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Spurious correlation #5,278 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Votes for Democratic Senators in Nevada and the second variable is Google searches for 'shrek'.  The chart goes from 2004 to 2018, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

The Democrats must have ogre-looked the importance of appealing to their base in Nevada, leading to a swamp of lost votes. This decline in support clearly trickled down to shrek, as the saying goes, 'all's fair in love and shrek-tions.' It seems like the Nevada Democrats need to come ogre to a better campaign strategy, or they'll be facing more than just a fairy tale ending in the next election! Who would have thought that the fate of a beloved green ogre was intricately intertwined with political votes in the Silver State?

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Prompt: Generate a cutesy art illustration of a Nevada swamp scene. A line of voters wearing Democratic pins hesitates as they approach the ballot box, conveying uncertainty and hesitation. Nearby, a slightly faded "Shrek" movie poster stands, drawing the attention of a group of people who are on their phones frantically searching for "shrek" on Google. The scene should evoke a sense of bewilderment, with an air of shared uncertainty between the votes for Democratic Senators in Nevada and the Google searches for 'shrek'. 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: Votes for Democratic Senators in Nevada and Google searches for 'shrek'. 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: Cutsy art illustration Cubism Magic realism Cybernetic art Art nouveau
ChatGPT: Cutesy art illustration

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 Votes for Democratic Senators in Nevada and Google searches for 'shrek', in the following situation: The Democrats must have ogre-looked the importance of appealing to their base in Nevada, leading to a swamp of lost votes. This decline in support clearly trickled down to shrek, as the saying goes, 'all's fair in love and shrek-tions.' It seems like the Nevada Democrats need to come ogre to a better campaign strategy, or they'll be facing more than just a fairy tale ending in the next election! Who would have thought that the fate of a beloved green ogre was intricately intertwined with political votes in the Silver State?. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a Nevada swamp, a line of voters wearing Democratic pins hesitates as they approach the ballot box, appearing unsure. Nearby, a large "Shrek" movie poster stands slightly faded, drawing the attention of a group of people who are on their phones frantically searching for "shrek" on Google. A sense of uncertainty hangs in the air as both the votes for Democratic Senators in Nevada and the Google searches for 'shrek' seem to reflect a shared feeling of bewilderment.

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: [ Cutesy art illustration ] and depicting this scene: In a Nevada swamp, a line of voters wearing Democratic pins hesitates as they approach the ballot box, appearing unsure. Nearby, a large "Shrek" movie poster stands slightly faded, drawing the attention of a group of people who are on their phones frantically searching for "shrek" on Google. A sense of uncertainty hangs in the air as both the votes for Democratic Senators in Nevada and the Google searches for 'shrek' seem to reflect a shared feeling of bewilderment. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Prompt: Generate a cutesy art illustration of a Nevada swamp scene. A line of voters wearing Democratic pins hesitates as they approach the ballot box, conveying uncertainty and hesitation. Nearby, a slightly faded "Shrek" movie poster stands, drawing the attention of a group of people who are on their phones frantically searching for "shrek" on Google. The scene should evoke a sense of bewilderment, with an air of shared uncertainty between the votes for Democratic Senators in Nevada and the Google searches for 'shrek'.

*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 Democrat votes for Senators in Nevada caused shrek (Google searches for 'shrek') to decrease. Include one good pun.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.05)
The Shrek Search: Senatorial Selections and Swampy Screen Skims in Silver State Sunshine

The Journal of Quirky Political Science

Jan 2024

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




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

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Democrat votes for Senators in Nevada and Google searches for 'shrek'. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Make the title an alliteration.

Your research team used data from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse and Google Trends to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.8951724 and p < 0.05 for 2004 to 2018.

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

[[TITLE]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit

[[ABSTRACT]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit



ChatGPT:
[[TITLE]]
The Shrek Search: Senatorial Selections and Swampy Screen Skims in Silver State Sunshine

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we dive into the delightful, yet puzzling, world of internet searches and political persuasions, with a particular emphasis on the enchanting phenomenon of Google queries for the beloved ogre, Shrek, and the political preferences of Democratic voters in the enchanting land of Nevada. Using data from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and the ever-insightful Google Trends, we uncovered an unexpected correlation between the votes cast for Democratic Senators in Nevada and the frequency of internet searches for 'Shrek'. Our analysis, with a correlation coefficient of 0.8951724 and p < 0.05 for the period spanning 2004 to 2018, suggests that there may be a link, albeit a whimsical one, between the political inclinations of Nevada's Democratic voting base and their fascination with the green, lovable ogre. Our findings present a curious tale of how internet culture and political preferences may intertwine, reflecting the captivating quirks of contemporary society. So, while we may not yet fully understand the rationale behind this unlikely connection, we can certainly appreciate the sheer entertainment value it brings to the world of social science research.


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

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Democrat votes for Senators in Nevada and Google searches for 'shrek'. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Shrek Search: Senatorial Selections and Swampy Screen Skims in Silver State Sunshine

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we dive into the delightful, yet puzzling, world of internet searches and political persuasions, with a particular emphasis on the enchanting phenomenon of Google queries for the beloved ogre, Shrek, and the political preferences of Democratic voters in the enchanting land of Nevada. Using data from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and the ever-insightful Google Trends, we uncovered an unexpected correlation between the votes cast for Democratic Senators in Nevada and the frequency of internet searches for 'Shrek'. Our analysis, with a correlation coefficient of 0.8951724 and p < 0.05 for the period spanning 2004 to 2018, suggests that there may be a link, albeit a whimsical one, between the political inclinations of Nevada's Democratic voting base and their fascination with the green, lovable ogre. Our findings present a curious tale of how internet culture and political preferences may intertwine, reflecting the captivating quirks of contemporary society. So, while we may not yet fully understand the rationale behind this unlikely connection, we can certainly appreciate the sheer entertainment value it brings to the world of social science research.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

As the digital age progresses and the interconnected web of online activity becomes ever more entangled, researchers are continually uncovering surprising associations between seemingly unrelated variables. In our pursuit of understanding human behavior and its intricate nuances, we find ourselves venturing into the enchanting realm of internet searches and political proclivities. Amidst this peculiar exploration, we stumble upon the unlikely, yet charming, link between Senatorial selections and the swampy screen skims of the lovable ogre, Shrek, in the sun-kissed land of Nevada.

In the hallowed halls of academia, where rigorous statistical analyses and theoretical frameworks reign supreme, we often find ourselves knee-deep in data, hoping to glean insights that not only unravel complex relationships but also, every so often, provide a chuckle or two. Our journey in this study was no different; armed with the wondrous offerings of MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and the perpetually intriguing Google Trends, we embarked on a quest to shed light on the whimsically intertwined threads of internet culture and political allegiance.

You see, in the land where the sagebrush meets the neon glow of the Strip, we discovered an unexpected correlation that sparked both bewilderment and delight. With a correlation coefficient of 0.8951724 and a p-value that made statisticians do a double-take, our findings suggest that there may indeed be a peculiar bond between the Democratic votes cast for Senators in Nevada and the frequency of online quests for the verdant, onion-loving icon himself – Shrek.

Now, the mere mention of this unlikely connection may raise some eyebrows and elicit a skeptic's smirk, but fear not, dear reader, for the unpredictable nature of social science research is what keeps the journey ever so captivating. While we may not yet comprehend the full rationale behind the fusion of political inclinations and ogre fascination, we can't help but revel in the sheer absurdity – or should we say Shrek-surdity – that it brings to our scholarly pursuits.

So, grab your spectacles and a pinch of skepticism, for in the pages that follow, we shall unravel this peculiar saga and ponder the inexplicable harmony between the voting booths and the virtual quest for our swamp-dwelling friend. As we delve deeper into this whimsical tale, let us not only seek to unravel mysteries but also to celebrate the enchanting anomalies that make the colorful tapestry of social science research all the more endearing.


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

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Democrat votes for Senators in Nevada and Google searches for 'shrek'. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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

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

Start by naming serious-sounding studies by authors like Smith, Doe, and Jones - but then quickly devolve. Name some real non-fiction books that would be related to the topic. Then name some real fiction books that sound like they could be related. Then devolve ever further, and mention something completely ridiculous, like you conducted literature review by reading CVS receipts.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Shrek Search: Senatorial Selections and Swampy Screen Skims in Silver State Sunshine

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we dive into the delightful, yet puzzling, world of internet searches and political persuasions, with a particular emphasis on the enchanting phenomenon of Google queries for the beloved ogre, Shrek, and the political preferences of Democratic voters in the enchanting land of Nevada. Using data from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and the ever-insightful Google Trends, we uncovered an unexpected correlation between the votes cast for Democratic Senators in Nevada and the frequency of internet searches for 'Shrek'. Our analysis, with a correlation coefficient of 0.8951724 and p < 0.05 for the period spanning 2004 to 2018, suggests that there may be a link, albeit a whimsical one, between the political inclinations of Nevada's Democratic voting base and their fascination with the green, lovable ogre. Our findings present a curious tale of how internet culture and political preferences may intertwine, reflecting the captivating quirks of contemporary society. So, while we may not yet fully understand the rationale behind this unlikely connection, we can certainly appreciate the sheer entertainment value it brings to the world of social science research.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
As the digital age progresses and the interconnected web of online activity becomes ever more entangled, researchers are continually uncovering surprising associations between seemingly unrelated variables. In our pursuit of understanding human behavior and its intricate nuances, we find ourselves venturing into the enchanting realm of internet searches and political proclivities. Amidst this peculiar exploration, we stumble upon the unlikely, yet charming, link between Senatorial selections and the swampy screen skims of the lovable ogre, Shrek, in the sun-kissed land of Nevada.
In the hallowed halls of academia, where rigorous statistical analyses and theoretical frameworks reign supreme, we often find ourselves knee-deep in data, hoping to glean insights that not only unravel complex relationships but also, every so often, provide a chuckle or two. Our journey in this study was no different; armed with the wondrous offerings of MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and the perpetually intriguing Google Trends, we embarked on a quest to shed light on the whimsically intertwined threads of internet culture and political allegiance.
You see, in the land where the sagebrush meets the neon glow of the Strip, we discovered an unexpected correlation that sparked both bewilderment and delight. With a correlation coefficient of 0.8951724 and a p-value that made statisticians do a double-take, our findings suggest that there may indeed be a peculiar bond between the Democratic votes cast for Senators in Nevada and the frequency of online quests for the verdant, onion-loving icon himself – Shrek.
Now, the mere mention of this unlikely connection may raise some eyebrows and elicit a skeptic's smirk, but fear not, dear reader, for the unpredictable nature of social science research is what keeps the journey ever so captivating. While we may not yet comprehend the full rationale behind the fusion of political inclinations and ogre fascination, we can't help but revel in the sheer absurdity – or should we say Shrek-surdity – that it brings to our scholarly pursuits.
So, grab your spectacles and a pinch of skepticism, for in the pages that follow, we shall unravel this peculiar saga and ponder the inexplicable harmony between the voting booths and the virtual quest for our swamp-dwelling friend. As we delve deeper into this whimsical tale, let us not only seek to unravel mysteries but also to celebrate the enchanting anomalies that make the colorful tapestry of social science research all the more endearing.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

In the search for understanding this peculiar union of political preferences and online ogre quests, we must turn our attention to the varied fields of internet culture, political psychology, and perhaps a tad of whimsy. Smith, in their seminal work, "The Internet Age: A Cultural Analysis," delves into the intricate web of online phenomena, unravelling the curious connections between popular culture and digital footprints. Similarly, Doe, in "Political Expressions: A Psychological Perspective," illuminates the underlying motivations behind political affiliations, shedding light on the enigmatic dance of voter sentiment and civic engagement.

Venturing further into this colorful intersection, we encounter the world of fiction and folklore. In the timeless classic "The Wizard of Oz," Frank L. Baum spins a whimsical tale of unexpected alliances and peculiar journeys—much like our quest to unravel the Shrek Senatorial Saga. J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" offers another enchanting narrative, where unlikely companions embark on an adventure that defies convention, echoing the unlikely affinity between the political landscape and the green ogre's virtual escapades.

But wait, as we wade deeper into these literary waters, we cannot overlook the peculiar and the preposterous. In "The Search for More: Absurdities of the Modern Age," researchers recount their unconventional methods of data collection, including perusing the fine print of CVS receipts for hidden insights—an approach that may seem as outlandish as our quest, yet speaks to the ingenuity and unpredictability of scholarly pursuits.

As we navigate this whimsical tapestry of research, we must tread lightly, lest we get entangled in the enchanting, albeit absurd, connections that populate the landscape. And so, with a twinkle in our eyes and a quest for enlightenment in our hearts, we forge ahead, ready to unearth the unparalleled connection between the silver state Senators and the lovable, albeit unlikely, icon of Shrek.


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

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Democrat votes for Senators in Nevada and Google searches for 'shrek'. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse and Google Trends . You used data from 2004 to 2018

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

Here is the title, abstract, and introduction of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Shrek Search: Senatorial Selections and Swampy Screen Skims in Silver State Sunshine

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we dive into the delightful, yet puzzling, world of internet searches and political persuasions, with a particular emphasis on the enchanting phenomenon of Google queries for the beloved ogre, Shrek, and the political preferences of Democratic voters in the enchanting land of Nevada. Using data from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and the ever-insightful Google Trends, we uncovered an unexpected correlation between the votes cast for Democratic Senators in Nevada and the frequency of internet searches for 'Shrek'. Our analysis, with a correlation coefficient of 0.8951724 and p < 0.05 for the period spanning 2004 to 2018, suggests that there may be a link, albeit a whimsical one, between the political inclinations of Nevada's Democratic voting base and their fascination with the green, lovable ogre. Our findings present a curious tale of how internet culture and political preferences may intertwine, reflecting the captivating quirks of contemporary society. So, while we may not yet fully understand the rationale behind this unlikely connection, we can certainly appreciate the sheer entertainment value it brings to the world of social science research.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
As the digital age progresses and the interconnected web of online activity becomes ever more entangled, researchers are continually uncovering surprising associations between seemingly unrelated variables. In our pursuit of understanding human behavior and its intricate nuances, we find ourselves venturing into the enchanting realm of internet searches and political proclivities. Amidst this peculiar exploration, we stumble upon the unlikely, yet charming, link between Senatorial selections and the swampy screen skims of the lovable ogre, Shrek, in the sun-kissed land of Nevada.
In the hallowed halls of academia, where rigorous statistical analyses and theoretical frameworks reign supreme, we often find ourselves knee-deep in data, hoping to glean insights that not only unravel complex relationships but also, every so often, provide a chuckle or two. Our journey in this study was no different; armed with the wondrous offerings of MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and the perpetually intriguing Google Trends, we embarked on a quest to shed light on the whimsically intertwined threads of internet culture and political allegiance.
You see, in the land where the sagebrush meets the neon glow of the Strip, we discovered an unexpected correlation that sparked both bewilderment and delight. With a correlation coefficient of 0.8951724 and a p-value that made statisticians do a double-take, our findings suggest that there may indeed be a peculiar bond between the Democratic votes cast for Senators in Nevada and the frequency of online quests for the verdant, onion-loving icon himself – Shrek.
Now, the mere mention of this unlikely connection may raise some eyebrows and elicit a skeptic's smirk, but fear not, dear reader, for the unpredictable nature of social science research is what keeps the journey ever so captivating. While we may not yet comprehend the full rationale behind the fusion of political inclinations and ogre fascination, we can't help but revel in the sheer absurdity – or should we say Shrek-surdity – that it brings to our scholarly pursuits.
So, grab your spectacles and a pinch of skepticism, for in the pages that follow, we shall unravel this peculiar saga and ponder the inexplicable harmony between the voting booths and the virtual quest for our swamp-dwelling friend. As we delve deeper into this whimsical tale, let us not only seek to unravel mysteries but also to celebrate the enchanting anomalies that make the colorful tapestry of social science research all the more endearing.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

Ah, the fantastical realm of research methodologies! Let us wade through the swamp of statistical analyses and cybernetic samplings as we unravel the captivating methodology behind this curious quest. With data in hand from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and the ever-alluring Google Trends, our intrepid team set forth to explore the unforeseen marriage of political leanings and search engine sorcery.

First, we embarked on a whimsical journey through the annals of internet searches, diving headfirst into the mesmerizing world of Google Trends to pluck out the frequency of searches for our verdant friend, Shrek. With our trusty statistical wands in hand, we conjured up a time series dataset spanning the years 2004 to 2018, capturing the ebb and flow of fascination with the lovable ogre in the digital realm.

Simultaneously, we traversed the digital corridors of political data, extracting the votes cast for Democratic Senators in the glistening bazaars and sun-soaked valleys of Nevada. This electoral treasure trove furnished us with the electoral pulse of the Silver State’s Democratic voting base. Armed with these disparate yet strangely entrancing datasets, we began the enchanting dance of statistical analysis and hypothesis testing.

Oh, but wait! Let's not forget the seductive allure of correlation analysis. With a flourish of mathematical incantations, we computed the correlation coefficient, teasing out the bewitching links between the political proclivities of Nevada's Democratic voters and their predilection for Shrek-centric cyber odysseys.

And lo and behold, as the results materialized before our incredulous eyes, a correlation coefficient of 0.8951724 graced our statistical altar, with a p-value so tantalizingly small, it could make a statistician belch a surreptitious chuckle.

In the grand tapestry of academia, where oddities and unpredictabilities reign supreme, this methodology traversed the peculiar, the whimsical, and the enigmatic, as we sought to capture the essence of this improbable link between Senate votes and Shrek searches.

So, as the mists of statistical musings clear, let it be known that the methodology we employed, though steeped in scholarly rigor, embraced the playful mysteries that underpin the Shrek-ian saga of Senate selections and search engine shenanigans.


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

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Democrat votes for Senators in Nevada and Google searches for 'shrek'. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse and Google Trends .

For the time period 2004 to 2018, you found a correlation 0.8951724, r-squared of 0.8013337, and p < 0.05.

One figure will be included. The figure (Fig. 1) is a scatterplot showing the strong correlation between the two variables. You don't need to specify where; I will add the figure.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Shrek Search: Senatorial Selections and Swampy Screen Skims in Silver State Sunshine

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we dive into the delightful, yet puzzling, world of internet searches and political persuasions, with a particular emphasis on the enchanting phenomenon of Google queries for the beloved ogre, Shrek, and the political preferences of Democratic voters in the enchanting land of Nevada. Using data from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and the ever-insightful Google Trends, we uncovered an unexpected correlation between the votes cast for Democratic Senators in Nevada and the frequency of internet searches for 'Shrek'. Our analysis, with a correlation coefficient of 0.8951724 and p < 0.05 for the period spanning 2004 to 2018, suggests that there may be a link, albeit a whimsical one, between the political inclinations of Nevada's Democratic voting base and their fascination with the green, lovable ogre. Our findings present a curious tale of how internet culture and political preferences may intertwine, reflecting the captivating quirks of contemporary society. So, while we may not yet fully understand the rationale behind this unlikely connection, we can certainly appreciate the sheer entertainment value it brings to the world of social science research.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
As the digital age progresses and the interconnected web of online activity becomes ever more entangled, researchers are continually uncovering surprising associations between seemingly unrelated variables. In our pursuit of understanding human behavior and its intricate nuances, we find ourselves venturing into the enchanting realm of internet searches and political proclivities. Amidst this peculiar exploration, we stumble upon the unlikely, yet charming, link between Senatorial selections and the swampy screen skims of the lovable ogre, Shrek, in the sun-kissed land of Nevada.
In the hallowed halls of academia, where rigorous statistical analyses and theoretical frameworks reign supreme, we often find ourselves knee-deep in data, hoping to glean insights that not only unravel complex relationships but also, every so often, provide a chuckle or two. Our journey in this study was no different; armed with the wondrous offerings of MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and the perpetually intriguing Google Trends, we embarked on a quest to shed light on the whimsically intertwined threads of internet culture and political allegiance.
You see, in the land where the sagebrush meets the neon glow of the Strip, we discovered an unexpected correlation that sparked both bewilderment and delight. With a correlation coefficient of 0.8951724 and a p-value that made statisticians do a double-take, our findings suggest that there may indeed be a peculiar bond between the Democratic votes cast for Senators in Nevada and the frequency of online quests for the verdant, onion-loving icon himself – Shrek.
Now, the mere mention of this unlikely connection may raise some eyebrows and elicit a skeptic's smirk, but fear not, dear reader, for the unpredictable nature of social science research is what keeps the journey ever so captivating. While we may not yet comprehend the full rationale behind the fusion of political inclinations and ogre fascination, we can't help but revel in the sheer absurdity – or should we say Shrek-surdity – that it brings to our scholarly pursuits.
So, grab your spectacles and a pinch of skepticism, for in the pages that follow, we shall unravel this peculiar saga and ponder the inexplicable harmony between the voting booths and the virtual quest for our swamp-dwelling friend. As we delve deeper into this whimsical tale, let us not only seek to unravel mysteries but also to celebrate the enchanting anomalies that make the colorful tapestry of social science research all the more endearing.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The results of our analysis brought forth a delightful, if not utterly unexpected, revelation. As we delved into the interplay of political preferences and internet whimsy, we uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.8951724 between the votes cast for Democratic Senators in Nevada and the frequency of Google searches for 'Shrek'. This correlation was supported by an r-squared value of 0.8013337, and with a p-value of less than 0.05, it's safe to say that our findings have raised more than a few eyebrows in the world of statistical significance.

Now, to visually capture the essence of this enchanting correlation, we present Figure 1 – a scatterplot that eloquently displays the strong relationship between the Democratic votes and the Shrek-seeking internet enthusiasts of Nevada. As one gazes upon the plot, one can't help but marvel at the whimsical dance of data points, swirling together in a harmonious union that beckons the analytical mind to ponder the unexpected phenomena that unfold in the digital age.

It's worth noting that our findings are not only statistically robust but also carry a whimsical charm that adds a dash of delight to the rigors of empirical inquiry. In unraveling this serendipitous connection, we've not only expanded the frontiers of knowledge but also brought forth a hearty chuckle or two in the labyrinth of social science research. Perhaps it's this endearing duality of the absurd and the insightful that makes the journey all the more worthwhile.

In concluding this mirthful tale of political preferences and peculiar passions, we invite fellow scholars and curious minds alike to ponder the Shrekian mysteries that intertwine with the fabric of our sociopolitical landscape. While the green hues of ogre-centric inquiries may seem whimsical against the backdrop of serious statistical analyses, it's in these unexpected juxtapositions that we find the sprightly dance of progress and the ever-enigmatic allure of scholarly inquiry.


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

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Democrat votes for Senators in Nevada and Google searches for 'shrek'. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Limit your response to 500 tokens.

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

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

[[TITLE]]
The Shrek Search: Senatorial Selections and Swampy Screen Skims in Silver State Sunshine

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we dive into the delightful, yet puzzling, world of internet searches and political persuasions, with a particular emphasis on the enchanting phenomenon of Google queries for the beloved ogre, Shrek, and the political preferences of Democratic voters in the enchanting land of Nevada. Using data from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and the ever-insightful Google Trends, we uncovered an unexpected correlation between the votes cast for Democratic Senators in Nevada and the frequency of internet searches for 'Shrek'. Our analysis, with a correlation coefficient of 0.8951724 and p < 0.05 for the period spanning 2004 to 2018, suggests that there may be a link, albeit a whimsical one, between the political inclinations of Nevada's Democratic voting base and their fascination with the green, lovable ogre. Our findings present a curious tale of how internet culture and political preferences may intertwine, reflecting the captivating quirks of contemporary society. So, while we may not yet fully understand the rationale behind this unlikely connection, we can certainly appreciate the sheer entertainment value it brings to the world of social science research.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
In the search for understanding this peculiar union of political preferences and online ogre quests, we must turn our attention to the varied fields of internet culture, political psychology, and perhaps a tad of whimsy. Smith, in their seminal work, "The Internet Age: A Cultural Analysis," delves into the intricate web of online phenomena, unravelling the curious connections between popular culture and digital footprints. Similarly, Doe, in "Political Expressions: A Psychological Perspective," illuminates the underlying motivations behind political affiliations, shedding light on the enigmatic dance of voter sentiment and civic engagement.
Venturing further into this colorful intersection, we encounter the world of fiction and folklore. In the timeless classic "The Wizard of Oz," Frank L. Baum spins a whimsical tale of unexpected alliances and peculiar journeys—much like our quest to unravel the Shrek Senatorial Saga. J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" offers another enchanting narrative, where unlikely companions embark on an adventure that defies convention, echoing the unlikely affinity between the political landscape and the green ogre's virtual escapades.
But wait, as we wade deeper into these literary waters, we cannot overlook the peculiar and the preposterous. In "The Search for More: Absurdities of the Modern Age," researchers recount their unconventional methods of data collection, including perusing the fine print of CVS receipts for hidden insights—an approach that may seem as outlandish as our quest, yet speaks to the ingenuity and unpredictability of scholarly pursuits.
As we navigate this whimsical tapestry of research, we must tread lightly, lest we get entangled in the enchanting, albeit absurd, connections that populate the landscape. And so, with a twinkle in our eyes and a quest for enlightenment in our hearts, we forge ahead, ready to unearth the unparalleled connection between the silver state Senators and the lovable, albeit unlikely, icon of Shrek.

[[RESULTS]]
The results of our analysis brought forth a delightful, if not utterly unexpected, revelation. As we delved into the interplay of political preferences and internet whimsy, we uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.8951724 between the votes cast for Democratic Senators in Nevada and the frequency of Google searches for 'Shrek'. This correlation was supported by an r-squared value of 0.8013337, and with a p-value of less than 0.05, it's safe to say that our findings have raised more than a few eyebrows in the world of statistical significance.
Now, to visually capture the essence of this enchanting correlation, we present Figure 1 – a scatterplot that eloquently displays the strong relationship between the Democratic votes and the Shrek-seeking internet enthusiasts of Nevada. As one gazes upon the plot, one can't help but marvel at the whimsical dance of data points, swirling together in a harmonious union that beckons the analytical mind to ponder the unexpected phenomena that unfold in the digital age.
It's worth noting that our findings are not only statistically robust but also carry a whimsical charm that adds a dash of delight to the rigors of empirical inquiry. In unraveling this serendipitous connection, we've not only expanded the frontiers of knowledge but also brought forth a hearty chuckle or two in the labyrinth of social science research. Perhaps it's this endearing duality of the absurd and the insightful that makes the journey all the more worthwhile.
In concluding this mirthful tale of political preferences and peculiar passions, we invite fellow scholars and curious minds alike to ponder the Shrekian mysteries that intertwine with the fabric of our sociopolitical landscape. While the green hues of ogre-centric inquiries may seem whimsical against the backdrop of serious statistical analyses, it's in these unexpected juxtapositions that we find the sprightly dance of progress and the ever-enigmatic allure of scholarly inquiry.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

Ah, the delightful dance of data, the enchanting interplay of variables, and the whimsical wonders of statistical significance – welcome to the bewitching discussion on the Shrek Senatorial Saga. As we embark on this mirthful exploration, let us first revisit our whimsical literature review. The timeless narratives of Baum and Tolkien, paired with the serendipitous absurdities of "The Search for More," may have seemed like mere flights of fancy, but lo and behold, their nuanced insights have echoed through the corridors of our empirical findings, amplifying their enchanting resonance.

Our results, magnificently aligned with the prior research, have not only unveiled a correlation of 0.8951724 between Democratic votes for Senators in Nevada and the fervent quest for Shrek in the digital realm but also illuminated the profound connection between internet culture and political predilections. The robustness of our statistical analysis, with an r-squared value of 0.8013337 and a p-value < 0.05, stands as a testament to the quirky, yet undeniably compelling, bond we have unearthed.

In the spirited spirit of scholarly inquiry, the whimsy of our findings, elegantly encapsulated in the dance of data points in Figure 1, transcends the conventional bounds of academic discourse and invites us to revel in its merry charm. Our results, akin to a jovial jester in the court of scientific inquiry, have not only widened the horizons of knowledge but also elicited a hearty chuckle or two—a testament to the endearing duality of the absurd and the insightful that defines the tapestry of intellectual discovery.

While our journey into the enchanted world of Shrek and Senators may seem like a fantastical escapade, it is in these unexpected discoveries that the soulful allure of scholarly pursuit truly thrives. Thus, as we bid adieu to this playful soiree, we implore all seekers of knowledge to partake in the joyous contemplation of the Shrekian mysteries that abound in our sociopolitical landscape. For in the whimsical and the wondrous, in the serendipitous and the statistically significant, we find that the essence of scholarly inquiry is as enchanting as the allure of the green, lovable ogre himself.


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

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Democrat votes for Senators in Nevada and Google searches for 'shrek'. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

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

Here are the title, abstract, introduction, and results sections.
[[TITLE]]
The Shrek Search: Senatorial Selections and Swampy Screen Skims in Silver State Sunshine

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we dive into the delightful, yet puzzling, world of internet searches and political persuasions, with a particular emphasis on the enchanting phenomenon of Google queries for the beloved ogre, Shrek, and the political preferences of Democratic voters in the enchanting land of Nevada. Using data from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and the ever-insightful Google Trends, we uncovered an unexpected correlation between the votes cast for Democratic Senators in Nevada and the frequency of internet searches for 'Shrek'. Our analysis, with a correlation coefficient of 0.8951724 and p < 0.05 for the period spanning 2004 to 2018, suggests that there may be a link, albeit a whimsical one, between the political inclinations of Nevada's Democratic voting base and their fascination with the green, lovable ogre. Our findings present a curious tale of how internet culture and political preferences may intertwine, reflecting the captivating quirks of contemporary society. So, while we may not yet fully understand the rationale behind this unlikely connection, we can certainly appreciate the sheer entertainment value it brings to the world of social science research.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
As the digital age progresses and the interconnected web of online activity becomes ever more entangled, researchers are continually uncovering surprising associations between seemingly unrelated variables. In our pursuit of understanding human behavior and its intricate nuances, we find ourselves venturing into the enchanting realm of internet searches and political proclivities. Amidst this peculiar exploration, we stumble upon the unlikely, yet charming, link between Senatorial selections and the swampy screen skims of the lovable ogre, Shrek, in the sun-kissed land of Nevada.
In the hallowed halls of academia, where rigorous statistical analyses and theoretical frameworks reign supreme, we often find ourselves knee-deep in data, hoping to glean insights that not only unravel complex relationships but also, every so often, provide a chuckle or two. Our journey in this study was no different; armed with the wondrous offerings of MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and the perpetually intriguing Google Trends, we embarked on a quest to shed light on the whimsically intertwined threads of internet culture and political allegiance.
You see, in the land where the sagebrush meets the neon glow of the Strip, we discovered an unexpected correlation that sparked both bewilderment and delight. With a correlation coefficient of 0.8951724 and a p-value that made statisticians do a double-take, our findings suggest that there may indeed be a peculiar bond between the Democratic votes cast for Senators in Nevada and the frequency of online quests for the verdant, onion-loving icon himself – Shrek.
Now, the mere mention of this unlikely connection may raise some eyebrows and elicit a skeptic's smirk, but fear not, dear reader, for the unpredictable nature of social science research is what keeps the journey ever so captivating. While we may not yet comprehend the full rationale behind the fusion of political inclinations and ogre fascination, we can't help but revel in the sheer absurdity – or should we say Shrek-surdity – that it brings to our scholarly pursuits.
So, grab your spectacles and a pinch of skepticism, for in the pages that follow, we shall unravel this peculiar saga and ponder the inexplicable harmony between the voting booths and the virtual quest for our swamp-dwelling friend. As we delve deeper into this whimsical tale, let us not only seek to unravel mysteries but also to celebrate the enchanting anomalies that make the colorful tapestry of social science research all the more endearing.

[[RESULTS]]
The results of our analysis brought forth a delightful, if not utterly unexpected, revelation. As we delved into the interplay of political preferences and internet whimsy, we uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.8951724 between the votes cast for Democratic Senators in Nevada and the frequency of Google searches for 'Shrek'. This correlation was supported by an r-squared value of 0.8013337, and with a p-value of less than 0.05, it's safe to say that our findings have raised more than a few eyebrows in the world of statistical significance.
Now, to visually capture the essence of this enchanting correlation, we present Figure 1 – a scatterplot that eloquently displays the strong relationship between the Democratic votes and the Shrek-seeking internet enthusiasts of Nevada. As one gazes upon the plot, one can't help but marvel at the whimsical dance of data points, swirling together in a harmonious union that beckons the analytical mind to ponder the unexpected phenomena that unfold in the digital age.
It's worth noting that our findings are not only statistically robust but also carry a whimsical charm that adds a dash of delight to the rigors of empirical inquiry. In unraveling this serendipitous connection, we've not only expanded the frontiers of knowledge but also brought forth a hearty chuckle or two in the labyrinth of social science research. Perhaps it's this endearing duality of the absurd and the insightful that makes the journey all the more worthwhile.
In concluding this mirthful tale of political preferences and peculiar passions, we invite fellow scholars and curious minds alike to ponder the Shrekian mysteries that intertwine with the fabric of our sociopolitical landscape. While the green hues of ogre-centric inquiries may seem whimsical against the backdrop of serious statistical analyses, it's in these unexpected juxtapositions that we find the sprightly dance of progress and the ever-enigmatic allure of scholarly inquiry.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

As we wrap up this whimsical expedition into the nexus of ogres and political predilections, we can't help but marvel at the unpredictable yet riveting discoveries that emerged from our data. The correlation between Democratic votes for Senators in Nevada and the fervent search for 'Shrek' on Google has not only left us scratching our heads but also grinning from ear to ear. It seems that, much like the layers of an onion, this connection has multiple facets and depths – or should we say, ogre-sized mysteries!

Our rigorous statistical analyses, coupled with the charming absurdity of our findings, have undoubtedly added a delightful twist to the often staid world of socio-political research. They say that truth is stranger than fiction, and in this case, it seems that statistical significance is indeed more fanciful than we ever anticipated. We may not have unicorns or fairytale endings, but we certainly have a statistical saga that rivals the most entertaining of folklore.

In the spirit of academic exuberance and a touch of whimsy, we assert that this curious rendezvous between Shrek and Democrat votes in the Silver State is a tale that needs no further unraveling. With a twinkle in our eyes and a nod to the enchanting enigma that is social science, we bid adieu to this peculiar confluence of politics and swamp-dwelling ogres. For in this carnival of curiosities, where Google queries and senatorial selections mingle in a merry dance, we've not only harnessed the power of statistics but also celebrated the irrepressible spirit of the unexpected. As we close this chapter, let it be known that the Shrek search, in all its frivolous glory, shall remain an indelible mark of scientific inquiry – and a reminder that, in the realm of research, there's always room for a touch of enchantment.

In the words of the illustrious ogre himself, "Better out than in, I always say!" And on that note, we say, it's better to wrap up this study than to carry on searching for answers in the swampy depths of statistical whimsy. With that, we decree that no more research is needed in this endearing, albeit comically baffling, domain.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of academic journals. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding research, scientific, or academic journal that would publish a paper entited The Shrek Search: Senatorial Selections and Swampy Screen Skims in Silver State Sunshine. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Quirky Political Science


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of nonprofit research organizations and associations. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding nonprofit, academic, or scientific association or organization that would sponsor research that resulted in a paper entited The Shrek Search: Senatorial Selections and Swampy Screen Skims in Silver State Sunshine. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The International Institute for Humorous Political Studies


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide potential search keywords separated by commas. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide potential search keywords for a paper titled The Shrek Search: Senatorial Selections and Swampy Screen Skims in Silver State Sunshine with an abstract of In this study, we dive into the delightful, yet puzzling, world of internet searches and political persuasions, with a particular emphasis on the enchanting phenomenon of Google queries for the beloved ogre, Shrek, and the political preferences of Democratic voters in the enchanting land of Nevada. Using data from MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, and the ever-insightful Google Trends, we uncovered an unexpected correlation between the votes cast for Democratic Senators in Nevada and the frequency of internet searches for 'Shrek'. Our analysis, with a correlation coefficient of 0.8951724 and p < 0.05 for the period spanning 2004 to 2018, suggests that there may be a link, albeit a whimsical one, between the political inclinations of Nevada's Democratic voting base and their fascination with the green, lovable ogre. Our findings present a curious tale of how internet culture and political preferences may intertwine, reflecting the captivating quirks of contemporary society. So, while we may not yet fully understand the rationale behind this unlikely connection, we can certainly appreciate the sheer entertainment value it brings to the world of social science research.

ChatGPT:

Shrek, Google searches, political persuasion, Democratic voters, Nevada, internet culture, correlation, Senatorial selections, MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse, Google Trends, internet searches, political preferences, whimsical correlation, contemporary society

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



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Data details

Votes for Democratic Senators in Nevada
Detailed data title: Percentage of votes cast for Federal Democrat Senate candidates in Nevada
Source: MIT Election Data and Science Lab, Harvard Dataverse
See what else correlates with Votes for Democratic Senators in Nevada

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

See what else correlates with Google searches for 'shrek'

Correlation r = 0.8951724 (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 = 0.8013337 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 80.1% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Google searches for 'shrek') is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Votes for Democratic Senators in Nevada) over the 6 years from 2004 through 2018.

p < 0.05, which statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 0.016. 0.0159072608120020300000000000
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 0.9 in 1.6% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 63 random variables Which I absolutely did.
with the same 5 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 5 because we have two variables measured over a period of 6 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.

[ 0.31, 0.99 ] 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.
200420062010201220162018
Votes for Democratic Senators in Nevada (Percentage of votes)61.081940.9950.288744.706147.098950.412
Google searches for 'shrek' (Rel. search volume)389.0833319.33339.166678.833339.41667




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. Very low n: There are not many data points included in this analysis. Even if the p-value is high, we should be suspicious of using so few datapoints in a correlation.
  5. 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([61.0819,40.99,50.2887,44.7061,47.0989,50.412,])
array_2 = np.array([38,9.08333,19.3333,9.16667,8.83333,9.41667,])
array_1_name = "Votes for Democratic Senators in Nevada"
array_2_name = "Google searches for 'shrek'"

# 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: 5278 · Black Variable ID: 26422 · Red Variable ID: 1480
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