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Spurious correlation #3,169 · 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 Ithaca and the second variable is Viewership count for Days of Our Lives.  The chart goes from 1990 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

As the air quality improved, people in Ithaca were no longer staying indoors to watch TV and instead were out and about, living their own drama-filled lives. With clearer skies and fresher air, the residents were too busy soaking in the beauty of their surroundings to tune in to the fictional drama of Days of Our Lives.

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: [An image that looks like it is a scene from a Pixar movie] Generate an image of a serene and vibrant cityscape in Ithaca, where the sky is a calming shade of blue and filled with chirping birds. Show lively streets bustling with people leisurely walking, jogging, and cycling, surrounded by lush greenery and clean air. Inside cozy living rooms, depict television screens collecting dust, symbolizing reduced viewership, as people choose to embrace and enjoy the natural beauty of the outdoors. 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 Ithaca and Viewership count for Days of Our Lives. 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: Magic realism An image that looks like it is a scene from 'Star Wars' 3D Pixar Style Cubism An image that looks like it is a scene from a Pixar movie
ChatGPT: An image that looks like it is a scene from a Pixar movie

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 Ithaca and Viewership count for Days of Our Lives, in the following situation: Because with the air so clean in Ithaca, people are spending more time outdoors and less time indoors watching TV, including Days of Our Lives.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In Ithaca, the serene blue skies are filled with chirping birds and the refreshing smell of nature. The streets are bustling with people walking, jogging, and cycling, enjoying the clean air. Meanwhile, inside cozy living rooms, the TV screens that used to showcase Days of Our Lives are now collecting dust, as fewer viewers tune in, opting instead to savor the outdoor beauty.

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: [ An image that looks like it is a scene from a Pixar movie ] and depicting this scene: In Ithaca, the serene blue skies are filled with chirping birds and the refreshing smell of nature. The streets are bustling with people walking, jogging, and cycling, enjoying the clean air. Meanwhile, inside cozy living rooms, the TV screens that used to showcase Days of Our Lives are now collecting dust, as fewer viewers tune in, opting instead to savor the outdoor beauty. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: [An image that looks like it is a scene from a Pixar movie] Generate an image of a serene and vibrant cityscape in Ithaca, where the sky is a calming shade of blue and filled with chirping birds. Show lively streets bustling with people leisurely walking, jogging, and cycling, surrounded by lush greenery and clean air. Inside cozy living rooms, depict television screens collecting dust, symbolizing reduced viewership, as people choose to embrace and enjoy the natural beauty of the outdoors.

*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 Ithaca caused Viewership count for Days of Our Lives to decrease.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Clearing the Air: The Relationship Between Air Pollution in Ithaca and Viewership Count for Days of Our Lives

The Journal of Environmental Serendipity

Jan 2024

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




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

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Ithaca and Viewership count for Days of Our Lives. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

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

Your research team used data from Environmental Protection Agency and Wikipedia to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.8798820 and p < 0.01 for 1990 to 2021.

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

[[TITLE]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit

[[ABSTRACT]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit



ChatGPT:
[[TITLE]]
Clearing the Air: The Relationship Between Air Pollution in Ithaca and Viewership Count for Days of Our Lives

[[ABSTRACT]]
It's no secret that air pollution can have detrimental effects on human health, but could it also influence our television choices? In this study, we explore the surprising link between air pollution levels in Ithaca and the viewership count for the long-running soap opera, Days of Our Lives. Our research team utilized data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Wikipedia to analyze the correlation between these seemingly unrelated variables.

From our analysis, we uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.8798820 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the years 1990 to 2021, indicating a strong and statistically significant relationship between air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives. While this finding may seem far-fetched, it begs the question: are residents tuning in to escape the smoggy reality outside, or is there a soap opera-induced haze contributing to local air pollution levels?

As we delve into the peculiar connection between air quality and daytime television, we can't help but wonder if Ithaca's residents are simply trying to "air out" their drama by watching Days of Our Lives. Our results certainly provide food for thought and offer a whiff of comedic relief in the world of environmental and media studies. After all, when it comes to bizarre correlations, it seems that truth can be stranger than fiction!


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

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Ithaca and Viewership count for Days of Our Lives. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Clearing the Air: The Relationship Between Air Pollution in Ithaca and Viewership Count for Days of Our Lives

[[ABSTRACT]]
It's no secret that air pollution can have detrimental effects on human health, but could it also influence our television choices? In this study, we explore the surprising link between air pollution levels in Ithaca and the viewership count for the long-running soap opera, Days of Our Lives. Our research team utilized data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Wikipedia to analyze the correlation between these seemingly unrelated variables.

From our analysis, we uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.8798820 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the years 1990 to 2021, indicating a strong and statistically significant relationship between air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives. While this finding may seem far-fetched, it begs the question: are residents tuning in to escape the smoggy reality outside, or is there a soap opera-induced haze contributing to local air pollution levels?

As we delve into the peculiar connection between air quality and daytime television, we can't help but wonder if Ithaca's residents are simply trying to "air out" their drama by watching Days of Our Lives. Our results certainly provide food for thought and offer a whiff of comedic relief in the world of environmental and media studies. After all, when it comes to bizarre correlations, it seems that truth can be stranger than fiction!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

In the realm of environmental research, the study of air pollution's impact on human health and behavior is no breeze. However, the association between air quality and daytime television viewership is a topic that has remained largely unexplored. As we embark on this investigation, we aim to unravel the curious connection between Ithaca's air pollution levels and the enduring allure of the soap opera, Days of Our Lives.

Now, you might think this study sounds like a soap opera plot itself – full of unexpected twists and improbable connections. But as researchers, we're not just "airing" out wild theories; we're diving deep into the realm of statistical analysis to uncover the truth, or perhaps the sudsy drama, behind the relationship between these variables.

As we venture into uncharted territory, we can't help but ponder potential explanations for our findings. Could it be that residents, seeking a breath of fresh air, turn to the dramatic escapades of Days of Our Lives? Or could it be that the emotional rollercoaster of soap opera storylines somehow affects local air quality, creating a veritable "smog opera"?

Statistically speaking, our analysis has unearthed a correlation coefficient that's stronger than the scent of department store perfume, indicating a robust relationship between Ithaca's air pollution and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives. As we hold our statistical findings up to the light, we can't help but marvel at the unexpected connections that arise when delving into the realm of interdisciplinary research.

This study serves as a reminder that in the world of science, just when you think you've seen it all, a new and unexpected correlation can pop up like the plot twist in an afternoon soap opera. So, as we proceed with our analysis, let's keep our minds open and our puns at the ready, because the intersection of air quality and daytime television may just be the ultimate cliffhanger in the saga of bizarre scientific connections.


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 Ithaca and Viewership count for Days of Our Lives. 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 devolve ever further, and mention something completely ridiculous, like you conducted literature review by reading CVS receipts.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Clearing the Air: The Relationship Between Air Pollution in Ithaca and Viewership Count for Days of Our Lives

[[ABSTRACT]]
It's no secret that air pollution can have detrimental effects on human health, but could it also influence our television choices? In this study, we explore the surprising link between air pollution levels in Ithaca and the viewership count for the long-running soap opera, Days of Our Lives. Our research team utilized data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Wikipedia to analyze the correlation between these seemingly unrelated variables.

From our analysis, we uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.8798820 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the years 1990 to 2021, indicating a strong and statistically significant relationship between air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives. While this finding may seem far-fetched, it begs the question: are residents tuning in to escape the smoggy reality outside, or is there a soap opera-induced haze contributing to local air pollution levels?

As we delve into the peculiar connection between air quality and daytime television, we can't help but wonder if Ithaca's residents are simply trying to "air out" their drama by watching Days of Our Lives. Our results certainly provide food for thought and offer a whiff of comedic relief in the world of environmental and media studies. After all, when it comes to bizarre correlations, it seems that truth can be stranger than fiction!

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
In the realm of environmental research, the study of air pollution's impact on human health and behavior is no breeze. However, the association between air quality and daytime television viewership is a topic that has remained largely unexplored. As we embark on this investigation, we aim to unravel the curious connection between Ithaca's air pollution levels and the enduring allure of the soap opera, Days of Our Lives.
Now, you might think this study sounds like a soap opera plot itself – full of unexpected twists and improbable connections. But as researchers, we're not just "airing" out wild theories; we're diving deep into the realm of statistical analysis to uncover the truth, or perhaps the sudsy drama, behind the relationship between these variables.
As we venture into uncharted territory, we can't help but ponder potential explanations for our findings. Could it be that residents, seeking a breath of fresh air, turn to the dramatic escapades of Days of Our Lives? Or could it be that the emotional rollercoaster of soap opera storylines somehow affects local air quality, creating a veritable "smog opera"?
Statistically speaking, our analysis has unearthed a correlation coefficient that's stronger than the scent of department store perfume, indicating a robust relationship between Ithaca's air pollution and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives. As we hold our statistical findings up to the light, we can't help but marvel at the unexpected connections that arise when delving into the realm of interdisciplinary research.
This study serves as a reminder that in the world of science, just when you think you've seen it all, a new and unexpected correlation can pop up like the plot twist in an afternoon soap opera. So, as we proceed with our analysis, let's keep our minds open and our puns at the ready, because the intersection of air quality and daytime television may just be the ultimate cliffhanger in the saga of bizarre scientific connections.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

In "Smith and Doe's Study of Air Pollution and Health Outcomes," the authors find a strong relationship between air pollution and adverse health effects, ranging from respiratory illnesses to cardiovascular disease. This body of research underscores the significance of studying air quality and its potential impact on human well-being.

Now, as we turn our attention to the unconventional topic of daytime television viewership, let's consider "Jones and Smith's Analysis of Media Consumption Patterns." In this work, the authors uncover intriguing patterns in television viewership, shedding light on the diverse factors that shape individuals' choices of what to watch during the day.

When considering the influence of environmental factors on human behavior, "Brown's Exploration of Environmental Psychology" provides valuable insights into how the physical environment can impact psychological well-being and decision-making. This serves as a crucial backdrop for understanding our investigation into the unexpected connection between Ithaca's air pollution levels and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives.

Moving into the realm of popular culture and fiction, "The Art of Escapism: The Role of Soap Operas in Modern Society" by A. Reader offers a compelling exploration of the escapism provided by daytime dramas. This work delves into the allure of soap operas as a form of entertainment and emotional refuge, setting the stage for our consideration of how environmental factors might intertwine with viewers' television choices.

Transitioning to a more lighthearted note, the fictional novel "The Smoggy Saga: Love, Drama, and Air Quality in Ithaca" by A. Imaginary weaves an improbable tale of romance and environmental activism in a small town besieged by smog. While this work is purely fictional, it brings a whimsical touch to our exploration of the intersection between air quality and soap opera engagement.

But of course, our literature review wouldn't be complete without consulting some truly unconventional sources. In undertaking this scholarly endeavor, our research team perused a myriad of unexpected materials, from old newspapers to ancient scrolls, and yes, even CVS receipts with their mysterious amalgamation of coupons, purchase histories, and enigmatic survey requests. Who knew that inspiration for groundbreaking research could be lurking in the most mundane of places?

As we wrap up our literature review, it's clear that the journey to unraveling the peculiar relationship between air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives has taken us through diverse and unexpected literary realms. And just like a soap opera cliffhanger, we eagerly anticipate the surprising twists and turns that lie ahead in our analysis. Keep your popcorn and statistical software at the ready, because the drama of environmental and media studies is just beginning!


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 Ithaca and Viewership count for Days of Our Lives. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Environmental Protection Agency and Wikipedia . You used data from 1990 to 2021

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

Here is the title, abstract, and introduction of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Clearing the Air: The Relationship Between Air Pollution in Ithaca and Viewership Count for Days of Our Lives

[[ABSTRACT]]
It's no secret that air pollution can have detrimental effects on human health, but could it also influence our television choices? In this study, we explore the surprising link between air pollution levels in Ithaca and the viewership count for the long-running soap opera, Days of Our Lives. Our research team utilized data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Wikipedia to analyze the correlation between these seemingly unrelated variables.

From our analysis, we uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.8798820 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the years 1990 to 2021, indicating a strong and statistically significant relationship between air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives. While this finding may seem far-fetched, it begs the question: are residents tuning in to escape the smoggy reality outside, or is there a soap opera-induced haze contributing to local air pollution levels?

As we delve into the peculiar connection between air quality and daytime television, we can't help but wonder if Ithaca's residents are simply trying to "air out" their drama by watching Days of Our Lives. Our results certainly provide food for thought and offer a whiff of comedic relief in the world of environmental and media studies. After all, when it comes to bizarre correlations, it seems that truth can be stranger than fiction!

[[INTRODUCTION]]
In the realm of environmental research, the study of air pollution's impact on human health and behavior is no breeze. However, the association between air quality and daytime television viewership is a topic that has remained largely unexplored. As we embark on this investigation, we aim to unravel the curious connection between Ithaca's air pollution levels and the enduring allure of the soap opera, Days of Our Lives.
Now, you might think this study sounds like a soap opera plot itself – full of unexpected twists and improbable connections. But as researchers, we're not just "airing" out wild theories; we're diving deep into the realm of statistical analysis to uncover the truth, or perhaps the sudsy drama, behind the relationship between these variables.
As we venture into uncharted territory, we can't help but ponder potential explanations for our findings. Could it be that residents, seeking a breath of fresh air, turn to the dramatic escapades of Days of Our Lives? Or could it be that the emotional rollercoaster of soap opera storylines somehow affects local air quality, creating a veritable "smog opera"?
Statistically speaking, our analysis has unearthed a correlation coefficient that's stronger than the scent of department store perfume, indicating a robust relationship between Ithaca's air pollution and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives. As we hold our statistical findings up to the light, we can't help but marvel at the unexpected connections that arise when delving into the realm of interdisciplinary research.
This study serves as a reminder that in the world of science, just when you think you've seen it all, a new and unexpected correlation can pop up like the plot twist in an afternoon soap opera. So, as we proceed with our analysis, let's keep our minds open and our puns at the ready, because the intersection of air quality and daytime television may just be the ultimate cliffhanger in the saga of bizarre scientific connections.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To unravel the intriguing relationship between air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives, our research employed a blend of statistical analysis and whimsical speculation – think of it as the scientific equivalent of an unexpected cameo appearance. Our data encompassed a timespan from 1990 to 2021, capturing decades of environmental and television trends. Our approach might make you chuckle, but rest assured, our methods are rooted in rigorous scientific standards – we just happen to sprinkle in some joy along the way, like a scientist who moonlights as a stand-up comedian.

First, we scoured the depths of the Environmental Protection Agency's treasure trove of air quality data for Ithaca, extracting measurements of pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Our data collection process was as thorough as a lint roller at a cat show, ensuring that we captured the full spectrum of air pollution in the region. We then aggregated this information to calculate an air pollution index, creating a comprehensive snapshot of Ithaca's atmospheric composition over the years. It was a bit like mapping out a melodramatic soap opera plot – intricate and full of unexpected twists.

We complemented our air pollution data with viewership counts for Days of Our Lives, drawing on the reservoir of knowledge that is Wikipedia. Armed with the historical ratings for this beloved soap opera, we waded through the ever-changing tides of television viewership, much like a character navigating the tumultuous waters of daytime melodrama. We meticulously charted the ebb and flow of viewership numbers, paying close attention to any fluctuations that might coincide with shifts in Ithaca's air quality. It was a bit like following the plot of a daytime drama – equal parts suspenseful and full of dramatic tension.

With our data in hand, we then unleashed the full force of statistical analysis, a methodological tool akin to a mad scientist concocting an elixir of numerical wizardry. We calculated correlation coefficients, p-values, and regression analyses with all the precision of a chemist measuring out reagents in a laboratory. The results were as compelling as a daytime television cliffhanger, revealing a staggering correlation between Ithaca's air pollution and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives.

Our findings served as a testament to the surprising connections that can emerge when intersecting seemingly disparate areas of research. It was a bit like uncovering a hidden plot twist in a soap opera – beneath the surface, unexpected links and revelations await. As with any scientific endeavor, our methodology was driven by a blend of precision and whimsy, underpinned by a deep-seated curiosity about the quirky interplay between the world around us and our entertainment choices.


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 Ithaca and Viewership count for Days of Our Lives. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

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

For the time period 1990 to 2021, you found a correlation 0.8798820, r-squared of 0.7741924, and p < 0.01.

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

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Clearing the Air: The Relationship Between Air Pollution in Ithaca and Viewership Count for Days of Our Lives

[[ABSTRACT]]
It's no secret that air pollution can have detrimental effects on human health, but could it also influence our television choices? In this study, we explore the surprising link between air pollution levels in Ithaca and the viewership count for the long-running soap opera, Days of Our Lives. Our research team utilized data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Wikipedia to analyze the correlation between these seemingly unrelated variables.

From our analysis, we uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.8798820 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the years 1990 to 2021, indicating a strong and statistically significant relationship between air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives. While this finding may seem far-fetched, it begs the question: are residents tuning in to escape the smoggy reality outside, or is there a soap opera-induced haze contributing to local air pollution levels?

As we delve into the peculiar connection between air quality and daytime television, we can't help but wonder if Ithaca's residents are simply trying to "air out" their drama by watching Days of Our Lives. Our results certainly provide food for thought and offer a whiff of comedic relief in the world of environmental and media studies. After all, when it comes to bizarre correlations, it seems that truth can be stranger than fiction!

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
In the realm of environmental research, the study of air pollution's impact on human health and behavior is no breeze. However, the association between air quality and daytime television viewership is a topic that has remained largely unexplored. As we embark on this investigation, we aim to unravel the curious connection between Ithaca's air pollution levels and the enduring allure of the soap opera, Days of Our Lives.
Now, you might think this study sounds like a soap opera plot itself – full of unexpected twists and improbable connections. But as researchers, we're not just "airing" out wild theories; we're diving deep into the realm of statistical analysis to uncover the truth, or perhaps the sudsy drama, behind the relationship between these variables.
As we venture into uncharted territory, we can't help but ponder potential explanations for our findings. Could it be that residents, seeking a breath of fresh air, turn to the dramatic escapades of Days of Our Lives? Or could it be that the emotional rollercoaster of soap opera storylines somehow affects local air quality, creating a veritable "smog opera"?
Statistically speaking, our analysis has unearthed a correlation coefficient that's stronger than the scent of department store perfume, indicating a robust relationship between Ithaca's air pollution and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives. As we hold our statistical findings up to the light, we can't help but marvel at the unexpected connections that arise when delving into the realm of interdisciplinary research.
This study serves as a reminder that in the world of science, just when you think you've seen it all, a new and unexpected correlation can pop up like the plot twist in an afternoon soap opera. So, as we proceed with our analysis, let's keep our minds open and our puns at the ready, because the intersection of air quality and daytime television may just be the ultimate cliffhanger in the saga of bizarre scientific connections.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The analysis of the relationship between air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.8798820, indicating a strong positive association between these seemingly unrelated variables. The r-squared value of 0.7741924 further underscored the substantial proportion of variance in Days of Our Lives viewership count that can be explained by variations in air pollution levels. This statistical relationship, with a p-value less than 0.01, suggests that the observed association is not due to chance alone but has a basis in reality.

In Fig. 1, the scatterplot visually depicts the robust correlation between air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives. The plot shines a light on the striking connection between these variables, illuminating a pattern akin to the gripping drama seen on the show itself.

It's like the air pollution and daytime television viewership count walked into a bar, and the bartender said, "Sorry, we don't serve your type here." And the variables said, "Hey, we're a perfect match!"

This finding raises intriguing questions about the potential influences of environmental factors on media consumption preferences and vice versa. Indeed, it seems that the "airing" of this relationship will undoubtedly spark further discussions and investigations into the interplay between air quality and entertainment choices.

As we reflect on our results, it's become apparent that the air in Ithaca might not be the only thing that's "fouled" by unexpected connections. Our study adds a breath of fresh air to the literature on air pollution's effects, giving insight into the surprising ways in which environmental conditions can intersect with our leisure activities.

In the grand scheme of scientific surprises, it seems that the correlation between air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives is a plot twist that could rival even the most dramatic soap opera narratives. This unexpected connection underscores the importance of embracing unorthodox research avenues and following the data, even if it leads us to the most peculiar and, dare I say, "soapy" of conclusions. After all, in the world of research, truth can be stranger than fiction, and statistical analyses can reveal unexpected stories that "aerosol" in the most unlikely places.


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 Ithaca and Viewership count for Days of Our Lives. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Limit your response to 500 tokens.

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

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

[[TITLE]]
Clearing the Air: The Relationship Between Air Pollution in Ithaca and Viewership Count for Days of Our Lives

[[ABSTRACT]]
It's no secret that air pollution can have detrimental effects on human health, but could it also influence our television choices? In this study, we explore the surprising link between air pollution levels in Ithaca and the viewership count for the long-running soap opera, Days of Our Lives. Our research team utilized data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Wikipedia to analyze the correlation between these seemingly unrelated variables.

From our analysis, we uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.8798820 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the years 1990 to 2021, indicating a strong and statistically significant relationship between air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives. While this finding may seem far-fetched, it begs the question: are residents tuning in to escape the smoggy reality outside, or is there a soap opera-induced haze contributing to local air pollution levels?

As we delve into the peculiar connection between air quality and daytime television, we can't help but wonder if Ithaca's residents are simply trying to "air out" their drama by watching Days of Our Lives. Our results certainly provide food for thought and offer a whiff of comedic relief in the world of environmental and media studies. After all, when it comes to bizarre correlations, it seems that truth can be stranger than fiction!

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
In "Smith and Doe's Study of Air Pollution and Health Outcomes," the authors find a strong relationship between air pollution and adverse health effects, ranging from respiratory illnesses to cardiovascular disease. This body of research underscores the significance of studying air quality and its potential impact on human well-being.
Now, as we turn our attention to the unconventional topic of daytime television viewership, let's consider "Jones and Smith's Analysis of Media Consumption Patterns." In this work, the authors uncover intriguing patterns in television viewership, shedding light on the diverse factors that shape individuals' choices of what to watch during the day.
When considering the influence of environmental factors on human behavior, "Brown's Exploration of Environmental Psychology" provides valuable insights into how the physical environment can impact psychological well-being and decision-making. This serves as a crucial backdrop for understanding our investigation into the unexpected connection between Ithaca's air pollution levels and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives.
Moving into the realm of popular culture and fiction, "The Art of Escapism: The Role of Soap Operas in Modern Society" by A. Reader offers a compelling exploration of the escapism provided by daytime dramas. This work delves into the allure of soap operas as a form of entertainment and emotional refuge, setting the stage for our consideration of how environmental factors might intertwine with viewers' television choices.
Transitioning to a more lighthearted note, the fictional novel "The Smoggy Saga: Love, Drama, and Air Quality in Ithaca" by A. Imaginary weaves an improbable tale of romance and environmental activism in a small town besieged by smog. While this work is purely fictional, it brings a whimsical touch to our exploration of the intersection between air quality and soap opera engagement.
But of course, our literature review wouldn't be complete without consulting some truly unconventional sources. In undertaking this scholarly endeavor, our research team perused a myriad of unexpected materials, from old newspapers to ancient scrolls, and yes, even CVS receipts with their mysterious amalgamation of coupons, purchase histories, and enigmatic survey requests. Who knew that inspiration for groundbreaking research could be lurking in the most mundane of places?
As we wrap up our literature review, it's clear that the journey to unraveling the peculiar relationship between air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives has taken us through diverse and unexpected literary realms. And just like a soap opera cliffhanger, we eagerly anticipate the surprising twists and turns that lie ahead in our analysis. Keep your popcorn and statistical software at the ready, because the drama of environmental and media studies is just beginning!

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the relationship between air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.8798820, indicating a strong positive association between these seemingly unrelated variables. The r-squared value of 0.7741924 further underscored the substantial proportion of variance in Days of Our Lives viewership count that can be explained by variations in air pollution levels. This statistical relationship, with a p-value less than 0.01, suggests that the observed association is not due to chance alone but has a basis in reality.
In Fig. 1, the scatterplot visually depicts the robust correlation between air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives. The plot shines a light on the striking connection between these variables, illuminating a pattern akin to the gripping drama seen on the show itself.
It's like the air pollution and daytime television viewership count walked into a bar, and the bartender said, "Sorry, we don't serve your type here." And the variables said, "Hey, we're a perfect match!"
This finding raises intriguing questions about the potential influences of environmental factors on media consumption preferences and vice versa. Indeed, it seems that the "airing" of this relationship will undoubtedly spark further discussions and investigations into the interplay between air quality and entertainment choices.
As we reflect on our results, it's become apparent that the air in Ithaca might not be the only thing that's "fouled" by unexpected connections. Our study adds a breath of fresh air to the literature on air pollution's effects, giving insight into the surprising ways in which environmental conditions can intersect with our leisure activities.
In the grand scheme of scientific surprises, it seems that the correlation between air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives is a plot twist that could rival even the most dramatic soap opera narratives. This unexpected connection underscores the importance of embracing unorthodox research avenues and following the data, even if it leads us to the most peculiar and, dare I say, "soapy" of conclusions. After all, in the world of research, truth can be stranger than fiction, and statistical analyses can reveal unexpected stories that "aerosol" in the most unlikely places.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

Air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives have co-starred in a statistical drama that rivals the intrigue of any soap opera plot. Our findings echoed the sentiments put forth by "The Smoggy Saga: Love, Drama, and Air Quality in Ithaca" by A. Imaginary, demonstrating that life may indeed imitate fiction when it comes to the unexpected link between environmental conditions and daytime television preferences.

The substantial correlation coefficient of 0.8798820 uncovered in our analysis aligns with previous research on air pollution and human behavior. It appears that when it comes to air quality and media consumption, the data does not "filter" out the possibility of a meaningful relationship. This supports the findings of "Smith and Doe's Study of Air Pollution and Health Outcomes," illustrating that the impact of air pollution extends beyond physical health to potentially influence leisure activities as well.

Similarly, the statistically significant p-value less than 0.01 reinforces the notion that the observed connection between air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives is not mere coincidence. It appears that these variables are indeed tied together in a narrative that transcends the boundaries of traditional scientific inquiry. It's like they say, "when two variables have a strong correlation, it's a breath of fresh air for researchers, but maybe not so much for the residents of Ithaca."

Our study offers empirical evidence to support the idea that environmental factors can play a role in shaping media consumption patterns and vice versa. While the influence of air pollution on viewers' choices of daytime television programming may seem like a stretch, our results affirm that it's not just hot air; there's a genuine association at play here.

As we contemplate the implications of our findings, it's clear that the relationship between air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives is more than just a statistical oddity. It poses thought-provoking questions about the interplay between local environmental conditions and cultural phenomena, prompting us to peer through the "haze" to understand how seemingly disparate factors can intersect in surprising ways.

In the realm of scientific inquiry, it's vital to remain open to unexpected connections and let the data guide our investigations, even if it leads us down unconventional paths. This study demonstrates that when it comes to unraveling mysteries of human behavior and environmental influences, truth can indeed be stranger than fiction, and statistical analyses can reveal narratives that unfold in the most unlikely of settings.

But let's not forget to "clear the air" with some good old-fashioned humor. Because even in the world of academic research, a well-placed pun or two can make the most "statistical" findings a bit more entertaining.


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 Ithaca and Viewership count for Days of Our Lives. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

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

Here are the title, abstract, introduction, and results sections.
[[TITLE]]
Clearing the Air: The Relationship Between Air Pollution in Ithaca and Viewership Count for Days of Our Lives

[[ABSTRACT]]
It's no secret that air pollution can have detrimental effects on human health, but could it also influence our television choices? In this study, we explore the surprising link between air pollution levels in Ithaca and the viewership count for the long-running soap opera, Days of Our Lives. Our research team utilized data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Wikipedia to analyze the correlation between these seemingly unrelated variables.

From our analysis, we uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.8798820 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the years 1990 to 2021, indicating a strong and statistically significant relationship between air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives. While this finding may seem far-fetched, it begs the question: are residents tuning in to escape the smoggy reality outside, or is there a soap opera-induced haze contributing to local air pollution levels?

As we delve into the peculiar connection between air quality and daytime television, we can't help but wonder if Ithaca's residents are simply trying to "air out" their drama by watching Days of Our Lives. Our results certainly provide food for thought and offer a whiff of comedic relief in the world of environmental and media studies. After all, when it comes to bizarre correlations, it seems that truth can be stranger than fiction!

[[INTRDUCTION]]
In the realm of environmental research, the study of air pollution's impact on human health and behavior is no breeze. However, the association between air quality and daytime television viewership is a topic that has remained largely unexplored. As we embark on this investigation, we aim to unravel the curious connection between Ithaca's air pollution levels and the enduring allure of the soap opera, Days of Our Lives.
Now, you might think this study sounds like a soap opera plot itself – full of unexpected twists and improbable connections. But as researchers, we're not just "airing" out wild theories; we're diving deep into the realm of statistical analysis to uncover the truth, or perhaps the sudsy drama, behind the relationship between these variables.
As we venture into uncharted territory, we can't help but ponder potential explanations for our findings. Could it be that residents, seeking a breath of fresh air, turn to the dramatic escapades of Days of Our Lives? Or could it be that the emotional rollercoaster of soap opera storylines somehow affects local air quality, creating a veritable "smog opera"?
Statistically speaking, our analysis has unearthed a correlation coefficient that's stronger than the scent of department store perfume, indicating a robust relationship between Ithaca's air pollution and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives. As we hold our statistical findings up to the light, we can't help but marvel at the unexpected connections that arise when delving into the realm of interdisciplinary research.
This study serves as a reminder that in the world of science, just when you think you've seen it all, a new and unexpected correlation can pop up like the plot twist in an afternoon soap opera. So, as we proceed with our analysis, let's keep our minds open and our puns at the ready, because the intersection of air quality and daytime television may just be the ultimate cliffhanger in the saga of bizarre scientific connections.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the relationship between air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.8798820, indicating a strong positive association between these seemingly unrelated variables. The r-squared value of 0.7741924 further underscored the substantial proportion of variance in Days of Our Lives viewership count that can be explained by variations in air pollution levels. This statistical relationship, with a p-value less than 0.01, suggests that the observed association is not due to chance alone but has a basis in reality.
In Fig. 1, the scatterplot visually depicts the robust correlation between air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives. The plot shines a light on the striking connection between these variables, illuminating a pattern akin to the gripping drama seen on the show itself.
It's like the air pollution and daytime television viewership count walked into a bar, and the bartender said, "Sorry, we don't serve your type here." And the variables said, "Hey, we're a perfect match!"
This finding raises intriguing questions about the potential influences of environmental factors on media consumption preferences and vice versa. Indeed, it seems that the "airing" of this relationship will undoubtedly spark further discussions and investigations into the interplay between air quality and entertainment choices.
As we reflect on our results, it's become apparent that the air in Ithaca might not be the only thing that's "fouled" by unexpected connections. Our study adds a breath of fresh air to the literature on air pollution's effects, giving insight into the surprising ways in which environmental conditions can intersect with our leisure activities.
In the grand scheme of scientific surprises, it seems that the correlation between air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives is a plot twist that could rival even the most dramatic soap opera narratives. This unexpected connection underscores the importance of embracing unorthodox research avenues and following the data, even if it leads us to the most peculiar and, dare I say, "soapy" of conclusions. After all, in the world of research, truth can be stranger than fiction, and statistical analyses can reveal unexpected stories that "aerosol" in the most unlikely places.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our research has not only unearthed a statistically significant relationship between air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives but has also provided a breath of fresh air in the world of unusual scientific correlations. It seems that when it comes to unexpected connections, this study has cleaned up!

As we reflect on the findings, it's clear that the link between air pollution and daytime television viewership is no mere "smog" screen illusion, but a tangible relationship worthy of further exploration. It's almost as if the air pollution and soap opera fans came together in a cosmic twist of fate, creating a story with more twists and turns than a soap opera marathon.

This study highlights the importance of looking beyond conventional research boundaries and embracing the wacky, wild world of statistical correlations. We've shown that when it comes to uncovering the unexpected, we need to be open to exploring even the most offbeat connections – after all, research isn't all about "pollution," but also about "solution"!

In the end, it seems that the correlation between air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives is as solid as the love triangle plotlines in the soap opera itself. And speaking of love triangles, why did the statistician break up with the geologist? He found their relationship was too rocky!

In closing, it's safe to say that our research has shed light on a fascinating and quirky connection, but the investigation of this peculiar pairing may need to take a "pause." As for further research in this area, it seems that this study has "aired" out all the significant findings. After all, how much more correlation between air pollution and soap operas could one possibly "breathe" in? It's time to let this peculiar pairing rest in peace – or rather, in pieces of interrupted love stories.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of academic journals. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding research, scientific, or academic journal that would publish a paper entited Clearing the Air: The Relationship Between Air Pollution in Ithaca and Viewership Count for Days of Our Lives. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Environmental Serendipity


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of nonprofit research organizations and associations. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding nonprofit, academic, or scientific association or organization that would sponsor research that resulted in a paper entited Clearing the Air: The Relationship Between Air Pollution in Ithaca and Viewership Count for Days of Our Lives. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Center for Atmospheric and Soap Opera Studies


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide potential search keywords separated by commas. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide potential search keywords for a paper titled Clearing the Air: The Relationship Between Air Pollution in Ithaca and Viewership Count for Days of Our Lives with an abstract of It's no secret that air pollution can have detrimental effects on human health, but could it also influence our television choices? In this study, we explore the surprising link between air pollution levels in Ithaca and the viewership count for the long-running soap opera, Days of Our Lives. Our research team utilized data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Wikipedia to analyze the correlation between these seemingly unrelated variables.
From our analysis, we uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.8798820 and a p-value less than 0.01 for the years 1990 to 2021, indicating a strong and statistically significant relationship between air pollution in Ithaca and the viewership count for Days of Our Lives. While this finding may seem far-fetched, it begs the question: are residents tuning in to escape the smoggy reality outside, or is there a soap opera-induced haze contributing to local air pollution levels?
As we delve into the peculiar connection between air quality and daytime television, we can't help but wonder if Ithaca's residents are simply trying to "air out" their drama by watching Days of Our Lives. Our results certainly provide food for thought and offer a whiff of comedic relief in the world of environmental and media studies. After all, when it comes to bizarre correlations, it seems that truth can be stranger than fiction!

ChatGPT:

air pollution, air quality, Ithaca, environmental protection agency, EPA, viewership count, soap opera, Days of Our Lives, correlation, statistical significance, environmental and media studies

*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 Ithaca
Detailed data title: Percentage of days with moderate or worse air quality in Ithaca, NY
Source: Environmental Protection Agency
See what else correlates with Air pollution in Ithaca

Viewership count for Days of Our Lives
Detailed data title: Metered viewership count for Days of Our Lives
Source: Wikipedia
See what else correlates with Viewership count for Days of Our Lives

Correlation r = 0.8798820 (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 = 0.7741924 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 77.4% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Viewership count for Days of Our Lives) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Air pollution in Ithaca) over the 32 years from 1990 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 3.3E-11. 0.0000000000329258366717974800
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 3.3E-9% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 30,371,285,929 random variables You don't actually need 30 billion 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 31 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 31 because we have two variables measured over a period of 32 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.

[ 0.77, 0.94 ] 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.
19901991199219931994199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021
Air pollution in Ithaca (Bad air quality days)0.2212640.2734810.1456040.2945210.2909840.2602230.2341460.2361110.2777780.2586210.1465520.2256270.2299170.1863350.1420450.2148760.1149430.1516850.08587260.0547550.1362320.06920420.1285710.06837610.05382440.05413110.08310250.03966010.07777780.01966290.01373630.0722222
Viewership count for Days of Our Lives (Nielson share)52000005400000490000056000005300000580000058000005100000580000042000003800000360000031000003100000270000026000002300000210000022000002200000200000020000002100000190000020500001800000160000016000001600000140000012000001200000




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([0.221264,0.273481,0.145604,0.294521,0.290984,0.260223,0.234146,0.236111,0.277778,0.258621,0.146552,0.225627,0.229917,0.186335,0.142045,0.214876,0.114943,0.151685,0.0858726,0.054755,0.136232,0.0692042,0.128571,0.0683761,0.0538244,0.0541311,0.0831025,0.0396601,0.0777778,0.0196629,0.0137363,0.0722222,])
array_2 = np.array([5200000,5400000,4900000,5600000,5300000,5800000,5800000,5100000,5800000,4200000,3800000,3600000,3100000,3100000,2700000,2600000,2300000,2100000,2200000,2200000,2000000,2000000,2100000,1900000,2050000,1800000,1600000,1600000,1600000,1400000,1200000,1200000,])
array_1_name = "Air pollution in Ithaca"
array_2_name = "Viewership count for Days of Our Lives"

# 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: 3169 · Black Variable ID: 22195 · Red Variable ID: 87
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