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Spurious correlation #3,725 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Annual US household spending on transportation and the second variable is Brookfield's stock price (BN).  The chart goes from 2002 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

As American families splurged on fancier cars and bigger RVs, they collectively developed a newfound appreciation for spacious parking lots. This surge in admiration for ample parking trickled down to increased demand for Brookfield's commercial real estate properties, leading to a boost in the company's stock price. So, in a roundabout way, you could say that driving in style somehow steered Brookfield's stock to new heights!

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: An image that looks like it is a scene from a Pixar movie, illustrating a bustling city where the streets are packed with cars as households spend more on transportation. The parking lots owned by Brookfield are overflowing with vehicles, and in the background, the stock price for Brookfield (BN) is seen rising steadily on the stock market ticker. The city is alive with movement and activity, presenting a vibrant and dynamic scene. 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: Annual US household spending on transportation and Brookfield's stock price (BN). 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: Art nouveau Woodblock painting An image that looks like it is a scene from a Pixar movie Woodblock painting Cutsy art illustration
ChatGPT: An image that looks like it is a scene from a Pixar movie

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both Annual US household spending on transportation and Brookfield's stock price (BN), in the following situation: As US household spending on transportation increased, more people bought cars, leading to a surge in demand for parking lots - and Brookfield just happens to own a lot of those!. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a bustling city, more and more cars fill the streets as US households spend more on transportation. Parking lots owned by Brookfield are suddenly overflowing with cars, and the stock price for Brookfield (BN) is rising steadily on the stock market ticker.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You write and improve image generation prompts for DALLE-3. You maintain the same subjects, but enhance the visuals.
User prompt: Please respond with an image generation prompt that would be likely to create an interesting visual using DALLE-3, using the following style: [ An image that looks like it is a scene from a Pixar movie ] and depicting this scene: In a bustling city, more and more cars fill the streets as US households spend more on transportation. Parking lots owned by Brookfield are suddenly overflowing with cars, and the stock price for Brookfield (BN) is rising steadily on the stock market ticker. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: An image that looks like it is a scene from a Pixar movie, illustrating a bustling city where the streets are packed with cars as households spend more on transportation. The parking lots owned by Brookfield are overflowing with vehicles, and in the background, the stock price for Brookfield (BN) is seen rising steadily on the stock market ticker. The city is alive with movement and activity, presenting a vibrant and dynamic scene.

*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 an increase in Annual US household spending on transportation caused Brookfield's stock price (BN) to increase.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Tallying the Transportation Tab: Tracking the Ties between Annual US Household Spending on Transportation and Brookfield's Back-and-Forth Balancing on the Big Board (BN)

Journal of Urban Mobility and Economic Analysis

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

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Annual US household spending on transportation and Brookfield's stock price (BN). Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Make the title an alliteration.

Your research team used data from Bureau of Labor Statistics and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.7011703 and p < 0.01 for 2002 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]]
Tallying the Transportation Tab: Tracking the Ties between Annual US Household Spending on Transportation and Brookfield's Back-and-Forth Balancing on the Big Board (BN)

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research delves into the connection between annual US household spending on transportation and the fluctuating fortune of Brookfield's stock price (BN) over the period from 2002 to 2022. Leveraging data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), our team meticulously scrutinized the correlation between these seemingly unrelated variables. Surprisingly, our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.7011703 with a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, suggesting a stronger link between the two than initially anticipated. While one might expect the movement of stock prices to be unrelated to mundane household expenditures, this study uncovers a potential symbiosis as the wheels of transportation spending appear to drive the gears of Brookfield's stock performance. Our findings not only shed light on this curious association but also serve as a testament to the whimsical intricacies of the financial world.


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

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Annual US household spending on transportation and Brookfield's stock price (BN). 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]]
Tallying the Transportation Tab: Tracking the Ties between Annual US Household Spending on Transportation and Brookfield's Back-and-Forth Balancing on the Big Board (BN)

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research delves into the connection between annual US household spending on transportation and the fluctuating fortune of Brookfield's stock price (BN) over the period from 2002 to 2022. Leveraging data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), our team meticulously scrutinized the correlation between these seemingly unrelated variables. Surprisingly, our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.7011703 with a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, suggesting a stronger link between the two than initially anticipated. While one might expect the movement of stock prices to be unrelated to mundane household expenditures, this study uncovers a potential symbiosis as the wheels of transportation spending appear to drive the gears of Brookfield's stock performance. Our findings not only shed light on this curious association but also serve as a testament to the whimsical intricacies of the financial world.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
INTRODUCTION

The intersection of economics and consumer behavior has always been an intriguing terrain to traverse – a maze of interconnecting pathways, where the occasional dead end can turn into a flourishing garden of insights. In this paper, we embark on a journey to navigate the enigmatic relationship between annual US household spending on transportation and the erratic undulations of Brookfield's stock price (BN). Our expedition into this uncharted territory aims to untangle the web of connections between the mundane daily commute and the mercurial movements of financial markets.

As the esteemed detective Sherlock Holmes once aptly remarked, "Data, data, data... I cannot make bricks without clay." Armed with this wisdom, we availed ourselves of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, delving into the intricate tapestry of household expenditures. Simultaneously, weaving our way through the labyrinth of stock market fluctuations, we employed data sourced from LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv). These disparate data streams converge in our rigorous analysis to illuminate the unexpected correlation between the two seemingly divergent variables.

The customary expectation might be for the stock market to be impervious to the ebb and flow of pedestrian expenses. However, as scholarly sleuths on the hunt for intriguing statistical anomalies, we were not content with surface assumptions. Lo and behold, our scrutiny revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.7011703, accompanied by a p-value that gleefully strutted beneath the threshold of 0.01. The sheer audacity of statistics never ceases to amuse – unveiling connections where none were anticipated, casting a playful shadow on the established norms of financial analysis.

While the connection between transportation spending and stock price performance may seem as disparate as chalk and cheese, our findings whisper a different tale. As we unravel the knots of this enigma, our study plunges into the depths of financial eccentricities, ultimately illustrating the whimsical dance of consumer behavior and market dynamics. Thus, our endeavor transcends the mere delineation of correlation; it serves as a testament to the capricious charm that pervades the financial ecosystem.

In the pages that follow, we present our unraveling of this entangled riddle, shedding light on the perplexing link between mundane financial transactions and the grand theater of stock market performance. Join us in this expedition, as we seek to decipher the serendipitous symphony that plays out amidst the numbers and variables, where the mundane and the majestic converge in an intricate waltz of economic whimsy.


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

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Annual US household spending on transportation and Brookfield's stock price (BN). 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 name some cartoons and childrens' shows that you watched that are related to the topic.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Tallying the Transportation Tab: Tracking the Ties between Annual US Household Spending on Transportation and Brookfield's Back-and-Forth Balancing on the Big Board (BN)

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research delves into the connection between annual US household spending on transportation and the fluctuating fortune of Brookfield's stock price (BN) over the period from 2002 to 2022. Leveraging data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), our team meticulously scrutinized the correlation between these seemingly unrelated variables. Surprisingly, our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.7011703 with a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, suggesting a stronger link between the two than initially anticipated. While one might expect the movement of stock prices to be unrelated to mundane household expenditures, this study uncovers a potential symbiosis as the wheels of transportation spending appear to drive the gears of Brookfield's stock performance. Our findings not only shed light on this curious association but also serve as a testament to the whimsical intricacies of the financial world.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
INTRODUCTION
The intersection of economics and consumer behavior has always been an intriguing terrain to traverse – a maze of interconnecting pathways, where the occasional dead end can turn into a flourishing garden of insights. In this paper, we embark on a journey to navigate the enigmatic relationship between annual US household spending on transportation and the erratic undulations of Brookfield's stock price (BN). Our expedition into this uncharted territory aims to untangle the web of connections between the mundane daily commute and the mercurial movements of financial markets.
As the esteemed detective Sherlock Holmes once aptly remarked, "Data, data, data... I cannot make bricks without clay." Armed with this wisdom, we availed ourselves of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, delving into the intricate tapestry of household expenditures. Simultaneously, weaving our way through the labyrinth of stock market fluctuations, we employed data sourced from LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv). These disparate data streams converge in our rigorous analysis to illuminate the unexpected correlation between the two seemingly divergent variables.
The customary expectation might be for the stock market to be impervious to the ebb and flow of pedestrian expenses. However, as scholarly sleuths on the hunt for intriguing statistical anomalies, we were not content with surface assumptions. Lo and behold, our scrutiny revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.7011703, accompanied by a p-value that gleefully strutted beneath the threshold of 0.01. The sheer audacity of statistics never ceases to amuse – unveiling connections where none were anticipated, casting a playful shadow on the established norms of financial analysis.
While the connection between transportation spending and stock price performance may seem as disparate as chalk and cheese, our findings whisper a different tale. As we unravel the knots of this enigma, our study plunges into the depths of financial eccentricities, ultimately illustrating the whimsical dance of consumer behavior and market dynamics. Thus, our endeavor transcends the mere delineation of correlation; it serves as a testament to the capricious charm that pervades the financial ecosystem.
In the pages that follow, we present our unraveling of this entangled riddle, shedding light on the perplexing link between mundane financial transactions and the grand theater of stock market performance. Join us in this expedition, as we seek to decipher the serendipitous symphony that plays out amidst the numbers and variables, where the mundane and the majestic converge in an intricate waltz of economic whimsy.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

To embark on our expedition into the uncharted territory of the correlation between annual US household spending on transportation and the erratic fluctuations of Brookfield's stock price (BN), we look towards existing literature that laid the groundwork for our endeavor. Smith et al. in "Consumer Expenditure Survey" extensively investigated the allocation of household expenditures, providing a comprehensive understanding of the patterns and trends in transportation spending. Meanwhile, Doe and Jones, in "Economic Indicators and Their Impacts," delved into the intricate dynamics of stock price movements, shedding light on the multifaceted factors influencing market performance.

As we delve deeper into the literature, we encounter "Transportation Economics" by Anderson and Smith, a seminal work illuminating the complex interplay of consumer behavior, transportation infrastructure, and economic implications. Furthermore, "Stock Market Wizards" by Schwager offers captivating narratives of traders navigating the labyrinthine world of stock markets, providing invaluable insights into the capricious nature of market dynamics.

On a somewhat lighter note, in the realm of fiction that loosely resonates with our investigation, we stumble upon "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams, a whimsical tale replete with intergalactic travel and the unpredictable twists of fate – a fitting analogy for the serendipitous nature of financial markets. Similarly, "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, with its opulent portrayal of 1920s New York City, serves as a captivating tale about wealth, excess, and the mysteries of the stock market. A whimsical and informative thought experiment, indeed!

Venturing into the realm of pop culture that unexpectedly aligns with our investigation, we find solace in the nostalgic allure of "The Magic School Bus," where Ms. Frizzle's enchanting expeditions into the realms of science serve as a reminder of the joy of discovery and the unexpected connections that emerge. Additionally, the ever-popular "SpongeBob SquarePants" intricately weaves in themes of transportation and the daily grind, albeit in a nautical setting, providing a lighthearted, yet surprisingly relevant, reflection on the intertwining of mundane activities and broader economic currents.

In the following sections, we endeavor to synthesize the playful nuances and unexpected parallels encapsulated in the diverse sources we have encountered, shedding light on the surprising connections that emerge from our investigation into the nexus of transportation spending and stock market performance.


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

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Annual US household spending on transportation and Brookfield's stock price (BN). 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 Bureau of Labor Statistics and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) . You used data from 2002 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]]
Tallying the Transportation Tab: Tracking the Ties between Annual US Household Spending on Transportation and Brookfield's Back-and-Forth Balancing on the Big Board (BN)

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research delves into the connection between annual US household spending on transportation and the fluctuating fortune of Brookfield's stock price (BN) over the period from 2002 to 2022. Leveraging data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), our team meticulously scrutinized the correlation between these seemingly unrelated variables. Surprisingly, our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.7011703 with a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, suggesting a stronger link between the two than initially anticipated. While one might expect the movement of stock prices to be unrelated to mundane household expenditures, this study uncovers a potential symbiosis as the wheels of transportation spending appear to drive the gears of Brookfield's stock performance. Our findings not only shed light on this curious association but also serve as a testament to the whimsical intricacies of the financial world.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
INTRODUCTION
The intersection of economics and consumer behavior has always been an intriguing terrain to traverse – a maze of interconnecting pathways, where the occasional dead end can turn into a flourishing garden of insights. In this paper, we embark on a journey to navigate the enigmatic relationship between annual US household spending on transportation and the erratic undulations of Brookfield's stock price (BN). Our expedition into this uncharted territory aims to untangle the web of connections between the mundane daily commute and the mercurial movements of financial markets.
As the esteemed detective Sherlock Holmes once aptly remarked, "Data, data, data... I cannot make bricks without clay." Armed with this wisdom, we availed ourselves of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, delving into the intricate tapestry of household expenditures. Simultaneously, weaving our way through the labyrinth of stock market fluctuations, we employed data sourced from LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv). These disparate data streams converge in our rigorous analysis to illuminate the unexpected correlation between the two seemingly divergent variables.
The customary expectation might be for the stock market to be impervious to the ebb and flow of pedestrian expenses. However, as scholarly sleuths on the hunt for intriguing statistical anomalies, we were not content with surface assumptions. Lo and behold, our scrutiny revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.7011703, accompanied by a p-value that gleefully strutted beneath the threshold of 0.01. The sheer audacity of statistics never ceases to amuse – unveiling connections where none were anticipated, casting a playful shadow on the established norms of financial analysis.
While the connection between transportation spending and stock price performance may seem as disparate as chalk and cheese, our findings whisper a different tale. As we unravel the knots of this enigma, our study plunges into the depths of financial eccentricities, ultimately illustrating the whimsical dance of consumer behavior and market dynamics. Thus, our endeavor transcends the mere delineation of correlation; it serves as a testament to the capricious charm that pervades the financial ecosystem.
In the pages that follow, we present our unraveling of this entangled riddle, shedding light on the perplexing link between mundane financial transactions and the grand theater of stock market performance. Join us in this expedition, as we seek to decipher the serendipitous symphony that plays out amidst the numbers and variables, where the mundane and the majestic converge in an intricate waltz of economic whimsy.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

METHODOLOGY

To untangle the perplexing web of connections between annual US household spending on transportation and the capricious undulations of Brookfield's stock price (BN), our research employed a multifaceted approach that combined traditional statistical analyses with a dash of whimsy. Our methodology took a "shotgun" approach to data collection, sweeping across the vast expanse of the internet but with a keen focus on data from reputable sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv). The data encompassed the period from 2002 to 2022 – a time frame meticulously chosen to encapsulate the myriad quirks and quibbles of both consumer spending patterns and market fluctuations.

First, we embarked on a data reconnaissance mission, scouring the Bureau of Labor Statistics for intricate details of US household expenditure on transportation. We delved into the depths of consumer behavior, sifting through the data with the meticulousness of a scientist dissecting a rare specimen. Our noses buried in the statistical foliage, we unearthed a treasure trove of information, from gasoline and motor oil expenses to public transportation and vehicle purchases. The data was our canvas, and the numbers, our paint – with each stroke adding depth and texture to our analytical tapestry.

Simultaneously, we navigated the labyrinthine corridors of stock market data, navigating the tempestuous seas of Brookfield's stock price (BN) using the ever-reliable vessel of LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv). This journey across the tumultuous waves of market volatility yielded a bounty of stock price fluctuations – a captivating ballet of bullish and bearish movements, akin to the mercurial pirouettes of a financial fandango.

With our data in hand, we commenced the intricate process of statistical analysis, taking care to acknowledge the inherent quirkiness of the variables at play. Embracing the enchanting uncertainty woven into statistical endeavors, we solicited the company of Pearson's correlation coefficient to decipher the entwined relationship between household transportation expenditure and Brookfield's stock price. Accompanied by the stalwart statistical significance test, we charted the peaks and valleys of correlation with the gusto of intrepid explorers mapping uncharted territories. The final results sparkled with the unexpected clarity of a hidden gem, revealing the tantalizing correlation coefficient of 0.7011703 – a testament to the mystifying harmony between these ostensibly unrelated variables.

Our methodology, while laced with scholarly rigor, danced with the playful spirit of curiosity, recognizing that the convoluted terrain of financial analysis often harbors delightful surprises. As we present our findings, we invite readers to join us in this playful exploration, where the mundane mundanity of transportation spending intertwines with the grand theater of stock market fluctuations in a whimsical ballet of economic intrigue.


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

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Annual US household spending on transportation and Brookfield's stock price (BN). 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 Bureau of Labor Statistics and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) .

For the time period 2002 to 2022, you found a correlation 0.7011703, r-squared of 0.4916398, 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]]
Tallying the Transportation Tab: Tracking the Ties between Annual US Household Spending on Transportation and Brookfield's Back-and-Forth Balancing on the Big Board (BN)

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research delves into the connection between annual US household spending on transportation and the fluctuating fortune of Brookfield's stock price (BN) over the period from 2002 to 2022. Leveraging data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), our team meticulously scrutinized the correlation between these seemingly unrelated variables. Surprisingly, our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.7011703 with a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, suggesting a stronger link between the two than initially anticipated. While one might expect the movement of stock prices to be unrelated to mundane household expenditures, this study uncovers a potential symbiosis as the wheels of transportation spending appear to drive the gears of Brookfield's stock performance. Our findings not only shed light on this curious association but also serve as a testament to the whimsical intricacies of the financial world.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
INTRODUCTION
The intersection of economics and consumer behavior has always been an intriguing terrain to traverse – a maze of interconnecting pathways, where the occasional dead end can turn into a flourishing garden of insights. In this paper, we embark on a journey to navigate the enigmatic relationship between annual US household spending on transportation and the erratic undulations of Brookfield's stock price (BN). Our expedition into this uncharted territory aims to untangle the web of connections between the mundane daily commute and the mercurial movements of financial markets.
As the esteemed detective Sherlock Holmes once aptly remarked, "Data, data, data... I cannot make bricks without clay." Armed with this wisdom, we availed ourselves of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, delving into the intricate tapestry of household expenditures. Simultaneously, weaving our way through the labyrinth of stock market fluctuations, we employed data sourced from LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv). These disparate data streams converge in our rigorous analysis to illuminate the unexpected correlation between the two seemingly divergent variables.
The customary expectation might be for the stock market to be impervious to the ebb and flow of pedestrian expenses. However, as scholarly sleuths on the hunt for intriguing statistical anomalies, we were not content with surface assumptions. Lo and behold, our scrutiny revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.7011703, accompanied by a p-value that gleefully strutted beneath the threshold of 0.01. The sheer audacity of statistics never ceases to amuse – unveiling connections where none were anticipated, casting a playful shadow on the established norms of financial analysis.
While the connection between transportation spending and stock price performance may seem as disparate as chalk and cheese, our findings whisper a different tale. As we unravel the knots of this enigma, our study plunges into the depths of financial eccentricities, ultimately illustrating the whimsical dance of consumer behavior and market dynamics. Thus, our endeavor transcends the mere delineation of correlation; it serves as a testament to the capricious charm that pervades the financial ecosystem.
In the pages that follow, we present our unraveling of this entangled riddle, shedding light on the perplexing link between mundane financial transactions and the grand theater of stock market performance. Join us in this expedition, as we seek to decipher the serendipitous symphony that plays out amidst the numbers and variables, where the mundane and the majestic converge in an intricate waltz of economic whimsy.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

RESULTS

The analysis of the connection between annual US household spending on transportation and Brookfield's stock price (BN) yielded intriguing results. The correlation coefficient of 0.7011703 indicated a moderately strong positive correlation between these two variables. The r-squared value of 0.4916398 further corroborated this relationship, suggesting that approximately 49.16% of the variability in Brookfield's stock price can be explained by annual US household spending on transportation. The p-value of less than 0.01 underscored the statistical significance of this correlation, affirming that the observed relationship is unlikely to be a mere fluke.

Figure 1 illustrates the robust association between annual US household spending on transportation and Brookfield's stock price, depicting a scatterplot that vividly captures the positive correlation uncovered in our analysis. The data points align themselves in a clear upward trend, echoing the synchronicity between the two variables and validating the statistical findings.

In light of these results, it is evident that the whims of consumer expenditure on transportation have, in some enigmatic manner, intertwined with the capricious undulations of Brookfield's stock performance. The financial world, often portrayed as a cold, unyielding entity, has revealed its playful side through this unexpected connection, demonstrating that the synergy between consumer behavior and market dynamics can manifest in the most peculiar ways. This peculiar pairing between transportation spending and stock price performance serves as an intriguing testament to the unpredictable charm that pervades the economic landscape.

The unanticipated concordance we discovered prompts us to further ponder the intricate interplay between seemingly unrelated spheres of economic influence. This unexpected convergence serves as a captivating reminder that, in the labyrinth of financial interactions, the most delightful revelations often emerge from the unlikeliest of connections. Our study not only deepens our understanding of the interwoven fabric of consumer patterns and stock market movements but also underscores the delightful eccentricities that enrich the tapestry of economic analysis.


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

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Annual US household spending on transportation and Brookfield's stock price (BN). 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]]
Tallying the Transportation Tab: Tracking the Ties between Annual US Household Spending on Transportation and Brookfield's Back-and-Forth Balancing on the Big Board (BN)

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research delves into the connection between annual US household spending on transportation and the fluctuating fortune of Brookfield's stock price (BN) over the period from 2002 to 2022. Leveraging data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), our team meticulously scrutinized the correlation between these seemingly unrelated variables. Surprisingly, our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.7011703 with a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, suggesting a stronger link between the two than initially anticipated. While one might expect the movement of stock prices to be unrelated to mundane household expenditures, this study uncovers a potential symbiosis as the wheels of transportation spending appear to drive the gears of Brookfield's stock performance. Our findings not only shed light on this curious association but also serve as a testament to the whimsical intricacies of the financial world.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
To embark on our expedition into the uncharted territory of the correlation between annual US household spending on transportation and the erratic fluctuations of Brookfield's stock price (BN), we look towards existing literature that laid the groundwork for our endeavor. Smith et al. in "Consumer Expenditure Survey" extensively investigated the allocation of household expenditures, providing a comprehensive understanding of the patterns and trends in transportation spending. Meanwhile, Doe and Jones, in "Economic Indicators and Their Impacts," delved into the intricate dynamics of stock price movements, shedding light on the multifaceted factors influencing market performance.
As we delve deeper into the literature, we encounter "Transportation Economics" by Anderson and Smith, a seminal work illuminating the complex interplay of consumer behavior, transportation infrastructure, and economic implications. Furthermore, "Stock Market Wizards" by Schwager offers captivating narratives of traders navigating the labyrinthine world of stock markets, providing invaluable insights into the capricious nature of market dynamics.
On a somewhat lighter note, in the realm of fiction that loosely resonates with our investigation, we stumble upon "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams, a whimsical tale replete with intergalactic travel and the unpredictable twists of fate – a fitting analogy for the serendipitous nature of financial markets. Similarly, "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, with its opulent portrayal of 1920s New York City, serves as a captivating tale about wealth, excess, and the mysteries of the stock market. A whimsical and informative thought experiment, indeed!
Venturing into the realm of pop culture that unexpectedly aligns with our investigation, we find solace in the nostalgic allure of "The Magic School Bus," where Ms. Frizzle's enchanting expeditions into the realms of science serve as a reminder of the joy of discovery and the unexpected connections that emerge. Additionally, the ever-popular "SpongeBob SquarePants" intricately weaves in themes of transportation and the daily grind, albeit in a nautical setting, providing a lighthearted, yet surprisingly relevant, reflection on the intertwining of mundane activities and broader economic currents.
In the following sections, we endeavor to synthesize the playful nuances and unexpected parallels encapsulated in the diverse sources we have encountered, shedding light on the surprising connections that emerge from our investigation into the nexus of transportation spending and stock market performance.

[[RESULTS]]
RESULTS
The analysis of the connection between annual US household spending on transportation and Brookfield's stock price (BN) yielded intriguing results. The correlation coefficient of 0.7011703 indicated a moderately strong positive correlation between these two variables. The r-squared value of 0.4916398 further corroborated this relationship, suggesting that approximately 49.16% of the variability in Brookfield's stock price can be explained by annual US household spending on transportation. The p-value of less than 0.01 underscored the statistical significance of this correlation, affirming that the observed relationship is unlikely to be a mere fluke.
Figure 1 illustrates the robust association between annual US household spending on transportation and Brookfield's stock price, depicting a scatterplot that vividly captures the positive correlation uncovered in our analysis. The data points align themselves in a clear upward trend, echoing the synchronicity between the two variables and validating the statistical findings.
In light of these results, it is evident that the whims of consumer expenditure on transportation have, in some enigmatic manner, intertwined with the capricious undulations of Brookfield's stock performance. The financial world, often portrayed as a cold, unyielding entity, has revealed its playful side through this unexpected connection, demonstrating that the synergy between consumer behavior and market dynamics can manifest in the most peculiar ways. This peculiar pairing between transportation spending and stock price performance serves as an intriguing testament to the unpredictable charm that pervades the economic landscape.
The unanticipated concordance we discovered prompts us to further ponder the intricate interplay between seemingly unrelated spheres of economic influence. This unexpected convergence serves as a captivating reminder that, in the labyrinth of financial interactions, the most delightful revelations often emerge from the unlikeliest of connections. Our study not only deepens our understanding of the interwoven fabric of consumer patterns and stock market movements but also underscores the delightful eccentricities that enrich the tapestry of economic analysis.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The results of our investigation into the relationship between annual US household spending on transportation and Brookfield's stock price (BN) have unearthed a fascinating correlation, illuminating the unexpected intertwining of these seemingly disparate variables. As we reflect on our findings, the whimsical nature of our research journey becomes apparent, with the most unexpected connections emerging from the shadows of statistical analysis.

The correlation coefficient of 0.7011703, supported by a p-value of less than 0.01, beckons us to reconsider the traditional dichotomy between consumer spending and stock market performance. It appears that the ebb and flow of transportation expenditures have established a surreptitious dance with the undulations of Brookfield's stock price, defying conventional expectations. This peculiar pairing provides a playful reminder of the capricious symphony that resonates through the financial markets, where the mundane mechanics of consumer behavior converge with the mercurial melody of stock price movements.

Our findings are not only substantiated by prior research efforts, such as the meticulous examinations conducted by Smith et al. in the "Consumer Expenditure Survey," but also draw parallels to unexpected literary analogies that obliquely resonate with our investigation. The enchanting musings of Douglas Adams in "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" and the opulent portrayal of wealth and mystery in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" now subtly mirror the whimsical nature of our financial discovery. Similarly, the seemingly lighthearted associations with "The Magic School Bus" and "SpongeBob SquarePants" paradoxically align with our serious investigation, shedding light on the unexpected connections that underpin even the most meticulous research endeavors.

As we reflect on the lighthearted nature of our discourse, it is imperative to underscore the intricate complexity underlying the statistical substantiation of our results. The r-squared value of 0.4916398 offers a quantitative reflection of the enigmatic interplay between transportation spending and Brookfield's stock performance, highlighting the unexpected synchronicities that emerge from our analysis. This unexpected convergence serves as a captivating reminder that, amidst the rigidity of statistical analysis, the most delightful revelations often spring from the unlikeliest of variables.

In summary, our exploration of the nexus between annual US household spending on transportation and Brookfield's stock price has not only unravelled a surprising correlation but also underscored the whimsical charm that permeates the economic landscape. This unexpected pairing serves as a testament to the jovial intricacies that embellish the tapestry of empirical inquiry, reminding us that even in the seriousness of scholarly discourse, a touch of playfulness can illuminate the most unexpected connections.


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

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Annual US household spending on transportation and Brookfield's stock price (BN). 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]]
Tallying the Transportation Tab: Tracking the Ties between Annual US Household Spending on Transportation and Brookfield's Back-and-Forth Balancing on the Big Board (BN)

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research delves into the connection between annual US household spending on transportation and the fluctuating fortune of Brookfield's stock price (BN) over the period from 2002 to 2022. Leveraging data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), our team meticulously scrutinized the correlation between these seemingly unrelated variables. Surprisingly, our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.7011703 with a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, suggesting a stronger link between the two than initially anticipated. While one might expect the movement of stock prices to be unrelated to mundane household expenditures, this study uncovers a potential symbiosis as the wheels of transportation spending appear to drive the gears of Brookfield's stock performance. Our findings not only shed light on this curious association but also serve as a testament to the whimsical intricacies of the financial world.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
INTRODUCTION
The intersection of economics and consumer behavior has always been an intriguing terrain to traverse – a maze of interconnecting pathways, where the occasional dead end can turn into a flourishing garden of insights. In this paper, we embark on a journey to navigate the enigmatic relationship between annual US household spending on transportation and the erratic undulations of Brookfield's stock price (BN). Our expedition into this uncharted territory aims to untangle the web of connections between the mundane daily commute and the mercurial movements of financial markets.
As the esteemed detective Sherlock Holmes once aptly remarked, "Data, data, data... I cannot make bricks without clay." Armed with this wisdom, we availed ourselves of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, delving into the intricate tapestry of household expenditures. Simultaneously, weaving our way through the labyrinth of stock market fluctuations, we employed data sourced from LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv). These disparate data streams converge in our rigorous analysis to illuminate the unexpected correlation between the two seemingly divergent variables.
The customary expectation might be for the stock market to be impervious to the ebb and flow of pedestrian expenses. However, as scholarly sleuths on the hunt for intriguing statistical anomalies, we were not content with surface assumptions. Lo and behold, our scrutiny revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.7011703, accompanied by a p-value that gleefully strutted beneath the threshold of 0.01. The sheer audacity of statistics never ceases to amuse – unveiling connections where none were anticipated, casting a playful shadow on the established norms of financial analysis.
While the connection between transportation spending and stock price performance may seem as disparate as chalk and cheese, our findings whisper a different tale. As we unravel the knots of this enigma, our study plunges into the depths of financial eccentricities, ultimately illustrating the whimsical dance of consumer behavior and market dynamics. Thus, our endeavor transcends the mere delineation of correlation; it serves as a testament to the capricious charm that pervades the financial ecosystem.
In the pages that follow, we present our unraveling of this entangled riddle, shedding light on the perplexing link between mundane financial transactions and the grand theater of stock market performance. Join us in this expedition, as we seek to decipher the serendipitous symphony that plays out amidst the numbers and variables, where the mundane and the majestic converge in an intricate waltz of economic whimsy.

[[RESULTS]]
RESULTS
The analysis of the connection between annual US household spending on transportation and Brookfield's stock price (BN) yielded intriguing results. The correlation coefficient of 0.7011703 indicated a moderately strong positive correlation between these two variables. The r-squared value of 0.4916398 further corroborated this relationship, suggesting that approximately 49.16% of the variability in Brookfield's stock price can be explained by annual US household spending on transportation. The p-value of less than 0.01 underscored the statistical significance of this correlation, affirming that the observed relationship is unlikely to be a mere fluke.
Figure 1 illustrates the robust association between annual US household spending on transportation and Brookfield's stock price, depicting a scatterplot that vividly captures the positive correlation uncovered in our analysis. The data points align themselves in a clear upward trend, echoing the synchronicity between the two variables and validating the statistical findings.
In light of these results, it is evident that the whims of consumer expenditure on transportation have, in some enigmatic manner, intertwined with the capricious undulations of Brookfield's stock performance. The financial world, often portrayed as a cold, unyielding entity, has revealed its playful side through this unexpected connection, demonstrating that the synergy between consumer behavior and market dynamics can manifest in the most peculiar ways. This peculiar pairing between transportation spending and stock price performance serves as an intriguing testament to the unpredictable charm that pervades the economic landscape.
The unanticipated concordance we discovered prompts us to further ponder the intricate interplay between seemingly unrelated spheres of economic influence. This unexpected convergence serves as a captivating reminder that, in the labyrinth of financial interactions, the most delightful revelations often emerge from the unlikeliest of connections. Our study not only deepens our understanding of the interwoven fabric of consumer patterns and stock market movements but also underscores the delightful eccentricities that enrich the tapestry of economic analysis.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our investigation into the relationship between annual US household spending on transportation and Brookfield's stock price (BN) has illuminated a surprising correlation that challenges conventional economic wisdom. The robust correlation coefficient of 0.7011703 and the significant p-value provide compelling evidence of the intertwined nature of these seemingly distant variables. This discovery serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability and whimsical nature of the financial world, where the mundane and the monumental may engage in a lively tango of influence.

Our findings beckon us to contemplate the harmonious dance of statistical significance and economic peculiarity, as the r-squared value humorously whispers that nearly half of Brookfield's stock price variability can be attributed to the whims of transportation spending. Indeed, this quirky partnership between consumer comportment and market merriment adds a touch of levity to the otherwise stoic realm of financial analysis.

As we draw the curtain on this peculiar pairing, we assert with unwavering confidence that further investigation into this curious correlation would merely be an exercise in redundancy. Our research has effectively uncovered the hidden threads that stitch together the fabric of transportation spending and stock price performance, leaving no room for doubt or additional inquiry. The conclusive nature of our findings orchestrates a symphony of closure, affirming that the serendipitous connection between these variables has been thoroughly unraveled.

In the grand theater of economic whimsy, our study stands as a testament to the captivating charm that underpins the convoluted interactions within the financial ecosystem. It is with great enthusiasm that we invite fellow scholars and enthusiasts to join in our mirthful appreciation of the delightful surprises that abound in the world of economic research. No further investigation is required in this area, as our work has laid bare the mysterious harmony between transportation expenditure and stock market sway, leaving no stone unturned in this captivating saga of statistical caprice.


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 Tallying the Transportation Tab: Tracking the Ties between Annual US Household Spending on Transportation and Brookfield's Back-and-Forth Balancing on the Big Board (BN). Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

Journal of Urban Mobility and Economic Analysis


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 Tallying the Transportation Tab: Tracking the Ties between Annual US Household Spending on Transportation and Brookfield's Back-and-Forth Balancing on the Big Board (BN). Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Institute for Urban Mobility 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 Tallying the Transportation Tab: Tracking the Ties between Annual US Household Spending on Transportation and Brookfield's Back-and-Forth Balancing on the Big Board (BN) with an abstract of This research delves into the connection between annual US household spending on transportation and the fluctuating fortune of Brookfield's stock price (BN) over the period from 2002 to 2022. Leveraging data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), our team meticulously scrutinized the correlation between these seemingly unrelated variables. Surprisingly, our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.7011703 with a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, suggesting a stronger link between the two than initially anticipated. While one might expect the movement of stock prices to be unrelated to mundane household expenditures, this study uncovers a potential symbiosis as the wheels of transportation spending appear to drive the gears of Brookfield's stock performance. Our findings not only shed light on this curious association but also serve as a testament to the whimsical intricacies of the financial world.

ChatGPT:

annual US household spending, transportation spending, Brookfield stock price, BN stock price, correlation analysis, Bureau of Labor Statistics, LSEG Analytics, Refinitiv, correlation coefficient, p-value, stock performance, financial correlation

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



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Data details

Annual US household spending on transportation
Detailed data title: Average annual household spend on transportation
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
See what else correlates with Annual US household spending on transportation

Brookfield's stock price (BN)
Detailed data title: Opening price of Brookfield (BN) on the first trading day of the year
Source: LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv)
Additional Info: Via Microsoft Excel Stockhistory function

See what else correlates with Brookfield's stock price (BN)

Correlation r = 0.7011703 (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 = 0.4916398 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 49.2% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Brookfield's stock price (BN)) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Annual US household spending on transportation) over the 21 years from 2002 through 2022.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 0.0004. 0.0003983418287900989000000000
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 0.7 in 0.04% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 2,510 random variables Which I absolutely did.
with the same 20 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 20 because we have two variables measured over a period of 21 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.

[ 0.39, 0.87 ] 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.
200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022
Annual US household spending on transportation (Household spend)775977817801834485088758860476587677829389989004907395039049957697611074298261096112295
Brookfield's stock price (BN) (Stock price)14.7116.5424.829.5440.9739.2629.1212.3218.4627.2522.7430.3531.5440.7625.2926.9635.4730.8947.1733.4349.19




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([7759,7781,7801,8344,8508,8758,8604,7658,7677,8293,8998,9004,9073,9503,9049,9576,9761,10742,9826,10961,12295,])
array_2 = np.array([14.71,16.54,24.8,29.54,40.97,39.26,29.12,12.32,18.46,27.25,22.74,30.35,31.54,40.76,25.29,26.96,35.47,30.89,47.17,33.43,49.19,])
array_1_name = "Annual US household spending on transportation"
array_2_name = "Brookfield's stock price (BN)"

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

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



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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.

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Correlation ID: 3725 · Black Variable ID: 19925 · Red Variable ID: 1706
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