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Spurious correlation #2,853 · 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 Beaumont, Texas and the second variable is Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'.  The chart goes from 2004 to 2023, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

The aliens upgraded their spaceship to be eco-friendly and didn't want to be seen in a less-than-pristine Earth environment.

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate a comic-book-style illustration with muted colors and a dotted halftone pattern from the 1960s depicting Beaumont, Texas. Show clear skies where residents spot a homemade UFO drone hovering above the street. People look amazed and relieved, while in the background, search bars for 'report UFO sighting' decrease on a retro-style computer screen. The depiction should include only scenes, people, and objects, it should not include text or speech bubbles.
This image generation prompt was also generated by AI, using the following sequence:

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You select one of a few potential scene descriptors that seems to go along with the variables described. You respond only with the scene descriptions provided and say nothing else.
User prompt: Here are two variables: Air pollution in Beaumont, Texas and Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. Given these, which of the following image style descriptions seems most appropriate? Pick the one that seems to be related to one of the variables at hand. Please respond with only one of the following potential descriptions: An image that looks like it is a scene from a Pixar movie A comic-book-style illustration with muted colors and a dotted halftone pattern from the 1960s Cutsy graphics Symbolism Voxel art
ChatGPT: A comic-book-style illustration with muted colors and a dotted halftone pattern from the 1960s

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both Air pollution in Beaumont, Texas and Google searches for 'report UFO sighting', in the following situation: Because as air pollution decreased in Beaumont, Texas, it cleared the skies, allowing residents to see more clearly and realize that they were just spotting their neighbor's homemade UFO drone instead of reporting mysterious extraterrestrial activity.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In Beaumont, Texas, as air pollution decreased, the skies cleared up, allowing residents to see more clearly. Instead of reporting mysterious extraterrestrial activity, they realized they were just spotting their neighbor's homemade UFO drone hovering above their street. Meanwhile, Google searches for 'report UFO sighting' decreased as the air quality improved.

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 comic-book-style illustration with muted colors and a dotted halftone pattern from the 1960s ] and depicting this scene: In Beaumont, Texas, as air pollution decreased, the skies cleared up, allowing residents to see more clearly. Instead of reporting mysterious extraterrestrial activity, they realized they were just spotting their neighbor's homemade UFO drone hovering above their street. Meanwhile, Google searches for 'report UFO sighting' decreased as the air quality improved. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate a comic-book-style illustration with muted colors and a dotted halftone pattern from the 1960s depicting Beaumont, Texas. Show clear skies where residents spot a homemade UFO drone hovering above the street. People look amazed and relieved, while in the background, search bars for 'report UFO sighting' decrease on a retro-style computer screen.

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

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

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

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
In the Search of Extraterrestrial Smog: The Correlation between Air Pollution in Beaumont, Texas and Google Searches for 'Report UFO Sighting'

Journal of Unconventional Extraterrestrial Studies

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 Air pollution in Beaumont, Texas and Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Make the title seem clever.

Your research team used data from Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.8802862 and p < 0.01 for 2004 to 2023.

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

[[TITLE]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit

[[ABSTRACT]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit



ChatGPT:
[[TITLE]]
In the Search of Extraterrestrial Smog: The Correlation between Air Pollution in Beaumont, Texas and Google Searches for 'Report UFO Sighting'

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the unexpected yet intriguing relationship between air pollution levels in Beaumont, Texas, and the frequency of Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. By delving into data sourced from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, our research team has uncovered a piquant correlation coefficient of 0.8802862 (p < 0.01) for the period spanning from 2004 to 2023. The findings of this study yield compelling evidence that, while aliens may not be responsible for the air pollution in Beaumont, there seems to be a surprising connection between humans' search for extraterrestrial sightings and the presence of smog in the atmosphere.

It appears that as the air quality deteriorates in Beaumont, individuals are turning their eyes towards the sky in search of otherworldly explanations. We speculate that perhaps the inhabitants of Beaumont are simply yearning for a breath of fresh air, so they're looking for sightings of UFOs which, according to popular culture, are often accompanied by fresh and otherworldly air. Our findings suggest that the correlation may not be just a matter of coincidence - there might actually be some extraterrestrial smog causing an increase in the searches for UFO sightings. The data undoubtedly leaves us in a bit of a haze, but one thing is clear - in Beaumont, citizens are hoping for a breath of fresh air or at least a useful contact.

Remember, while correlation does not imply causation, it does give us a license to speculate and a good opportunity for out-of-this-world puns.


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 Air pollution in Beaumont, Texas and Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
In the Search of Extraterrestrial Smog: The Correlation between Air Pollution in Beaumont, Texas and Google Searches for 'Report UFO Sighting'

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the unexpected yet intriguing relationship between air pollution levels in Beaumont, Texas, and the frequency of Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. By delving into data sourced from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, our research team has uncovered a piquant correlation coefficient of 0.8802862 (p < 0.01) for the period spanning from 2004 to 2023. The findings of this study yield compelling evidence that, while aliens may not be responsible for the air pollution in Beaumont, there seems to be a surprising connection between humans' search for extraterrestrial sightings and the presence of smog in the atmosphere.

It appears that as the air quality deteriorates in Beaumont, individuals are turning their eyes towards the sky in search of otherworldly explanations. We speculate that perhaps the inhabitants of Beaumont are simply yearning for a breath of fresh air, so they're looking for sightings of UFOs which, according to popular culture, are often accompanied by fresh and otherworldly air. Our findings suggest that the correlation may not be just a matter of coincidence - there might actually be some extraterrestrial smog causing an increase in the searches for UFO sightings. The data undoubtedly leaves us in a bit of a haze, but one thing is clear - in Beaumont, citizens are hoping for a breath of fresh air or at least a useful contact.

Remember, while correlation does not imply causation, it does give us a license to speculate and a good opportunity for out-of-this-world puns.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

Standing on the precipice of enigmatic mysteries, the human mind is often drawn to that which lies beyond the veil of familiarity. The allure of the unknown has captivated our species for eons, fueling our collective fascination with the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Yet, as scholars of the cosmos, we seek not just to gaze dreamily at the stars, but to uncover the underlying forces that mold our peculiar pursuits.

Now, before we launch into the stratosphere of our study, a quick pun to lighten the air. How do you organize a space party? You planet! And speaking of planning, a research question that has, quite literally, floated to the surface is the unexpected association between air pollution in Beaumont, Texas, and the frequency of Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. It's a conundrum that invites us to probe the cosmos and the Earth simultaneously, just as vacuuming invites cleaning and stargazing in one fell swoop.

Our investigation into this celestial-smog connection has unveiled a correlation that is as gripping as a UFO sighting itself. Our decision to embark on this research was not made lightly, and neither should the puns in our intro. So, why did the alien break up with the astronaut? He needed space. Oh, and to avoid misunderstandings, let's ground ourselves back to the terrestrial realm and delve into the depths of our study.

As we endeavor to unravel the enigma, it is crucial to acknowledge the profound implications of this discovery. While skeptics might shrug this off as nothing more than a cosmic coincidence, the data tells a different story. Our findings point to a potent correlation that hints at a deeper connection between the deteriorating air quality in Beaumont and the heightened interest in intergalactic visitors. It's almost like the denizens are gazing at the skies and thinking, "Houston, we have a problem—can we call in the interstellar cleanup crew?"

However, we must tread lightly as we interpret these results, for correlation does not imply causation. Or, as the cool kids say, just because you spot a UFO and a smog cloud in the same picture, doesn't mean that E.T. is revving up a fuel-guzzling saucer. But hey, it sure makes for captivating conjectures and a plethora of out-of-this-world puns.

In the course of our investigation, we have not only stumbled upon an intriguing statistical relationship but have also unearthed a wealth of intellectual curiosities. Could it be that as the earthly environment becomes less hospitable, our minds wander to cosmic realms in search of reprieve? Or, perchance, are we subconsciously reaching out for extraterrestrial allies to aid us in combatting our atmospheric adversaries? While our current pursuit may not yield definitive answers, it does open the proverbial hatch to a myriad of thought-provoking possibilities.

So, fasten your seatbelts, fellow cosmic journeymen and women, as we embark on a research voyage that promises to break new ground. After all, it's not every day that we get to connect the dots between terrestrial pollutants and celestial queries. And remember, when it comes to unraveling mysteries, a little bit of humor can be a universal language—perhaps even across the stars.


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 Air pollution in Beaumont, Texas and Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

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

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

Start by naming serious-sounding studies by authors like Smith, Doe, and Jones - but then quickly devolve. Name some real non-fiction books that would be related to the topic. Then name some real fiction books that sound like they could be related. Then name some cartoons and childrens' shows that you watched that are related to the topic.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
In the Search of Extraterrestrial Smog: The Correlation between Air Pollution in Beaumont, Texas and Google Searches for 'Report UFO Sighting'

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the unexpected yet intriguing relationship between air pollution levels in Beaumont, Texas, and the frequency of Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. By delving into data sourced from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, our research team has uncovered a piquant correlation coefficient of 0.8802862 (p < 0.01) for the period spanning from 2004 to 2023. The findings of this study yield compelling evidence that, while aliens may not be responsible for the air pollution in Beaumont, there seems to be a surprising connection between humans' search for extraterrestrial sightings and the presence of smog in the atmosphere.

It appears that as the air quality deteriorates in Beaumont, individuals are turning their eyes towards the sky in search of otherworldly explanations. We speculate that perhaps the inhabitants of Beaumont are simply yearning for a breath of fresh air, so they're looking for sightings of UFOs which, according to popular culture, are often accompanied by fresh and otherworldly air. Our findings suggest that the correlation may not be just a matter of coincidence - there might actually be some extraterrestrial smog causing an increase in the searches for UFO sightings. The data undoubtedly leaves us in a bit of a haze, but one thing is clear - in Beaumont, citizens are hoping for a breath of fresh air or at least a useful contact.

Remember, while correlation does not imply causation, it does give us a license to speculate and a good opportunity for out-of-this-world puns.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
Standing on the precipice of enigmatic mysteries, the human mind is often drawn to that which lies beyond the veil of familiarity. The allure of the unknown has captivated our species for eons, fueling our collective fascination with the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Yet, as scholars of the cosmos, we seek not just to gaze dreamily at the stars, but to uncover the underlying forces that mold our peculiar pursuits.
Now, before we launch into the stratosphere of our study, a quick pun to lighten the air. How do you organize a space party? You planet! And speaking of planning, a research question that has, quite literally, floated to the surface is the unexpected association between air pollution in Beaumont, Texas, and the frequency of Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. It's a conundrum that invites us to probe the cosmos and the Earth simultaneously, just as vacuuming invites cleaning and stargazing in one fell swoop.
Our investigation into this celestial-smog connection has unveiled a correlation that is as gripping as a UFO sighting itself. Our decision to embark on this research was not made lightly, and neither should the puns in our intro. So, why did the alien break up with the astronaut? He needed space. Oh, and to avoid misunderstandings, let's ground ourselves back to the terrestrial realm and delve into the depths of our study.
As we endeavor to unravel the enigma, it is crucial to acknowledge the profound implications of this discovery. While skeptics might shrug this off as nothing more than a cosmic coincidence, the data tells a different story. Our findings point to a potent correlation that hints at a deeper connection between the deteriorating air quality in Beaumont and the heightened interest in intergalactic visitors. It's almost like the denizens are gazing at the skies and thinking, "Houston, we have a problem—can we call in the interstellar cleanup crew?"
However, we must tread lightly as we interpret these results, for correlation does not imply causation. Or, as the cool kids say, just because you spot a UFO and a smog cloud in the same picture, doesn't mean that E.T. is revving up a fuel-guzzling saucer. But hey, it sure makes for captivating conjectures and a plethora of out-of-this-world puns.
In the course of our investigation, we have not only stumbled upon an intriguing statistical relationship but have also unearthed a wealth of intellectual curiosities. Could it be that as the earthly environment becomes less hospitable, our minds wander to cosmic realms in search of reprieve? Or, perchance, are we subconsciously reaching out for extraterrestrial allies to aid us in combatting our atmospheric adversaries? While our current pursuit may not yield definitive answers, it does open the proverbial hatch to a myriad of thought-provoking possibilities.
So, fasten your seatbelts, fellow cosmic journeymen and women, as we embark on a research voyage that promises to break new ground. After all, it's not every day that we get to connect the dots between terrestrial pollutants and celestial queries. And remember, when it comes to unraveling mysteries, a little bit of humor can be a universal language—perhaps even across the stars.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

In "Smith et al.," the authors find that air pollution is a pressing concern impacting communities across the United States. The detrimental effects of smog and particulate matter on human health and the environment have been well-documented, prompting regulatory efforts and public awareness campaigns. However, in our pursuit to comprehend the complexities of air pollution, we stumble upon an intriguing outlier – the correlation between air quality in Beaumont, Texas, and the frequency of Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'.

But wait, before we probe further into this curious correlation, here comes a dad joke: Did you hear about the restaurant on the moon? Great food, no atmosphere! Now, back to our investigation into the terrestrial and extraterrestrial entanglement.

In "Doe et al.," the authors highlight the influence of environmental factors on human behavior and decision-making. While conventional studies have focused on the impact of air pollution on respiratory health and overall well-being, our research sheds light on a different kind of response to deteriorating air quality – a surge in curiosity about unidentified flying objects.

Let's take a detour into the world of books, both real and fictional, before we warp back to our study. "What's Really Out There: A Comprehensive Guide to Extraterrestrial Phenomena" by Dr. James Jones presents an in-depth investigation into UFO sightings and the human fascination with the unknown. On the more imaginative side, "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams provides a whimsical exploration of interstellar travels and the peculiarities of alien encounters.

Now, let's not forget our childhood passions that might fuel our interest in extraterrestrial phenomena. From watching "The X-Files" to pondering the mysteries unearthed in "Scooby-Doo," our exposure to fictional portrayals of UFO sightings imbues us with a fascination that continues into adulthood, resonating particularly in the context of Beaumont's air pollution and the search for intergalactic visitors.

In "The Little Green Men of Velamoor," the playful portrayal of UFOs and alien beings captures the imagination of young readers, and perhaps, continues to influence our perceptions of extraterrestrial encounters well into adulthood.

Returning to our serious investigation (and the inevitable dad joke), it's clear that the correlation between air pollution in Beaumont and the heightened interest in UFO sightings is more than just a flyby-night phenomenon. As intriguing as it may be, we must approach this association with caution, acknowledging that correlation does not equate to causation – a sentiment that the "Economics of the Twilight Zone" by Stewart Tame humorously echoes in its examination of bizarre correlations in economic data.

So, as we zoom in on this peculiar linkage, let's brace ourselves for a cosmic rollercoaster ride of statistical analysis and celestial humor. After all, when it comes to unraveling the mysteries of the universe, a good pun might just be the launchpad we need.


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 Air pollution in Beaumont, Texas and Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends . You used data from 2004 to 2023

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

Here is the title, abstract, and introduction of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
In the Search of Extraterrestrial Smog: The Correlation between Air Pollution in Beaumont, Texas and Google Searches for 'Report UFO Sighting'

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the unexpected yet intriguing relationship between air pollution levels in Beaumont, Texas, and the frequency of Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. By delving into data sourced from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, our research team has uncovered a piquant correlation coefficient of 0.8802862 (p < 0.01) for the period spanning from 2004 to 2023. The findings of this study yield compelling evidence that, while aliens may not be responsible for the air pollution in Beaumont, there seems to be a surprising connection between humans' search for extraterrestrial sightings and the presence of smog in the atmosphere.

It appears that as the air quality deteriorates in Beaumont, individuals are turning their eyes towards the sky in search of otherworldly explanations. We speculate that perhaps the inhabitants of Beaumont are simply yearning for a breath of fresh air, so they're looking for sightings of UFOs which, according to popular culture, are often accompanied by fresh and otherworldly air. Our findings suggest that the correlation may not be just a matter of coincidence - there might actually be some extraterrestrial smog causing an increase in the searches for UFO sightings. The data undoubtedly leaves us in a bit of a haze, but one thing is clear - in Beaumont, citizens are hoping for a breath of fresh air or at least a useful contact.

Remember, while correlation does not imply causation, it does give us a license to speculate and a good opportunity for out-of-this-world puns.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
Standing on the precipice of enigmatic mysteries, the human mind is often drawn to that which lies beyond the veil of familiarity. The allure of the unknown has captivated our species for eons, fueling our collective fascination with the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Yet, as scholars of the cosmos, we seek not just to gaze dreamily at the stars, but to uncover the underlying forces that mold our peculiar pursuits.
Now, before we launch into the stratosphere of our study, a quick pun to lighten the air. How do you organize a space party? You planet! And speaking of planning, a research question that has, quite literally, floated to the surface is the unexpected association between air pollution in Beaumont, Texas, and the frequency of Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. It's a conundrum that invites us to probe the cosmos and the Earth simultaneously, just as vacuuming invites cleaning and stargazing in one fell swoop.
Our investigation into this celestial-smog connection has unveiled a correlation that is as gripping as a UFO sighting itself. Our decision to embark on this research was not made lightly, and neither should the puns in our intro. So, why did the alien break up with the astronaut? He needed space. Oh, and to avoid misunderstandings, let's ground ourselves back to the terrestrial realm and delve into the depths of our study.
As we endeavor to unravel the enigma, it is crucial to acknowledge the profound implications of this discovery. While skeptics might shrug this off as nothing more than a cosmic coincidence, the data tells a different story. Our findings point to a potent correlation that hints at a deeper connection between the deteriorating air quality in Beaumont and the heightened interest in intergalactic visitors. It's almost like the denizens are gazing at the skies and thinking, "Houston, we have a problem—can we call in the interstellar cleanup crew?"
However, we must tread lightly as we interpret these results, for correlation does not imply causation. Or, as the cool kids say, just because you spot a UFO and a smog cloud in the same picture, doesn't mean that E.T. is revving up a fuel-guzzling saucer. But hey, it sure makes for captivating conjectures and a plethora of out-of-this-world puns.
In the course of our investigation, we have not only stumbled upon an intriguing statistical relationship but have also unearthed a wealth of intellectual curiosities. Could it be that as the earthly environment becomes less hospitable, our minds wander to cosmic realms in search of reprieve? Or, perchance, are we subconsciously reaching out for extraterrestrial allies to aid us in combatting our atmospheric adversaries? While our current pursuit may not yield definitive answers, it does open the proverbial hatch to a myriad of thought-provoking possibilities.
So, fasten your seatbelts, fellow cosmic journeymen and women, as we embark on a research voyage that promises to break new ground. After all, it's not every day that we get to connect the dots between terrestrial pollutants and celestial queries. And remember, when it comes to unraveling mysteries, a little bit of humor can be a universal language—perhaps even across the stars.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To uncover the curious correlation between air pollution in Beaumont, Texas, and Google searches for 'report UFO sighting', our investigative approach was anything but ordinary. We collected data from disparate sources, relying heavily on the data archives of the Environmental Protection Agency and the trend analytics of Google Trends. Now, before we delve into the methodological nitty-gritty, a quick pun to maintain air – I mean, morale: Why don't aliens eat clowns? Because they taste funny.

The foundation of our methodology rested on a diligent scrutiny of air quality indices and pollutant concentration levels in Beaumont, Texas, over the study period of 2004 to 2023. With particular attention to atmospheric pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone, we sought to ascertain the magnitude of environmental strain on the city's atmosphere. We understand that this may seem like an odorous pursuit, but it's all in the interest of scientific inquiry.

To parallel this investigation, we delved into the search trends of 'report UFO sighting' in the same geographical area and timeframe using Google Trends. This involved extracting and scrutinizing the volume of searches over time and identifying any discernible patterns or anomalies. Let's just say we spent a considerable amount of time analyzing searches that were truly out of this world.

To enhance our understanding of the potential correlation, we employed statistical analyses such as Pearson's correlation coefficient, which provided quantitative insight into the relationship between air pollution and UFO sighting inquiries. Our mathematical machinations, far from being mere arithmetical acrobatics, were aimed at uncovering any substantial statistical bonding between these seemingly disparate phenomena.

Furthermore, as a precaution against cosmic interference, we applied rigorous controls to mitigate the influence of extraneous variables that could confound our findings. With scrutiny rivaling that of an alien abduction investigation, we meticulously examined factors such as seasonal variations, local events, and other environmental determinants that might masquerade as confounding factors.

In conclusion, our methodology involved a multi-faceted and occasionally space-themed approach to disentangle the knotty relationship between human queries about extraterrestrial visitors and the atmospheric clutter in Beaumont, Texas. Our data-driven pursuit was guided by a spirit of curiosity and a good dose of humor. After all, why did the alien refuse to consider moving to Texas? He couldn't handle the atmosphere. Thank you.


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 Air pollution in Beaumont, Texas and Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

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

For the time period 2004 to 2023, you found a correlation 0.8802862, r-squared of 0.7749037, 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]]
In the Search of Extraterrestrial Smog: The Correlation between Air Pollution in Beaumont, Texas and Google Searches for 'Report UFO Sighting'

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the unexpected yet intriguing relationship between air pollution levels in Beaumont, Texas, and the frequency of Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. By delving into data sourced from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, our research team has uncovered a piquant correlation coefficient of 0.8802862 (p < 0.01) for the period spanning from 2004 to 2023. The findings of this study yield compelling evidence that, while aliens may not be responsible for the air pollution in Beaumont, there seems to be a surprising connection between humans' search for extraterrestrial sightings and the presence of smog in the atmosphere.

It appears that as the air quality deteriorates in Beaumont, individuals are turning their eyes towards the sky in search of otherworldly explanations. We speculate that perhaps the inhabitants of Beaumont are simply yearning for a breath of fresh air, so they're looking for sightings of UFOs which, according to popular culture, are often accompanied by fresh and otherworldly air. Our findings suggest that the correlation may not be just a matter of coincidence - there might actually be some extraterrestrial smog causing an increase in the searches for UFO sightings. The data undoubtedly leaves us in a bit of a haze, but one thing is clear - in Beaumont, citizens are hoping for a breath of fresh air or at least a useful contact.

Remember, while correlation does not imply causation, it does give us a license to speculate and a good opportunity for out-of-this-world puns.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
Standing on the precipice of enigmatic mysteries, the human mind is often drawn to that which lies beyond the veil of familiarity. The allure of the unknown has captivated our species for eons, fueling our collective fascination with the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Yet, as scholars of the cosmos, we seek not just to gaze dreamily at the stars, but to uncover the underlying forces that mold our peculiar pursuits.
Now, before we launch into the stratosphere of our study, a quick pun to lighten the air. How do you organize a space party? You planet! And speaking of planning, a research question that has, quite literally, floated to the surface is the unexpected association between air pollution in Beaumont, Texas, and the frequency of Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. It's a conundrum that invites us to probe the cosmos and the Earth simultaneously, just as vacuuming invites cleaning and stargazing in one fell swoop.
Our investigation into this celestial-smog connection has unveiled a correlation that is as gripping as a UFO sighting itself. Our decision to embark on this research was not made lightly, and neither should the puns in our intro. So, why did the alien break up with the astronaut? He needed space. Oh, and to avoid misunderstandings, let's ground ourselves back to the terrestrial realm and delve into the depths of our study.
As we endeavor to unravel the enigma, it is crucial to acknowledge the profound implications of this discovery. While skeptics might shrug this off as nothing more than a cosmic coincidence, the data tells a different story. Our findings point to a potent correlation that hints at a deeper connection between the deteriorating air quality in Beaumont and the heightened interest in intergalactic visitors. It's almost like the denizens are gazing at the skies and thinking, "Houston, we have a problem—can we call in the interstellar cleanup crew?"
However, we must tread lightly as we interpret these results, for correlation does not imply causation. Or, as the cool kids say, just because you spot a UFO and a smog cloud in the same picture, doesn't mean that E.T. is revving up a fuel-guzzling saucer. But hey, it sure makes for captivating conjectures and a plethora of out-of-this-world puns.
In the course of our investigation, we have not only stumbled upon an intriguing statistical relationship but have also unearthed a wealth of intellectual curiosities. Could it be that as the earthly environment becomes less hospitable, our minds wander to cosmic realms in search of reprieve? Or, perchance, are we subconsciously reaching out for extraterrestrial allies to aid us in combatting our atmospheric adversaries? While our current pursuit may not yield definitive answers, it does open the proverbial hatch to a myriad of thought-provoking possibilities.
So, fasten your seatbelts, fellow cosmic journeymen and women, as we embark on a research voyage that promises to break new ground. After all, it's not every day that we get to connect the dots between terrestrial pollutants and celestial queries. And remember, when it comes to unraveling mysteries, a little bit of humor can be a universal language—perhaps even across the stars.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The investigation unearthed a noteworthy correlation between air pollution levels in Beaumont, Texas, and the frequency of Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. Our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.8802862, indicating a strong positive relationship between the two variables. The coefficient of determination (r-squared) of 0.7749037 suggests that approximately 77.49% of the variability in UFO sighting searches can be explained by changes in air pollution levels in Beaumont over the period from 2004 to 2023.

The discovery of this correlation adds a new dimension to the ongoing quest for answers beyond our planet. While this finding does not establish causation, it does invite us to ponder the interconnectedness of human behavior and environmental factors, highlighting the cosmic curiosity that permeates our terrestrial pursuits.

Figure 1 depicts the scatterplot illustrating the conspicuous correlation between air pollution levels in Beaumont, Texas, and the volume of Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. This visual representation underscores the statistically significant relationship uncovered in our analysis.

As we ponder the possible implications of these findings, it is imperative to approach the interpretation with cautious curiosity, all the while maintaining a sense of humor as we navigate the extraterrestrial and environmental landscapes. After all, in the realm of cosmic mysteries, a well-placed pun may just be the universal language that bridges the gap between the earth and the stars.


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 Air pollution in Beaumont, Texas and Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Limit your response to 500 tokens.

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

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

[[TITLE]]
In the Search of Extraterrestrial Smog: The Correlation between Air Pollution in Beaumont, Texas and Google Searches for 'Report UFO Sighting'

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the unexpected yet intriguing relationship between air pollution levels in Beaumont, Texas, and the frequency of Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. By delving into data sourced from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, our research team has uncovered a piquant correlation coefficient of 0.8802862 (p < 0.01) for the period spanning from 2004 to 2023. The findings of this study yield compelling evidence that, while aliens may not be responsible for the air pollution in Beaumont, there seems to be a surprising connection between humans' search for extraterrestrial sightings and the presence of smog in the atmosphere.

It appears that as the air quality deteriorates in Beaumont, individuals are turning their eyes towards the sky in search of otherworldly explanations. We speculate that perhaps the inhabitants of Beaumont are simply yearning for a breath of fresh air, so they're looking for sightings of UFOs which, according to popular culture, are often accompanied by fresh and otherworldly air. Our findings suggest that the correlation may not be just a matter of coincidence - there might actually be some extraterrestrial smog causing an increase in the searches for UFO sightings. The data undoubtedly leaves us in a bit of a haze, but one thing is clear - in Beaumont, citizens are hoping for a breath of fresh air or at least a useful contact.

Remember, while correlation does not imply causation, it does give us a license to speculate and a good opportunity for out-of-this-world puns.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
In "Smith et al.," the authors find that air pollution is a pressing concern impacting communities across the United States. The detrimental effects of smog and particulate matter on human health and the environment have been well-documented, prompting regulatory efforts and public awareness campaigns. However, in our pursuit to comprehend the complexities of air pollution, we stumble upon an intriguing outlier – the correlation between air quality in Beaumont, Texas, and the frequency of Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'.
But wait, before we probe further into this curious correlation, here comes a dad joke: Did you hear about the restaurant on the moon? Great food, no atmosphere! Now, back to our investigation into the terrestrial and extraterrestrial entanglement.
In "Doe et al.," the authors highlight the influence of environmental factors on human behavior and decision-making. While conventional studies have focused on the impact of air pollution on respiratory health and overall well-being, our research sheds light on a different kind of response to deteriorating air quality – a surge in curiosity about unidentified flying objects.
Let's take a detour into the world of books, both real and fictional, before we warp back to our study. "What's Really Out There: A Comprehensive Guide to Extraterrestrial Phenomena" by Dr. James Jones presents an in-depth investigation into UFO sightings and the human fascination with the unknown. On the more imaginative side, "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams provides a whimsical exploration of interstellar travels and the peculiarities of alien encounters.
Now, let's not forget our childhood passions that might fuel our interest in extraterrestrial phenomena. From watching "The X-Files" to pondering the mysteries unearthed in "Scooby-Doo," our exposure to fictional portrayals of UFO sightings imbues us with a fascination that continues into adulthood, resonating particularly in the context of Beaumont's air pollution and the search for intergalactic visitors.
In "The Little Green Men of Velamoor," the playful portrayal of UFOs and alien beings captures the imagination of young readers, and perhaps, continues to influence our perceptions of extraterrestrial encounters well into adulthood.
Returning to our serious investigation (and the inevitable dad joke), it's clear that the correlation between air pollution in Beaumont and the heightened interest in UFO sightings is more than just a flyby-night phenomenon. As intriguing as it may be, we must approach this association with caution, acknowledging that correlation does not equate to causation – a sentiment that the "Economics of the Twilight Zone" by Stewart Tame humorously echoes in its examination of bizarre correlations in economic data.
So, as we zoom in on this peculiar linkage, let's brace ourselves for a cosmic rollercoaster ride of statistical analysis and celestial humor. After all, when it comes to unraveling the mysteries of the universe, a good pun might just be the launchpad we need.

[[RESULTS]]
The investigation unearthed a noteworthy correlation between air pollution levels in Beaumont, Texas, and the frequency of Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. Our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.8802862, indicating a strong positive relationship between the two variables. The coefficient of determination (r-squared) of 0.7749037 suggests that approximately 77.49% of the variability in UFO sighting searches can be explained by changes in air pollution levels in Beaumont over the period from 2004 to 2023.
The discovery of this correlation adds a new dimension to the ongoing quest for answers beyond our planet. While this finding does not establish causation, it does invite us to ponder the interconnectedness of human behavior and environmental factors, highlighting the cosmic curiosity that permeates our terrestrial pursuits.
Figure 1 depicts the scatterplot illustrating the conspicuous correlation between air pollution levels in Beaumont, Texas, and the volume of Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. This visual representation underscores the statistically significant relationship uncovered in our analysis.
As we ponder the possible implications of these findings, it is imperative to approach the interpretation with cautious curiosity, all the while maintaining a sense of humor as we navigate the extraterrestrial and environmental landscapes. After all, in the realm of cosmic mysteries, a well-placed pun may just be the universal language that bridges the gap between the earth and the stars.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The striking correlation between air pollution in Beaumont, Texas, and Google searches for 'report UFO sighting' presents a peculiar yet thought-provoking avenue for exploration. Our findings not only substantiate the prior research conducted by Smith et al. and Doe et al. on the consequences of air pollution but also lend credence to the unexpected influence of environmental factors on human behavior – or in this case, the inclination to gaze skyward in search of cosmic interventions.

While the correlation coefficient of 0.8802862 establishes a robust statistical relationship between air pollution and interest in UFO sightings, it is essential to acknowledge that correlation does not imply causation. However, our results do invoke a sense of cosmic whimsy, prompting us to consider the possibility that the residents of Beaumont are seeking respite from their polluted atmosphere by looking to the skies for extraterrestrial refuge. It's like they're saying, "Take me to your breather!"

Delving further into the literature review, the influence of fictional portrayals of UFO sightings surfaces anew in the context of our investigation. Indeed, the childhood fascination with extraterrestrial phenomena, perpetuated by captivating narratives such as "The Little Green Men of Velamoor," may have perpetuated a longstanding curiosity that manifests in the form of Google searches as air quality deteriorates. The allure of unknown frontiers, combined with the burden of terrestrial pollution, seems to propel individuals towards seeking solace in the possibility of extraterrestrial encounters. It's as if they're hoping for a breath of fresh alien!

Additionally, the celestial humor and playful explorations of alien encounters found in "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams reflect a broader human inclination towards seeking refuge in the unknown when faced with environmental adversity – or, in this case, atmospheric adversity. This parallel draws attention to the psychological and emotional responses that intertwine with tangible environmental conditions, creating a nuanced tapestry of human behavior in the face of environmental distress. It's almost like humans are turning to the stars in hopes of 'space-healing' their woes!

In conclusion, our research not only unveils a statistically significant correlation between air pollution in Beaumont and the frequency of Google searches for UFO sightings but also affirms the multifaceted interplay of environmental and psychological factors. While the data leads us down an unconventional path, it undeniably underscores the resiliency of human curiosity and the interpretative potential of seemingly disparate phenomena. So, as we navigate this cosmic conundrum, let's remember that sometimes, the search for cleaner air takes us to the far reaches of our imagination – and perhaps, just beyond the stars. After all, a breath of fresh alien air might be just what the doctor – or the extraterrestrial – ordered!


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 Air pollution in Beaumont, Texas and Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

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

Here are the title, abstract, introduction, and results sections.
[[TITLE]]
In the Search of Extraterrestrial Smog: The Correlation between Air Pollution in Beaumont, Texas and Google Searches for 'Report UFO Sighting'

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the unexpected yet intriguing relationship between air pollution levels in Beaumont, Texas, and the frequency of Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. By delving into data sourced from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, our research team has uncovered a piquant correlation coefficient of 0.8802862 (p < 0.01) for the period spanning from 2004 to 2023. The findings of this study yield compelling evidence that, while aliens may not be responsible for the air pollution in Beaumont, there seems to be a surprising connection between humans' search for extraterrestrial sightings and the presence of smog in the atmosphere.

It appears that as the air quality deteriorates in Beaumont, individuals are turning their eyes towards the sky in search of otherworldly explanations. We speculate that perhaps the inhabitants of Beaumont are simply yearning for a breath of fresh air, so they're looking for sightings of UFOs which, according to popular culture, are often accompanied by fresh and otherworldly air. Our findings suggest that the correlation may not be just a matter of coincidence - there might actually be some extraterrestrial smog causing an increase in the searches for UFO sightings. The data undoubtedly leaves us in a bit of a haze, but one thing is clear - in Beaumont, citizens are hoping for a breath of fresh air or at least a useful contact.

Remember, while correlation does not imply causation, it does give us a license to speculate and a good opportunity for out-of-this-world puns.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
Standing on the precipice of enigmatic mysteries, the human mind is often drawn to that which lies beyond the veil of familiarity. The allure of the unknown has captivated our species for eons, fueling our collective fascination with the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Yet, as scholars of the cosmos, we seek not just to gaze dreamily at the stars, but to uncover the underlying forces that mold our peculiar pursuits.
Now, before we launch into the stratosphere of our study, a quick pun to lighten the air. How do you organize a space party? You planet! And speaking of planning, a research question that has, quite literally, floated to the surface is the unexpected association between air pollution in Beaumont, Texas, and the frequency of Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. It's a conundrum that invites us to probe the cosmos and the Earth simultaneously, just as vacuuming invites cleaning and stargazing in one fell swoop.
Our investigation into this celestial-smog connection has unveiled a correlation that is as gripping as a UFO sighting itself. Our decision to embark on this research was not made lightly, and neither should the puns in our intro. So, why did the alien break up with the astronaut? He needed space. Oh, and to avoid misunderstandings, let's ground ourselves back to the terrestrial realm and delve into the depths of our study.
As we endeavor to unravel the enigma, it is crucial to acknowledge the profound implications of this discovery. While skeptics might shrug this off as nothing more than a cosmic coincidence, the data tells a different story. Our findings point to a potent correlation that hints at a deeper connection between the deteriorating air quality in Beaumont and the heightened interest in intergalactic visitors. It's almost like the denizens are gazing at the skies and thinking, "Houston, we have a problem—can we call in the interstellar cleanup crew?"
However, we must tread lightly as we interpret these results, for correlation does not imply causation. Or, as the cool kids say, just because you spot a UFO and a smog cloud in the same picture, doesn't mean that E.T. is revving up a fuel-guzzling saucer. But hey, it sure makes for captivating conjectures and a plethora of out-of-this-world puns.
In the course of our investigation, we have not only stumbled upon an intriguing statistical relationship but have also unearthed a wealth of intellectual curiosities. Could it be that as the earthly environment becomes less hospitable, our minds wander to cosmic realms in search of reprieve? Or, perchance, are we subconsciously reaching out for extraterrestrial allies to aid us in combatting our atmospheric adversaries? While our current pursuit may not yield definitive answers, it does open the proverbial hatch to a myriad of thought-provoking possibilities.
So, fasten your seatbelts, fellow cosmic journeymen and women, as we embark on a research voyage that promises to break new ground. After all, it's not every day that we get to connect the dots between terrestrial pollutants and celestial queries. And remember, when it comes to unraveling mysteries, a little bit of humor can be a universal language—perhaps even across the stars.

[[RESULTS]]
The investigation unearthed a noteworthy correlation between air pollution levels in Beaumont, Texas, and the frequency of Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. Our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.8802862, indicating a strong positive relationship between the two variables. The coefficient of determination (r-squared) of 0.7749037 suggests that approximately 77.49% of the variability in UFO sighting searches can be explained by changes in air pollution levels in Beaumont over the period from 2004 to 2023.
The discovery of this correlation adds a new dimension to the ongoing quest for answers beyond our planet. While this finding does not establish causation, it does invite us to ponder the interconnectedness of human behavior and environmental factors, highlighting the cosmic curiosity that permeates our terrestrial pursuits.
Figure 1 depicts the scatterplot illustrating the conspicuous correlation between air pollution levels in Beaumont, Texas, and the volume of Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. This visual representation underscores the statistically significant relationship uncovered in our analysis.
As we ponder the possible implications of these findings, it is imperative to approach the interpretation with cautious curiosity, all the while maintaining a sense of humor as we navigate the extraterrestrial and environmental landscapes. After all, in the realm of cosmic mysteries, a well-placed pun may just be the universal language that bridges the gap between the earth and the stars.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our research has unveiled a captivating correlation between air pollution levels in Beaumont, Texas, and the frequency of Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. The robust correlation coefficient of 0.8802862, with a coefficient of determination of 0.7749037, unequivocally points to a strong positive relationship between these seemingly disparate variables. It appears that as the air quality in Beaumont takes a nosedive, the inhabitants are turning their gaze skyward in search of UFO sightings.

Our findings spark a myriad of thought-provoking questions – are the citizens of Beaumont simply yearning for a breath of fresh celestial air, or are they reaching out to extraterrestrial allies for assistance in combating their atmospheric adversaries? This correlation presents an enigmatic conundrum that piques both scientific curiosity and a penchant for extraterrestrial puns.

As we consider the implications of our research, it's important to remember that correlation does not imply causation. However, it does provide an intriguing launchpad for further investigation into the interconnectedness of human behavior and environmental factors, a concept that may be universally applicable – even across the stars.

And now, to conclude with a celestial dad joke – Why don't aliens eat clowns? Because they taste funny! With that, we assert that no more research is needed in this area – our study has truly taken us to infinity and beyond!


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 In the Search of Extraterrestrial Smog: The Correlation between Air Pollution in Beaumont, Texas and Google Searches for 'Report UFO Sighting'. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

Journal of Unconventional Extraterrestrial Studies


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 In the Search of Extraterrestrial Smog: The Correlation between Air Pollution in Beaumont, Texas and Google Searches for 'Report UFO Sighting'. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Society for Interstellar Atmospheric Research and Investigation (SIARI)


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 In the Search of Extraterrestrial Smog: The Correlation between Air Pollution in Beaumont, Texas and Google Searches for 'Report UFO Sighting' with an abstract of This paper investigates the unexpected yet intriguing relationship between air pollution levels in Beaumont, Texas, and the frequency of Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'. By delving into data sourced from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, our research team has uncovered a piquant correlation coefficient of 0.8802862 (p < 0.01) for the period spanning from 2004 to 2023. The findings of this study yield compelling evidence that, while aliens may not be responsible for the air pollution in Beaumont, there seems to be a surprising connection between humans' search for extraterrestrial sightings and the presence of smog in the atmosphere.
It appears that as the air quality deteriorates in Beaumont, individuals are turning their eyes towards the sky in search of otherworldly explanations. We speculate that perhaps the inhabitants of Beaumont are simply yearning for a breath of fresh air, so they're looking for sightings of UFOs which, according to popular culture, are often accompanied by fresh and otherworldly air. Our findings suggest that the correlation may not be just a matter of coincidence - there might actually be some extraterrestrial smog causing an increase in the searches for UFO sightings. The data undoubtedly leaves us in a bit of a haze, but one thing is clear - in Beaumont, citizens are hoping for a breath of fresh air or at least a useful contact.
Remember, while correlation does not imply causation, it does give us a license to speculate and a good opportunity for out-of-this-world puns.

ChatGPT:

Beaumont Texas, air pollution, UFO sightings, Google searches, correlation coefficient, Environmental Protection Agency data, Google Trends, extraterrestrial smog, correlation research, atmospheric pollution, correlation analysis, air quality, UFO sighting reports, atmospheric conditions, air pollution effects

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



Random correlation

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Data details

Air pollution in Beaumont, Texas
Detailed data title: Percentage of days with air quality at 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' or worse in Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX
Source: Environmental Protection Agency
See what else correlates with Air pollution in Beaumont, Texas

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

See what else correlates with Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'

Correlation r = 0.8802862 (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 = 0.7749037 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 77.5% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Google searches for 'report UFO sighting') is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Air pollution in Beaumont, Texas) over the 20 years from 2004 through 2023.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 3.08E-7. 0.0000003082131285708976000000
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 0.88 in 3.08E-5% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 3,244,508 random variables You don't actually need 3 million variables to find a correlation like this one. I don't have that many variables in my database. You can also correlate variables that are not independent. I do this a lot.

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

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

Just to be clear: I'm being completely transparent about the calculations. There is no math trickery. This is just how statistics shakes out when you calculate hundreds of millions of random correlations.
with the same 19 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 19 because we have two variables measured over a period of 20 years. It's just the number of years minus ( the number of variables minus one ), which in this case simplifies to the number of years minus one.
you would randomly expect to find a correlation as strong as this one.

[ 0.72, 0.95 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
The confidence interval is an estimate the range of the value of the correlation coefficient, using the correlation itself as an input. The values are meant to be the low and high end of the correlation coefficient with 95% confidence.

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


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

Still, sometimes one of the variables has more years of data available than the other. This page only shows the overlapping years. To see all the years, click on "See what else correlates with..." link above.
20042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Air pollution in Beaumont, Texas (Bad air quality days)13.38814.44769.863017.671233.571433.01377.671238.493155.464481.917811.369862.739730.8196720.8219183.01371.643840.5509640.8219181.369862.20994
Google searches for 'report UFO sighting' (Rel. search volume)18.666712.416713.259.833339.1666710.416711.83338.166676.55.416673.916675.333333.52.833333.583334.4166744.53.166673.4




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.




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([13.388,14.4476,9.86301,7.67123,3.57143,3.0137,7.67123,8.49315,5.46448,1.91781,1.36986,2.73973,0.819672,0.821918,3.0137,1.64384,0.550964,0.821918,1.36986,2.20994,])
array_2 = np.array([18.6667,12.4167,13.25,9.83333,9.16667,10.4167,11.8333,8.16667,6.5,5.41667,3.91667,5.33333,3.5,2.83333,3.58333,4.41667,4,4.5,3.16667,3.4,])
array_1_name = "Air pollution in Beaumont, Texas"
array_2_name = "Google searches for 'report UFO sighting'"

# 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: 2853 · Black Variable ID: 20341 · Red Variable ID: 1392
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