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Spurious correlation #2,119 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Air pollution in Vallejo, California and the second variable is The number of postal service clerks in California.  The chart goes from 2003 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

As air quality improved, the paper in the postal office became too slippery to handle, leading to a decrease in efficiency and a need for fewer clerks to manage the mail.

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image that captures the cyberpunk essence of Vallejo, California, showcasing the smoggy, hazy air quality enveloping the city. Include a haunting, dystopian scene at the local post office, where a long line of people, bathed in eerie neon light, is waiting amidst the dilapidated urban landscape. Contrast the human figures with the imposing, futuristic architecture, hinting at a society struggling to keep up with rapid technological advancements. 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: Unhealthy air quality in Vallejo, California and The number of postal service clerks in California. 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: Cyberpunk Parallax art Whimsical illustration Magic realism High-tech
ChatGPT: Cyberpunk

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 Unhealthy air quality in Vallejo, California and The number of postal service clerks in California together. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In Vallejo, California, the air is hazy and smoggy, with a thick layer of unhealthy air quality lingering over the city. Meanwhile, at the local post office, there is a long line of people waiting, but only a few postal service clerks working, causing a delay in mail services.

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: [ Cyberpunk ] and depicting this scene: In Vallejo, California, the air is hazy and smoggy, with a thick layer of unhealthy air quality lingering over the city. Meanwhile, at the local post office, there is a long line of people waiting, but only a few postal service clerks working, causing a delay in mail services. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image that captures the cyberpunk essence of Vallejo, California, showcasing the smoggy, hazy air quality enveloping the city. Include a haunting, dystopian scene at the local post office, where a long line of people, bathed in eerie neon light, is waiting amidst the dilapidated urban landscape. Contrast the human figures with the imposing, futuristic architecture, hinting at a society struggling to keep up with rapid technological advancements.

*Variations in the User Prompts from chart to chart are just the result of random number generation in Python. I wrote a few arrays of various styles and methods to ask questions to change up the results. Every time this site writes an explanation or generates an image, the script picks from each at random.

I sequence the requests into multiple prompts because I find GPT 3.5 to perform much better with short, well-managed contexts. Thus, I track the context directly in Python and only ask ChatGPT targeted questions.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how a decrease in Air pollution in Vallejo, California caused The number of postal service clerks in California to decrease.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
A Breath of Fresh Air: Linking Air Pollution in Vallejo, California with the S(t)affing of Postal Service Clerks in California

The Journal of Environmental Health and Occupational Impacts

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 goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.You write titles and abstracts of goofy academic research papers.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, and add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Vallejo, California and The number of postal service clerks in California. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Include a pun in the title.

Your research team used data from Environmental Protection Agency and Bureau of Larbor Statistics to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.7779430 and p < 0.01 for 2003 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]]
"A Breath of Fresh Air: Linking Air Pollution in Vallejo, California with the S(t)affing of Postal Service Clerks in California"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we sought to examine the connection between air pollution in Vallejo, California, and the number of postal service clerks in California. We delved into this topic because we wanted to uncover whether there is a "mailable" relationship between these seemingly unrelated factors. Utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we embarked on an investigation that would leave us "air-itated" no longer.

Our findings revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.7779430 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the years spanning 2003 to 2021. This statistically significant correlation led us to ponder whether the postal service clerks in California were "airing" their grievances about the pollution in Vallejo, influencing their numbers, or if air pollution was simply "stamping" its mark on their availability. Additionally, we couldn't help but wonder if this relationship might be called a "par-Aerodynamic" association.

While this correlation does not imply causation, it does prompt further investigation into the potential impact of air quality on the working conditions and staffing of postal service clerks. These findings, though with a touch of humor, shed light on an unexpected nexus between environmental factors and labor patterns. So, next time you're at the post office, take a deep breath and consider the "air-mail" effect on the folks behind the counter.


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

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Vallejo, California and The number of postal service clerks in California. 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]]
"A Breath of Fresh Air: Linking Air Pollution in Vallejo, California with the S(t)affing of Postal Service Clerks in California"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we sought to examine the connection between air pollution in Vallejo, California, and the number of postal service clerks in California. We delved into this topic because we wanted to uncover whether there is a "mailable" relationship between these seemingly unrelated factors. Utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we embarked on an investigation that would leave us "air-itated" no longer.

Our findings revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.7779430 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the years spanning 2003 to 2021. This statistically significant correlation led us to ponder whether the postal service clerks in California were "airing" their grievances about the pollution in Vallejo, influencing their numbers, or if air pollution was simply "stamping" its mark on their availability. Additionally, we couldn't help but wonder if this relationship might be called a "par-Aerodynamic" association.

While this correlation does not imply causation, it does prompt further investigation into the potential impact of air quality on the working conditions and staffing of postal service clerks. These findings, though with a touch of humor, shed light on an unexpected nexus between environmental factors and labor patterns. So, next time you're at the post office, take a deep breath and consider the "air-mail" effect on the folks behind the counter.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
Introduction

Air pollution is a pervasive environmental issue that has far-reaching effects on public health and the economy, while postal service clerks play a vital role in facilitating the exchange of mail and packages. The connection between these two seemingly unrelated phenomena may not be immediately apparent, leading one to ponder, "What's the air-lation between them?"

The objectives of this research were to explore the potential association between air pollution in Vallejo, California, and the staffing of postal service clerks in California. Our inquiry stemmed from a curiosity about whether there exists a tangible link between the quality of the air in Vallejo and the number of postal service clerks in the state. After all, it's not every day that one gets the chance to muse on the question, "Is the air pollution in Vallejo 'stamp'-act-ing the postal service clerks in California?"

In recent years, the impact of air pollution on diverse aspects of society has received heightened attention. From its implications for respiratory health to its influence on labor productivity, the effects of poor air quality are nothing to sneeze at. Likewise, the staffing levels of postal service clerks are critical for maintaining efficient mail processing and delivery. So, one might say that investigating their relationship with air pollution is not just about "airing" out concerns but also "addressing" a significant issue.

The pursuit of an understanding of this nexus forms the foundation for the present study. We embarked on this investigation with enthusiasm, as we hoped to unearth findings that would not only inform academic discourse but also bring a breath of fresh air to our understanding of environmental and labor dynamics. After all, why should the relationship between air pollution and postal service clerks be overlooked when it's ripe for "air-alysis"?

To our delight, our research yielded compelling insights, pushing us to recognize the potential implications of air pollution in Vallejo on the workforce of postal service clerks in California. This unexpected link is certainly something to contemplate, especially if one appreciates the occasional "par-Aerodynamic" association.


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

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Vallejo, California and The number of postal service clerks in California. 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 cite some social media posts you read that seem to be related.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"A Breath of Fresh Air: Linking Air Pollution in Vallejo, California with the S(t)affing of Postal Service Clerks in California"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we sought to examine the connection between air pollution in Vallejo, California, and the number of postal service clerks in California. We delved into this topic because we wanted to uncover whether there is a "mailable" relationship between these seemingly unrelated factors. Utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we embarked on an investigation that would leave us "air-itated" no longer.

Our findings revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.7779430 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the years spanning 2003 to 2021. This statistically significant correlation led us to ponder whether the postal service clerks in California were "airing" their grievances about the pollution in Vallejo, influencing their numbers, or if air pollution was simply "stamping" its mark on their availability. Additionally, we couldn't help but wonder if this relationship might be called a "par-Aerodynamic" association.

While this correlation does not imply causation, it does prompt further investigation into the potential impact of air quality on the working conditions and staffing of postal service clerks. These findings, though with a touch of humor, shed light on an unexpected nexus between environmental factors and labor patterns. So, next time you're at the post office, take a deep breath and consider the "air-mail" effect on the folks behind the counter.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
Introduction
Air pollution is a pervasive environmental issue that has far-reaching effects on public health and the economy, while postal service clerks play a vital role in facilitating the exchange of mail and packages. The connection between these two seemingly unrelated phenomena may not be immediately apparent, leading one to ponder, "What's the air-lation between them?"
The objectives of this research were to explore the potential association between air pollution in Vallejo, California, and the staffing of postal service clerks in California. Our inquiry stemmed from a curiosity about whether there exists a tangible link between the quality of the air in Vallejo and the number of postal service clerks in the state. After all, it's not every day that one gets the chance to muse on the question, "Is the air pollution in Vallejo 'stamp'-act-ing the postal service clerks in California?"
In recent years, the impact of air pollution on diverse aspects of society has received heightened attention. From its implications for respiratory health to its influence on labor productivity, the effects of poor air quality are nothing to sneeze at. Likewise, the staffing levels of postal service clerks are critical for maintaining efficient mail processing and delivery. So, one might say that investigating their relationship with air pollution is not just about "airing" out concerns but also "addressing" a significant issue.
The pursuit of an understanding of this nexus forms the foundation for the present study. We embarked on this investigation with enthusiasm, as we hoped to unearth findings that would not only inform academic discourse but also bring a breath of fresh air to our understanding of environmental and labor dynamics. After all, why should the relationship between air pollution and postal service clerks be overlooked when it's ripe for "air-alysis"?
To our delight, our research yielded compelling insights, pushing us to recognize the potential implications of air pollution in Vallejo on the workforce of postal service clerks in California. This unexpected link is certainly something to contemplate, especially if one appreciates the occasional "par-Aerodynamic" association.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

As we delved into the task of untangling the enigmatic link between air pollution in Vallejo, California, and the number of postal service clerks in California, we initially turned to foundational studies by Smith and Doe, who examined the impact of environmental factors on labor patterns. In "Environmental Forces and Labor Dynamics," Smith et al. elucidate the multifaceted relationship between air quality and workforce dynamics, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding the potential influence of environmental conditions on staffing levels. Similarly, Doe's work in "Labor Trends in Urban Centers" sheds light on the complex interplay between urban environmental stressors and the composition of the labor force, providing a theoretical groundwork for investigating the connection between air pollution and postal service clerk staffing.

The serious scholarly pursuit led us to ponder upon the potential "air-quality" of our own research and consider the need for a breath of levity. So, we took a deep dive into the eclectic world of literature, seeking inspiration and a touch of humor to infuse into our interpretation of the unexpected relationship between air pollution and postal service clerks in California.

In "The Air We Breathe: A Guide to Understanding Air Pollution," the authors highlight the far-reaching implications of air quality on various facets of society, inviting readers to contemplate the pervasive influence of polluted air on everyday life. This enlightening read didn't just clear the air but also fueled our enthusiasm for uncovering the mysteries surrounding the connection between air pollution in Vallejo and the workforce of postal service clerks.

Turning to works of fiction that may hold a semblance of relevance, we found ourselves captivated by the intriguing narrative of "The Postal Paradox" by E. Letters, a whimsical tale of postal office mysteries and the unforeseen impacts of environmental anomalies on the staff's daily activities. While the book may not pass muster as academic literature, it surely offered a delightful escape into the realm of postal intrigues.

As we continued our scholarly exploration, we couldn't resist the allure of social media musings that seemed to resonate with the conundrum at hand. A post by @EnviroChampion on Twitter intriguingly pondered, "Could the smog in Vallejo be affecting how fast your mail gets delivered? 📬 #AirMailMystery." This digital tidbit not only sparked curiosity but also provided a quirky perspective on the potential influence of air pollution on the operational dynamics of postal service clerks.

In "Clerks: The Untold Story," Kevin Smith takes a comedic look at the life of convenience store clerks which is quite unrelated to our research. But hey, clerks are clerks, right?

Stay tuned for further scholarly exploration interwoven with an undercurrent of levity as we unravel the air-lation between air pollution in Vallejo and the staffing of postal service clerks in California.


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

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Vallejo, California and The number of postal service clerks in California. 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 Bureau of Larbor Statistics . You used data from 2003 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]]
"A Breath of Fresh Air: Linking Air Pollution in Vallejo, California with the S(t)affing of Postal Service Clerks in California"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we sought to examine the connection between air pollution in Vallejo, California, and the number of postal service clerks in California. We delved into this topic because we wanted to uncover whether there is a "mailable" relationship between these seemingly unrelated factors. Utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we embarked on an investigation that would leave us "air-itated" no longer.

Our findings revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.7779430 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the years spanning 2003 to 2021. This statistically significant correlation led us to ponder whether the postal service clerks in California were "airing" their grievances about the pollution in Vallejo, influencing their numbers, or if air pollution was simply "stamping" its mark on their availability. Additionally, we couldn't help but wonder if this relationship might be called a "par-Aerodynamic" association.

While this correlation does not imply causation, it does prompt further investigation into the potential impact of air quality on the working conditions and staffing of postal service clerks. These findings, though with a touch of humor, shed light on an unexpected nexus between environmental factors and labor patterns. So, next time you're at the post office, take a deep breath and consider the "air-mail" effect on the folks behind the counter.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
Introduction
Air pollution is a pervasive environmental issue that has far-reaching effects on public health and the economy, while postal service clerks play a vital role in facilitating the exchange of mail and packages. The connection between these two seemingly unrelated phenomena may not be immediately apparent, leading one to ponder, "What's the air-lation between them?"
The objectives of this research were to explore the potential association between air pollution in Vallejo, California, and the staffing of postal service clerks in California. Our inquiry stemmed from a curiosity about whether there exists a tangible link between the quality of the air in Vallejo and the number of postal service clerks in the state. After all, it's not every day that one gets the chance to muse on the question, "Is the air pollution in Vallejo 'stamp'-act-ing the postal service clerks in California?"
In recent years, the impact of air pollution on diverse aspects of society has received heightened attention. From its implications for respiratory health to its influence on labor productivity, the effects of poor air quality are nothing to sneeze at. Likewise, the staffing levels of postal service clerks are critical for maintaining efficient mail processing and delivery. So, one might say that investigating their relationship with air pollution is not just about "airing" out concerns but also "addressing" a significant issue.
The pursuit of an understanding of this nexus forms the foundation for the present study. We embarked on this investigation with enthusiasm, as we hoped to unearth findings that would not only inform academic discourse but also bring a breath of fresh air to our understanding of environmental and labor dynamics. After all, why should the relationship between air pollution and postal service clerks be overlooked when it's ripe for "air-alysis"?
To our delight, our research yielded compelling insights, pushing us to recognize the potential implications of air pollution in Vallejo on the workforce of postal service clerks in California. This unexpected link is certainly something to contemplate, especially if one appreciates the occasional "par-Aerodynamic" association.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

Data Collection:
To investigate the relationship between air pollution in Vallejo, California, and the number of postal service clerks in California, we collected an assortment of data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). We considered this data collection process crucial, as we aimed to avoid any "air-rors" in our analysis. The EPA provided us with comprehensive air quality measurements, while the BLS furnished us with employment statistics for postal service clerks. We then meticulously sifted through this data, ensuring we were not just "blowing hot air."

Air Pollution Measurement:
The measurement of air pollution in Vallejo, California, involved the utilization of state-of-the-art monitoring technology, because, after all, we couldn't just rely on "whiff-based testing." We gathered data on pollutants such as particulate matter, ozone, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide, employing sophisticated instruments to capture the nuances of air quality. Our team took great care to ensure the accuracy of these measurements, as we didn't want any "foul air" creeping into our analysis.

Identification of Postal Service Clerk Numbers:
In the identification of the number of postal service clerks in California, we combed through the BLS databases, ensuring that we left no "mail-stones" unturned. We meticulously extracted the employment figures for postal service clerks from 2003 to 2021, verifying the precision of these numbers. Our rigorous approach ensured that we didn't "post-al" any incorrect data in our analysis.

Quantitative Analysis:
With the data in hand, we performed a variety of advanced statistical analyses, implementing techniques that were absolutely "air-tight." We utilized correlation analysis to examine the relationship between air pollution levels in Vallejo and the staffing of postal service clerks in California. Our flavorsome statistical methods allowed us to explore the strength and significance of any association, as we navigated this research endeavor without "air-mailing" any statistical mishaps.

Multivariate Modeling:
To account for potential confounding variables, we then embarked on a multivariate modeling journey, endeavoring to shed light on the nuanced interplay between air pollution and postal service clerk numbers. Our models were carefully crafted to capture the "air-reducible" complexities of the relationship, ensuring that we didn't overlook any subtle influences in our analysis. We can assure you that this modeling process was handled with utmost seriousness, despite our occasional "air-head" moments.

Ethical Considerations:
Throughout our research, we maintained a commitment to ethical standards, ensuring that all data were handled with the utmost integrity. We respected the privacy and confidentiality of individuals represented in the datasets, ensuring that our analysis upheld the principles of responsible research conduct. Our commitment to ethical practices was unwavering, even when we were tempted to make a few "air-ity" jokes along the way.

In conclusion, our research methodology was purposefully designed to navigate the intriguing realm of air pollution in Vallejo and its potential influence on the staffing of postal service clerks in California. We didn't take this investigation lightly, making sure that our methods were as robust as an airtight container. After all, we wouldn't want our findings to "waft away" in the wind.


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

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Vallejo, California and The number of postal service clerks in California. 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 Bureau of Larbor Statistics .

For the time period 2003 to 2021, you found a correlation 0.7779430, r-squared of 0.6051952, 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]]
"A Breath of Fresh Air: Linking Air Pollution in Vallejo, California with the S(t)affing of Postal Service Clerks in California"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we sought to examine the connection between air pollution in Vallejo, California, and the number of postal service clerks in California. We delved into this topic because we wanted to uncover whether there is a "mailable" relationship between these seemingly unrelated factors. Utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we embarked on an investigation that would leave us "air-itated" no longer.

Our findings revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.7779430 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the years spanning 2003 to 2021. This statistically significant correlation led us to ponder whether the postal service clerks in California were "airing" their grievances about the pollution in Vallejo, influencing their numbers, or if air pollution was simply "stamping" its mark on their availability. Additionally, we couldn't help but wonder if this relationship might be called a "par-Aerodynamic" association.

While this correlation does not imply causation, it does prompt further investigation into the potential impact of air quality on the working conditions and staffing of postal service clerks. These findings, though with a touch of humor, shed light on an unexpected nexus between environmental factors and labor patterns. So, next time you're at the post office, take a deep breath and consider the "air-mail" effect on the folks behind the counter.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
Introduction
Air pollution is a pervasive environmental issue that has far-reaching effects on public health and the economy, while postal service clerks play a vital role in facilitating the exchange of mail and packages. The connection between these two seemingly unrelated phenomena may not be immediately apparent, leading one to ponder, "What's the air-lation between them?"
The objectives of this research were to explore the potential association between air pollution in Vallejo, California, and the staffing of postal service clerks in California. Our inquiry stemmed from a curiosity about whether there exists a tangible link between the quality of the air in Vallejo and the number of postal service clerks in the state. After all, it's not every day that one gets the chance to muse on the question, "Is the air pollution in Vallejo 'stamp'-act-ing the postal service clerks in California?"
In recent years, the impact of air pollution on diverse aspects of society has received heightened attention. From its implications for respiratory health to its influence on labor productivity, the effects of poor air quality are nothing to sneeze at. Likewise, the staffing levels of postal service clerks are critical for maintaining efficient mail processing and delivery. So, one might say that investigating their relationship with air pollution is not just about "airing" out concerns but also "addressing" a significant issue.
The pursuit of an understanding of this nexus forms the foundation for the present study. We embarked on this investigation with enthusiasm, as we hoped to unearth findings that would not only inform academic discourse but also bring a breath of fresh air to our understanding of environmental and labor dynamics. After all, why should the relationship between air pollution and postal service clerks be overlooked when it's ripe for "air-alysis"?
To our delight, our research yielded compelling insights, pushing us to recognize the potential implications of air pollution in Vallejo on the workforce of postal service clerks in California. This unexpected link is certainly something to contemplate, especially if one appreciates the occasional "par-Aerodynamic" association.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

Our analysis of the data revealed a strong positive correlation between air pollution in Vallejo, California, and the number of postal service clerks in California for the years 2003 to 2021. The correlation coefficient was calculated to be 0.7779430, indicating a robust relationship between these variables. This finding suggests that as air pollution levels in Vallejo increased, the number of postal service clerks in California also tended to rise. It seems the impact of air pollution is not merely up in the air, but it's also making its way into the postal workforce.

The r-squared value of 0.6051952 further supported the strength of the correlation, indicating that approximately 60.5% of the variation in the number of postal service clerks can be explained by changes in air pollution levels in Vallejo. It's as if the air pollution has been leaving its unique "stamp" on the labor force, shaping the presence of postal service clerks across the state.

Additionally, the p-value of less than 0.01 provided strong evidence against the null hypothesis that there is no relationship between air pollution in Vallejo and the number of postal service clerks in California. It seems that the connection between these variables is not just a p-ostulate, but a statistically significant reality.

The scatterplot (Fig. 1) visually depicts the correlation between air pollution in Vallejo and the number of postal service clerks in California. It's quite clear from the figure that as air pollution levels increase, the number of postal service clerks also tends to rise, forming a trend as noticeable as a "first-class" package delivery.

In conclusion, our study has demonstrated a compelling correlation between air pollution in Vallejo, California, and the staffing of postal service clerks in California. This unexpected relationship invites further investigation not just into environmental influences on labor patterns, but also into the potential implications for workplace conditions and workforce availability. It seems that the air pollution in Vallejo has indeed delivered some unexpected "packages" of insight about its impact on the postal workforce in California.


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

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Vallejo, California and The number of postal service clerks in California. 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]]
"A Breath of Fresh Air: Linking Air Pollution in Vallejo, California with the S(t)affing of Postal Service Clerks in California"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we sought to examine the connection between air pollution in Vallejo, California, and the number of postal service clerks in California. We delved into this topic because we wanted to uncover whether there is a "mailable" relationship between these seemingly unrelated factors. Utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we embarked on an investigation that would leave us "air-itated" no longer.

Our findings revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.7779430 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the years spanning 2003 to 2021. This statistically significant correlation led us to ponder whether the postal service clerks in California were "airing" their grievances about the pollution in Vallejo, influencing their numbers, or if air pollution was simply "stamping" its mark on their availability. Additionally, we couldn't help but wonder if this relationship might be called a "par-Aerodynamic" association.

While this correlation does not imply causation, it does prompt further investigation into the potential impact of air quality on the working conditions and staffing of postal service clerks. These findings, though with a touch of humor, shed light on an unexpected nexus between environmental factors and labor patterns. So, next time you're at the post office, take a deep breath and consider the "air-mail" effect on the folks behind the counter.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
As we delved into the task of untangling the enigmatic link between air pollution in Vallejo, California, and the number of postal service clerks in California, we initially turned to foundational studies by Smith and Doe, who examined the impact of environmental factors on labor patterns. In "Environmental Forces and Labor Dynamics," Smith et al. elucidate the multifaceted relationship between air quality and workforce dynamics, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding the potential influence of environmental conditions on staffing levels. Similarly, Doe's work in "Labor Trends in Urban Centers" sheds light on the complex interplay between urban environmental stressors and the composition of the labor force, providing a theoretical groundwork for investigating the connection between air pollution and postal service clerk staffing.
The serious scholarly pursuit led us to ponder upon the potential "air-quality" of our own research and consider the need for a breath of levity. So, we took a deep dive into the eclectic world of literature, seeking inspiration and a touch of humor to infuse into our interpretation of the unexpected relationship between air pollution and postal service clerks in California.
In "The Air We Breathe: A Guide to Understanding Air Pollution," the authors highlight the far-reaching implications of air quality on various facets of society, inviting readers to contemplate the pervasive influence of polluted air on everyday life. This enlightening read didn't just clear the air but also fueled our enthusiasm for uncovering the mysteries surrounding the connection between air pollution in Vallejo and the workforce of postal service clerks.
Turning to works of fiction that may hold a semblance of relevance, we found ourselves captivated by the intriguing narrative of "The Postal Paradox" by E. Letters, a whimsical tale of postal office mysteries and the unforeseen impacts of environmental anomalies on the staff's daily activities. While the book may not pass muster as academic literature, it surely offered a delightful escape into the realm of postal intrigues.
As we continued our scholarly exploration, we couldn't resist the allure of social media musings that seemed to resonate with the conundrum at hand. A post by @EnviroChampion on Twitter intriguingly pondered, "Could the smog in Vallejo be affecting how fast your mail gets delivered? 📬 #AirMailMystery." This digital tidbit not only sparked curiosity but also provided a quirky perspective on the potential influence of air pollution on the operational dynamics of postal service clerks.
In "Clerks: The Untold Story," Kevin Smith takes a comedic look at the life of convenience store clerks which is quite unrelated to our research. But hey, clerks are clerks, right?
Stay tuned for further scholarly exploration interwoven with an undercurrent of levity as we unravel the air-lation between air pollution in Vallejo and the staffing of postal service clerks in California.

[[RESULTS]]
Our analysis of the data revealed a strong positive correlation between air pollution in Vallejo, California, and the number of postal service clerks in California for the years 2003 to 2021. The correlation coefficient was calculated to be 0.7779430, indicating a robust relationship between these variables. This finding suggests that as air pollution levels in Vallejo increased, the number of postal service clerks in California also tended to rise. It seems the impact of air pollution is not merely up in the air, but it's also making its way into the postal workforce.
The r-squared value of 0.6051952 further supported the strength of the correlation, indicating that approximately 60.5% of the variation in the number of postal service clerks can be explained by changes in air pollution levels in Vallejo. It's as if the air pollution has been leaving its unique "stamp" on the labor force, shaping the presence of postal service clerks across the state.
Additionally, the p-value of less than 0.01 provided strong evidence against the null hypothesis that there is no relationship between air pollution in Vallejo and the number of postal service clerks in California. It seems that the connection between these variables is not just a p-ostulate, but a statistically significant reality.
The scatterplot (Fig. 1) visually depicts the correlation between air pollution in Vallejo and the number of postal service clerks in California. It's quite clear from the figure that as air pollution levels increase, the number of postal service clerks also tends to rise, forming a trend as noticeable as a "first-class" package delivery.
In conclusion, our study has demonstrated a compelling correlation between air pollution in Vallejo, California, and the staffing of postal service clerks in California. This unexpected relationship invites further investigation not just into environmental influences on labor patterns, but also into the potential implications for workplace conditions and workforce availability. It seems that the air pollution in Vallejo has indeed delivered some unexpected "packages" of insight about its impact on the postal workforce in California.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

Our investigation into the curious connection between air pollution in Vallejo, California, and the number of postal service clerks in California has yielded some intriguing findings. The results of our study align with prior research by Smith and Doe, who highlighted the interplay between environmental factors and labor dynamics. While their work provided a serious foundation for our exploration, we couldn't help but notice the pun-tential for injecting some humor into our research. It's always good to maintain a "punny" attitude when delving into unexpected correlations!

The statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.7779430 that we uncovered supports the previous literature's suggestion of a tangible link between environmental conditions and workforce patterns. It seems that as air pollution levels in Vallejo soared, so did the number of postal service clerks across California. This relationship could be dubbed a "postal air-lation," shedding light on the subtle yet influential impact of pollution on labor dynamics.

Furthermore, the robust r-squared value of 0.6051952 underscores the extent to which changes in air pollution levels can explain variations in the number of postal service clerks. It appears that the influence of air pollution is as clear as a "postage stamp," leaving an indelible mark on the workforce dynamics in California. Our results lend credence to the notion that environmental forces can exert a tangible influence on labor patterns, providing empirical support for the insights brought forth by prior scholars.

The results of our study mirror the lighthearted musings of social media users and the whimsical narrative of "The Postal Paradox" by E. Letters, albeit in a more scientifically rigorous manner. It seems that reality can indeed be stranger than fiction, especially when it comes to uncovering unexpected connections between environmental conditions and workforce dynamics. As scholars, it's crucial to maintain a balance between the academic rigor of our research and the occasional injection of levity to keep the "mail train" of curiosity and engagement chugging along.

Incorporating a dash of humor into our scholarly pursuits doesn't just add levity to our discussions; it also enlivens the exploration of seemingly disparate phenomena, fostering a spirit of curiosity and intrigue. After all, who wouldn't appreciate a well-placed dad joke in the midst of statistical analyses and scholarly discourse? With our findings in mind, it's evident that the influence of air pollution in Vallejo reaches beyond the environmental realm, extending its effects into the intricate web of labor dynamics and workforce composition. It seems that the air in Vallejo isn't just "up in arms"; it's also influencing the "stampede" of postal service clerks in California.

As we contemplate the implications of our results, it becomes clear that the unexpected nexus between air pollution and postal service clerk staffing warrants further investigation. Moreover, our study highlights the importance of approaching scholarly endeavors with a blend of intellectual rigor and the occasional "punny" twist, ensuring that the pursuit of knowledge remains an engaging and enriching endeavor for both researchers and readers alike.


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

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Vallejo, California and The number of postal service clerks in California. 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]]
"A Breath of Fresh Air: Linking Air Pollution in Vallejo, California with the S(t)affing of Postal Service Clerks in California"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we sought to examine the connection between air pollution in Vallejo, California, and the number of postal service clerks in California. We delved into this topic because we wanted to uncover whether there is a "mailable" relationship between these seemingly unrelated factors. Utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we embarked on an investigation that would leave us "air-itated" no longer.

Our findings revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.7779430 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the years spanning 2003 to 2021. This statistically significant correlation led us to ponder whether the postal service clerks in California were "airing" their grievances about the pollution in Vallejo, influencing their numbers, or if air pollution was simply "stamping" its mark on their availability. Additionally, we couldn't help but wonder if this relationship might be called a "par-Aerodynamic" association.

While this correlation does not imply causation, it does prompt further investigation into the potential impact of air quality on the working conditions and staffing of postal service clerks. These findings, though with a touch of humor, shed light on an unexpected nexus between environmental factors and labor patterns. So, next time you're at the post office, take a deep breath and consider the "air-mail" effect on the folks behind the counter.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
Introduction
Air pollution is a pervasive environmental issue that has far-reaching effects on public health and the economy, while postal service clerks play a vital role in facilitating the exchange of mail and packages. The connection between these two seemingly unrelated phenomena may not be immediately apparent, leading one to ponder, "What's the air-lation between them?"
The objectives of this research were to explore the potential association between air pollution in Vallejo, California, and the staffing of postal service clerks in California. Our inquiry stemmed from a curiosity about whether there exists a tangible link between the quality of the air in Vallejo and the number of postal service clerks in the state. After all, it's not every day that one gets the chance to muse on the question, "Is the air pollution in Vallejo 'stamp'-act-ing the postal service clerks in California?"
In recent years, the impact of air pollution on diverse aspects of society has received heightened attention. From its implications for respiratory health to its influence on labor productivity, the effects of poor air quality are nothing to sneeze at. Likewise, the staffing levels of postal service clerks are critical for maintaining efficient mail processing and delivery. So, one might say that investigating their relationship with air pollution is not just about "airing" out concerns but also "addressing" a significant issue.
The pursuit of an understanding of this nexus forms the foundation for the present study. We embarked on this investigation with enthusiasm, as we hoped to unearth findings that would not only inform academic discourse but also bring a breath of fresh air to our understanding of environmental and labor dynamics. After all, why should the relationship between air pollution and postal service clerks be overlooked when it's ripe for "air-alysis"?
To our delight, our research yielded compelling insights, pushing us to recognize the potential implications of air pollution in Vallejo on the workforce of postal service clerks in California. This unexpected link is certainly something to contemplate, especially if one appreciates the occasional "par-Aerodynamic" association.

[[RESULTS]]
Our analysis of the data revealed a strong positive correlation between air pollution in Vallejo, California, and the number of postal service clerks in California for the years 2003 to 2021. The correlation coefficient was calculated to be 0.7779430, indicating a robust relationship between these variables. This finding suggests that as air pollution levels in Vallejo increased, the number of postal service clerks in California also tended to rise. It seems the impact of air pollution is not merely up in the air, but it's also making its way into the postal workforce.
The r-squared value of 0.6051952 further supported the strength of the correlation, indicating that approximately 60.5% of the variation in the number of postal service clerks can be explained by changes in air pollution levels in Vallejo. It's as if the air pollution has been leaving its unique "stamp" on the labor force, shaping the presence of postal service clerks across the state.
Additionally, the p-value of less than 0.01 provided strong evidence against the null hypothesis that there is no relationship between air pollution in Vallejo and the number of postal service clerks in California. It seems that the connection between these variables is not just a p-ostulate, but a statistically significant reality.
The scatterplot (Fig. 1) visually depicts the correlation between air pollution in Vallejo and the number of postal service clerks in California. It's quite clear from the figure that as air pollution levels increase, the number of postal service clerks also tends to rise, forming a trend as noticeable as a "first-class" package delivery.
In conclusion, our study has demonstrated a compelling correlation between air pollution in Vallejo, California, and the staffing of postal service clerks in California. This unexpected relationship invites further investigation not just into environmental influences on labor patterns, but also into the potential implications for workplace conditions and workforce availability. It seems that the air pollution in Vallejo has indeed delivered some unexpected "packages" of insight about its impact on the postal workforce in California.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our findings have uncovered a noteworthy correlation between air pollution in Vallejo, California, and the number of postal service clerks in California. It's as if the air quality in Vallejo has been writing an epistolary novel, and the postal service clerks are its faithful protagonists, responding to its every twist and turn like characters in a good old-fashioned "air-mail" romance.

The robust correlation coefficient of 0.7779430 and the p-value of less than 0.01 indicate a strong statistical relationship, suggesting that as the pollution levels rise, so do the numbers of postal service clerks. It's like an environmental version of "cloudy with a chance of employment."

The scatterplot (Fig. 1) beautifully illustrates this connection, showing a trend as clear as a well-addressed envelope. One might say this relationship is as dependable as next-day delivery from your local post office.

Our findings prompt further "air-tention" to the potential impact of air quality on labor patterns and workplace conditions. It seems that the air pollution in Vallejo is not just generating smog; it's also stirring up some "postal turbulence."

Ultimately, this unexpected nexus between environmental factors and labor patterns offers a unique perspective on the interplay between atmospheric conditions and workforce dynamics. It's like a case of "Air Pollution and the Postal Service Clerks: The Unexpected Saga."

With these findings, we assert that no further research is needed on this topic. We've "air-mailed" the scientific community our results; it's time to stamp "return to sender" on any more inquiries into this lighthearted, yet insightful, phenomenon.


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 A Breath of Fresh Air: Linking Air Pollution in Vallejo, California with the S(t)affing of Postal Service Clerks in California. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Environmental Health and Occupational Impacts


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 A Breath of Fresh Air: Linking Air Pollution in Vallejo, California with the S(t)affing of Postal Service Clerks in California. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Institute for Metropolitan Environmental Health and Efficiency


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 A Breath of Fresh Air: Linking Air Pollution in Vallejo, California with the S(t)affing of Postal Service Clerks in California with an abstract of In this study, we sought to examine the connection between air pollution in Vallejo, California, and the number of postal service clerks in California. We delved into this topic because we wanted to uncover whether there is a "mailable" relationship between these seemingly unrelated factors. Utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we embarked on an investigation that would leave us "air-itated" no longer.
Our findings revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.7779430 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the years spanning 2003 to 2021. This statistically significant correlation led us to ponder whether the postal service clerks in California were "airing" their grievances about the pollution in Vallejo, influencing their numbers, or if air pollution was simply "stamping" its mark on their availability. Additionally, we couldn't help but wonder if this relationship might be called a "par-Aerodynamic" association.
While this correlation does not imply causation, it does prompt further investigation into the potential impact of air quality on the working conditions and staffing of postal service clerks. These findings, though with a touch of humor, shed light on an unexpected nexus between environmental factors and labor patterns. So, next time you're at the post office, take a deep breath and consider the "air-mail" effect on the folks behind the counter.

ChatGPT:

air pollution, Vallejo, California, postal service clerks, staffing, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Environmental Protection Agency, correlation coefficient, p-value, air quality, working conditions, labor patterns

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



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Data details

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

The number of postal service clerks in California
Detailed data title: BLS estimate of postal service clerks in California
Source: Bureau of Larbor Statistics
See what else correlates with The number of postal service clerks in California

Correlation r = 0.7779430 (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 = 0.6051952 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 60.5% of the change in the one variable (i.e., The number of postal service clerks in California) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Air pollution in Vallejo, California) over the 19 years from 2003 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 8.8E-5. 0.0000880492299385162400000000
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 0.78 in 0.0088% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 11,357 random variables Which I absolutely did.
with the same 18 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 18 because we have two variables measured over a period of 19 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.

[ 0.5, 0.91 ] 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.
2003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021
Air pollution in Vallejo, California (Bad air quality days)2.739734.644814.109595.479454.931516.284152.465751.095892.465751.366123.01370.8219181.095890.5464482.739734.109590.2739734.371580.821918
The number of postal service clerks in California (Postal Service Clerks)8400835087009240897086408180752073407600744074407480760076807330740091207010




Why this works

  1. Data dredging: I have 25,153 variables in my database. I compare all these variables against each other to find ones that randomly match up. That's 632,673,409 correlation calculations! This is called “data dredging.” Instead of starting with a hypothesis and testing it, I instead abused the data to see what correlations shake out. It’s a dangerous way to go about analysis, because any sufficiently large dataset will yield strong correlations completely at random.
  2. Lack of causal connection: There is probably Because these pages are automatically generated, it's possible that the two variables you are viewing are in fact causually related. I take steps to prevent the obvious ones from showing on the site (I don't let data about the weather in one city correlate with the weather in a neighboring city, for example), but sometimes they still pop up. If they are related, cool! You found a loophole.
    no direct connection between these variables, despite what the AI says above. This is exacerbated by the fact that I used "Years" as the base variable. Lots of things happen in a year that are not related to each other! Most studies would use something like "one person" in stead of "one year" to be the "thing" studied.
  3. Observations not independent: For many variables, sequential years are not independent of each other. If a population of people is continuously doing something every day, there is no reason to think they would suddenly change how they are doing that thing on January 1. A simple Personally I don't find any p-value calculation to be 'simple,' but you know what I mean.
    p-value calculation does not take this into account, so mathematically it appears less probable than it really is.
  4. Y-axis doesn't start at zero: I truncated the Y-axes of the graph above. I also used a line graph, which makes the visual connection stand out more than it deserves. Nothing against line graphs. They are great at telling a story when you have linear data! But visually it is deceptive because the only data is at the points on the graph, not the lines on the graph. In between each point, the data could have been doing anything. Like going for a random walk by itself!
    Mathematically what I showed is true, but it is intentionally misleading. Below is the same chart but with both Y-axes starting at zero.




Try it yourself

You can calculate the values on this page on your own! Try running the Python code to see the calculation results. Step 1: Download and install Python on your computer.

Step 2: Open a plaintext editor like Notepad and paste the code below into it.

Step 3: Save the file as "calculate_correlation.py" in a place you will remember, like your desktop. Copy the file location to your clipboard. On Windows, you can right-click the file and click "Properties," and then copy what comes after "Location:" As an example, on my computer the location is "C:\Users\tyler\Desktop"

Step 4: Open a command line window. For example, by pressing start and typing "cmd" and them pressing enter.

Step 5: Install the required modules by typing "pip install numpy", then pressing enter, then typing "pip install scipy", then pressing enter.

Step 6: Navigate to the location where you saved the Python file by using the "cd" command. For example, I would type "cd C:\Users\tyler\Desktop" and push enter.

Step 7: Run the Python script by typing "python calculate_correlation.py"

If you run into any issues, I suggest asking ChatGPT to walk you through installing Python and running the code below on your system. Try this question:

"Walk me through installing Python on my computer to run a script that uses scipy and numpy. Go step-by-step and ask me to confirm before moving on. Start by asking me questions about my operating system so that you know how to proceed. Assume I want the simplest installation with the latest version of Python and that I do not currently have any of the necessary elements installed. Remember to only give me one step per response and confirm I have done it before proceeding."


# These modules make it easier to perform the calculation
import numpy as np
from scipy import stats

# We'll define a function that we can call to return the correlation calculations
def calculate_correlation(array1, array2):

    # Calculate Pearson correlation coefficient and p-value
    correlation, p_value = stats.pearsonr(array1, array2)

    # Calculate R-squared as the square of the correlation coefficient
    r_squared = correlation**2

    return correlation, r_squared, p_value

# These are the arrays for the variables shown on this page, but you can modify them to be any two sets of numbers
array_1 = np.array([2.73973,4.64481,4.10959,5.47945,4.93151,6.28415,2.46575,1.09589,2.46575,1.36612,3.0137,0.821918,1.09589,0.546448,2.73973,4.10959,0.273973,4.37158,0.821918,])
array_2 = np.array([8400,8350,8700,9240,8970,8640,8180,7520,7340,7600,7440,7440,7480,7600,7680,7330,7400,9120,7010,])
array_1_name = "Air pollution in Vallejo, California"
array_2_name = "The number of postal service clerks in California"

# Perform the calculation
print(f"Calculating the correlation between {array_1_name} and {array_2_name}...")
correlation, r_squared, p_value = calculate_correlation(array_1, array_2)

# Print the results
print("Correlation Coefficient:", correlation)
print("R-squared:", r_squared)
print("P-value:", p_value)



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Correlation ID: 2119 · Black Variable ID: 21386 · Red Variable ID: 5534
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