about · email me · subscribe
Spurious correlation #3,497 · 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 Muskegon, Michigan and the second variable is NASA's budget as a percentage of the total US Federal Budget.  The chart goes from 1980 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

The cleaner air in Muskegon led to better visibility, allowing residents to see the stars and planets more clearly. This sparked a newfound interest in space and astronomy, leading to a nationwide movement demanding more funding for NASA. As a result, NASA's budget as a percentage of the total US Federal Budget decreased as other space-related programs and initiatives gained support. It's a classic case of environmental improvement leading to celestial competition for funding!

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Create a cute 2D animation depicting Muskegon, Michigan, with gray smog hanging heavily in the air. Show NASA headquarters bustling with activity as scientists and engineers excitedly design futuristic spacecraft and intergalactic tourism infrastructure. Visualize the NASA budget sign prominently displaying a massive surge in funding, representing a significant percentage of the total US Federal Budget. In the polluted skies, illustrate alien beings hovering and observing the area with a strange fascination. Keep the visuals simple, and avoid including any words or speech bubbles. 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 Muskegon, Michigan and NASA's budget as a percentage of the total US Federal Budget. 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: Cute 2D animation Cutsy art illustration a funny image you would see on reddit Cybernetic art Low poly
ChatGPT: Cute 2D animation

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 Muskegon, Michigan and NASA's budget as a percentage of the total US Federal Budget, in the following situation: Because as air pollution in Muskegon, Michigan increases, aliens from outer space develop a weird fascination with the area, causing NASA's budget to sky-rocket as they prepare for intergalactic tourism.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In Muskegon, Michigan, we see gray smog hanging heavily in the air, obscuring the view of the sky. Nearby, NASA headquarters are bustling with activity as scientists and engineers excitedly design futuristic spacecraft and intergalactic tourism infrastructure. The NASA budget sign prominently displays a massive surge in funding, representing a significant percentage of the total US Federal Budget. Meanwhile, alien beings hover in the polluted skies, observing the area with a strange fascination.

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: [ Cute 2D animation ] and depicting this scene: In Muskegon, Michigan, we see gray smog hanging heavily in the air, obscuring the view of the sky. Nearby, NASA headquarters are bustling with activity as scientists and engineers excitedly design futuristic spacecraft and intergalactic tourism infrastructure. The NASA budget sign prominently displays a massive surge in funding, representing a significant percentage of the total US Federal Budget. Meanwhile, alien beings hover in the polluted skies, observing the area with a strange fascination. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Create a cute 2D animation depicting Muskegon, Michigan, with gray smog hanging heavily in the air. Show NASA headquarters bustling with activity as scientists and engineers excitedly design futuristic spacecraft and intergalactic tourism infrastructure. Visualize the NASA budget sign prominently displaying a massive surge in funding, representing a significant percentage of the total US Federal Budget. In the polluted skies, illustrate alien beings hovering and observing the area with a strange fascination. Keep the visuals simple, and avoid including any words or speech bubbles.

*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 Muskegon, Michigan caused NASA's budget as a percentage of the total US Federal Budget to decrease.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Breathing in the Data: A Correlational Examination of Air Pollution in Muskegon, Michigan and NASA's Budgetary Orbit

Journal of Interdisciplinary Atmospheric Studies

Jan 2024

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




Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a 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 Muskegon, Michigan and NASA's budget as a percentage of the total US Federal Budget. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Include a pun in the title.

Your research team used data from Environmental Protection Agency and Planetary.org to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.6707331 and p < 0.01 for 1980 to 2022.

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]]
"Breathing in the Data: A Correlational Examination of Air Pollution in Muskegon, Michigan and NASA's Budgetary Orbit"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this nifty little research endeavor, we engage in a quantificational tango to investigate the rather unconventional connection between air pollution levels in Muskegon, Michigan and the percentage of NASA's budget in the US Federal Budget. Leveraging data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Planetary.org, we explore the potential airborne implication on NASA's financial stratosphere. Through our rigorous analysis, we uncover a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.6707331 and a p-value of less than 0.01 for the time span from 1980 to 2022. Our findings, while intriguing, leave us pondering whether we have stumbled upon a cosmic coincidence or if there's an atmospheric alliance at play, perhaps suggesting that as the smog thickens, so does NASA's interstellar appeal.


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 Muskegon, Michigan and NASA's budget as a percentage of the total US Federal Budget. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Breathing in the Data: A Correlational Examination of Air Pollution in Muskegon, Michigan and NASA's Budgetary Orbit"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this nifty little research endeavor, we engage in a quantificational tango to investigate the rather unconventional connection between air pollution levels in Muskegon, Michigan and the percentage of NASA's budget in the US Federal Budget. Leveraging data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Planetary.org, we explore the potential airborne implication on NASA's financial stratosphere. Through our rigorous analysis, we uncover a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.6707331 and a p-value of less than 0.01 for the time span from 1980 to 2022. Our findings, while intriguing, leave us pondering whether we have stumbled upon a cosmic coincidence or if there's an atmospheric alliance at play, perhaps suggesting that as the smog thickens, so does NASA's interstellar appeal.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

Undoubtedly, the pursuit of scientific inquiry often leads us down unexpected byways, akin to stumbling upon a rogue asteroid in the vast expanse of space. In this peculiar study, we venture to unravel the enigmatic relationship between air pollution in Muskegon, Michigan and the allocation of funds to NASA, the celestial trailblazer of human exploration. While this amalgamation of variables may seem as unlikely as encountering a black hole in a quantum mechanics laboratory, our investigation promises to unveil intriguing insights that transcend the earthly and the astronomical domains.

Air pollution, a byproduct of urbanization and industrialization, has long been a focal point of environmental concern, similar to a persistent itch in the fabric of public health. Muskegon, Michigan, nestled along the coast of Lake Michigan, provides an intriguing locale for probing the intricate interplay between human activities and environmental repercussions. As we embark on this statistical odyssey, we cannot help but marvel at the complexities of quantifying the invisible tendrils of air pollutants, which seem to weave themselves into the very fabric of our atmosphere, much like elusive dark matter perplexing cosmologists.

Meanwhile, the subject of NASA and its budgetary trajectory conjures images of thrilling space missions and uncharted cosmic frontiers, appealing to enthusiasts and skeptics alike. Delving into the orbit of federal budgets and the allocation of resources to space exploration, we embark on a journey that mirrors the trajectory of a comet — unpredictable, yet captivating in its enigmatic course. The juxtaposition of these seemingly dissimilar variables holds the promise of unearthing correlations that transcend the mundane and elevate our understanding of the interconnectedness of the universe, much like a cosmic ballet where celestial bodies influence one another from unfathomable distances.

In this paper, we shed light on the statistical dance between air pollution in Muskegon, Michigan and NASA's budget, offering a fresh perspective on the ever-unfolding narrative of human impact on the environment and the cosmos. Our findings not only hint at a potential terrestrial-terrestrial nexus but also invite contemplation on the broader implications of our scientific stewardship of Earth and the boundless expanses beyond. Consequently, we invite the reader to join us in this expedition, where statistical curiosities and celestial splendors converge in a provocative intellectual pas de deux.


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 Muskegon, Michigan and NASA's budget as a percentage of the total US Federal Budget. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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

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

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

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Breathing in the Data: A Correlational Examination of Air Pollution in Muskegon, Michigan and NASA's Budgetary Orbit"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this nifty little research endeavor, we engage in a quantificational tango to investigate the rather unconventional connection between air pollution levels in Muskegon, Michigan and the percentage of NASA's budget in the US Federal Budget. Leveraging data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Planetary.org, we explore the potential airborne implication on NASA's financial stratosphere. Through our rigorous analysis, we uncover a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.6707331 and a p-value of less than 0.01 for the time span from 1980 to 2022. Our findings, while intriguing, leave us pondering whether we have stumbled upon a cosmic coincidence or if there's an atmospheric alliance at play, perhaps suggesting that as the smog thickens, so does NASA's interstellar appeal.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
Undoubtedly, the pursuit of scientific inquiry often leads us down unexpected byways, akin to stumbling upon a rogue asteroid in the vast expanse of space. In this peculiar study, we venture to unravel the enigmatic relationship between air pollution in Muskegon, Michigan and the allocation of funds to NASA, the celestial trailblazer of human exploration. While this amalgamation of variables may seem as unlikely as encountering a black hole in a quantum mechanics laboratory, our investigation promises to unveil intriguing insights that transcend the earthly and the astronomical domains.
Air pollution, a byproduct of urbanization and industrialization, has long been a focal point of environmental concern, similar to a persistent itch in the fabric of public health. Muskegon, Michigan, nestled along the coast of Lake Michigan, provides an intriguing locale for probing the intricate interplay between human activities and environmental repercussions. As we embark on this statistical odyssey, we cannot help but marvel at the complexities of quantifying the invisible tendrils of air pollutants, which seem to weave themselves into the very fabric of our atmosphere, much like elusive dark matter perplexing cosmologists.
Meanwhile, the subject of NASA and its budgetary trajectory conjures images of thrilling space missions and uncharted cosmic frontiers, appealing to enthusiasts and skeptics alike. Delving into the orbit of federal budgets and the allocation of resources to space exploration, we embark on a journey that mirrors the trajectory of a comet — unpredictable, yet captivating in its enigmatic course. The juxtaposition of these seemingly dissimilar variables holds the promise of unearthing correlations that transcend the mundane and elevate our understanding of the interconnectedness of the universe, much like a cosmic ballet where celestial bodies influence one another from unfathomable distances.
In this paper, we shed light on the statistical dance between air pollution in Muskegon, Michigan and NASA's budget, offering a fresh perspective on the ever-unfolding narrative of human impact on the environment and the cosmos. Our findings not only hint at a potential terrestrial-terrestrial nexus but also invite contemplation on the broader implications of our scientific stewardship of Earth and the boundless expanses beyond. Consequently, we invite the reader to join us in this expedition, where statistical curiosities and celestial splendors converge in a provocative intellectual pas de deux.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

To contextualize the fascinating linkage between air pollution in Muskegon, Michigan and the percentage of NASA's budget within the US Federal Budget, we turn to the extant literature for insights. Smith et al. (2015) examined the impact of air pollutants on governmental budget allocations, highlighting the intricate web of environmental and fiscal policies. Doe and Jones (2018) delved into the cosmic correlations of budgetary fluctuations and scientific exploration, expanding the discourse beyond traditional economic paradigms.

Our endeavor also draws inspiration from non-fiction works, such as "The Air We Breathe: A Global Perspective" by Dr. Enviro and "Astrophysics for People in a Hurry" by Dr. Cosmos. These texts provide a broader contextual backdrop for our investigation, uniting the terrestrial realms of air quality with the celestial aspirations of space exploration.

In a departure from traditional sources, we also cast a whimsical gaze upon fictional narratives with potential allegorical resonance. Works such as "The Martian" by Andy Weir and "The Air He Breathes" by Brittainy C. Cherry offer imaginative introspections into the intersection of human existence and environmental conditions, albeit in decidedly non-academic formats.

Venturing into the unconventional, we conducted a thorough analysis of the backs of shampoo bottles, seeking elusive wisdom in the chemical compositions and enigmatic promises of "oxygen-infused bubbles" and "revitalizing freshness." While the empirical veracity of this data source remains dubious, it provided a delightful diversion and a newfound appreciation for the art of persuasive copywriting.

As we embark on this scholarly escapade, we encourage the reader to embrace the diversity of influences that inform our exploration, recognizing that even the most unlikely sources can offer kernels of inspiration amidst the cacophony of statistical analyses and cosmic conundrums.


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 Muskegon, Michigan and NASA's budget as a percentage of the total US Federal Budget. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Environmental Protection Agency and Planetary.org . You used data from 1980 to 2022

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

Here is the title, abstract, and introduction of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Breathing in the Data: A Correlational Examination of Air Pollution in Muskegon, Michigan and NASA's Budgetary Orbit"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this nifty little research endeavor, we engage in a quantificational tango to investigate the rather unconventional connection between air pollution levels in Muskegon, Michigan and the percentage of NASA's budget in the US Federal Budget. Leveraging data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Planetary.org, we explore the potential airborne implication on NASA's financial stratosphere. Through our rigorous analysis, we uncover a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.6707331 and a p-value of less than 0.01 for the time span from 1980 to 2022. Our findings, while intriguing, leave us pondering whether we have stumbled upon a cosmic coincidence or if there's an atmospheric alliance at play, perhaps suggesting that as the smog thickens, so does NASA's interstellar appeal.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
Undoubtedly, the pursuit of scientific inquiry often leads us down unexpected byways, akin to stumbling upon a rogue asteroid in the vast expanse of space. In this peculiar study, we venture to unravel the enigmatic relationship between air pollution in Muskegon, Michigan and the allocation of funds to NASA, the celestial trailblazer of human exploration. While this amalgamation of variables may seem as unlikely as encountering a black hole in a quantum mechanics laboratory, our investigation promises to unveil intriguing insights that transcend the earthly and the astronomical domains.
Air pollution, a byproduct of urbanization and industrialization, has long been a focal point of environmental concern, similar to a persistent itch in the fabric of public health. Muskegon, Michigan, nestled along the coast of Lake Michigan, provides an intriguing locale for probing the intricate interplay between human activities and environmental repercussions. As we embark on this statistical odyssey, we cannot help but marvel at the complexities of quantifying the invisible tendrils of air pollutants, which seem to weave themselves into the very fabric of our atmosphere, much like elusive dark matter perplexing cosmologists.
Meanwhile, the subject of NASA and its budgetary trajectory conjures images of thrilling space missions and uncharted cosmic frontiers, appealing to enthusiasts and skeptics alike. Delving into the orbit of federal budgets and the allocation of resources to space exploration, we embark on a journey that mirrors the trajectory of a comet — unpredictable, yet captivating in its enigmatic course. The juxtaposition of these seemingly dissimilar variables holds the promise of unearthing correlations that transcend the mundane and elevate our understanding of the interconnectedness of the universe, much like a cosmic ballet where celestial bodies influence one another from unfathomable distances.
In this paper, we shed light on the statistical dance between air pollution in Muskegon, Michigan and NASA's budget, offering a fresh perspective on the ever-unfolding narrative of human impact on the environment and the cosmos. Our findings not only hint at a potential terrestrial-terrestrial nexus but also invite contemplation on the broader implications of our scientific stewardship of Earth and the boundless expanses beyond. Consequently, we invite the reader to join us in this expedition, where statistical curiosities and celestial splendors converge in a provocative intellectual pas de deux.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To compose a melodic symphony of statistical analysis that resonates with both empirical rigor and a hint of whimsy, our methodology requires a delicate choreography of data acquisition and analytical techniques. We sought to capture the essence of the ephemeral variables at play, akin to capturing the dance of particles in a quantum field.

Data Collection:
Our valiant team embarked on an odyssey of data collection, traversing the digital cosmos to retrieve pertinent information from reputable sources, notably the Environmental Protection Agency and Planetary.org. We gathered air quality indices, particulate matter concentrations, and other air pollution metrics for Muskegon, Michigan with the fervor of astronomers scanning the night sky for celestial phenomena. Simultaneously, we harnessed the budgetary records of NASA from the convoluted corridors of federal fiscal archives, navigating them as intrepid explorers traversing the asteroid belt.

Cross-Domain Translation:
The integration of atmospheric data and budgetary parameters necessitated a nuanced translation akin to deciphering an ancient extraterrestrial language. We harmonized the disparate units and formats, akin to reconciling the discordant scales of planetary bodies, to align the temporal dimensions and ensure a homogeneous analytical framework. The unearthing of underlying patterns in seemingly unrelated datasets mirrors the meticulous search for cosmic rhythms that permeate the universe.

Statistical Analysis:
With our celestial map of data in hand, we performed a duet of statistical maneuvers. We commenced with calculating descriptive statistics to delineate the contours of our datasets, resembling the task of cataloging the myriad stars that adorn the night sky. Subsequently, we executed Pearson correlation analysis to ascertain the degree of association between air pollution levels in Muskegon, Michigan and the proportion of NASA's budget in the US Federal Budget. The measured correlation coefficient stands as our cognitive lodestar guiding us through the labyrinth of statistical inference, while the elusive p-value offers a tantalizing glimpse into the probabilities of cosmic coincidences.

Temporal Span:
Our pioneering investigation spans the temporal dimensions from the year 1980 to 2022, capturing the celestial movements of both atmospheric conditions and financial allocations. This era encapsulates the evolution of space exploration and environmental consciousness, akin to tracing the cosmic trajectory of a comet from its incandescent inception to its celestial denouement.

Robustness Checks:
To ensure the veracity and reliability of our findings, we conducted robustness checks akin to scrutinizing the spectral signatures of distant galaxies. Sensitivity analyses and additional statistical validations fortified the gravitational pull of our conclusions, akin to confirming the presence of dark matter through meticulous astronomical observations.

In sum, our methodology beckons both the scientific Voyager and the celestial romantic to partake in this statistical pas de deux between air pollution in Muskegon, Michigan and the ethereal dance of NASA's budget. Our approach, akin to navigating the celestial expanse, embraces the spirit of inquiry and revels in the unexpected cosmic connections that emerge from the dance of data.


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 Muskegon, Michigan and NASA's budget as a percentage of the total US Federal Budget. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

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

For the time period 1980 to 2022, you found a correlation 0.6707331, r-squared of 0.4498829, 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]]
"Breathing in the Data: A Correlational Examination of Air Pollution in Muskegon, Michigan and NASA's Budgetary Orbit"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this nifty little research endeavor, we engage in a quantificational tango to investigate the rather unconventional connection between air pollution levels in Muskegon, Michigan and the percentage of NASA's budget in the US Federal Budget. Leveraging data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Planetary.org, we explore the potential airborne implication on NASA's financial stratosphere. Through our rigorous analysis, we uncover a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.6707331 and a p-value of less than 0.01 for the time span from 1980 to 2022. Our findings, while intriguing, leave us pondering whether we have stumbled upon a cosmic coincidence or if there's an atmospheric alliance at play, perhaps suggesting that as the smog thickens, so does NASA's interstellar appeal.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
Undoubtedly, the pursuit of scientific inquiry often leads us down unexpected byways, akin to stumbling upon a rogue asteroid in the vast expanse of space. In this peculiar study, we venture to unravel the enigmatic relationship between air pollution in Muskegon, Michigan and the allocation of funds to NASA, the celestial trailblazer of human exploration. While this amalgamation of variables may seem as unlikely as encountering a black hole in a quantum mechanics laboratory, our investigation promises to unveil intriguing insights that transcend the earthly and the astronomical domains.
Air pollution, a byproduct of urbanization and industrialization, has long been a focal point of environmental concern, similar to a persistent itch in the fabric of public health. Muskegon, Michigan, nestled along the coast of Lake Michigan, provides an intriguing locale for probing the intricate interplay between human activities and environmental repercussions. As we embark on this statistical odyssey, we cannot help but marvel at the complexities of quantifying the invisible tendrils of air pollutants, which seem to weave themselves into the very fabric of our atmosphere, much like elusive dark matter perplexing cosmologists.
Meanwhile, the subject of NASA and its budgetary trajectory conjures images of thrilling space missions and uncharted cosmic frontiers, appealing to enthusiasts and skeptics alike. Delving into the orbit of federal budgets and the allocation of resources to space exploration, we embark on a journey that mirrors the trajectory of a comet — unpredictable, yet captivating in its enigmatic course. The juxtaposition of these seemingly dissimilar variables holds the promise of unearthing correlations that transcend the mundane and elevate our understanding of the interconnectedness of the universe, much like a cosmic ballet where celestial bodies influence one another from unfathomable distances.
In this paper, we shed light on the statistical dance between air pollution in Muskegon, Michigan and NASA's budget, offering a fresh perspective on the ever-unfolding narrative of human impact on the environment and the cosmos. Our findings not only hint at a potential terrestrial-terrestrial nexus but also invite contemplation on the broader implications of our scientific stewardship of Earth and the boundless expanses beyond. Consequently, we invite the reader to join us in this expedition, where statistical curiosities and celestial splendors converge in a provocative intellectual pas de deux.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

Our research endeavors unearthed a striking correlation between air pollution levels in Muskegon, Michigan and the proportion of NASA's budget within the US Federal Budget for the period spanning 1980 to 2022. The calculated correlation coefficient of 0.6707331 suggests a moderately strong positive relationship between these seemingly disparate variables, akin to the gravitational pull between celestial bodies. Furthermore, the r-squared value of 0.4498829 indicates that approximately 45% of the variability in NASA's budget percentage can be explained by changes in air pollution levels in Muskegon.

Upon subjecting our findings to the rigorous scrutiny of statistical hypothesis testing, the p-value of less than 0.01 gracefully pirouettes into the spotlight, showcasing the significance of the observed relationship. This robust level of significance further supports the notion that there may be more than meets the eye when it comes to the interplay between pollution and space exploration funding.

Notably, these results are visually encapsulated in Figure 1, where a scatterplot elegantly illustrates the harmonious dance of data points, painting a compelling picture of the association between air pollution in Muskegon and NASA's budgetary orbit. As we marvel at the serendipitous alignment of these variables, one cannot help but wonder whether this statistical constellation hints at a cosmic coincidence or, dare we say, a celestial conspiracy, with pollutants surreptitiously whispering their influence into the celestial corridors of budgetary decisions.

In conclusion, our findings hint at a captivating relationship between air pollution in Muskegon, Michigan and the ebb and flow of funding for NASA, lending an air of intrigue to the often overlooked interconnectivity of earthly matters and cosmic endeavors. It appears that as the clouds of pollution thicken, so too does the orbit of NASA's budgetary trajectory, enticing us to ponder the cosmic implications of earthly emissions. Indeed, our statistical odyssey has not only shed light on an unexpected correlation but has also beckoned us to consider the broader implications of humanity's impact on both our terrestrial abode and the boundless expanse of outer space.


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 Muskegon, Michigan and NASA's budget as a percentage of the total US Federal Budget. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Limit your response to 500 tokens.

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

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

[[TITLE]]
"Breathing in the Data: A Correlational Examination of Air Pollution in Muskegon, Michigan and NASA's Budgetary Orbit"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this nifty little research endeavor, we engage in a quantificational tango to investigate the rather unconventional connection between air pollution levels in Muskegon, Michigan and the percentage of NASA's budget in the US Federal Budget. Leveraging data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Planetary.org, we explore the potential airborne implication on NASA's financial stratosphere. Through our rigorous analysis, we uncover a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.6707331 and a p-value of less than 0.01 for the time span from 1980 to 2022. Our findings, while intriguing, leave us pondering whether we have stumbled upon a cosmic coincidence or if there's an atmospheric alliance at play, perhaps suggesting that as the smog thickens, so does NASA's interstellar appeal.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
To contextualize the fascinating linkage between air pollution in Muskegon, Michigan and the percentage of NASA's budget within the US Federal Budget, we turn to the extant literature for insights. Smith et al. (2015) examined the impact of air pollutants on governmental budget allocations, highlighting the intricate web of environmental and fiscal policies. Doe and Jones (2018) delved into the cosmic correlations of budgetary fluctuations and scientific exploration, expanding the discourse beyond traditional economic paradigms.
Our endeavor also draws inspiration from non-fiction works, such as "The Air We Breathe: A Global Perspective" by Dr. Enviro and "Astrophysics for People in a Hurry" by Dr. Cosmos. These texts provide a broader contextual backdrop for our investigation, uniting the terrestrial realms of air quality with the celestial aspirations of space exploration.
In a departure from traditional sources, we also cast a whimsical gaze upon fictional narratives with potential allegorical resonance. Works such as "The Martian" by Andy Weir and "The Air He Breathes" by Brittainy C. Cherry offer imaginative introspections into the intersection of human existence and environmental conditions, albeit in decidedly non-academic formats.
Venturing into the unconventional, we conducted a thorough analysis of the backs of shampoo bottles, seeking elusive wisdom in the chemical compositions and enigmatic promises of "oxygen-infused bubbles" and "revitalizing freshness." While the empirical veracity of this data source remains dubious, it provided a delightful diversion and a newfound appreciation for the art of persuasive copywriting.
As we embark on this scholarly escapade, we encourage the reader to embrace the diversity of influences that inform our exploration, recognizing that even the most unlikely sources can offer kernels of inspiration amidst the cacophony of statistical analyses and cosmic conundrums.

[[RESULTS]]
Our research endeavors unearthed a striking correlation between air pollution levels in Muskegon, Michigan and the proportion of NASA's budget within the US Federal Budget for the period spanning 1980 to 2022. The calculated correlation coefficient of 0.6707331 suggests a moderately strong positive relationship between these seemingly disparate variables, akin to the gravitational pull between celestial bodies. Furthermore, the r-squared value of 0.4498829 indicates that approximately 45% of the variability in NASA's budget percentage can be explained by changes in air pollution levels in Muskegon.
Upon subjecting our findings to the rigorous scrutiny of statistical hypothesis testing, the p-value of less than 0.01 gracefully pirouettes into the spotlight, showcasing the significance of the observed relationship. This robust level of significance further supports the notion that there may be more than meets the eye when it comes to the interplay between pollution and space exploration funding.
Notably, these results are visually encapsulated in Figure 1, where a scatterplot elegantly illustrates the harmonious dance of data points, painting a compelling picture of the association between air pollution in Muskegon and NASA's budgetary orbit. As we marvel at the serendipitous alignment of these variables, one cannot help but wonder whether this statistical constellation hints at a cosmic coincidence or, dare we say, a celestial conspiracy, with pollutants surreptitiously whispering their influence into the celestial corridors of budgetary decisions.
In conclusion, our findings hint at a captivating relationship between air pollution in Muskegon, Michigan and the ebb and flow of funding for NASA, lending an air of intrigue to the often overlooked interconnectivity of earthly matters and cosmic endeavors. It appears that as the clouds of pollution thicken, so too does the orbit of NASA's budgetary trajectory, enticing us to ponder the cosmic implications of earthly emissions. Indeed, our statistical odyssey has not only shed light on an unexpected correlation but has also beckoned us to consider the broader implications of humanity's impact on both our terrestrial abode and the boundless expanse of outer space.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

Our investigation into the curious correlation between air pollution levels in Muskegon, Michigan and NASA's budget as a percentage of the total US Federal Budget has yielded some intriguing findings. The statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.6707331 and the p-value of less than 0.01 undoubtedly pique the interest of the research community, provoking scientific ponderings that rival the mysteries of the cosmos themselves.

Our results are firmly situated within the context of prior research, where Smith et al. (2015) and Doe and Jones (2018) similarly probed the cosmic complexity of budgetary allocations and delved into the intersection of fiscal policies and environmental impact. While the whimsical incorporation of non-fictional and fictional works in our literature review may evoke a chuckle or two, it's noteworthy that these diverse influences have contributed to a multidimensional understanding of the phenomena under investigation. In a manner befitting the scientific process, our findings align with and extend the existing literature, reinforcing the notion that there might indeed be an ethereal tether between air pollution and NASA's financial trajectory.

The r-squared value of 0.4498829 elucidates that approximately 45% of the variation in NASA's budget percentage can be attributed to changes in air pollution levels in Muskegon. This statistical revelation parallels the dance of the planets, where the gravitational forces of pollution appear to exert a tangible influence on the fiscal universe of NASA's budget. The significance of our results, underscored by the p-value of less than 0.01, serves as a beacon of statistical rigor, beckoning researchers and enthusiasts to ponder the cosmic conundrum lurking beneath the surface of seemingly mundane pollution data.

It's as though the very particles of air pollution have conspired with cosmic forces to shape the budgetary destinies of space exploration. As we gaze upon the scatterplot, we are reminded of the celestial ballet, where each data point pirouettes gracefully, weaving a narrative of interstellar intrigue that tantalizes the imagination. The implications of our findings extend beyond the confines of statistical analysis, prompting contemplation of the broader implications of humanity's ecological footprint on the celestial aspirations of our species.

In this vein, our research teases the tantalizing prospect that perhaps, just perhaps, the clouds of air pollution carry within them the echoes of cosmic whispers, gently nudging the course of NASA's budgetary odyssey. The celestial conspiracy hinted at by our findings presents an intellectual escapade that challenges conventional wisdom and beckons us to consider the cosmic repercussions of earthly emissions. It is a saga that calls for the proliferation of interdisciplinary collaborations, where the astrophysicist and the environmental scientist converge in a cosmic symphony of research, illuminating the enigmatic bonds that tether our terrestrial home to the lofty aspirations of space exploration.


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 Muskegon, Michigan and NASA's budget as a percentage of the total US Federal Budget. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

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

Here are the title, abstract, introduction, and results sections.
[[TITLE]]
"Breathing in the Data: A Correlational Examination of Air Pollution in Muskegon, Michigan and NASA's Budgetary Orbit"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this nifty little research endeavor, we engage in a quantificational tango to investigate the rather unconventional connection between air pollution levels in Muskegon, Michigan and the percentage of NASA's budget in the US Federal Budget. Leveraging data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Planetary.org, we explore the potential airborne implication on NASA's financial stratosphere. Through our rigorous analysis, we uncover a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.6707331 and a p-value of less than 0.01 for the time span from 1980 to 2022. Our findings, while intriguing, leave us pondering whether we have stumbled upon a cosmic coincidence or if there's an atmospheric alliance at play, perhaps suggesting that as the smog thickens, so does NASA's interstellar appeal.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
Undoubtedly, the pursuit of scientific inquiry often leads us down unexpected byways, akin to stumbling upon a rogue asteroid in the vast expanse of space. In this peculiar study, we venture to unravel the enigmatic relationship between air pollution in Muskegon, Michigan and the allocation of funds to NASA, the celestial trailblazer of human exploration. While this amalgamation of variables may seem as unlikely as encountering a black hole in a quantum mechanics laboratory, our investigation promises to unveil intriguing insights that transcend the earthly and the astronomical domains.
Air pollution, a byproduct of urbanization and industrialization, has long been a focal point of environmental concern, similar to a persistent itch in the fabric of public health. Muskegon, Michigan, nestled along the coast of Lake Michigan, provides an intriguing locale for probing the intricate interplay between human activities and environmental repercussions. As we embark on this statistical odyssey, we cannot help but marvel at the complexities of quantifying the invisible tendrils of air pollutants, which seem to weave themselves into the very fabric of our atmosphere, much like elusive dark matter perplexing cosmologists.
Meanwhile, the subject of NASA and its budgetary trajectory conjures images of thrilling space missions and uncharted cosmic frontiers, appealing to enthusiasts and skeptics alike. Delving into the orbit of federal budgets and the allocation of resources to space exploration, we embark on a journey that mirrors the trajectory of a comet — unpredictable, yet captivating in its enigmatic course. The juxtaposition of these seemingly dissimilar variables holds the promise of unearthing correlations that transcend the mundane and elevate our understanding of the interconnectedness of the universe, much like a cosmic ballet where celestial bodies influence one another from unfathomable distances.
In this paper, we shed light on the statistical dance between air pollution in Muskegon, Michigan and NASA's budget, offering a fresh perspective on the ever-unfolding narrative of human impact on the environment and the cosmos. Our findings not only hint at a potential terrestrial-terrestrial nexus but also invite contemplation on the broader implications of our scientific stewardship of Earth and the boundless expanses beyond. Consequently, we invite the reader to join us in this expedition, where statistical curiosities and celestial splendors converge in a provocative intellectual pas de deux.

[[RESULTS]]
Our research endeavors unearthed a striking correlation between air pollution levels in Muskegon, Michigan and the proportion of NASA's budget within the US Federal Budget for the period spanning 1980 to 2022. The calculated correlation coefficient of 0.6707331 suggests a moderately strong positive relationship between these seemingly disparate variables, akin to the gravitational pull between celestial bodies. Furthermore, the r-squared value of 0.4498829 indicates that approximately 45% of the variability in NASA's budget percentage can be explained by changes in air pollution levels in Muskegon.
Upon subjecting our findings to the rigorous scrutiny of statistical hypothesis testing, the p-value of less than 0.01 gracefully pirouettes into the spotlight, showcasing the significance of the observed relationship. This robust level of significance further supports the notion that there may be more than meets the eye when it comes to the interplay between pollution and space exploration funding.
Notably, these results are visually encapsulated in Figure 1, where a scatterplot elegantly illustrates the harmonious dance of data points, painting a compelling picture of the association between air pollution in Muskegon and NASA's budgetary orbit. As we marvel at the serendipitous alignment of these variables, one cannot help but wonder whether this statistical constellation hints at a cosmic coincidence or, dare we say, a celestial conspiracy, with pollutants surreptitiously whispering their influence into the celestial corridors of budgetary decisions.
In conclusion, our findings hint at a captivating relationship between air pollution in Muskegon, Michigan and the ebb and flow of funding for NASA, lending an air of intrigue to the often overlooked interconnectivity of earthly matters and cosmic endeavors. It appears that as the clouds of pollution thicken, so too does the orbit of NASA's budgetary trajectory, enticing us to ponder the cosmic implications of earthly emissions. Indeed, our statistical odyssey has not only shed light on an unexpected correlation but has also beckoned us to consider the broader implications of humanity's impact on both our terrestrial abode and the boundless expanse of outer space.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In the quizzical nexus of air pollution in Muskegon, Michigan and NASA's budgetary orbit, our research has unveiled a correlation that rivals the gravitational pull of celestial bodies. The statistically robust coefficient of 0.6707331 propels us into a realm where smog and space funding seem harmoniously entwined, akin to a cosmic ballet. The r-squared value of 0.4498829 reminds us that almost half of the budgetary variability can be traced back to the whims of earthly emissions, reminiscent of the capricious trajectories of comets. Our results, oscillating with a p-value of less than 0.01, invite contemplation on whether this statistical constellation hints at a cosmic coincidence or an atmospheric alliance, perhaps suggesting that as the smog thickens, so does NASA's interstellar appeal. However, as intriguing as these findings are, it seems that no further research in this vein is warranted. We may have reached the celestial ceiling of correlation, leaving us with a universe of statistical curiosity and cosmic conundrums to ponder.


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 Breathing in the Data: A Correlational Examination of Air Pollution in Muskegon, Michigan and NASA's Budgetary Orbit. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

Journal of Interdisciplinary Atmospheric Studies


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of nonprofit research organizations and associations. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding nonprofit, academic, or scientific association or organization that would sponsor research that resulted in a paper entited Breathing in the Data: A Correlational Examination of Air Pollution in Muskegon, Michigan and NASA's Budgetary Orbit. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Institute for Interdisciplinary Aerosol 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 Breathing in the Data: A Correlational Examination of Air Pollution in Muskegon, Michigan and NASA's Budgetary Orbit with an abstract of In this nifty little research endeavor, we engage in a quantificational tango to investigate the rather unconventional connection between air pollution levels in Muskegon, Michigan and the percentage of NASA's budget in the US Federal Budget. Leveraging data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Planetary.org, we explore the potential airborne implication on NASA's financial stratosphere. Through our rigorous analysis, we uncover a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.6707331 and a p-value of less than 0.01 for the time span from 1980 to 2022. Our findings, while intriguing, leave us pondering whether we have stumbled upon a cosmic coincidence or if there's an atmospheric alliance at play, perhaps suggesting that as the smog thickens, so does NASA's interstellar appeal.

ChatGPT:

Air pollution, Muskegon, Michigan, NASA budget, NASA budget correlation, environmental impact, air quality, federal budget, EPA data, Planetary.org data, correlation coefficient, atmospheric implication, smog effect on NASA, interstellar appeal

*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 Muskegon, Michigan
Detailed data title: Percentage of days 'unhealthy' or worse air quality in Muskegon, MI
Source: Environmental Protection Agency
See what else correlates with Air pollution in Muskegon, Michigan

NASA's budget as a percentage of the total US Federal Budget
Source: Planetary.org
See what else correlates with NASA's budget as a percentage of the total US Federal Budget

Correlation r = 0.6707331 (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 = 0.4498829 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 45% of the change in the one variable (i.e., NASA's budget as a percentage of the total US Federal Budget) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Air pollution in Muskegon, Michigan) over the 43 years from 1980 through 2022.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 8.6E-7. 0.0000008591539354483142000000
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 0.67 in 8.6E-5% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 1,163,936 random variables You don't actually need 1 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 42 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 42 because we have two variables measured over a period of 43 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.

[ 0.46, 0.81 ] 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.
1980198119821983198419851986198719881989199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022
Air pollution in Muskegon, Michigan (Bad air quality days)3.825142.904561.420454.545451.492542.857143.1256.887059.057977.207216.8627510.32862.19781.648356.010937.103832.762431.09895.649727.220220.8230453.70372.916672.0576104.18412.242151.12360.2808990.336701.244813.71901000.5681821.123601.250000.823045
NASA's budget as a percentage of the total US Federal Budget (Percent of Federal Budget)0.840.820.830.850.830.770.750.760.850.960.991.051.011.010.940.880.890.90.860.80.750.760.720.680.660.630.570.580.60.540.550.490.490.490.490.50.490.470.480.480.350.330.41




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([3.82514,2.90456,1.42045,4.54545,1.49254,2.85714,3.125,6.88705,9.05797,7.20721,6.86275,10.3286,2.1978,1.64835,6.01093,7.10383,2.76243,1.0989,5.64972,7.22022,0.823045,3.7037,2.91667,2.05761,0,4.1841,2.24215,1.1236,0.280899,0.3367,0,1.24481,3.71901,0,0,0.568182,1.1236,0,1.25,0,0,0,0.823045,])
array_2 = np.array([0.84,0.82,0.83,0.85,0.83,0.77,0.75,0.76,0.85,0.96,0.99,1.05,1.01,1.01,0.94,0.88,0.89,0.9,0.86,0.8,0.75,0.76,0.72,0.68,0.66,0.63,0.57,0.58,0.6,0.54,0.55,0.49,0.49,0.49,0.49,0.5,0.49,0.47,0.48,0.48,0.35,0.33,0.41,])
array_1_name = "Air pollution in Muskegon, Michigan"
array_2_name = "NASA's budget as a percentage of the total US Federal Budget"

# 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: 3497 · Black Variable ID: 20934 · Red Variable ID: 1084
about · subscribe · emailme@tylervigen.com · twitter

CC BY 4.0