variables in my database. I compare all these variables against each other to find ones that randomly match up. That's 636,906,169 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([0.632911,0.445902,0.532967,0.409341,0.553371,0.613497,0.446575,0.509804,0.348901,0.457534,0.678571,0.705556,0.786932,0.769863,0.783562,0.756164,0.718579,0.775342,0.854795,0.711934,])
array_2 = np.array([12.25,13.5,10.6667,12.1667,13.0833,18.5,19.5,20.3333,21.3333,26.5,32.0833,46,74.8333,85.1667,86.3333,84.25,89.0833,83.1667,75.4167,74,])
array_1_name = "Air quality in Lafayette, Indiana"
array_2_name = "Google searches for 'smol'"

# 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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