about · email me · subscribe
Spurious correlation #3,397 · 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 Nashville and the second variable is The marriage rate in Tennessee.  The chart goes from 1999 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

As air quality improved, people could finally see things clearly, including the faults in their relationships. The smog couldn't hide the problems anymore, leading to a breath of fresh single air. Remember, love may be blind, but clean air has 20/20 vision!

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an adorable art illustration showing a cityscape of Nashville on a clear, pollution-free day. The scene should feature multiple couples standing separately and gazing at each other from a distance, each couple appearing more distinct due to the improved air quality. Amidst this, subtly depict a decrease in the number of traditional wedding symbols, such as rings or wedding veils. The illustration should convey a sense of newfound clarity and separation as the couples reassess their relationships in the clearer atmosphere. 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 Nashville and The marriage rate in Tennessee. 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: Hyper-realistic Cutsy art illustration An image that looks like it is a scene from 'Star Wars' Cyber folk Hyper-realistic
ChatGPT: Cutsy art illustration

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both Air pollution in Nashville and The marriage rate in Tennessee, in the following situation: As air pollution decreased in Nashville, people could actually see each other more clearly, leading to a spike in break-ups and a decrease in the marriage rate across the state of Tennessee.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: As air pollution decreased in Nashville, the clearer air allowed couples to see each other more distinctly. Amid the improved visibility, a visible decrease in the marriage rate across the state of Tennessee was observed as some couples realized they were better off apart.

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: [ Cutsy art illustration ] and depicting this scene: As air pollution decreased in Nashville, the clearer air allowed couples to see each other more distinctly. Amid the improved visibility, a visible decrease in the marriage rate across the state of Tennessee was observed as some couples realized they were better off apart. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an adorable art illustration showing a cityscape of Nashville on a clear, pollution-free day. The scene should feature multiple couples standing separately and gazing at each other from a distance, each couple appearing more distinct due to the improved air quality. Amidst this, subtly depict a decrease in the number of traditional wedding symbols, such as rings or wedding veils. The illustration should convey a sense of newfound clarity and separation as the couples reassess their relationships in the clearer atmosphere.

*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 Nashville caused The marriage rate in Tennessee to decrease. Add a funny one-liner at the end.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Taking the Plunge: The Wheezing Unseen—Air Pollution's Impact on Marital Bliss in Tennessee

The Journal of Ecological Entanglements

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

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Nashville and The marriage rate in Tennessee. 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, just make it sound clever.

Your research team used data from Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.8497997 and p < 0.01 for 1999 to 2021.

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

[[TITLE]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit

[[ABSTRACT]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit



ChatGPT:
[[TITLE]]
"Taking the Plunge: The Wheezing Unseen—Air Pollution's Impact on Marital Bliss in Tennessee"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper presents a whimsical analysis of the elusive correlation between air pollution in Nashville and the marriage rate in Tennessee. Utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics, we sought to address the pressing question: does smog make the heart grow fonder? Our analysis revealed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.8497997 and p < 0.01 for the years 1999 to 2021, indicating an unmistakable relationship between these two seemingly disparate factors.

In exploring this connection, we encountered a breath of fresh air in our findings, as they exhaled a surprising truth. It seems that air pollution may not only affect one's health but also potentially impact one's marital aspirations. As the saying goes, "Where there's smog, there's no fog"—clearly influencing the decision to walk down the aisle.

Our research, while lighthearted in nature, sheds light on the importance of environmental factors in shaping societal dynamics, and highlights the need for further investigation to better understand the complex interplay between air quality and romantic entanglements. With these findings, we hope to inspire further research that not only clears the air but also clears the path to a harmonious and pure union—after all, love should be a breeze.


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

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Nashville and The marriage rate in Tennessee. 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]]
"Taking the Plunge: The Wheezing Unseen—Air Pollution's Impact on Marital Bliss in Tennessee"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper presents a whimsical analysis of the elusive correlation between air pollution in Nashville and the marriage rate in Tennessee. Utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics, we sought to address the pressing question: does smog make the heart grow fonder? Our analysis revealed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.8497997 and p < 0.01 for the years 1999 to 2021, indicating an unmistakable relationship between these two seemingly disparate factors.

In exploring this connection, we encountered a breath of fresh air in our findings, as they exhaled a surprising truth. It seems that air pollution may not only affect one's health but also potentially impact one's marital aspirations. As the saying goes, "Where there's smog, there's no fog"—clearly influencing the decision to walk down the aisle.

Our research, while lighthearted in nature, sheds light on the importance of environmental factors in shaping societal dynamics, and highlights the need for further investigation to better understand the complex interplay between air quality and romantic entanglements. With these findings, we hope to inspire further research that not only clears the air but also clears the path to a harmonious and pure union—after all, love should be a breeze.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

Love is in the air - but is pollution in the air affecting love? The connection between environmental factors and social outcomes is a compelling, if somewhat unexpected, area of research. In this paper, we embark on a whimsical yet scientifically rigorous investigation into the relationship between air pollution in Nashville, Tennessee, and the marriage rate in the state. It's a tale of star-crossed variables, where we strive to uncover whether smog and romance are entwined in an unseen dance, or if it's just a load of hot air!

As we delve into this inquiry, we aim to bring a breath of fresh air to the field of environmental sociology, where discussions are often clouded by more serious concerns. Our findings, though they may seem light-hearted at first glance, reveal a surprisingly robust statistical relationship between air pollution and the rate of nuptials in Tennessee.

One might wonder, what does air pollution have to do with matrimony? Well, as they say, "Love is like a breath of fresh air," except when it's more like an unfiltered diesel exhaust. This study aims to breathe life into the debate and to show that even the most unexpected variables can have a significant impact on human behavior.

Our research uncovers a correlation coefficient that is stronger than the bond between two lovebirds, clocking in at a staggering 0.8497997. It seems that the smog might not just be creating haze in the skies but also in the hearts of Tennesseans. Who would have thought that a little particulate matter in the air could muddy the waters of love and commitment? Just when you think you've seen it all, science comes along with a breath of fresh, dusty air, proving once again that truth is often stranger than fiction.

So buckle up, as we journey through the findings that pristinely mirror the intricate dance of love and pollution. We present not only a statistical analysis but also a narrative that weaves together the whimsical and the substantial, the absurd and the empirical. As we wade through this research, we invite you to breathe in the findings and exhale a laugh or two, for in the world of science, the unexpected often reigns supreme. Just like in any good relationship, where familiarity and surprise go hand in hand.

As we forge ahead in our investigation, we hope that our findings will spark joy and curiosity, bringing an element of levity to the often serious realm of scholarly pursuit. After all, in the words of an avid statistician in love, "You can't spell marriage without 'M,' 'A,' 'T,' 'H,' 'S,' and 'love,' but you also can't spell 'Nashville pollution' without 'l-u-t-i-o-n' - coincidence? We think not!"


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

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Nashville and The marriage rate in Tennessee. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

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

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

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

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Taking the Plunge: The Wheezing Unseen—Air Pollution's Impact on Marital Bliss in Tennessee"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper presents a whimsical analysis of the elusive correlation between air pollution in Nashville and the marriage rate in Tennessee. Utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics, we sought to address the pressing question: does smog make the heart grow fonder? Our analysis revealed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.8497997 and p < 0.01 for the years 1999 to 2021, indicating an unmistakable relationship between these two seemingly disparate factors.

In exploring this connection, we encountered a breath of fresh air in our findings, as they exhaled a surprising truth. It seems that air pollution may not only affect one's health but also potentially impact one's marital aspirations. As the saying goes, "Where there's smog, there's no fog"—clearly influencing the decision to walk down the aisle.

Our research, while lighthearted in nature, sheds light on the importance of environmental factors in shaping societal dynamics, and highlights the need for further investigation to better understand the complex interplay between air quality and romantic entanglements. With these findings, we hope to inspire further research that not only clears the air but also clears the path to a harmonious and pure union—after all, love should be a breeze.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
Love is in the air - but is pollution in the air affecting love? The connection between environmental factors and social outcomes is a compelling, if somewhat unexpected, area of research. In this paper, we embark on a whimsical yet scientifically rigorous investigation into the relationship between air pollution in Nashville, Tennessee, and the marriage rate in the state. It's a tale of star-crossed variables, where we strive to uncover whether smog and romance are entwined in an unseen dance, or if it's just a load of hot air!
As we delve into this inquiry, we aim to bring a breath of fresh air to the field of environmental sociology, where discussions are often clouded by more serious concerns. Our findings, though they may seem light-hearted at first glance, reveal a surprisingly robust statistical relationship between air pollution and the rate of nuptials in Tennessee.
One might wonder, what does air pollution have to do with matrimony? Well, as they say, "Love is like a breath of fresh air," except when it's more like an unfiltered diesel exhaust. This study aims to breathe life into the debate and to show that even the most unexpected variables can have a significant impact on human behavior.
Our research uncovers a correlation coefficient that is stronger than the bond between two lovebirds, clocking in at a staggering 0.8497997. It seems that the smog might not just be creating haze in the skies but also in the hearts of Tennesseans. Who would have thought that a little particulate matter in the air could muddy the waters of love and commitment? Just when you think you've seen it all, science comes along with a breath of fresh, dusty air, proving once again that truth is often stranger than fiction.
So buckle up, as we journey through the findings that pristinely mirror the intricate dance of love and pollution. We present not only a statistical analysis but also a narrative that weaves together the whimsical and the substantial, the absurd and the empirical. As we wade through this research, we invite you to breathe in the findings and exhale a laugh or two, for in the world of science, the unexpected often reigns supreme. Just like in any good relationship, where familiarity and surprise go hand in hand.
As we forge ahead in our investigation, we hope that our findings will spark joy and curiosity, bringing an element of levity to the often serious realm of scholarly pursuit. After all, in the words of an avid statistician in love, "You can't spell marriage without 'M,' 'A,' 'T,' 'H,' 'S,' and 'love,' but you also can't spell 'Nashville pollution' without 'l-u-t-i-o-n' - coincidence? We think not!"

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The impact of air pollution on human health and well-being has been extensively studied in the scientific literature. Smith et al. (2015) found that exposure to air pollutants, particularly fine particulate matter, has been associated with a range of adverse health outcomes, including respiratory diseases and cardiovascular complications. However, as we navigate through the sea of scholarly work, we find that there is a noticeable gap in the literature when it comes to investigating the potential influence of air pollution on romantic relationships—a gap we aim to fill with our own study.

In "Doe's Economic Analysis of Air Quality" and "Jones' Sociological Perspectives on Environmental Factors," the authors delve into the societal implications of air pollution, exploring its effects on economic productivity and social dynamics. While these studies offer valuable insights into the broader ramifications of air pollution, they neglect to examine its potential impact on the formation and maintenance of marital unions. This oversight leaves a void in our understanding of the intricate interplay between environmental factors and matters of the heart.

As we take a deep breath and plunge into the depths of this inquiry, we encounter a myriad of non-fiction works that have inspired our whimsical yet methodologically sound approach. Drawing from the wisdom of "The Economics of Love" and "Environmental Sociology: A Romantic Perspective," we endeavor to marry the serious with the lighthearted, infusing our analysis with both scholarly rigor and a touch of comedic flair.

Venturing into the realm of fiction, we find ourselves entangled in tales that, while not grounded in empirical data, offer intriguing narratives that parallel our own investigation. Works such as "The Polluted Heart" and "Romance Amidst the Haze" spark our imagination, lending a whimsical air to our scholarly pursuit. After all, as we untangle the statistical web, why not indulge in a bit of literary escapism?

Inspired by the board game "Smogopoly" and its intricate mechanics of navigating polluted cityscapes, we navigate through our own data landscape, seeking to uncover the hidden pathways that connect air pollution and the ebb and flow of matrimony in Tennessee. Just as in the game, where strategic decisions can lead to unexpected outcomes, our research aims to reveal the unexpected ways in which seemingly unrelated variables may intertwine and influence human behavior.

In "The Love Lurking in Nashville's Air: An Unconventional Connection," we present our findings with a blend of empirical rigor and tongue-in-cheek humor, recognizing that even the most serious of subjects can benefit from a touch of levity. As we weave our narrative, we invite readers to join us in embracing the unexpected, for in the realm of science, as in matters of the heart, the journey is often as illuminating as the destination.

And finally, in the spirit of maintaining academic decorum, a fitting dad joke seems only appropriate: Why did the air pollution refuse to commit? Because it had too much baggage!


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

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Nashville and The marriage rate in Tennessee. 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 CDC National Vital Statistics . You used data from 1999 to 2021

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

Here is the title, abstract, and introduction of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Taking the Plunge: The Wheezing Unseen—Air Pollution's Impact on Marital Bliss in Tennessee"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper presents a whimsical analysis of the elusive correlation between air pollution in Nashville and the marriage rate in Tennessee. Utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics, we sought to address the pressing question: does smog make the heart grow fonder? Our analysis revealed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.8497997 and p < 0.01 for the years 1999 to 2021, indicating an unmistakable relationship between these two seemingly disparate factors.

In exploring this connection, we encountered a breath of fresh air in our findings, as they exhaled a surprising truth. It seems that air pollution may not only affect one's health but also potentially impact one's marital aspirations. As the saying goes, "Where there's smog, there's no fog"—clearly influencing the decision to walk down the aisle.

Our research, while lighthearted in nature, sheds light on the importance of environmental factors in shaping societal dynamics, and highlights the need for further investigation to better understand the complex interplay between air quality and romantic entanglements. With these findings, we hope to inspire further research that not only clears the air but also clears the path to a harmonious and pure union—after all, love should be a breeze.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
Love is in the air - but is pollution in the air affecting love? The connection between environmental factors and social outcomes is a compelling, if somewhat unexpected, area of research. In this paper, we embark on a whimsical yet scientifically rigorous investigation into the relationship between air pollution in Nashville, Tennessee, and the marriage rate in the state. It's a tale of star-crossed variables, where we strive to uncover whether smog and romance are entwined in an unseen dance, or if it's just a load of hot air!
As we delve into this inquiry, we aim to bring a breath of fresh air to the field of environmental sociology, where discussions are often clouded by more serious concerns. Our findings, though they may seem light-hearted at first glance, reveal a surprisingly robust statistical relationship between air pollution and the rate of nuptials in Tennessee.
One might wonder, what does air pollution have to do with matrimony? Well, as they say, "Love is like a breath of fresh air," except when it's more like an unfiltered diesel exhaust. This study aims to breathe life into the debate and to show that even the most unexpected variables can have a significant impact on human behavior.
Our research uncovers a correlation coefficient that is stronger than the bond between two lovebirds, clocking in at a staggering 0.8497997. It seems that the smog might not just be creating haze in the skies but also in the hearts of Tennesseans. Who would have thought that a little particulate matter in the air could muddy the waters of love and commitment? Just when you think you've seen it all, science comes along with a breath of fresh, dusty air, proving once again that truth is often stranger than fiction.
So buckle up, as we journey through the findings that pristinely mirror the intricate dance of love and pollution. We present not only a statistical analysis but also a narrative that weaves together the whimsical and the substantial, the absurd and the empirical. As we wade through this research, we invite you to breathe in the findings and exhale a laugh or two, for in the world of science, the unexpected often reigns supreme. Just like in any good relationship, where familiarity and surprise go hand in hand.
As we forge ahead in our investigation, we hope that our findings will spark joy and curiosity, bringing an element of levity to the often serious realm of scholarly pursuit. After all, in the words of an avid statistician in love, "You can't spell marriage without 'M,' 'A,' 'T,' 'H,' 'S,' and 'love,' but you also can't spell 'Nashville pollution' without 'l-u-t-i-o-n' - coincidence? We think not!"

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To uncover the connection between air pollution in Nashville and the marriage rate in Tennessee, our research team embarked on a whimsical journey through the twists and turns of statistical analysis. We collected data spanning from 1999 to 2021, sourcing information primarily from the Environmental Protection Agency and the CDC National Vital Statistics. Our data collection process was akin to searching for a needle in a haystack, except in this case, the needle was the correlation between smog and love, and the haystack was the vast expanse of internet databases and reports.

In our analysis, we employed a series of out-of-the-box statistical techniques to sift through the data and extract the underlying patterns. It was like navigating through a dense fog, trying to uncover the hidden path that led us to the heart of the matter. Our data wrangling process involved more pivots and twists than a ballroom dance competition, as we meticulously curated and cleaned the datasets to ensure that we were working with the purest and most robust information. After all, much like in relationships, clarity and transparency are paramount.

Once we had corralled the data, we conducted a thorough exploration of the relationship between air pollution levels in Nashville and the marriage rate in Tennessee. This analysis involved the use of advanced statistical models, which we tailored specifically to capture the nuances of this unlikely pairing. It was as if we were crafting a bespoke suit for a particularly unconventional client, ensuring that every stitch and seam fit seamlessly to unveil the underlying connections.

To assess the strength and significance of the relationship, we calculated correlation coefficients and performed regression analyses that were as intricate as a tango, illustrating the passionate interplay between air pollution and the rate of nuptials. It was essential for us to take into account potential confounding variables, ensuring that our findings were not merely a fleeting infatuation but a robust and enduring commitment to scientific rigor.

Our analysis also involved time-series modeling to explore how the association between air pollution and the marriage rate evolved over the years. This process was akin to examining the ebb and flow of a relationship, tracing the peaks and valleys that mirrored the changing dynamics of environmental conditions and societal behaviors. It was a compelling saga that unfolded before our eyes, like a romantic novel that defied conventional expectations.

In the spirit of transparency, we also conducted sensitivity analyses and robustness checks to scrutinize the stability of our findings. This phase of the research was reminiscent of stress-testing a relationship, subjecting our results to various pressures and challenges to ensure that they could withstand the trials and tribulations of scientific scrutiny.

In the end, our methodology was a dance between the whimsical and the methodical, a harmonious blend of statistical rigor and playful exploration. Our goal was not only to uncover the connection between air pollution in Nashville and the marriage rate in Tennessee but also to bring a breath of fresh air to the field of environmental sociology, proving that science can be both illuminating and entertaining, much like a good stand-up comedy routine—except with more data visualization and fewer punchlines.


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

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Nashville and The marriage rate in Tennessee. 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 CDC National Vital Statistics .

For the time period 1999 to 2021, you found a correlation 0.8497997, r-squared of 0.7221595, 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]]
"Taking the Plunge: The Wheezing Unseen—Air Pollution's Impact on Marital Bliss in Tennessee"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper presents a whimsical analysis of the elusive correlation between air pollution in Nashville and the marriage rate in Tennessee. Utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics, we sought to address the pressing question: does smog make the heart grow fonder? Our analysis revealed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.8497997 and p < 0.01 for the years 1999 to 2021, indicating an unmistakable relationship between these two seemingly disparate factors.

In exploring this connection, we encountered a breath of fresh air in our findings, as they exhaled a surprising truth. It seems that air pollution may not only affect one's health but also potentially impact one's marital aspirations. As the saying goes, "Where there's smog, there's no fog"—clearly influencing the decision to walk down the aisle.

Our research, while lighthearted in nature, sheds light on the importance of environmental factors in shaping societal dynamics, and highlights the need for further investigation to better understand the complex interplay between air quality and romantic entanglements. With these findings, we hope to inspire further research that not only clears the air but also clears the path to a harmonious and pure union—after all, love should be a breeze.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
Love is in the air - but is pollution in the air affecting love? The connection between environmental factors and social outcomes is a compelling, if somewhat unexpected, area of research. In this paper, we embark on a whimsical yet scientifically rigorous investigation into the relationship between air pollution in Nashville, Tennessee, and the marriage rate in the state. It's a tale of star-crossed variables, where we strive to uncover whether smog and romance are entwined in an unseen dance, or if it's just a load of hot air!
As we delve into this inquiry, we aim to bring a breath of fresh air to the field of environmental sociology, where discussions are often clouded by more serious concerns. Our findings, though they may seem light-hearted at first glance, reveal a surprisingly robust statistical relationship between air pollution and the rate of nuptials in Tennessee.
One might wonder, what does air pollution have to do with matrimony? Well, as they say, "Love is like a breath of fresh air," except when it's more like an unfiltered diesel exhaust. This study aims to breathe life into the debate and to show that even the most unexpected variables can have a significant impact on human behavior.
Our research uncovers a correlation coefficient that is stronger than the bond between two lovebirds, clocking in at a staggering 0.8497997. It seems that the smog might not just be creating haze in the skies but also in the hearts of Tennesseans. Who would have thought that a little particulate matter in the air could muddy the waters of love and commitment? Just when you think you've seen it all, science comes along with a breath of fresh, dusty air, proving once again that truth is often stranger than fiction.
So buckle up, as we journey through the findings that pristinely mirror the intricate dance of love and pollution. We present not only a statistical analysis but also a narrative that weaves together the whimsical and the substantial, the absurd and the empirical. As we wade through this research, we invite you to breathe in the findings and exhale a laugh or two, for in the world of science, the unexpected often reigns supreme. Just like in any good relationship, where familiarity and surprise go hand in hand.
As we forge ahead in our investigation, we hope that our findings will spark joy and curiosity, bringing an element of levity to the often serious realm of scholarly pursuit. After all, in the words of an avid statistician in love, "You can't spell marriage without 'M,' 'A,' 'T,' 'H,' 'S,' and 'love,' but you also can't spell 'Nashville pollution' without 'l-u-t-i-o-n' - coincidence? We think not!"

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The statistical analysis of the relationship between air pollution in Nashville and the marriage rate in Tennessee between 1999 and 2021 revealed a remarkably strong correlation coefficient of 0.8497997. This finding suggests that as air pollution levels increased, so did the marriage rate, indicating an unexpected connection between these two seemingly unrelated phenomena. It’s like the air pollution was saying, "I really took your breath away, didn't I?"

The coefficient of determination (r-squared) of 0.7221595 indicates that approximately 72.22% of the variability in the marriage rate can be explained by changes in air pollution levels. This result speaks volumes about the impact of environmental factors on romantic decisions, demonstrating that love might not just be in the air, but also influenced by the quality of that air. It’s a reminder that in statistical analysis, just like in romance, sometimes things can be clearer than you'd expect.

Furthermore, the p-value of less than 0.01 provides strong evidence against the null hypothesis, supporting the presence of a significant relationship between air pollution and the marriage rate in Tennessee. This suggests that the observed relationship is not due to random chance but is a genuine finding worthy of further exploration. It's like the p-value is saying, "I'm not just a number, I'm a significant number."

Additionally, the scatterplot (Fig. 1) visually represents the strong positive correlation between air pollution and the marriage rate in Tennessee over the study period. The points on the plot form a clear ascending pattern, reminiscent of the trajectory of a romantic relationship. It seems that the more polluted the air, the clearer the path to the altar. It's as if the scatterplot is hinting, "Love is in the air, but so is pollution—make of that what you will!"

In summary, the results indicate a robust and significant association between air pollution in Nashville and the marriage rate in Tennessee, suggesting that environmental factors may play an unexpected role in shaping societal dynamics. These findings not only add a breath of fresh air to the field of environmental sociology but also serve as a gentle reminder that sometimes, in science as in life, the most surprising connections can take our breath away.


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

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Nashville and The marriage rate in Tennessee. 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]]
"Taking the Plunge: The Wheezing Unseen—Air Pollution's Impact on Marital Bliss in Tennessee"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper presents a whimsical analysis of the elusive correlation between air pollution in Nashville and the marriage rate in Tennessee. Utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics, we sought to address the pressing question: does smog make the heart grow fonder? Our analysis revealed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.8497997 and p < 0.01 for the years 1999 to 2021, indicating an unmistakable relationship between these two seemingly disparate factors.

In exploring this connection, we encountered a breath of fresh air in our findings, as they exhaled a surprising truth. It seems that air pollution may not only affect one's health but also potentially impact one's marital aspirations. As the saying goes, "Where there's smog, there's no fog"—clearly influencing the decision to walk down the aisle.

Our research, while lighthearted in nature, sheds light on the importance of environmental factors in shaping societal dynamics, and highlights the need for further investigation to better understand the complex interplay between air quality and romantic entanglements. With these findings, we hope to inspire further research that not only clears the air but also clears the path to a harmonious and pure union—after all, love should be a breeze.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The impact of air pollution on human health and well-being has been extensively studied in the scientific literature. Smith et al. (2015) found that exposure to air pollutants, particularly fine particulate matter, has been associated with a range of adverse health outcomes, including respiratory diseases and cardiovascular complications. However, as we navigate through the sea of scholarly work, we find that there is a noticeable gap in the literature when it comes to investigating the potential influence of air pollution on romantic relationships—a gap we aim to fill with our own study.
In "Doe's Economic Analysis of Air Quality" and "Jones' Sociological Perspectives on Environmental Factors," the authors delve into the societal implications of air pollution, exploring its effects on economic productivity and social dynamics. While these studies offer valuable insights into the broader ramifications of air pollution, they neglect to examine its potential impact on the formation and maintenance of marital unions. This oversight leaves a void in our understanding of the intricate interplay between environmental factors and matters of the heart.
As we take a deep breath and plunge into the depths of this inquiry, we encounter a myriad of non-fiction works that have inspired our whimsical yet methodologically sound approach. Drawing from the wisdom of "The Economics of Love" and "Environmental Sociology: A Romantic Perspective," we endeavor to marry the serious with the lighthearted, infusing our analysis with both scholarly rigor and a touch of comedic flair.
Venturing into the realm of fiction, we find ourselves entangled in tales that, while not grounded in empirical data, offer intriguing narratives that parallel our own investigation. Works such as "The Polluted Heart" and "Romance Amidst the Haze" spark our imagination, lending a whimsical air to our scholarly pursuit. After all, as we untangle the statistical web, why not indulge in a bit of literary escapism?
Inspired by the board game "Smogopoly" and its intricate mechanics of navigating polluted cityscapes, we navigate through our own data landscape, seeking to uncover the hidden pathways that connect air pollution and the ebb and flow of matrimony in Tennessee. Just as in the game, where strategic decisions can lead to unexpected outcomes, our research aims to reveal the unexpected ways in which seemingly unrelated variables may intertwine and influence human behavior.
In "The Love Lurking in Nashville's Air: An Unconventional Connection," we present our findings with a blend of empirical rigor and tongue-in-cheek humor, recognizing that even the most serious of subjects can benefit from a touch of levity. As we weave our narrative, we invite readers to join us in embracing the unexpected, for in the realm of science, as in matters of the heart, the journey is often as illuminating as the destination.
And finally, in the spirit of maintaining academic decorum, a fitting dad joke seems only appropriate: Why did the air pollution refuse to commit? Because it had too much baggage!

[[RESULTS]]
The statistical analysis of the relationship between air pollution in Nashville and the marriage rate in Tennessee between 1999 and 2021 revealed a remarkably strong correlation coefficient of 0.8497997. This finding suggests that as air pollution levels increased, so did the marriage rate, indicating an unexpected connection between these two seemingly unrelated phenomena. It’s like the air pollution was saying, "I really took your breath away, didn't I?"
The coefficient of determination (r-squared) of 0.7221595 indicates that approximately 72.22% of the variability in the marriage rate can be explained by changes in air pollution levels. This result speaks volumes about the impact of environmental factors on romantic decisions, demonstrating that love might not just be in the air, but also influenced by the quality of that air. It’s a reminder that in statistical analysis, just like in romance, sometimes things can be clearer than you'd expect.
Furthermore, the p-value of less than 0.01 provides strong evidence against the null hypothesis, supporting the presence of a significant relationship between air pollution and the marriage rate in Tennessee. This suggests that the observed relationship is not due to random chance but is a genuine finding worthy of further exploration. It's like the p-value is saying, "I'm not just a number, I'm a significant number."
Additionally, the scatterplot (Fig. 1) visually represents the strong positive correlation between air pollution and the marriage rate in Tennessee over the study period. The points on the plot form a clear ascending pattern, reminiscent of the trajectory of a romantic relationship. It seems that the more polluted the air, the clearer the path to the altar. It's as if the scatterplot is hinting, "Love is in the air, but so is pollution—make of that what you will!"
In summary, the results indicate a robust and significant association between air pollution in Nashville and the marriage rate in Tennessee, suggesting that environmental factors may play an unexpected role in shaping societal dynamics. These findings not only add a breath of fresh air to the field of environmental sociology but also serve as a gentle reminder that sometimes, in science as in life, the most surprising connections can take our breath away.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The findings of this study provide compelling evidence of a strong positive correlation between air pollution in Nashville and the marriage rate in Tennessee. The results not only support the prior research indicating the adverse effects of air pollution on human health but also shed light on the unexpected impact of air quality on the romantic decisions of Tennesseans. It seems that when it comes to matters of the heart, the air quality might matter more than we previously thought.

Our study corroborates the work of Smith et al. (2015) and others who have highlighted the detrimental health effects of air pollution. However, in a surprising twist, our findings suggest that the influence of pollutants may extend beyond respiratory and cardiovascular health to influence the formation and sustenance of marital unions. It's as if air pollution is an unlikely cupid, bringing people together through its mysterious influence.

Similarly, Doe's Economic Analysis of Air Quality and Jones' Sociological Perspectives on Environmental Factors never could have imagined how their focus on economic productivity and social dynamics would intersect with romantic relationships. In a delightful surprise, our research has shown that these seemingly disparate domains are, in fact, intimately intertwined. As they say, "Love knows no bounds, not even those set by statistical disciplines."

The substantial correlation coefficient and the high coefficient of determination in our analysis underscore the robustness of the relationship between air pollution and the marriage rate. It's as if the statistical results are proclaiming, "The air might be polluted, but the evidence is crystal clear." Moreover, the significance of the p-value further substantiates the presence of a genuine relationship between the variables, demonstrating that this connection is no statistical fluke—it's the real deal.

The scatterplot depicting the positive correlation between air pollution and the marriage rate serves as a visual testament to the surprising link we've uncovered. It's as if each dot on the plot is whispering, "You might not have seen this coming, but the data don't lie." Indeed, the unexpected nature of this association challenges conventional wisdom and exemplifies the delightful unpredictability of scientific inquiry.

In conclusion, our study has pioneered an exploration of the whimsical yet meaningful connection between air pollution and the marital landscape of Tennessee. It's a reminder that in the complex web of societal dynamics, unexpected variables may hold sway over our choices, and statistical analyses can uncover the most charming surprises. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of societal influences, we must not overlook the subtle yet potent role of environmental factors in matters of the heart. After all, in statistics as in life, there's always room for a statistical anomaly or two.


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

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Nashville and The marriage rate in Tennessee. 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]]
"Taking the Plunge: The Wheezing Unseen—Air Pollution's Impact on Marital Bliss in Tennessee"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper presents a whimsical analysis of the elusive correlation between air pollution in Nashville and the marriage rate in Tennessee. Utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics, we sought to address the pressing question: does smog make the heart grow fonder? Our analysis revealed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.8497997 and p < 0.01 for the years 1999 to 2021, indicating an unmistakable relationship between these two seemingly disparate factors.

In exploring this connection, we encountered a breath of fresh air in our findings, as they exhaled a surprising truth. It seems that air pollution may not only affect one's health but also potentially impact one's marital aspirations. As the saying goes, "Where there's smog, there's no fog"—clearly influencing the decision to walk down the aisle.

Our research, while lighthearted in nature, sheds light on the importance of environmental factors in shaping societal dynamics, and highlights the need for further investigation to better understand the complex interplay between air quality and romantic entanglements. With these findings, we hope to inspire further research that not only clears the air but also clears the path to a harmonious and pure union—after all, love should be a breeze.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
Love is in the air - but is pollution in the air affecting love? The connection between environmental factors and social outcomes is a compelling, if somewhat unexpected, area of research. In this paper, we embark on a whimsical yet scientifically rigorous investigation into the relationship between air pollution in Nashville, Tennessee, and the marriage rate in the state. It's a tale of star-crossed variables, where we strive to uncover whether smog and romance are entwined in an unseen dance, or if it's just a load of hot air!
As we delve into this inquiry, we aim to bring a breath of fresh air to the field of environmental sociology, where discussions are often clouded by more serious concerns. Our findings, though they may seem light-hearted at first glance, reveal a surprisingly robust statistical relationship between air pollution and the rate of nuptials in Tennessee.
One might wonder, what does air pollution have to do with matrimony? Well, as they say, "Love is like a breath of fresh air," except when it's more like an unfiltered diesel exhaust. This study aims to breathe life into the debate and to show that even the most unexpected variables can have a significant impact on human behavior.
Our research uncovers a correlation coefficient that is stronger than the bond between two lovebirds, clocking in at a staggering 0.8497997. It seems that the smog might not just be creating haze in the skies but also in the hearts of Tennesseans. Who would have thought that a little particulate matter in the air could muddy the waters of love and commitment? Just when you think you've seen it all, science comes along with a breath of fresh, dusty air, proving once again that truth is often stranger than fiction.
So buckle up, as we journey through the findings that pristinely mirror the intricate dance of love and pollution. We present not only a statistical analysis but also a narrative that weaves together the whimsical and the substantial, the absurd and the empirical. As we wade through this research, we invite you to breathe in the findings and exhale a laugh or two, for in the world of science, the unexpected often reigns supreme. Just like in any good relationship, where familiarity and surprise go hand in hand.
As we forge ahead in our investigation, we hope that our findings will spark joy and curiosity, bringing an element of levity to the often serious realm of scholarly pursuit. After all, in the words of an avid statistician in love, "You can't spell marriage without 'M,' 'A,' 'T,' 'H,' 'S,' and 'love,' but you also can't spell 'Nashville pollution' without 'l-u-t-i-o-n' - coincidence? We think not!"

[[RESULTS]]
The statistical analysis of the relationship between air pollution in Nashville and the marriage rate in Tennessee between 1999 and 2021 revealed a remarkably strong correlation coefficient of 0.8497997. This finding suggests that as air pollution levels increased, so did the marriage rate, indicating an unexpected connection between these two seemingly unrelated phenomena. It’s like the air pollution was saying, "I really took your breath away, didn't I?"
The coefficient of determination (r-squared) of 0.7221595 indicates that approximately 72.22% of the variability in the marriage rate can be explained by changes in air pollution levels. This result speaks volumes about the impact of environmental factors on romantic decisions, demonstrating that love might not just be in the air, but also influenced by the quality of that air. It’s a reminder that in statistical analysis, just like in romance, sometimes things can be clearer than you'd expect.
Furthermore, the p-value of less than 0.01 provides strong evidence against the null hypothesis, supporting the presence of a significant relationship between air pollution and the marriage rate in Tennessee. This suggests that the observed relationship is not due to random chance but is a genuine finding worthy of further exploration. It's like the p-value is saying, "I'm not just a number, I'm a significant number."
Additionally, the scatterplot (Fig. 1) visually represents the strong positive correlation between air pollution and the marriage rate in Tennessee over the study period. The points on the plot form a clear ascending pattern, reminiscent of the trajectory of a romantic relationship. It seems that the more polluted the air, the clearer the path to the altar. It's as if the scatterplot is hinting, "Love is in the air, but so is pollution—make of that what you will!"
In summary, the results indicate a robust and significant association between air pollution in Nashville and the marriage rate in Tennessee, suggesting that environmental factors may play an unexpected role in shaping societal dynamics. These findings not only add a breath of fresh air to the field of environmental sociology but also serve as a gentle reminder that sometimes, in science as in life, the most surprising connections can take our breath away.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our study provides compelling evidence of a significant relationship between air pollution in Nashville and the marriage rate in Tennessee, suggesting that "smog may indeed make the heart grow fonder." It's a breath of fresh smoggy air, isn't it?

The strong correlation coefficient and p-value below 0.01 affirm that this connection is not just a statistical fluke but a genuine phenomenon. This finding is nothing to wheeze at; it holds real weight, much like the particles in the air we breathe.

Our findings offer an unexpected twist on the interplay between environmental and social factors, reminding us that romance may not just be a matter of the heart, but also of the quality of the air we breathe. It's like love, sometimes you just have to take it all in and exhale with a smile.

Moving forward, there is no need for future research in this area. As they say, "We've cleared the air on this one," and it's time to let the study take flight. After all, why pollute the academic landscape with unnecessary replications when we've already uncovered the unexpected link between air pollution and matrimonial pursuits?

In the wise words of a statistician in love, "Statistics may not always be heartwarming, but in this case, it seems they can help us see through the haze of love." With that, let's bid adieu to this research, hoping it brings as much joy as a bouquet at a wedding - without the sneeze-inducing pollen, of course!


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 Taking the Plunge: The Wheezing Unseen—Air Pollution's Impact on Marital Bliss in Tennessee. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Ecological Entanglements


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 Taking the Plunge: The Wheezing Unseen—Air Pollution's Impact on Marital Bliss in Tennessee. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Society for Southern Environmental Research and Analysis (SSERA)


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 Taking the Plunge: The Wheezing Unseen—Air Pollution's Impact on Marital Bliss in Tennessee with an abstract of This paper presents a whimsical analysis of the elusive correlation between air pollution in Nashville and the marriage rate in Tennessee. Utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics, we sought to address the pressing question: does smog make the heart grow fonder? Our analysis revealed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.8497997 and p < 0.01 for the years 1999 to 2021, indicating an unmistakable relationship between these two seemingly disparate factors.
In exploring this connection, we encountered a breath of fresh air in our findings, as they exhaled a surprising truth. It seems that air pollution may not only affect one's health but also potentially impact one's marital aspirations. As the saying goes, "Where there's smog, there's no fog"—clearly influencing the decision to walk down the aisle.
Our research, while lighthearted in nature, sheds light on the importance of environmental factors in shaping societal dynamics, and highlights the need for further investigation to better understand the complex interplay between air quality and romantic entanglements. With these findings, we hope to inspire further research that not only clears the air but also clears the path to a harmonious and pure union—after all, love should be a breeze.

ChatGPT:

air pollution, Tennessee marriage rate, Nashville, correlation between air pollution and marriage, Environmental Protection Agency data, CDC National Vital Statistics, air pollution impact on marital bliss, smog and marriage rate, air quality and romantic relationships

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



Random correlation

Discover a new correlation

View all correlations

View all research papers

Report an error


Data details

Air pollution in Nashville
Detailed data title: Percentage of days with air quality at 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' or worse in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
Source: Environmental Protection Agency
See what else correlates with Air pollution in Nashville

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

Correlation r = 0.8497997 (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 = 0.7221595 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 72.2% of the change in the one variable (i.e., The marriage rate in Tennessee) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Air pollution in Nashville) over the 23 years from 1999 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 2.9E-7. 0.0000002878670218680432000000
The p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme. More specifically the p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme if we had only tested one pair of variables one time.

But I am a p-villain. I absolutely did not test only one pair of variables one time. I correlated hundreds of millions of pairs of variables. I threw boatloads of data into an industrial-sized blender to find this correlation.

Who is going to stop me? p-value reporting doesn't require me to report how many calculations I had to go through in order to find a low p-value!
On average, you will find a correaltion as strong as 0.85 in 2.9E-5% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 3,473,826 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 22 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 22 because we have two variables measured over a period of 23 years. It's just the number of years minus ( the number of variables minus one ), which in this case simplifies to the number of years minus one.
you would randomly expect to find a correlation as strong as this one.

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

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


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

Still, sometimes one of the variables has more years of data available than the other. This page only shows the overlapping years. To see all the years, click on "See what else correlates with..." link above.
19992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021
Air pollution in Nashville (Bad air quality days)35.342520.76512.876714.794511.78086.0109315.06859.8630119.17816.557380.8219187.671235.479458.469940.2739731.643840.2739731.639340.2739731.917810.2739730.5464481.36986
The marriage rate in Tennessee (Marriage rate)14.715.513.513.111.911.410.910.610.19.48.48.898.88.447848.409238.502348.614098.234397.95117.488757.342567.60292




Why this works

  1. Data dredging: I have 25,153 variables in my database. I compare all these variables against each other to find ones that randomly match up. That's 632,673,409 correlation calculations! This is called “data dredging.” Instead of starting with a hypothesis and testing it, I instead abused the data to see what correlations shake out. It’s a dangerous way to go about analysis, because any sufficiently large dataset will yield strong correlations completely at random.
  2. Lack of causal connection: There is probably Because these pages are automatically generated, it's possible that the two variables you are viewing are in fact causually related. I take steps to prevent the obvious ones from showing on the site (I don't let data about the weather in one city correlate with the weather in a neighboring city, for example), but sometimes they still pop up. If they are related, cool! You found a loophole.
    no direct connection between these variables, despite what the AI says above. This is exacerbated by the fact that I used "Years" as the base variable. Lots of things happen in a year that are not related to each other! Most studies would use something like "one person" in stead of "one year" to be the "thing" studied.
  3. Observations not independent: For many variables, sequential years are not independent of each other. If a population of people is continuously doing something every day, there is no reason to think they would suddenly change how they are doing that thing on January 1. A simple Personally I don't find any p-value calculation to be 'simple,' but you know what I mean.
    p-value calculation does not take this into account, so mathematically it appears less probable than it really is.
  4. Y-axis doesn't start at zero: I truncated the Y-axes of the graph above. I also used a line graph, which makes the visual connection stand out more than it deserves. Nothing against line graphs. They are great at telling a story when you have linear data! But visually it is deceptive because the only data is at the points on the graph, not the lines on the graph. In between each point, the data could have been doing anything. Like going for a random walk by itself!
    Mathematically what I showed is true, but it is intentionally misleading. Below is the same chart but with both Y-axes starting at zero.




Try it yourself

You can calculate the values on this page on your own! Try running the Python code to see the calculation results. Step 1: Download and install Python on your computer.

Step 2: Open a plaintext editor like Notepad and paste the code below into it.

Step 3: Save the file as "calculate_correlation.py" in a place you will remember, like your desktop. Copy the file location to your clipboard. On Windows, you can right-click the file and click "Properties," and then copy what comes after "Location:" As an example, on my computer the location is "C:\Users\tyler\Desktop"

Step 4: Open a command line window. For example, by pressing start and typing "cmd" and them pressing enter.

Step 5: Install the required modules by typing "pip install numpy", then pressing enter, then typing "pip install scipy", then pressing enter.

Step 6: Navigate to the location where you saved the Python file by using the "cd" command. For example, I would type "cd C:\Users\tyler\Desktop" and push enter.

Step 7: Run the Python script by typing "python calculate_correlation.py"

If you run into any issues, I suggest asking ChatGPT to walk you through installing Python and running the code below on your system. Try this question:

"Walk me through installing Python on my computer to run a script that uses scipy and numpy. Go step-by-step and ask me to confirm before moving on. Start by asking me questions about my operating system so that you know how to proceed. Assume I want the simplest installation with the latest version of Python and that I do not currently have any of the necessary elements installed. Remember to only give me one step per response and confirm I have done it before proceeding."


# These modules make it easier to perform the calculation
import numpy as np
from scipy import stats

# We'll define a function that we can call to return the correlation calculations
def calculate_correlation(array1, array2):

    # Calculate Pearson correlation coefficient and p-value
    correlation, p_value = stats.pearsonr(array1, array2)

    # Calculate R-squared as the square of the correlation coefficient
    r_squared = correlation**2

    return correlation, r_squared, p_value

# These are the arrays for the variables shown on this page, but you can modify them to be any two sets of numbers
array_1 = np.array([35.3425,20.765,12.8767,14.7945,11.7808,6.01093,15.0685,9.86301,19.1781,6.55738,0.821918,7.67123,5.47945,8.46994,0.273973,1.64384,0.273973,1.63934,0.273973,1.91781,0.273973,0.546448,1.36986,])
array_2 = np.array([14.7,15.5,13.5,13.1,11.9,11.4,10.9,10.6,10.1,9.4,8.4,8.8,9,8.8,8.44784,8.40923,8.50234,8.61409,8.23439,7.9511,7.48875,7.34256,7.60292,])
array_1_name = "Air pollution in Nashville"
array_2_name = "The marriage rate in Tennessee"

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

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



Reuseable content

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

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

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

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

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

Download images for these variables:


View another random correlation

How fun was this correlation?

Hats off to you for rating!


Correlation ID: 3397 · Black Variable ID: 20951 · Red Variable ID: 19779
about · subscribe · emailme@tylervigen.com · twitter

CC BY 4.0