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Spurious correlation #2,771 · 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 Decatur, Alabama and the second variable is The marriage rate in Alabama.  The chart goes from 1999 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

As the air became cleaner, the romantic smog that was keeping people together lifted, leading to a wave of clarity about incompatible partners. With each breath of fresh, pollutant-free air, individuals suddenly realized they could do better than settling down with their current significant other. It turns out, love wasn't the only thing being smothered by the smog!

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Prompt: Generate an image in the style of a meme showing a couple in Decatur, Alabama, standing on a vibrant street on a clear, sunny day. Both individuals have a surprised expression as they look at each other, with the city skyline and clear blue sky in the background. The image should convey the newfound clarity and realization within their relationship, without using any words or speech bubbles. The depiction should include only scenes, people, and objects, it should not include text or speech bubbles.
This image generation prompt was also generated by AI, using the following sequence:

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You select one of a few potential scene descriptors that seems to go along with the variables described. You respond only with the scene descriptions provided and say nothing else.
User prompt: Here are two variables: Air pollution in Decatur, Alabama and The marriage rate in Alabama. 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: An image that looks like it is a scene from A Disney Movie a meme Woodblock painting Steampunk A scene from Skyrim
ChatGPT: A meme

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both Air pollution in Decatur, Alabama and The marriage rate in Alabama, in the following situation: Because as air pollution decreased in Decatur, Alabama, people were able to see each other more clearly and realized they didn't actually want to be married to the person they had been living with all this time. They say love is blind, but air pollution was apparently blinding people to their partner's faults. Who knew?. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In Decatur, Alabama, a clear, sunny day showed the city's skyline, free from the hazy veil of air pollution. People strolled through the streets, able to see each other clearly for the first time in a long while. Some couples stopped and looked at each other, suddenly noticing the small details they had missed before. As a result, some of them seemed to realize they no longer wanted to be married to their long-time partners. The newfound clarity in the air seemed to have brought clarity to their relationships as well.

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: [ A meme ] and depicting this scene: In Decatur, Alabama, a clear, sunny day showed the city's skyline, free from the hazy veil of air pollution. People strolled through the streets, able to see each other clearly for the first time in a long while. Some couples stopped and looked at each other, suddenly noticing the small details they had missed before. As a result, some of them seemed to realize they no longer wanted to be married to their long-time partners. The newfound clarity in the air seemed to have brought clarity to their relationships as well. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Prompt: Generate an image in the style of a meme showing a couple in Decatur, Alabama, standing on a vibrant street on a clear, sunny day. Both individuals have a surprised expression as they look at each other, with the city skyline and clear blue sky in the background. The image should convey the newfound clarity and realization within their relationship, without using any words or speech bubbles.

*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 Decatur, Alabama caused The marriage rate in Alabama to decrease.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Clearing the Air: An Analysis of the Relationship Between Air Pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the Marriage Rate in Alabama

The Journal of Ecological Quirks

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 dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal.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 Decatur, Alabama and The marriage rate in Alabama. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Make the title punny if you can come up with clever pun. If not, make it sound serious.

Your research team used data from Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.8472204 and p < 0.01 for 1999 to 2021.

Please respond in this format (replace "Lorem ipsum dolor sit" with your title and abstract)

[[TITLE]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit

[[ABSTRACT]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit



ChatGPT:
[[TITLE]]
Clearing the Air: An Analysis of the Relationship Between Air Pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the Marriage Rate in Alabama

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper delves into the intriguing connection between air pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the marriage rate in Alabama, uncovering a correlation that is nothing to sneeze at. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics, our research team crunched the numbers and found a statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.8472204 and p < 0.01 for the years 1999 to 2021. It appears that as air pollution levels rise, the marriage rate in Alabama experiences a peculiar decrease, leaving us pondering whether love is truly in the air. Our findings bring a breath of fresh air to the field of environmental and social research, shedding light on the unexpected ways in which air quality may impact the state of matrimony.

To break the ice, here's a fitting dad joke: Why did the air pollution refuse to commit? It was afraid of taking a breath of fresh heir!

Fascinatingly, our analysis suggests that air pollution might not just affect respiratory health, but could also have implications for the romantic landscape of a community. Though the exact mechanism behind this link remains as murky as smog, the implications are nothing to sniff at. The data leaves us contemplating whether love might truly be an environmental pollutant-sensitive emotion. Our study provides an unconventional angle through which to view the interplay between environmental factors and social phenomena, while also offering some lighthearted air quality puns to keep the atmosphere light.

And to leave you with one last pun: Did you hear about the romance between nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide? It had its ups and downs, but it just couldn't stay together in the end.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal.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 Decatur, Alabama and The marriage rate in Alabama. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Clearing the Air: An Analysis of the Relationship Between Air Pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the Marriage Rate in Alabama

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper delves into the intriguing connection between air pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the marriage rate in Alabama, uncovering a correlation that is nothing to sneeze at. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics, our research team crunched the numbers and found a statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.8472204 and p < 0.01 for the years 1999 to 2021. It appears that as air pollution levels rise, the marriage rate in Alabama experiences a peculiar decrease, leaving us pondering whether love is truly in the air. Our findings bring a breath of fresh air to the field of environmental and social research, shedding light on the unexpected ways in which air quality may impact the state of matrimony.

To break the ice, here's a fitting dad joke: Why did the air pollution refuse to commit? It was afraid of taking a breath of fresh heir!

Fascinatingly, our analysis suggests that air pollution might not just affect respiratory health, but could also have implications for the romantic landscape of a community. Though the exact mechanism behind this link remains as murky as smog, the implications are nothing to sniff at. The data leaves us contemplating whether love might truly be an environmental pollutant-sensitive emotion. Our study provides an unconventional angle through which to view the interplay between environmental factors and social phenomena, while also offering some lighthearted air quality puns to keep the atmosphere light.

And to leave you with one last pun: Did you hear about the romance between nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide? It had its ups and downs, but it just couldn't stay together in the end.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

The relationship between environmental factors and social dynamics has long been a topic of fascination for researchers seeking to understand the multifaceted influences on human behavior. Among the myriad variables that have been scrutinized, air pollution stands out as a particularly intriguing candidate, with its invisible tendrils potentially reaching into realms beyond respiratory health. In the case of Decatur, Alabama, known for its industrial activity and concomitant air pollution levels, the question arises: could the presence of hazy skies be casting a shadow over the state of matrimony?

Venturing into this unconventional territory, our investigation sought to elucidate the curious correlation between air pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the marriage rate in Alabama. The initial impetus for this inquiry may have arisen from a breath of inspiration, but the consequential findings have truly been nothing to sneeze at.

Here's a thought-provoking question to ponder: If air pollution levels impact the marriage rate, could we say that love is quite literally in the air? Our hypothesis, while initially met with skepticism, has garnered attention for its potential to unearth unexpected connections in the fabric of societal dynamics. After all, who would have thought that particulate matter could become a matter of the heart?

Speaking of matters of the heart, let’s lighten the mood with a dad joke: Why did the air pollution refuse to commit? It was afraid of taking a breath of fresh heir!

Our investigation, supported by data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics, employed rigorous statistical analyses to discern patterns and relationships within the complex web of environmental and social factors. The resulting findings not only unveiled a statistically significant correlation between air pollution levels and the marriage rate in Alabama, but also opened up a realm of contemplation about the potential societal impacts of atmospheric conditions.

Now, here's a pun to clear the air: Did you hear about the romance between nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide? It had its ups and downs, but it just couldn't stay together in the end.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal.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 Decatur, Alabama and The marriage rate in Alabama. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Speak in the present tense for this section (the authors find...), as is common in academic research paper literature reviews. Name the sources in a format similar to this: In "Book," the authors find lorem and ipsum.

Make up the lorem and ipsum part, but make it sound related to the topic at hand.

Start by naming serious-sounding studies by authors like Smith, Doe, and Jones - but then quickly devolve. Name some real non-fiction books that would be related to the topic. Then name some real fiction books that sound like they could be related. Perhaps you also got inspiration from some board games that are vaugely related.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Clearing the Air: An Analysis of the Relationship Between Air Pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the Marriage Rate in Alabama

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper delves into the intriguing connection between air pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the marriage rate in Alabama, uncovering a correlation that is nothing to sneeze at. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics, our research team crunched the numbers and found a statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.8472204 and p < 0.01 for the years 1999 to 2021. It appears that as air pollution levels rise, the marriage rate in Alabama experiences a peculiar decrease, leaving us pondering whether love is truly in the air. Our findings bring a breath of fresh air to the field of environmental and social research, shedding light on the unexpected ways in which air quality may impact the state of matrimony.

To break the ice, here's a fitting dad joke: Why did the air pollution refuse to commit? It was afraid of taking a breath of fresh heir!

Fascinatingly, our analysis suggests that air pollution might not just affect respiratory health, but could also have implications for the romantic landscape of a community. Though the exact mechanism behind this link remains as murky as smog, the implications are nothing to sniff at. The data leaves us contemplating whether love might truly be an environmental pollutant-sensitive emotion. Our study provides an unconventional angle through which to view the interplay between environmental factors and social phenomena, while also offering some lighthearted air quality puns to keep the atmosphere light.

And to leave you with one last pun: Did you hear about the romance between nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide? It had its ups and downs, but it just couldn't stay together in the end.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The relationship between environmental factors and social dynamics has long been a topic of fascination for researchers seeking to understand the multifaceted influences on human behavior. Among the myriad variables that have been scrutinized, air pollution stands out as a particularly intriguing candidate, with its invisible tendrils potentially reaching into realms beyond respiratory health. In the case of Decatur, Alabama, known for its industrial activity and concomitant air pollution levels, the question arises: could the presence of hazy skies be casting a shadow over the state of matrimony?
Venturing into this unconventional territory, our investigation sought to elucidate the curious correlation between air pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the marriage rate in Alabama. The initial impetus for this inquiry may have arisen from a breath of inspiration, but the consequential findings have truly been nothing to sneeze at.
Here's a thought-provoking question to ponder: If air pollution levels impact the marriage rate, could we say that love is quite literally in the air? Our hypothesis, while initially met with skepticism, has garnered attention for its potential to unearth unexpected connections in the fabric of societal dynamics. After all, who would have thought that particulate matter could become a matter of the heart?
Speaking of matters of the heart, let’s lighten the mood with a dad joke: Why did the air pollution refuse to commit? It was afraid of taking a breath of fresh heir!
Our investigation, supported by data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics, employed rigorous statistical analyses to discern patterns and relationships within the complex web of environmental and social factors. The resulting findings not only unveiled a statistically significant correlation between air pollution levels and the marriage rate in Alabama, but also opened up a realm of contemplation about the potential societal impacts of atmospheric conditions.
Now, here's a pun to clear the air: Did you hear about the romance between nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide? It had its ups and downs, but it just couldn't stay together in the end.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The literature on the relationship between air pollution and social phenomena is a rich tapestry of studies that have primarily focused on the health implications of poor air quality. Smith (2017) explored the adverse respiratory effects of air pollution exposure, while Doe and Jones (2019) delved into the economic costs associated with air pollution-related healthcare expenditures. The prevailing discourse has largely revolved around the tangible and quantifiable impacts of air pollution, overlooking the potential influence of atmospheric conditions on the less tangible aspects of human life.

Turning a new page in the literature, our investigation embarks on an unconventional journey to unravel the unexpected nexus between air pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the marriage rate in Alabama. This endeavor, though rooted in a serious quest for knowledge, has not been devoid of levity. After all, as we delve into the unexpected interconnections of air pollution and marriage, a touch of humor may be just what the doctor ordered.

While the literature may not abound with studies on the romantic repercussions of air pollution, a plethora of sources shed light on the sprawling impacts of environmental factors on human behavior. Works such as "The Geography of Bliss" by Eric Weiner and "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman, though not directly related to air pollution, provide insights into the intricate interplay of environment and emotions. In the realm of fiction, novels like "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver and "The Air He Breathes" by Brittainy C. Cherry offer imaginative forays into the world of environmental influences, inspiring us to contemplate the potential ramifications of air pollution on matters of the heart.

As we wade deeper into the sea of literature, we encounter unexpected sources of inspiration from diverse quarters. The board game "Pandemic" may seem worlds away from the topic at hand, yet its exploration of global contagion and interconnectedness prompts us to contemplate the far-reaching ripple effects of environmental conditions. Similarly, the game "Ticket to Ride" evokes thoughts of traversing landscapes impacted by varying atmospheric conditions, mirroring our own traversal through the labyrinth of ecological and social connectivity.

In light of the whimsical nature of our inquiry, a fitting dad joke springs to mind: Why did the air pollution check into therapy? It had too many emotional issues to sort through!

Venturing further into the literature, we find ourselves on a rollicking journey that unearths unconventional perspectives and unexpected connections. With each turn of the page, the intertwined narratives of air pollution and marriage coil and unfurl in a manner that is both enlightening and pleasantly surprising. This refreshing departure from the traditional discourse infuses a breath of fresh air into the staid corridors of academic inquiry, prompting us to exhale humor in the face of the unexpected.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal.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 Decatur, Alabama and The marriage rate in Alabama. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

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

Make up the research methods you don't know. Make them a bit goofy and convoluted.

Here is the title, abstract, and introduction of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Clearing the Air: An Analysis of the Relationship Between Air Pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the Marriage Rate in Alabama

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper delves into the intriguing connection between air pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the marriage rate in Alabama, uncovering a correlation that is nothing to sneeze at. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics, our research team crunched the numbers and found a statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.8472204 and p < 0.01 for the years 1999 to 2021. It appears that as air pollution levels rise, the marriage rate in Alabama experiences a peculiar decrease, leaving us pondering whether love is truly in the air. Our findings bring a breath of fresh air to the field of environmental and social research, shedding light on the unexpected ways in which air quality may impact the state of matrimony.

To break the ice, here's a fitting dad joke: Why did the air pollution refuse to commit? It was afraid of taking a breath of fresh heir!

Fascinatingly, our analysis suggests that air pollution might not just affect respiratory health, but could also have implications for the romantic landscape of a community. Though the exact mechanism behind this link remains as murky as smog, the implications are nothing to sniff at. The data leaves us contemplating whether love might truly be an environmental pollutant-sensitive emotion. Our study provides an unconventional angle through which to view the interplay between environmental factors and social phenomena, while also offering some lighthearted air quality puns to keep the atmosphere light.

And to leave you with one last pun: Did you hear about the romance between nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide? It had its ups and downs, but it just couldn't stay together in the end.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The relationship between environmental factors and social dynamics has long been a topic of fascination for researchers seeking to understand the multifaceted influences on human behavior. Among the myriad variables that have been scrutinized, air pollution stands out as a particularly intriguing candidate, with its invisible tendrils potentially reaching into realms beyond respiratory health. In the case of Decatur, Alabama, known for its industrial activity and concomitant air pollution levels, the question arises: could the presence of hazy skies be casting a shadow over the state of matrimony?
Venturing into this unconventional territory, our investigation sought to elucidate the curious correlation between air pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the marriage rate in Alabama. The initial impetus for this inquiry may have arisen from a breath of inspiration, but the consequential findings have truly been nothing to sneeze at.
Here's a thought-provoking question to ponder: If air pollution levels impact the marriage rate, could we say that love is quite literally in the air? Our hypothesis, while initially met with skepticism, has garnered attention for its potential to unearth unexpected connections in the fabric of societal dynamics. After all, who would have thought that particulate matter could become a matter of the heart?
Speaking of matters of the heart, let’s lighten the mood with a dad joke: Why did the air pollution refuse to commit? It was afraid of taking a breath of fresh heir!
Our investigation, supported by data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics, employed rigorous statistical analyses to discern patterns and relationships within the complex web of environmental and social factors. The resulting findings not only unveiled a statistically significant correlation between air pollution levels and the marriage rate in Alabama, but also opened up a realm of contemplation about the potential societal impacts of atmospheric conditions.
Now, here's a pun to clear the air: Did you hear about the romance between nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide? It had its ups and downs, but it just couldn't stay together in the end.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

The methodology employed in this research endeavor sought to navigate the convoluted maze of environmental and social data to unearth potential connections between air pollution in Decatur, Alabama, and the marriage rate in Alabama. Our research team employed a combination of data collection, statistical analyses, and model development to discern and elucidate the relationship between these seemingly disparate variables.

To begin, data on air pollution levels in Decatur, Alabama, was collected from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) database, which served as the bedrock of our environmental input. The levels of pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM), and ground-level ozone (O3) were meticulously gathered and aggregated to create a comprehensive representation of air quality in the region. Notably, the air quality indices across different years were harmonized to account for variations in monitoring methodologies, creating a robust dataset for analysis.

Our reliance on the EPA database was akin to turning over every leaf in search of a correlation, in this case, one between air pollution and the institution of marriage. It's almost like playing hide and seek with data – only in this case, the data isn't necessarily hiding, but it certainly doesn't always want to be found.

As for the marriage rate in Alabama, the CDC National Vital Statistics provided a treasure trove of demographic information. The number of marriages per year, along with demographic and socioeconomic factors, was scrutinized to establish a comprehensive understanding of the state of matrimony in Alabama. The process of sifting through this data was akin to solving a complex puzzle – one where the pieces sometimes seem to fit together in unexpected ways.

Having assembled these datasets, the statistical analyses commenced. A series of regression models, including linear regression and time-series analysis, were employed to identify and quantify the relationship between air pollution levels in Decatur and the marriage rate in Alabama. The models were fashioned with the care of a seasoned tailor, ensuring they fit the data snugly while allowing for meaningful interpretations to emerge.

In a lighthearted analogy, we could say that developing these models was akin to attempting to predict the weather – only in this case, we were predicting the likelihood of romance, based on atmospheric conditions.

To draw meaningful inferences from the analyses, various control variables such as socioeconomic indicators, demographic characteristics, and other contextual factors were integrated into the models. This approach enabled us to isolate the impact of air pollution on the marriage rate, disentangling it from the web of confounding influences like a detective solving a mystery.

Identifying and accounting for these confounding variables was somewhat akin to detangling a knot of headphones – a knotty task indeed, but ultimately necessary to hear the clear signal within the noise.

Ultimately, the methodological approach undertaken allowed for a comprehensive exploration of the nuanced relationship between air pollution in Decatur, Alabama, and the marriage rate in Alabama, shedding light on an unexpected intersection between environmental conditions and social dynamics.

To end on a witty note – our methodology was rigorous, but not without its moments of levity, much like a game of chess played with the weight of statistical significance on every move.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal.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 Decatur, Alabama and The marriage rate in Alabama. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

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

For the time period 1999 to 2021, you found a correlation 0.8472204, r-squared of 0.7177824, 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]]
Clearing the Air: An Analysis of the Relationship Between Air Pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the Marriage Rate in Alabama

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper delves into the intriguing connection between air pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the marriage rate in Alabama, uncovering a correlation that is nothing to sneeze at. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics, our research team crunched the numbers and found a statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.8472204 and p < 0.01 for the years 1999 to 2021. It appears that as air pollution levels rise, the marriage rate in Alabama experiences a peculiar decrease, leaving us pondering whether love is truly in the air. Our findings bring a breath of fresh air to the field of environmental and social research, shedding light on the unexpected ways in which air quality may impact the state of matrimony.

To break the ice, here's a fitting dad joke: Why did the air pollution refuse to commit? It was afraid of taking a breath of fresh heir!

Fascinatingly, our analysis suggests that air pollution might not just affect respiratory health, but could also have implications for the romantic landscape of a community. Though the exact mechanism behind this link remains as murky as smog, the implications are nothing to sniff at. The data leaves us contemplating whether love might truly be an environmental pollutant-sensitive emotion. Our study provides an unconventional angle through which to view the interplay between environmental factors and social phenomena, while also offering some lighthearted air quality puns to keep the atmosphere light.

And to leave you with one last pun: Did you hear about the romance between nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide? It had its ups and downs, but it just couldn't stay together in the end.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
The relationship between environmental factors and social dynamics has long been a topic of fascination for researchers seeking to understand the multifaceted influences on human behavior. Among the myriad variables that have been scrutinized, air pollution stands out as a particularly intriguing candidate, with its invisible tendrils potentially reaching into realms beyond respiratory health. In the case of Decatur, Alabama, known for its industrial activity and concomitant air pollution levels, the question arises: could the presence of hazy skies be casting a shadow over the state of matrimony?
Venturing into this unconventional territory, our investigation sought to elucidate the curious correlation between air pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the marriage rate in Alabama. The initial impetus for this inquiry may have arisen from a breath of inspiration, but the consequential findings have truly been nothing to sneeze at.
Here's a thought-provoking question to ponder: If air pollution levels impact the marriage rate, could we say that love is quite literally in the air? Our hypothesis, while initially met with skepticism, has garnered attention for its potential to unearth unexpected connections in the fabric of societal dynamics. After all, who would have thought that particulate matter could become a matter of the heart?
Speaking of matters of the heart, let’s lighten the mood with a dad joke: Why did the air pollution refuse to commit? It was afraid of taking a breath of fresh heir!
Our investigation, supported by data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics, employed rigorous statistical analyses to discern patterns and relationships within the complex web of environmental and social factors. The resulting findings not only unveiled a statistically significant correlation between air pollution levels and the marriage rate in Alabama, but also opened up a realm of contemplation about the potential societal impacts of atmospheric conditions.
Now, here's a pun to clear the air: Did you hear about the romance between nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide? It had its ups and downs, but it just couldn't stay together in the end.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The analysis of the relationship between air pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the marriage rate in Alabama yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.8472204, indicating a strong positive correlation between the two variables. This impressive correlation suggests that as air pollution levels increase, the marriage rate in Alabama experiences a notable decrease, emphasizing the potential impact of environmental factors on social dynamics.

The calculated r-squared value of 0.7177824 further indicates that 71.78% of the variance in the marriage rate can be explained by the variation in air pollution levels. This compelling statistic underscores the robustness of the relationship between these two seemingly disparate factors, prompting further contemplation about the potential mechanisms at play.

The p-value of less than 0.01 provides strong evidence against the null hypothesis, indicating that the observed correlation is statistically significant. This finding bolsters the validity of the observed relationship, lending additional weight to the notion that air pollution in Decatur, Alabama may indeed be intertwined with the marriage rate in Alabama.

Turning the page to a lighter note, here's a pun to illuminate the findings: Why did the air pollution refuse to commit? It was afraid of taking a breath of fresh heir!


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal.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 Decatur, Alabama and The marriage rate in Alabama. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Limit your response to 500 tokens.

Here are the title, abstract, literature review, and results sections. Please harken back to 1-2 of the goofy items in the literature review, but pretend to take them completely seriously. Discuss how your results supported the prior research.

Do not write a conclusion. I will add a conclusion after this.

[[TITLE]]
Clearing the Air: An Analysis of the Relationship Between Air Pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the Marriage Rate in Alabama

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper delves into the intriguing connection between air pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the marriage rate in Alabama, uncovering a correlation that is nothing to sneeze at. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics, our research team crunched the numbers and found a statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.8472204 and p < 0.01 for the years 1999 to 2021. It appears that as air pollution levels rise, the marriage rate in Alabama experiences a peculiar decrease, leaving us pondering whether love is truly in the air. Our findings bring a breath of fresh air to the field of environmental and social research, shedding light on the unexpected ways in which air quality may impact the state of matrimony.

To break the ice, here's a fitting dad joke: Why did the air pollution refuse to commit? It was afraid of taking a breath of fresh heir!

Fascinatingly, our analysis suggests that air pollution might not just affect respiratory health, but could also have implications for the romantic landscape of a community. Though the exact mechanism behind this link remains as murky as smog, the implications are nothing to sniff at. The data leaves us contemplating whether love might truly be an environmental pollutant-sensitive emotion. Our study provides an unconventional angle through which to view the interplay between environmental factors and social phenomena, while also offering some lighthearted air quality puns to keep the atmosphere light.

And to leave you with one last pun: Did you hear about the romance between nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide? It had its ups and downs, but it just couldn't stay together in the end.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The literature on the relationship between air pollution and social phenomena is a rich tapestry of studies that have primarily focused on the health implications of poor air quality. Smith (2017) explored the adverse respiratory effects of air pollution exposure, while Doe and Jones (2019) delved into the economic costs associated with air pollution-related healthcare expenditures. The prevailing discourse has largely revolved around the tangible and quantifiable impacts of air pollution, overlooking the potential influence of atmospheric conditions on the less tangible aspects of human life.
Turning a new page in the literature, our investigation embarks on an unconventional journey to unravel the unexpected nexus between air pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the marriage rate in Alabama. This endeavor, though rooted in a serious quest for knowledge, has not been devoid of levity. After all, as we delve into the unexpected interconnections of air pollution and marriage, a touch of humor may be just what the doctor ordered.
While the literature may not abound with studies on the romantic repercussions of air pollution, a plethora of sources shed light on the sprawling impacts of environmental factors on human behavior. Works such as "The Geography of Bliss" by Eric Weiner and "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman, though not directly related to air pollution, provide insights into the intricate interplay of environment and emotions. In the realm of fiction, novels like "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver and "The Air He Breathes" by Brittainy C. Cherry offer imaginative forays into the world of environmental influences, inspiring us to contemplate the potential ramifications of air pollution on matters of the heart.
As we wade deeper into the sea of literature, we encounter unexpected sources of inspiration from diverse quarters. The board game "Pandemic" may seem worlds away from the topic at hand, yet its exploration of global contagion and interconnectedness prompts us to contemplate the far-reaching ripple effects of environmental conditions. Similarly, the game "Ticket to Ride" evokes thoughts of traversing landscapes impacted by varying atmospheric conditions, mirroring our own traversal through the labyrinth of ecological and social connectivity.
In light of the whimsical nature of our inquiry, a fitting dad joke springs to mind: Why did the air pollution check into therapy? It had too many emotional issues to sort through!
Venturing further into the literature, we find ourselves on a rollicking journey that unearths unconventional perspectives and unexpected connections. With each turn of the page, the intertwined narratives of air pollution and marriage coil and unfurl in a manner that is both enlightening and pleasantly surprising. This refreshing departure from the traditional discourse infuses a breath of fresh air into the staid corridors of academic inquiry, prompting us to exhale humor in the face of the unexpected.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the relationship between air pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the marriage rate in Alabama yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.8472204, indicating a strong positive correlation between the two variables. This impressive correlation suggests that as air pollution levels increase, the marriage rate in Alabama experiences a notable decrease, emphasizing the potential impact of environmental factors on social dynamics.
The calculated r-squared value of 0.7177824 further indicates that 71.78% of the variance in the marriage rate can be explained by the variation in air pollution levels. This compelling statistic underscores the robustness of the relationship between these two seemingly disparate factors, prompting further contemplation about the potential mechanisms at play.
The p-value of less than 0.01 provides strong evidence against the null hypothesis, indicating that the observed correlation is statistically significant. This finding bolsters the validity of the observed relationship, lending additional weight to the notion that air pollution in Decatur, Alabama may indeed be intertwined with the marriage rate in Alabama.
Turning the page to a lighter note, here's a pun to illuminate the findings: Why did the air pollution refuse to commit? It was afraid of taking a breath of fresh heir!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The findings of our study reveal an intriguing relationship between air pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the marriage rate in Alabama. Our statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.8472204 and p < 0.01 for the years 1999 to 2021 supports and extends prior research in this area. The robust correlation coefficient aligns with the work of Smith (2017) and Doe and Jones (2019), who have examined the tangible health and economic impacts of air pollution. Our study, however, offers a whimsically unexpected perspective, shedding light on the potential impact of air quality on matters of the heart. Our findings posit an unconventional lens through which to view the interplay between environmental factors and social phenomena, while also providing some lighthearted air quality puns to keep the atmosphere light.

The solid r-squared value of 0.7177824 further solidifies the link between air pollution and the marriage rate, indicating that 71.78% of the variance in the marriage rate can be explained by the variation in air pollution levels. This finding underscores the robustness of the relationship between these two seemingly disparate factors, prompting further contemplation about the potential mechanisms at play. Our results align with the broader literature on the influence of environmental conditions on human behavior, adding an unexpected twist to the conventional discourse on air pollution.

A fitting dad joke seems to be in order: Why did the air pollution attend relationship counseling? It couldn't see eye to eye with clean air!

The p-value of less than 0.01 provides strong evidence against the null hypothesis, bolstering the validity of our observed relationship. This finding aligns with prior research that has emphasized the profound impact of environmental factors on social dynamics, albeit with a touch of humor and levity. While the exact mechanism behind the link between air pollution and the marriage rate remains elusive, our study offers a compelling foundation for further exploration of this unconventional correlation.

In conclusion, our study presents a thought-provoking perspective on the interconnections between environmental conditions and social dynamics, offering both serious scholarly implications and a lighthearted twist to academic inquiry.

An appropriate dad joke to wrap up the discussion: Why did the air pollution go to a comedy show? It needed to lighten the atmosphere!


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal.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 Decatur, Alabama and The marriage rate in Alabama. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Limit your response to 300 tokens. At the very end, assert that no more research is needed in this area.

Here are the title, abstract, introduction, and results sections.
[[TITLE]]
Clearing the Air: An Analysis of the Relationship Between Air Pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the Marriage Rate in Alabama

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper delves into the intriguing connection between air pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the marriage rate in Alabama, uncovering a correlation that is nothing to sneeze at. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics, our research team crunched the numbers and found a statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.8472204 and p < 0.01 for the years 1999 to 2021. It appears that as air pollution levels rise, the marriage rate in Alabama experiences a peculiar decrease, leaving us pondering whether love is truly in the air. Our findings bring a breath of fresh air to the field of environmental and social research, shedding light on the unexpected ways in which air quality may impact the state of matrimony.

To break the ice, here's a fitting dad joke: Why did the air pollution refuse to commit? It was afraid of taking a breath of fresh heir!

Fascinatingly, our analysis suggests that air pollution might not just affect respiratory health, but could also have implications for the romantic landscape of a community. Though the exact mechanism behind this link remains as murky as smog, the implications are nothing to sniff at. The data leaves us contemplating whether love might truly be an environmental pollutant-sensitive emotion. Our study provides an unconventional angle through which to view the interplay between environmental factors and social phenomena, while also offering some lighthearted air quality puns to keep the atmosphere light.

And to leave you with one last pun: Did you hear about the romance between nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide? It had its ups and downs, but it just couldn't stay together in the end.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The relationship between environmental factors and social dynamics has long been a topic of fascination for researchers seeking to understand the multifaceted influences on human behavior. Among the myriad variables that have been scrutinized, air pollution stands out as a particularly intriguing candidate, with its invisible tendrils potentially reaching into realms beyond respiratory health. In the case of Decatur, Alabama, known for its industrial activity and concomitant air pollution levels, the question arises: could the presence of hazy skies be casting a shadow over the state of matrimony?
Venturing into this unconventional territory, our investigation sought to elucidate the curious correlation between air pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the marriage rate in Alabama. The initial impetus for this inquiry may have arisen from a breath of inspiration, but the consequential findings have truly been nothing to sneeze at.
Here's a thought-provoking question to ponder: If air pollution levels impact the marriage rate, could we say that love is quite literally in the air? Our hypothesis, while initially met with skepticism, has garnered attention for its potential to unearth unexpected connections in the fabric of societal dynamics. After all, who would have thought that particulate matter could become a matter of the heart?
Speaking of matters of the heart, let’s lighten the mood with a dad joke: Why did the air pollution refuse to commit? It was afraid of taking a breath of fresh heir!
Our investigation, supported by data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics, employed rigorous statistical analyses to discern patterns and relationships within the complex web of environmental and social factors. The resulting findings not only unveiled a statistically significant correlation between air pollution levels and the marriage rate in Alabama, but also opened up a realm of contemplation about the potential societal impacts of atmospheric conditions.
Now, here's a pun to clear the air: Did you hear about the romance between nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide? It had its ups and downs, but it just couldn't stay together in the end.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the relationship between air pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the marriage rate in Alabama yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.8472204, indicating a strong positive correlation between the two variables. This impressive correlation suggests that as air pollution levels increase, the marriage rate in Alabama experiences a notable decrease, emphasizing the potential impact of environmental factors on social dynamics.
The calculated r-squared value of 0.7177824 further indicates that 71.78% of the variance in the marriage rate can be explained by the variation in air pollution levels. This compelling statistic underscores the robustness of the relationship between these two seemingly disparate factors, prompting further contemplation about the potential mechanisms at play.
The p-value of less than 0.01 provides strong evidence against the null hypothesis, indicating that the observed correlation is statistically significant. This finding bolsters the validity of the observed relationship, lending additional weight to the notion that air pollution in Decatur, Alabama may indeed be intertwined with the marriage rate in Alabama.
Turning the page to a lighter note, here's a pun to illuminate the findings: Why did the air pollution refuse to commit? It was afraid of taking a breath of fresh heir!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, the results of our investigation into the relationship between air pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the marriage rate in Alabama have unveiled a surprisingly robust correlation, leaving us gasping for breath and questioning the air of romance in this peculiar connection. The statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.8472204 and p < 0.01 point to a compelling association between the increase in air pollution levels and the decrease in the marriage rate, raising eyebrows and prompting us to consider whether love truly suf-fur-cates in polluted air.

Our findings not only introduce a breath of fresh air to the discourse surrounding environmental and social dynamics but also hint at the need for further inquiry into the mechanisms behind this unexpected relationship. Perhaps it's time for researchers to take a deep breath and delve into the atmospheric influences on matters of the heart.

As we wrap up our discussion, here's one last dad joke to bring some levity to the conclusion: Did you hear about the atmospheric scientist who was a master of relationships? He always knew how to clear the air!

Given the striking nature of our findings, we assert that no further research is needed in this area.


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 Clearing the Air: An Analysis of the Relationship Between Air Pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the Marriage Rate in Alabama. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Ecological Quirks


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 Clearing the Air: An Analysis of the Relationship Between Air Pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the Marriage Rate in Alabama. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

Atlas Foundation for Environmental Research


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide potential search keywords separated by commas. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide potential search keywords for a paper titled Clearing the Air: An Analysis of the Relationship Between Air Pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the Marriage Rate in Alabama with an abstract of This paper delves into the intriguing connection between air pollution in Decatur, Alabama and the marriage rate in Alabama, uncovering a correlation that is nothing to sneeze at. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics, our research team crunched the numbers and found a statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.8472204 and p < 0.01 for the years 1999 to 2021. It appears that as air pollution levels rise, the marriage rate in Alabama experiences a peculiar decrease, leaving us pondering whether love is truly in the air. Our findings bring a breath of fresh air to the field of environmental and social research, shedding light on the unexpected ways in which air quality may impact the state of matrimony.
To break the ice, here's a fitting dad joke: Why did the air pollution refuse to commit? It was afraid of taking a breath of fresh heir!
Fascinatingly, our analysis suggests that air pollution might not just affect respiratory health, but could also have implications for the romantic landscape of a community. Though the exact mechanism behind this link remains as murky as smog, the implications are nothing to sniff at. The data leaves us contemplating whether love might truly be an environmental pollutant-sensitive emotion. Our study provides an unconventional angle through which to view the interplay between environmental factors and social phenomena, while also offering some lighthearted air quality puns to keep the atmosphere light.
And to leave you with one last pun: Did you hear about the romance between nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide? It had its ups and downs, but it just couldn't stay together in the end.

ChatGPT:

air pollution, marriage rate, Decatur, Alabama, correlation, Environmental Protection Agency, CDC National Vital Statistics, social research, environmental impact, romantic landscape, data analysis

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

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

Correlation r = 0.8472204 (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 = 0.7177824 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 71.8% of the change in the one variable (i.e., The marriage rate in Alabama) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Air pollution in Decatur, Alabama) over the 23 years from 1999 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 3.4E-7. 0.0000003401282970382696700000
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 0.85 in 3.4E-5% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 2,940,067 random variables You don't actually need 2 million variables to find a correlation like this one. I don't have that many variables in my database. You can also correlate variables that are not independent. I do this a lot.

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

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

Just to be clear: I'm being completely transparent about the calculations. There is no math trickery. This is just how statistics shakes out when you calculate hundreds of millions of random correlations.
with the same 22 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 22 because we have two variables measured over a period of 23 years. It's just the number of years minus ( the number of variables minus one ), which in this case simplifies to the number of years minus one.
you would randomly expect to find a correlation as strong as this one.

[ 0.67, 0.93 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
The confidence interval is an estimate the range of the value of the correlation coefficient, using the correlation itself as an input. The values are meant to be the low and high end of the correlation coefficient with 95% confidence.

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


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

Still, sometimes one of the variables has more years of data available than the other. This page only shows the overlapping years. To see all the years, click on "See what else correlates with..." link above.
19992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021
Air pollution in Decatur, Alabama (Bad air quality days)17.747418.30996.3157910.91557.394373.508777.017546.9930111.2676000.8310250.7142862.120140000.54794500000
The marriage rate in Alabama (Marriage rate)10.810.19.49.99.69.49.29.28.98.68.38.28.48.27.817797.806787.351547.147827.047346.760416.697697.16857.57757




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([17.7474,18.3099,6.31579,10.9155,7.39437,3.50877,7.01754,6.99301,11.2676,0,0,0.831025,0.714286,2.12014,0,0,0,0.547945,0,0,0,0,0,])
array_2 = np.array([10.8,10.1,9.4,9.9,9.6,9.4,9.2,9.2,8.9,8.6,8.3,8.2,8.4,8.2,7.81779,7.80678,7.35154,7.14782,7.04734,6.76041,6.69769,7.1685,7.57757,])
array_1_name = "Air pollution in Decatur, Alabama"
array_2_name = "The marriage rate in Alabama"

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

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



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Correlation ID: 2771 · Black Variable ID: 20531 · Red Variable ID: 19738
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