Spurious correlation #2,118 · 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 Terre Haute, Indiana and the second variable is Physical album shipment volume in the United States. The chart goes from 1999 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Air pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana and the second variable is Physical album shipment volume in the United States. The chart goes from 1999 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

AI explanation

As the air quality in Terre Haute improved, the local population no longer needed to stay indoors as often, leading to a significant uptick in outdoor physical activity. This sudden surge in fitness enthusiasm spread like wildfire across the entire nation, causing a substantial increase in the demand for exercise equipment. With everyone getting their sweat on, there was simply no room left in the national transportation system to accommodate the shipment of physical albums. It's a classic case of environmental improvement inadvertently pumping up the nation and flexing its impact on the music industry! The cleaner air in Terre Haute breathed new life into the physical fitness craze, creating a ripple effect that ultimately caused a decline in the shipment volume of physical albums across the United States. Who would've thought that reducing air pollution in one city could lead to a nationwide workout revolution and a heavy drop in album shipments?

^{Show image generation prompt} Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Create an image as if it were taken with a Polaroid camera depicting a scene in Terre Haute, Indiana. The sky above is tinted with a hazy smog, and people are wearing masks to shield themselves from the unhealthy air quality. In the background stands a towering warehouse, where workers are seen loading physical albums onto waiting trucks - a testament to the high shipment volume of physical albums in the United States. The depiction should include only scenes, people, and objects, it should not include text or speech bubbles.

This image generation prompt was also generated by AI, using the following sequence:

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You select one of a few potential scene descriptors that seems to go along with the variables described. You respond only with the scene descriptions provided and say nothing else.
User prompt: Here are two variables: Unhealthy air quality in Terre Haute, Indiana and Physical album shipment volume in the United States. 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: Photorealism Sci-fi fantacy Magic realism High-tech a Polaroid photo
ChatGPT: a Polaroid photo

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both Unhealthy air quality in Terre Haute, Indiana and Physical album shipment volume in the United States together. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In Terre Haute, Indiana, the sky is hazy with smog, and people are seen wearing masks to protect themselves from the unhealthy air quality. In the same scene, a large warehouse is shown with workers loading physical albums onto trucks, indicating a high shipment volume of physical albums in the United States.

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 Polaroid photo ] and depicting this scene: In Terre Haute, Indiana, the sky is hazy with smog, and people are seen wearing masks to protect themselves from the unhealthy air quality. In the same scene, a large warehouse is shown with workers loading physical albums onto trucks, indicating a high shipment volume of physical albums in the United States. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Create an image as if it were taken with a Polaroid camera depicting a scene in Terre Haute, Indiana. The sky above is tinted with a hazy smog, and people are wearing masks to shield themselves from the unhealthy air quality. In the background stands a towering warehouse, where workers are seen loading physical albums onto waiting trucks - a testament to the high shipment volume of physical albums in the United States.

*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.
^{Show prompt for explanation} 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 Terre Haute, Indiana caused Physical album shipment volume in the United States to decrease.\Make it sound serious until the end.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)

The Dirty Truth: Air Pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana and Its Impact on Physical Album Shipment Volume in the United States

Journal of Environmental Economics and Musical Metrics

Jan 2024

^{Show prompt used to generate this paper} Quick note: This sequence is long and repetitive. That's how the prompt engineering works for this one. I manage the output in Python to format it into this PDF.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.You 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 Terre Haute, Indiana and Physical album shipment volume in the United States. 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 cite some social media posts you read that seem to be related.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Dirty Truth: Air Pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana and Its Impact on Physical Album Shipment Volume in the United States

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delve into the often overlooked correlation between air pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana, and the physical album shipment volume in the United States. While the link may seem as elusive as hitting the high notes in a Mariah Carey song, our findings reveal a surprising connection. Our research team, armed with data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Statista, crunched the numbers and uncovered a robust correlation coefficient, standing tall at 0.7973210 with a p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning from 1999 to 2022.

As we navigated through the maze of statistical analysis, we couldn't help but notice the striking parallels between measuring air pollution levels and playing a game of "Name That Tune." The air might be heavy with particulate matter, but our findings bring a breath of fresh air to the world of quirky correlations. So, sit back, put on your favorite vinyl record, and prepare to be astounded by the unexpected symphony of air pollution and album shipments.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The world of academia often leads us down unexpected avenues, but perhaps none so surprising as the curious correlation we explored in this study: the relationship between air pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana, and the physical album shipment volume in the United States. While the mere mention of Terre Haute may not strike a chord with most individuals, it turns out that the city's air pollution levels may have a surprising influence on the shipment of physical albums across the country. This connection may seem as unlikely as finding a saxophone in a symphony orchestra, but we assure you, dear reader, that our findings are as real as a vinyl record on a turntable.
As we embarked on this peculiar journey, we aimed to shed light on the often underappreciated impact of environmental factors on consumer behavior, particularly in the realm of music consumption. We sought to bridge the gap between the realms of atmospheric science and music industry analytics, knowing full well that this endeavor might be as daring as attempting to hit a high note after inhaling helium. Yet, armed with an arsenal of statistical methods and a dash of humor, we waded into the murky waters of data analysis with the dogged determination of a vinyl collector at a flea market.
Our research team was resolute in the face of skepticism, mindful of the potential for eye rolls and raised eyebrows when discussing the connection between smog and sales. Despite the initial incredulity, we delved into the depths of data, buoyed by the belief that our efforts might uncover a hidden melody amidst the cacophony of contradictory hypotheses. Our quest was not without its challenges, but as the adage goes, "Where there's smoke, there's fire." In our case, where there's air pollution, there may be an unexpected resonance in the world of music commerce.
So, grab your scientific thinking caps and your favorite set of noise-canceling headphones, as we embark on a journey that promises to unravel the mysterious harmony between polluted air and physical album shipments. Our fiddle bows are poised, our conductors are at the ready, and the overture to this symphonic exploration is about to begin. Let the overtones of oddity and the crescendo of curiosity carry us forth into the realm of unexpected correlations and whimsical revelations.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

To understand the surprising intertwining of air pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana, and its impact on physical album shipment volume in the United States, we consulted a diverse array of literature spanning the fields of environmental science, music industry analysis, and even the occasional tweet that caught our eye. In "Smith et al.'s Study of Environmental Impacts on Consumer Behavior," the authors find that environmental factors can indeed influence consumer choices, affirming our initial curiosity about the potential resonance of air quality and album shipments. Following the scent of musical intrigue, we turned to the writings of Doe and Jones, whose "Economics of Music Consumption in the Digital Era" enlightens us on the complex dynamics of music commerce. Yet, none of these sources quite prepared us for the unexpected cacophony of information we encountered.

Transitioning from the hallowed halls of academic research, we found ourselves perusing real-world accounts of the curious relationship between air pollution and album shipments. Works such as "The Air We Breathe: A City's Struggle for Clean Air" and "Sounds of the City: From Pollution to Musical Evolution" offered insights that, while not directly related to our inquiry, provided unwitting inspiration in unraveling this musical mystery.

Our journey into the realm of fiction led us to unexpected literary corridors. From "Breathless" by Author A. M. Bient and "Ozone Odes" by Pen Name McAirQuality, the imaginative impulses of these storytellers inadvertently echoed the ethereal harmony of surreal environmental influence on the music industry.

Navigating through the social media soundscape, we stumbled upon a tweet from @MelodiesAndMolecules, boldly proclaiming, "Air pollution levels and album sales have a secret tango, like a duo in dissonance finding their unlikely groove. #MusicOfTheAtmosphere." While unconventional, this digital dispatch added a touch of whimsy to our investigation, proving that even 280 characters can spark the imagination.

As we synthesized these diverse sources, we discovered a chorus of voices, each contributing a unique timbre to the symphony of our academic pursuit. While our inquiry may have begun with a breath of skepticism, the winds of literature have carried us to unexpected harmonies and unconventional melodies, propelling us towards a crescendo of understanding in this zany, yet strangely enlightening, quest to unravel the capricious interplay of air pollution and album shipments.

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

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana and Physical album shipment volume in the United States. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Environmental Protection Agency and Statista . You used data from 1999 to 2022

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 Dirty Truth: Air Pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana and Its Impact on Physical Album Shipment Volume in the United States

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delve into the often overlooked correlation between air pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana, and the physical album shipment volume in the United States. While the link may seem as elusive as hitting the high notes in a Mariah Carey song, our findings reveal a surprising connection. Our research team, armed with data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Statista, crunched the numbers and uncovered a robust correlation coefficient, standing tall at 0.7973210 with a p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning from 1999 to 2022.

As we navigated through the maze of statistical analysis, we couldn't help but notice the striking parallels between measuring air pollution levels and playing a game of "Name That Tune." The air might be heavy with particulate matter, but our findings bring a breath of fresh air to the world of quirky correlations. So, sit back, put on your favorite vinyl record, and prepare to be astounded by the unexpected symphony of air pollution and album shipments.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The world of academia often leads us down unexpected avenues, but perhaps none so surprising as the curious correlation we explored in this study: the relationship between air pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana, and the physical album shipment volume in the United States. While the mere mention of Terre Haute may not strike a chord with most individuals, it turns out that the city's air pollution levels may have a surprising influence on the shipment of physical albums across the country. This connection may seem as unlikely as finding a saxophone in a symphony orchestra, but we assure you, dear reader, that our findings are as real as a vinyl record on a turntable.
As we embarked on this peculiar journey, we aimed to shed light on the often underappreciated impact of environmental factors on consumer behavior, particularly in the realm of music consumption. We sought to bridge the gap between the realms of atmospheric science and music industry analytics, knowing full well that this endeavor might be as daring as attempting to hit a high note after inhaling helium. Yet, armed with an arsenal of statistical methods and a dash of humor, we waded into the murky waters of data analysis with the dogged determination of a vinyl collector at a flea market.
Our research team was resolute in the face of skepticism, mindful of the potential for eye rolls and raised eyebrows when discussing the connection between smog and sales. Despite the initial incredulity, we delved into the depths of data, buoyed by the belief that our efforts might uncover a hidden melody amidst the cacophony of contradictory hypotheses. Our quest was not without its challenges, but as the adage goes, "Where there's smoke, there's fire." In our case, where there's air pollution, there may be an unexpected resonance in the world of music commerce.
So, grab your scientific thinking caps and your favorite set of noise-canceling headphones, as we embark on a journey that promises to unravel the mysterious harmony between polluted air and physical album shipments. Our fiddle bows are poised, our conductors are at the ready, and the overture to this symphonic exploration is about to begin. Let the overtones of oddity and the crescendo of curiosity carry us forth into the realm of unexpected correlations and whimsical revelations.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To untangle the web of air pollution and album shipments, our research team utilized a combination of rigorous statistical analyses and offbeat data collection methods. We wrangled a dataset spanning from 1999 to 2022, sourced from the Environmental Protection Agency and Statista, like digital prospectors panning for statistical gold in the vast internet wilderness.

First, we employed a method we affectionately dubbed the "Smog Symphony" approach, which involved harmonizing data on air pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter, with the shipment volumes of physical albums. This melodic blending of environmental and musical data aimed to illuminate the potential composition of correlations hidden within the cacophony of raw numbers.

Next, we dusted off our trusty bowties and monocles and delved into the world of correlation coefficient calculation. Like conductors orchestrating a statistical sonata, we computed the Pearson correlation coefficient to quantify the strength and direction of the relationship between air pollution levels and album shipment volumes. Our statistical instruments resonated, revealing a robust correlation coefficient of 0.7973210, standing tall like a rockstar on stage, accompanied by a p-value that shimmered with significance, clocking in at less than 0.01.

Furthermore, we concocted a peculiar experiment, which we affectionately named "The Vinyl Puff Test," where we hypothetically inflated a vinyl record with air pollution to observe any potential effects on its sonic properties. Alas, this whimsical experiment yielded no tangible results, but it did provide a lighthearted interlude in the serious business of research.

Lastly, we employed a cheeky tool called "Statistical Jukebox Analysis," where we fed copious amounts of data into the metaphorical jukebox of statistical software, eagerly anticipating any unexpected tunes that might emerge from the arcane depths of the dataset. Much like hitting shuffle on a music player, this method revealed intriguing patterns that kept our spirits high and our analytics groovy.

In the spirit of scientific transparency, we must acknowledge the limitations of our methodology. While our data sources provided a robust foundation for analysis, the complexities of environmental and consumer behavior variables introduce a veritable symphony of potential confounding factors. Additionally, the quirky nature of our research topic may inspire both amusement and skepticism within the academic community, akin to a curious cover version of a classic hit song.

Nonetheless, armed with our peculiar methods and statistical shenanigans, we embarked on this musical odyssey with the steadfast resolve of a DJ queuing up the next track. Our findings, like a catchy tune, promise to enliven the often staid world of academic research and inject a dose of whimsy into the field of environmental and consumer studies.

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

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana and Physical album shipment volume in the United States. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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

For the time period 1999 to 2022, you found a correlation 0.7973210, r-squared of 0.6357207, and p < 0.01.

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

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Dirty Truth: Air Pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana and Its Impact on Physical Album Shipment Volume in the United States

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delve into the often overlooked correlation between air pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana, and the physical album shipment volume in the United States. While the link may seem as elusive as hitting the high notes in a Mariah Carey song, our findings reveal a surprising connection. Our research team, armed with data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Statista, crunched the numbers and uncovered a robust correlation coefficient, standing tall at 0.7973210 with a p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning from 1999 to 2022.

As we navigated through the maze of statistical analysis, we couldn't help but notice the striking parallels between measuring air pollution levels and playing a game of "Name That Tune." The air might be heavy with particulate matter, but our findings bring a breath of fresh air to the world of quirky correlations. So, sit back, put on your favorite vinyl record, and prepare to be astounded by the unexpected symphony of air pollution and album shipments.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
The world of academia often leads us down unexpected avenues, but perhaps none so surprising as the curious correlation we explored in this study: the relationship between air pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana, and the physical album shipment volume in the United States. While the mere mention of Terre Haute may not strike a chord with most individuals, it turns out that the city's air pollution levels may have a surprising influence on the shipment of physical albums across the country. This connection may seem as unlikely as finding a saxophone in a symphony orchestra, but we assure you, dear reader, that our findings are as real as a vinyl record on a turntable.
As we embarked on this peculiar journey, we aimed to shed light on the often underappreciated impact of environmental factors on consumer behavior, particularly in the realm of music consumption. We sought to bridge the gap between the realms of atmospheric science and music industry analytics, knowing full well that this endeavor might be as daring as attempting to hit a high note after inhaling helium. Yet, armed with an arsenal of statistical methods and a dash of humor, we waded into the murky waters of data analysis with the dogged determination of a vinyl collector at a flea market.
Our research team was resolute in the face of skepticism, mindful of the potential for eye rolls and raised eyebrows when discussing the connection between smog and sales. Despite the initial incredulity, we delved into the depths of data, buoyed by the belief that our efforts might uncover a hidden melody amidst the cacophony of contradictory hypotheses. Our quest was not without its challenges, but as the adage goes, "Where there's smoke, there's fire." In our case, where there's air pollution, there may be an unexpected resonance in the world of music commerce.
So, grab your scientific thinking caps and your favorite set of noise-canceling headphones, as we embark on a journey that promises to unravel the mysterious harmony between polluted air and physical album shipments. Our fiddle bows are poised, our conductors are at the ready, and the overture to this symphonic exploration is about to begin. Let the overtones of oddity and the crescendo of curiosity carry us forth into the realm of unexpected correlations and whimsical revelations.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]

ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The statistical analysis yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.7973210, indicating a strong positive relationship between air pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana, and physical album shipment volume in the United States. With an r-squared value of 0.6357207, approximately 63.57% of the variation in physical album shipments can be attributed to the changes in air pollution levels. To put it simply, the air was heavy with significance, much like an overproduced power ballad on a humid summer night.

Furthermore, the p-value of less than 0.01 provides compelling evidence to reject the null hypothesis and accept the alternative hypothesis that there is indeed a statistically significant association between air pollution in Terre Haute and physical album shipments. This evidence is as clear as the distinction between a vinyl record's warm crackle and the harsh static of a dusty CD.

To visually encapsulate this revelatory relationship, a scatterplot (Fig. 1) was constructed, showcasing the compelling correlation between air pollution in Terre Haute and physical album shipment volume in the United States. The data points on the scatterplot align themselves in a manner reminiscent of a perfectly harmonized duet, telling the tale of pollution and music sales dancing in melodious unison.

Given the robustness of these statistical findings, it's safe to say that the connection between air quality in Terre Haute and physical album shipments is as undeniable as a catchy chorus that gets stuck in your head for days. Our research has harmonized the previously discordant worlds of environmental science and music industry analytics, offering a symphony of evidence to support this unexpected correlation.

In conclusion, our results unveil a vivid connection between air pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana, and physical album shipment volume in the United States, underscoring the intriguing interplay between atmospheric conditions and consumer behavior in the realm of music commerce. The implications of this correlation resonate as resoundingly as a bass drop in a dubstep track, adding a new verse to the complex composition of environmental and market influences.

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

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana and Physical album shipment volume in the United States. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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 Dirty Truth: Air Pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana and Its Impact on Physical Album Shipment Volume in the United States

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delve into the often overlooked correlation between air pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana, and the physical album shipment volume in the United States. While the link may seem as elusive as hitting the high notes in a Mariah Carey song, our findings reveal a surprising connection. Our research team, armed with data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Statista, crunched the numbers and uncovered a robust correlation coefficient, standing tall at 0.7973210 with a p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning from 1999 to 2022.

As we navigated through the maze of statistical analysis, we couldn't help but notice the striking parallels between measuring air pollution levels and playing a game of "Name That Tune." The air might be heavy with particulate matter, but our findings bring a breath of fresh air to the world of quirky correlations. So, sit back, put on your favorite vinyl record, and prepare to be astounded by the unexpected symphony of air pollution and album shipments.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

To understand the surprising intertwining of air pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana, and its impact on physical album shipment volume in the United States, we consulted a diverse array of literature spanning the fields of environmental science, music industry analysis, and even the occasional tweet that caught our eye. In "Smith et al.'s Study of Environmental Impacts on Consumer Behavior," the authors find that environmental factors can indeed influence consumer choices, affirming our initial curiosity about the potential resonance of air quality and album shipments. Following the scent of musical intrigue, we turned to the writings of Doe and Jones, whose "Economics of Music Consumption in the Digital Era" enlightens us on the complex dynamics of music commerce. Yet, none of these sources quite prepared us for the unexpected cacophony of information we encountered.
Transitioning from the hallowed halls of academic research, we found ourselves perusing real-world accounts of the curious relationship between air pollution and album shipments. Works such as "The Air We Breathe: A City's Struggle for Clean Air" and "Sounds of the City: From Pollution to Musical Evolution" offered insights that, while not directly related to our inquiry, provided unwitting inspiration in unraveling this musical mystery.
Our journey into the realm of fiction led us to unexpected literary corridors. From "Breathless" by Author A. M. Bient and "Ozone Odes" by Pen Name McAirQuality, the imaginative impulses of these storytellers inadvertently echoed the ethereal harmony of surreal environmental influence on the music industry.
Navigating through the social media soundscape, we stumbled upon a tweet from @MelodiesAndMolecules, boldly proclaiming, "Air pollution levels and album sales have a secret tango, like a duo in dissonance finding their unlikely groove. #MusicOfTheAtmosphere." While unconventional, this digital dispatch added a touch of whimsy to our investigation, proving that even 280 characters can spark the imagination.
As we synthesized these diverse sources, we discovered a chorus of voices, each contributing a unique timbre to the symphony of our academic pursuit. While our inquiry may have begun with a breath of skepticism, the winds of literature have carried us to unexpected harmonies and unconventional melodies, propelling us towards a crescendo of understanding in this zany, yet strangely enlightening, quest to unravel the capricious interplay of air pollution and album shipments.

[[RESULTS]]
The statistical analysis yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.7973210, indicating a strong positive relationship between air pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana, and physical album shipment volume in the United States. With an r-squared value of 0.6357207, approximately 63.57% of the variation in physical album shipments can be attributed to the changes in air pollution levels. To put it simply, the air was heavy with significance, much like an overproduced power ballad on a humid summer night.
Furthermore, the p-value of less than 0.01 provides compelling evidence to reject the null hypothesis and accept the alternative hypothesis that there is indeed a statistically significant association between air pollution in Terre Haute and physical album shipments. This evidence is as clear as the distinction between a vinyl record's warm crackle and the harsh static of a dusty CD.
To visually encapsulate this revelatory relationship, a scatterplot (Fig. 1) was constructed, showcasing the compelling correlation between air pollution in Terre Haute and physical album shipment volume in the United States. The data points on the scatterplot align themselves in a manner reminiscent of a perfectly harmonized duet, telling the tale of pollution and music sales dancing in melodious unison.
Given the robustness of these statistical findings, it's safe to say that the connection between air quality in Terre Haute and physical album shipments is as undeniable as a catchy chorus that gets stuck in your head for days. Our research has harmonized the previously discordant worlds of environmental science and music industry analytics, offering a symphony of evidence to support this unexpected correlation.
In conclusion, our results unveil a vivid connection between air pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana, and physical album shipment volume in the United States, underscoring the intriguing interplay between atmospheric conditions and consumer behavior in the realm of music commerce. The implications of this correlation resonate as resoundingly as a bass drop in a dubstep track, adding a new verse to the complex composition of environmental and market influences.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

Our findings have struck a chord in the realm of quirky correlations, as they harmoniously align with prior research, confirming the unexpected tango of air pollution and album shipments predicted by Smith et al.'s Study of Environmental Impacts on Consumer Behavior. Just as a well-tuned orchestra needs all its instruments to produce a symphony, our study – conducted with statistical rigor and a dash of panache – further amplifies the notion that environmental factors resonate through consumer choices.

Building on the Economics of Music Consumption in the Digital Era, our results reveal that the beat of air pollution in Terre Haute orchestrates approximately 63.57% of the variation in physical album shipments, reminding us that, much like a catchy melody, environmental influences hum consistently through the music commerce dynamics. The stark significance indicated by the p-value is as clear as a vinyl record's crisp sound, demonstrating the applause-worthy rejection of the null hypothesis and the acceptance of the alternative hypothesis.

Our revelatory scatterplot (Fig. 1) visually embodies the melodious unison of air pollution and album shipments, echoing the poignant rhythm of environmental influence dancing hand-in-hand with market behaviors. As clear as the sweet sound of a Stradivarius violin, our statistical resonance harmonizes the previously dissonant worlds of environmental science and music industry analytics, offering a crescendo of evidence to support this capricious correlation.

In essence, our discussion amplifies the sonorous symphony of evidence, reinforcing the connection between air pollution in Terre Haute and physical album shipment volume in the United States. Much like a well-orchestrated musical performance, this correlation reveals itself as a surprising yet satisfying interplay between atmospheric conditions and consumer behavior in the realm of music commerce. Our research aims to hit the high notes and low notes, leaving a lasting impression that echoes through the hallowed halls of academia, as well as the lively stages of whimsical correlations.

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

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana and Physical album shipment volume in the United States. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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 Dirty Truth: Air Pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana and Its Impact on Physical Album Shipment Volume in the United States

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delve into the often overlooked correlation between air pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana, and the physical album shipment volume in the United States. While the link may seem as elusive as hitting the high notes in a Mariah Carey song, our findings reveal a surprising connection. Our research team, armed with data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Statista, crunched the numbers and uncovered a robust correlation coefficient, standing tall at 0.7973210 with a p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning from 1999 to 2022.

As we navigated through the maze of statistical analysis, we couldn't help but notice the striking parallels between measuring air pollution levels and playing a game of "Name That Tune." The air might be heavy with particulate matter, but our findings bring a breath of fresh air to the world of quirky correlations. So, sit back, put on your favorite vinyl record, and prepare to be astounded by the unexpected symphony of air pollution and album shipments.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The world of academia often leads us down unexpected avenues, but perhaps none so surprising as the curious correlation we explored in this study: the relationship between air pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana, and the physical album shipment volume in the United States. While the mere mention of Terre Haute may not strike a chord with most individuals, it turns out that the city's air pollution levels may have a surprising influence on the shipment of physical albums across the country. This connection may seem as unlikely as finding a saxophone in a symphony orchestra, but we assure you, dear reader, that our findings are as real as a vinyl record on a turntable.
As we embarked on this peculiar journey, we aimed to shed light on the often underappreciated impact of environmental factors on consumer behavior, particularly in the realm of music consumption. We sought to bridge the gap between the realms of atmospheric science and music industry analytics, knowing full well that this endeavor might be as daring as attempting to hit a high note after inhaling helium. Yet, armed with an arsenal of statistical methods and a dash of humor, we waded into the murky waters of data analysis with the dogged determination of a vinyl collector at a flea market.
Our research team was resolute in the face of skepticism, mindful of the potential for eye rolls and raised eyebrows when discussing the connection between smog and sales. Despite the initial incredulity, we delved into the depths of data, buoyed by the belief that our efforts might uncover a hidden melody amidst the cacophony of contradictory hypotheses. Our quest was not without its challenges, but as the adage goes, "Where there's smoke, there's fire." In our case, where there's air pollution, there may be an unexpected resonance in the world of music commerce.
So, grab your scientific thinking caps and your favorite set of noise-canceling headphones, as we embark on a journey that promises to unravel the mysterious harmony between polluted air and physical album shipments. Our fiddle bows are poised, our conductors are at the ready, and the overture to this symphonic exploration is about to begin. Let the overtones of oddity and the crescendo of curiosity carry us forth into the realm of unexpected correlations and whimsical revelations.

[[RESULTS]]
The statistical analysis yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.7973210, indicating a strong positive relationship between air pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana, and physical album shipment volume in the United States. With an r-squared value of 0.6357207, approximately 63.57% of the variation in physical album shipments can be attributed to the changes in air pollution levels. To put it simply, the air was heavy with significance, much like an overproduced power ballad on a humid summer night.
Furthermore, the p-value of less than 0.01 provides compelling evidence to reject the null hypothesis and accept the alternative hypothesis that there is indeed a statistically significant association between air pollution in Terre Haute and physical album shipments. This evidence is as clear as the distinction between a vinyl record's warm crackle and the harsh static of a dusty CD.
To visually encapsulate this revelatory relationship, a scatterplot (Fig. 1) was constructed, showcasing the compelling correlation between air pollution in Terre Haute and physical album shipment volume in the United States. The data points on the scatterplot align themselves in a manner reminiscent of a perfectly harmonized duet, telling the tale of pollution and music sales dancing in melodious unison.
Given the robustness of these statistical findings, it's safe to say that the connection between air quality in Terre Haute and physical album shipments is as undeniable as a catchy chorus that gets stuck in your head for days. Our research has harmonized the previously discordant worlds of environmental science and music industry analytics, offering a symphony of evidence to support this unexpected correlation.
In conclusion, our results unveil a vivid connection between air pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana, and physical album shipment volume in the United States, underscoring the intriguing interplay between atmospheric conditions and consumer behavior in the realm of music commerce. The implications of this correlation resonate as resoundingly as a bass drop in a dubstep track, adding a new verse to the complex composition of environmental and market influences.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In wrapping up this symphony of scientific investigation, it's time to face the music and acknowledge the undeniable connection between air pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana, and the shipment volume of physical albums across the United States. Our findings serve as a serenade to the unexpected, much like hearing a kazoo solo during a classical orchestra performance.

The robust correlation coefficient and the palpable significance levels in our data have harmonized the discordant realms of environmental science and music industry analytics, painting a picture of resonance and rhythm amid the haze of pollution. It's akin to finding a musical diamond in the rough, or perhaps stumbling upon a hidden track on an old cassette tape.

As we close this chapter, it's clear that our research has struck a chord – much like a highly anticipated key change in a power ballad. The statistical symphony we've composed unveils a compelling connection between air quality and album shipments, demonstrating that when it comes to consumer behavior, the atmosphere might just be calling the shots.

But, as all good songs must come to an end, it's time to drop the mic and assert that no further research is needed in this area. Our findings have hit the high notes, providing a crescendo of evidence to support this unlikely correlation. So, in the immortal words of Cher, "Do you believe in life after air, pollution, and album sales correlations?" Our answer is a resounding "Yes," and now it's time to let this unexpected melody linger in the annals of scientific discovery.

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 Dirty Truth: Air Pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana and Its Impact on Physical Album Shipment Volume in the United States. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

Journal of Environmental Economics and Musical Metrics

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 Dirty Truth: Air Pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana and Its Impact on Physical Album Shipment Volume in the United States. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Society for Atmospheric Health and Urban Commerce (SAHUC)

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 Dirty Truth: Air Pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana and Its Impact on Physical Album Shipment Volume in the United States with an abstract of In this study, we delve into the often overlooked correlation between air pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana, and the physical album shipment volume in the United States. While the link may seem as elusive as hitting the high notes in a Mariah Carey song, our findings reveal a surprising connection. Our research team, armed with data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Statista, crunched the numbers and uncovered a robust correlation coefficient, standing tall at 0.7973210 with a p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning from 1999 to 2022.
As we navigated through the maze of statistical analysis, we couldn't help but notice the striking parallels between measuring air pollution levels and playing a game of "Name That Tune." The air might be heavy with particulate matter, but our findings bring a breath of fresh air to the world of quirky correlations. So, sit back, put on your favorite vinyl record, and prepare to be astounded by the unexpected symphony of air pollution and album shipments.

ChatGPT:

air pollution, Terre Haute Indiana, physical album shipment, United States, correlation, environmental impact, EPA data, Statista, statistical analysis, particulate matter, quirky correlations

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

Physical album shipment volume in the United States
Source: Statista
See what else correlates with Physical album shipment volume in the United States

Correlation r = 0.7973210 (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 = 0.6357207 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 63.6% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Physical album shipment volume in the United States) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Air pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana) over the 24 years from 1999 through 2022.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 3.091E-6.^Show 0.0000030908952551635788000000
The p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme.^Note 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 0.8 in 0.0003091% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 323,531 random variables^Note You don't actually need 323 thousand variables to find a correlation like this one. I don't have that many variables in my database. You can also correlate variables that are not independent. I do this a lot.

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

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

Just to be clear: I'm being completely transparent about the calculations. There is no math trickery. This is just how statistics shakes out when you calculate hundreds of millions of random correlations.
with the same 23 degrees of freedom, ^Note Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 23 because we have two variables measured over a period of 24 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.

[ 0.58, 0.91 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
^{Read more about the confidence interval} 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: ^Note 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.

	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
Air pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana (Bad air quality days)	9.60699	3.73444	11.0656	12.7572	4.54545	2.04918	6.96721	2.86885	4.92754	0.557103	0	0.552486	1.94444	3.09859	0	0.564972	0.276243	0.275482	0.547945	0.821918	0.273973	0.273224	0	0.547945
Physical album shipment volume in the United States (Units)	938900000	942500000	881900000	803300000	746000000	767000000	705400000	619700000	511100000	368400000	292900000	253000000	240800000	198200000	172200000	142800000	122900000	97600000	87700000	52000000	47500000	31600000	46700000	33400000

Why this works

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.
Lack of causal connection: There is probably^Note 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.
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^Note Personally I don't find any p-value calculation to be 'simple,' but you know what I mean.
p-value calculation does not take this into account, so mathematically it appears less probable than it really is.

Try it yourself

You can calculate the values on this page on your own! Try running the Python code to see the calculation results. ^{Show the steps to do this.} 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([9.60699,3.73444,11.0656,12.7572,4.54545,2.04918,6.96721,2.86885,4.92754,0.557103,0,0.552486,1.94444,3.09859,0,0.564972,0.276243,0.275482,0.547945,0.821918,0.273973,0.273224,0,0.547945,])
array_2 = np.array([938900000,942500000,881900000,803300000,746000000,767000000,705400000,619700000,511100000,368400000,292900000,253000000,240800000,198200000,172200000,142800000,122900000,97600000,87700000,52000000,47500000,31600000,46700000,33400000,])
array_1_name = "Air pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana"
array_2_name = "Physical album shipment volume in the United States"

# 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)

Reuseable content

You may re-use the images on this page for any purpose, even commercial purposes, without asking for permission. The only requirement is that you attribute Tyler Vigen. ^Note Attribution can take many different forms. If you leave the "tylervigen.com" link in the image, that satisfies it just fine. If you remove it and move it to a footnote, that's fine too. You can also just write "Charts courtesy of Tyler Vigen" at the bottom of an article.

You do not need to attribute "the spurious correlations website," and you don't even need to link here if you don't want to. I don't gain anything from pageviews. There are no ads on this site, there is nothing for sale, and I am not for hire.

For the record, I am just one person. Tyler Vigen, he/him/his. I do have degrees, but they should not go after my name unless you want to annoy my wife. If that is your goal, then go ahead and cite me as "Tyler Vigen, A.A. A.A.S. B.A. J.D." Otherwise it is just "Tyler Vigen."

When spoken, my last name is pronounced "vegan," like I don't eat meat.

Full license details.
For more on re-use permissions, or to get a signed release form, see tylervigen.com/permission.

Download images for these variables:

High resolution line chart ^Note The image linked here is a Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG). It is the highest resolution that is possible to achieve. It scales up beyond the size of the observable universe without pixelating. You do not need to email me asking if I have a higher resolution image. I do not. The physical limitations of our universe prevent me from providing you with an image that is any higher resolution than this one.

If you insert it into a PowerPoint presentation (a tool well-known for managing things that are the scale of the universe), you can right-click > "Ungroup" or "Create Shape" and then edit the lines and text directly. You can also change the colors this way.

Alternatively you can use a tool like Inkscape.
High resolution line chart, optimized for mobile
Alternative high resolution line chart
Scatterplot
Portable line chart (png)
Portable line chart (png), optimized for mobile
Line chart for only Air pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana
Line chart for only Physical album shipment volume in the United States
AI-generated correlation image
The spurious research paper: The Dirty Truth: Air Pollution in Terre Haute, Indiana and Its Impact on Physical Album Shipment Volume in the United States

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Correlation ID: 2118 · Black Variable ID: 21336 · Red Variable ID: 155


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