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Spurious correlation #1,036 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Milk consumption and the second variable is Burglary rates in the US.  The chart goes from 1990 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

As people stopped crying over spilled milk, they had more time to focus on home security, udderly baffling the burglars. Without moo-ving targets, the thieves were simply milking the clock elsewhere. It seems that dairy deprivation led to a downturn in dairy-ly deeds!

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image of a modern small town scene with a high-tech twist. In the foreground, depict a group of neighbors sitting on a sleek, futuristic front porch, their glasses of milk shimmering with a hi-tech glow. The neighbors are surrounded by stylish, minimalist furniture with embedded digital displays. In the background, a futuristic police vehicle with sleek lines and neon lights patrols the quiet, well-lit streets. The overall scene combines the tranquility of a small town with a high-tech aesthetic, creating a visually appealing contrast. 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: Milk consumption and Burglary rates. 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: Steampunk High-tech Cyberpunk Oragami Steampunk
ChatGPT: High-tech

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 Milk consumption and Burglary rates together. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a small town, a group of neighbors gather on a front porch, sitting in a circle and drinking glasses of milk together. In the background, a police car drives by, patrolling the quiet streets with a low burglary rate.

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: [ High-tech ] and depicting this scene: In a small town, a group of neighbors gather on a front porch, sitting in a circle and drinking glasses of milk together. In the background, a police car drives by, patrolling the quiet streets with a low burglary rate. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image of a modern small town scene with a high-tech twist. In the foreground, depict a group of neighbors sitting on a sleek, futuristic front porch, their glasses of milk shimmering with a hi-tech glow. The neighbors are surrounded by stylish, minimalist furniture with embedded digital displays. In the background, a futuristic police vehicle with sleek lines and neon lights patrols the quiet, well-lit streets. The overall scene combines the tranquility of a small town with a high-tech aesthetic, creating a visually appealing contrast.

*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 Milk consumption caused Burglary rates to decrease.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Got Milk? The Cream of the Crime: Exploring the Correlation between Milk Consumption and Burglary Rates

Journal of Dairy-Driven Deviance

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 Milk consumption and Burglary rates. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Make the title seem clever.

Your research team used data from USDA and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.9676471 and p < 0.01 for 1990 to 2021.

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

[[TITLE]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit

[[ABSTRACT]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit



ChatGPT:
[[TITLE]]
Got Milk? The Cream of the Crime: Exploring the Correlation between Milk Consumption and Burglary Rates

[[ABSTRACT]]
This studious endeavor delves into the enthralling world of criminology and dairy consumption by investigating the puzzling link between milk intake and burglary rates. Leveraging data from the USDA and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services spanning over three decades from 1990 to 2021, our analysis unearthed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9676471 and a p-value of less than 0.01. Seemingly udderly unrelated at first glance, our findings challenge the idea that milk does a body good, at least in terms of crime prevention. Our study promises to lactate the field of criminological research with a fresh perspective and perhaps inspire some to take a dairy close look at crime statistics. So pour yourself a glass of milk and see if it’ll keep the burglars at bay, or if they’re udderly unconcerned with your lactose consumption.


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 Milk consumption and Burglary rates. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Got Milk? The Cream of the Crime: Exploring the Correlation between Milk Consumption and Burglary Rates

[[ABSTRACT]]
This studious endeavor delves into the enthralling world of criminology and dairy consumption by investigating the puzzling link between milk intake and burglary rates. Leveraging data from the USDA and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services spanning over three decades from 1990 to 2021, our analysis unearthed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9676471 and a p-value of less than 0.01. Seemingly udderly unrelated at first glance, our findings challenge the idea that milk does a body good, at least in terms of crime prevention. Our study promises to lactate the field of criminological research with a fresh perspective and perhaps inspire some to take a dairy close look at crime statistics. So pour yourself a glass of milk and see if it’ll keep the burglars at bay, or if they’re udderly unconcerned with your lactose consumption.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

The notion of a potential connection between milk consumption and criminal behavior may sound utterly preposterous to the uninitiated. However, as the esteemed Shakespeare once said, "The truth will come to light; murder cannot be hid long; a man's son may, but at the length truth will out." In the spirit of unearthing the truths concealed within the labyrinth of statistical data, this paper embarks on a dairy-driven journey to unravel the enigmatic correlation between milk consumption and burglary rates.

While the idea of milk and crime may seem as unrelated as chalk and cheese, a curious pattern emerged from our meticulous analysis of data. Intriguingly, it appears that the white, innocuous fluid that has been an integral part of breakfast tables and cookie-dunking rituals may hold a profound connection with the perpetration of illicit activities, particularly burglary. By harnessing a comprehensive dataset encompassing the agricultural wonders of milk production and the criminological mysteries of burglary rates, we aim to shed light on this improbable yet compelling association.

As we delve into the heart of this milky mystery, it is essential to recognize the inherent skepticism that surrounds such unorthodox hypotheses. The landscape of scientific inquiry is not immune to the lure of sensationalism, and the intersection of dairy products and criminal conduct may seem to veer perilously close to the realm of whimsical fables. However, armed with the robust armor of statistical analysis and an insatiable curiosity for uncovering the unexpected, our research sets out to navigate the labyrinthine corridors of correlation and causation.

In the following sections, we will systematically dissect the empirical evidence that underpins this unorthodox conjecture. But before plunging into the depths of our statistical odyssey, it is worth pausing to ponder the strangeness of our endeavor. After all, who could have predicted that the innocuous act of reaching for a carton of milk in the grocery store could be inextricably linked to the proclivity of miscreants to pilfer into the sanctity of private dwellings?

Through the lens of statistical analysis and a touch of academic whimsy, this study strives to challenge conventional wisdom, spark curiosity, and perhaps evoke a wry smile at the unexpected whimsy of statistical inquiry. So, dear reader, fasten your seatbelts, grab a cookie and a glass of milk, and prepare to embark on a fascinating journey into the uncanny nexus of dairy consumption and crime.


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 Milk consumption and Burglary rates. 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]]
Got Milk? The Cream of the Crime: Exploring the Correlation between Milk Consumption and Burglary Rates

[[ABSTRACT]]
This studious endeavor delves into the enthralling world of criminology and dairy consumption by investigating the puzzling link between milk intake and burglary rates. Leveraging data from the USDA and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services spanning over three decades from 1990 to 2021, our analysis unearthed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9676471 and a p-value of less than 0.01. Seemingly udderly unrelated at first glance, our findings challenge the idea that milk does a body good, at least in terms of crime prevention. Our study promises to lactate the field of criminological research with a fresh perspective and perhaps inspire some to take a dairy close look at crime statistics. So pour yourself a glass of milk and see if it’ll keep the burglars at bay, or if they’re udderly unconcerned with your lactose consumption.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The notion of a potential connection between milk consumption and criminal behavior may sound utterly preposterous to the uninitiated. However, as the esteemed Shakespeare once said, "The truth will come to light; murder cannot be hid long; a man's son may, but at the length truth will out." In the spirit of unearthing the truths concealed within the labyrinth of statistical data, this paper embarks on a dairy-driven journey to unravel the enigmatic correlation between milk consumption and burglary rates.
While the idea of milk and crime may seem as unrelated as chalk and cheese, a curious pattern emerged from our meticulous analysis of data. Intriguingly, it appears that the white, innocuous fluid that has been an integral part of breakfast tables and cookie-dunking rituals may hold a profound connection with the perpetration of illicit activities, particularly burglary. By harnessing a comprehensive dataset encompassing the agricultural wonders of milk production and the criminological mysteries of burglary rates, we aim to shed light on this improbable yet compelling association.
As we delve into the heart of this milky mystery, it is essential to recognize the inherent skepticism that surrounds such unorthodox hypotheses. The landscape of scientific inquiry is not immune to the lure of sensationalism, and the intersection of dairy products and criminal conduct may seem to veer perilously close to the realm of whimsical fables. However, armed with the robust armor of statistical analysis and an insatiable curiosity for uncovering the unexpected, our research sets out to navigate the labyrinthine corridors of correlation and causation.
In the following sections, we will systematically dissect the empirical evidence that underpins this unorthodox conjecture. But before plunging into the depths of our statistical odyssey, it is worth pausing to ponder the strangeness of our endeavor. After all, who could have predicted that the innocuous act of reaching for a carton of milk in the grocery store could be inextricably linked to the proclivity of miscreants to pilfer into the sanctity of private dwellings?
Through the lens of statistical analysis and a touch of academic whimsy, this study strives to challenge conventional wisdom, spark curiosity, and perhaps evoke a wry smile at the unexpected whimsy of statistical inquiry. So, dear reader, fasten your seatbelts, grab a cookie and a glass of milk, and prepare to embark on a fascinating journey into the uncanny nexus of dairy consumption and crime.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The intriguing and, some might say, utterly bizarre hypothesis at the heart of this study has prompted a thorough review of existing literature to uncover any currents of thought, however curdled, that may shed light on the perplexing correlation between milk consumption and burglary rates. While the initial foray into scholarly works regarding dairy and crime begins on a seemingly serious note, it quickly takes a whimsical turn that is characteristic of our inquisitive exploration.

Smith et al. (2015) conducted a comprehensive analysis of dietary patterns and antisocial behavior in adolescents, aiming to untangle the complex web of nutritional intake and delinquent acts. Their findings, while not directly addressing milk consumption, offered a tantalizing glimpse into the potential influence of dietary choices on criminal propensities. Meanwhile, Doe and Jones (2018) delved into the cultural significance of dairy products, highlighting the multifaceted role of milk in societal rituals and norms. While their work may not explicitly delve into crime, it raises thought-provoking questions about the hidden influences of milk within the fabric of human interaction.

Turning to non-fiction works, "Got Milked: The Dairy Dilemma in Modern Society" by Dr. Lactose Intolerant (2017) presents a scintillating exposé on the intricate socio-economic dynamics of the dairy industry, offering a broader context within which to situate our investigation. In a similar vein, "The White Liquid: A Cultural History of Milk" by Prof. Moo (2019) provides a nuanced exploration of the symbolism and consumption patterns of milk across civilizations, albeit lacking a clear connection to criminal behavior.

In the realm of fiction, the works of Agatha Christie, particularly her novel "The Milkman Murders" (1948), temptingly blur the lines between dairy and dastardly deeds, though regrettably dwelling more on penchant for poison than purloining. On a more whimsical note, the comedic masterpiece "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams (1979) takes an intergalactic romp that, zilch by zilch, may hold unexpected insights into the dairy-crime conundrum, embedded perhaps amidst the frothy interstellar escapades.

As our earnest pursuit of knowledge culminates in this eclectic array of sources, it is with both scholarly rigor and a dash of levity that we confess to have extended our inquiry to unconventional corners. In addition to the esteemed works mentioned earlier, our literature review stretched into the unexpected realms of popular culture, gleaned from sources as peculiar as the nutrition labels of milk cartons and the back covers of shampoo bottles. Amidst the comical diversions, a kernel of wisdom tiptoed in from the most unlikely of sources, reminding us that the pursuit of knowledge may serendipitously sprout from the unlikeliest of pastures.


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 Milk consumption and Burglary rates. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from USDA and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services . You used data from 1990 to 2021

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

Here is the title, abstract, and introduction of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Got Milk? The Cream of the Crime: Exploring the Correlation between Milk Consumption and Burglary Rates

[[ABSTRACT]]
This studious endeavor delves into the enthralling world of criminology and dairy consumption by investigating the puzzling link between milk intake and burglary rates. Leveraging data from the USDA and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services spanning over three decades from 1990 to 2021, our analysis unearthed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9676471 and a p-value of less than 0.01. Seemingly udderly unrelated at first glance, our findings challenge the idea that milk does a body good, at least in terms of crime prevention. Our study promises to lactate the field of criminological research with a fresh perspective and perhaps inspire some to take a dairy close look at crime statistics. So pour yourself a glass of milk and see if it’ll keep the burglars at bay, or if they’re udderly unconcerned with your lactose consumption.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The notion of a potential connection between milk consumption and criminal behavior may sound utterly preposterous to the uninitiated. However, as the esteemed Shakespeare once said, "The truth will come to light; murder cannot be hid long; a man's son may, but at the length truth will out." In the spirit of unearthing the truths concealed within the labyrinth of statistical data, this paper embarks on a dairy-driven journey to unravel the enigmatic correlation between milk consumption and burglary rates.
While the idea of milk and crime may seem as unrelated as chalk and cheese, a curious pattern emerged from our meticulous analysis of data. Intriguingly, it appears that the white, innocuous fluid that has been an integral part of breakfast tables and cookie-dunking rituals may hold a profound connection with the perpetration of illicit activities, particularly burglary. By harnessing a comprehensive dataset encompassing the agricultural wonders of milk production and the criminological mysteries of burglary rates, we aim to shed light on this improbable yet compelling association.
As we delve into the heart of this milky mystery, it is essential to recognize the inherent skepticism that surrounds such unorthodox hypotheses. The landscape of scientific inquiry is not immune to the lure of sensationalism, and the intersection of dairy products and criminal conduct may seem to veer perilously close to the realm of whimsical fables. However, armed with the robust armor of statistical analysis and an insatiable curiosity for uncovering the unexpected, our research sets out to navigate the labyrinthine corridors of correlation and causation.
In the following sections, we will systematically dissect the empirical evidence that underpins this unorthodox conjecture. But before plunging into the depths of our statistical odyssey, it is worth pausing to ponder the strangeness of our endeavor. After all, who could have predicted that the innocuous act of reaching for a carton of milk in the grocery store could be inextricably linked to the proclivity of miscreants to pilfer into the sanctity of private dwellings?
Through the lens of statistical analysis and a touch of academic whimsy, this study strives to challenge conventional wisdom, spark curiosity, and perhaps evoke a wry smile at the unexpected whimsy of statistical inquiry. So, dear reader, fasten your seatbelts, grab a cookie and a glass of milk, and prepare to embark on a fascinating journey into the uncanny nexus of dairy consumption and crime.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

The data used in this study was compiled from various sources, including the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services. To prevent any "sour" biases in the data, we meticulously gathered information spanning from 1990 to 2021, ensuring a comprehensive examination of milk consumption and burglary rates over a substantial temporal range.

Our initial step involved harvesting copious amounts of statistical data on milk production and consumption, teasing out the complex patterns of dairy intake across different regions and time periods. This task involved navigating through a veritable "sea of milk" to extract the most relevant and representative figures, ensuring that our analysis wasn't "skimmed" of crucial insights.

Simultaneously, we delved into the criminal underworld of burglary rates, tracing the ebb and flow of illicit activities across the decades. As we combed through the intrinsically "suspicious" data, it became evident that each burglary statistic held its own narrative, much like the intricate descriptions in a gripping crime novel.

To apprehend the nebulous connection between milk consumption and burglary rates, we employed sophisticated statistical methods, including correlation analysis and regression modeling. These analytical tools served as our forensic "magnifying glass," allowing us to scrutinize the minute details and discern any underlying relationships between these seemingly unrelated variables.

Furthermore, we accounted for potential confounding factors that might muddy the "milk bath" of our findings, such as socioeconomic variables and demographic trends. Leveraging our analytical prowess, we sought to separate the creamy signal of milk consumption from the noise of extraneous influences, ensuring the robustness of our conclusions.

In our quest to uncover the pervasive influence of milk on criminal behavior, we navigated through the labyrinth of intricate data with the precision of "milk sommeliers," adeptly discerning the subtle nuances and flavors of statistical significance. Through these meticulous efforts, we endeavored to present a coherent and compelling narrative that does justice to the quirky yet thought-provoking relationship between milk consumption and burglary rates.


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 Milk consumption and Burglary rates. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from USDA and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services .

For the time period 1990 to 2021, you found a correlation 0.9676471, r-squared of 0.9363409, 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]]
Got Milk? The Cream of the Crime: Exploring the Correlation between Milk Consumption and Burglary Rates

[[ABSTRACT]]
This studious endeavor delves into the enthralling world of criminology and dairy consumption by investigating the puzzling link between milk intake and burglary rates. Leveraging data from the USDA and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services spanning over three decades from 1990 to 2021, our analysis unearthed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9676471 and a p-value of less than 0.01. Seemingly udderly unrelated at first glance, our findings challenge the idea that milk does a body good, at least in terms of crime prevention. Our study promises to lactate the field of criminological research with a fresh perspective and perhaps inspire some to take a dairy close look at crime statistics. So pour yourself a glass of milk and see if it’ll keep the burglars at bay, or if they’re udderly unconcerned with your lactose consumption.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
The notion of a potential connection between milk consumption and criminal behavior may sound utterly preposterous to the uninitiated. However, as the esteemed Shakespeare once said, "The truth will come to light; murder cannot be hid long; a man's son may, but at the length truth will out." In the spirit of unearthing the truths concealed within the labyrinth of statistical data, this paper embarks on a dairy-driven journey to unravel the enigmatic correlation between milk consumption and burglary rates.
While the idea of milk and crime may seem as unrelated as chalk and cheese, a curious pattern emerged from our meticulous analysis of data. Intriguingly, it appears that the white, innocuous fluid that has been an integral part of breakfast tables and cookie-dunking rituals may hold a profound connection with the perpetration of illicit activities, particularly burglary. By harnessing a comprehensive dataset encompassing the agricultural wonders of milk production and the criminological mysteries of burglary rates, we aim to shed light on this improbable yet compelling association.
As we delve into the heart of this milky mystery, it is essential to recognize the inherent skepticism that surrounds such unorthodox hypotheses. The landscape of scientific inquiry is not immune to the lure of sensationalism, and the intersection of dairy products and criminal conduct may seem to veer perilously close to the realm of whimsical fables. However, armed with the robust armor of statistical analysis and an insatiable curiosity for uncovering the unexpected, our research sets out to navigate the labyrinthine corridors of correlation and causation.
In the following sections, we will systematically dissect the empirical evidence that underpins this unorthodox conjecture. But before plunging into the depths of our statistical odyssey, it is worth pausing to ponder the strangeness of our endeavor. After all, who could have predicted that the innocuous act of reaching for a carton of milk in the grocery store could be inextricably linked to the proclivity of miscreants to pilfer into the sanctity of private dwellings?
Through the lens of statistical analysis and a touch of academic whimsy, this study strives to challenge conventional wisdom, spark curiosity, and perhaps evoke a wry smile at the unexpected whimsy of statistical inquiry. So, dear reader, fasten your seatbelts, grab a cookie and a glass of milk, and prepare to embark on a fascinating journey into the uncanny nexus of dairy consumption and crime.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The correlation analysis between milk consumption and burglary rates yielded a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9676471, suggesting a remarkably strong positive relationship between the two variables. This finding implies that as milk consumption increases, burglary rates also tend to rise, much like the notorious cat burglar scaling the walls under the cover of darkness. The coefficient of determination (r-squared) further illuminated the robustness of this relationship with a value of 0.9363409, indicating that approximately 93.6% of the variation in burglary rates can be explained by changes in milk consumption. It appears that the proverbial spillage of milk may not only result in dismay but may also signify the potential for an uptick in illicit activities.

The p-value of less than 0.01 provides compelling evidence to reject the null hypothesis, indicating that the observed correlation is unlikely to have occurred purely by chance. We can confidently state that the association between milk consumption and burglary rates is statistically significant, much like the compelling plot twists in a crime novel that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Furthermore, the scatterplot (Fig. 1) visually depicts the robust positive relationship between milk consumption and burglary rates. Each data point on the plot seems to whisper a tale of dairy-induced delinquency, reminiscent of a stealthy prowler tiptoeing through the night.

These findings, while undoubtedly surprising, offer an intriguing glimpse into the potential influence of milk consumption on criminal behavior. They challenge conventional notions about the benign nature of this dairy delight and prompt further exploration into the mechanisms underlying this curious correlation. It appears that the scientific arena, much like a whodunit mystery, is rife with unexpected connections waiting to be unveiled.

The remarkably high correlation coefficient, the compelling visual portrayal in the scatterplot, and the statistical significance of the relationship between milk consumption and burglary rates collectively nourish a fertile ground for future investigations. This unassuming dairy product has proven to be an unexpected protagonist in the ongoing narrative of criminological inquiry, leaving researchers and enthusiasts alike to ponder the surreal juxtaposition of milk jugs and jailbirds.


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 Milk consumption and Burglary rates. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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]]
Got Milk? The Cream of the Crime: Exploring the Correlation between Milk Consumption and Burglary Rates

[[ABSTRACT]]
This studious endeavor delves into the enthralling world of criminology and dairy consumption by investigating the puzzling link between milk intake and burglary rates. Leveraging data from the USDA and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services spanning over three decades from 1990 to 2021, our analysis unearthed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9676471 and a p-value of less than 0.01. Seemingly udderly unrelated at first glance, our findings challenge the idea that milk does a body good, at least in terms of crime prevention. Our study promises to lactate the field of criminological research with a fresh perspective and perhaps inspire some to take a dairy close look at crime statistics. So pour yourself a glass of milk and see if it’ll keep the burglars at bay, or if they’re udderly unconcerned with your lactose consumption.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The intriguing and, some might say, utterly bizarre hypothesis at the heart of this study has prompted a thorough review of existing literature to uncover any currents of thought, however curdled, that may shed light on the perplexing correlation between milk consumption and burglary rates. While the initial foray into scholarly works regarding dairy and crime begins on a seemingly serious note, it quickly takes a whimsical turn that is characteristic of our inquisitive exploration.
Smith et al. (2015) conducted a comprehensive analysis of dietary patterns and antisocial behavior in adolescents, aiming to untangle the complex web of nutritional intake and delinquent acts. Their findings, while not directly addressing milk consumption, offered a tantalizing glimpse into the potential influence of dietary choices on criminal propensities. Meanwhile, Doe and Jones (2018) delved into the cultural significance of dairy products, highlighting the multifaceted role of milk in societal rituals and norms. While their work may not explicitly delve into crime, it raises thought-provoking questions about the hidden influences of milk within the fabric of human interaction.
Turning to non-fiction works, "Got Milked: The Dairy Dilemma in Modern Society" by Dr. Lactose Intolerant (2017) presents a scintillating exposé on the intricate socio-economic dynamics of the dairy industry, offering a broader context within which to situate our investigation. In a similar vein, "The White Liquid: A Cultural History of Milk" by Prof. Moo (2019) provides a nuanced exploration of the symbolism and consumption patterns of milk across civilizations, albeit lacking a clear connection to criminal behavior.
In the realm of fiction, the works of Agatha Christie, particularly her novel "The Milkman Murders" (1948), temptingly blur the lines between dairy and dastardly deeds, though regrettably dwelling more on penchant for poison than purloining. On a more whimsical note, the comedic masterpiece "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams (1979) takes an intergalactic romp that, zilch by zilch, may hold unexpected insights into the dairy-crime conundrum, embedded perhaps amidst the frothy interstellar escapades.
As our earnest pursuit of knowledge culminates in this eclectic array of sources, it is with both scholarly rigor and a dash of levity that we confess to have extended our inquiry to unconventional corners. In addition to the esteemed works mentioned earlier, our literature review stretched into the unexpected realms of popular culture, gleaned from sources as peculiar as the nutrition labels of milk cartons and the back covers of shampoo bottles. Amidst the comical diversions, a kernel of wisdom tiptoed in from the most unlikely of sources, reminding us that the pursuit of knowledge may serendipitously sprout from the unlikeliest of pastures.

[[RESULTS]]
The correlation analysis between milk consumption and burglary rates yielded a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9676471, suggesting a remarkably strong positive relationship between the two variables. This finding implies that as milk consumption increases, burglary rates also tend to rise, much like the notorious cat burglar scaling the walls under the cover of darkness. The coefficient of determination (r-squared) further illuminated the robustness of this relationship with a value of 0.9363409, indicating that approximately 93.6% of the variation in burglary rates can be explained by changes in milk consumption. It appears that the proverbial spillage of milk may not only result in dismay but may also signify the potential for an uptick in illicit activities.
The p-value of less than 0.01 provides compelling evidence to reject the null hypothesis, indicating that the observed correlation is unlikely to have occurred purely by chance. We can confidently state that the association between milk consumption and burglary rates is statistically significant, much like the compelling plot twists in a crime novel that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Furthermore, the scatterplot (Fig. 1) visually depicts the robust positive relationship between milk consumption and burglary rates. Each data point on the plot seems to whisper a tale of dairy-induced delinquency, reminiscent of a stealthy prowler tiptoeing through the night.
These findings, while undoubtedly surprising, offer an intriguing glimpse into the potential influence of milk consumption on criminal behavior. They challenge conventional notions about the benign nature of this dairy delight and prompt further exploration into the mechanisms underlying this curious correlation. It appears that the scientific arena, much like a whodunit mystery, is rife with unexpected connections waiting to be unveiled.
The remarkably high correlation coefficient, the compelling visual portrayal in the scatterplot, and the statistical significance of the relationship between milk consumption and burglary rates collectively nourish a fertile ground for future investigations. This unassuming dairy product has proven to be an unexpected protagonist in the ongoing narrative of criminological inquiry, leaving researchers and enthusiasts alike to ponder the surreal juxtaposition of milk jugs and jailbirds.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The results of our analysis unearth a rather surprising and, dare we say, *cheesy* relationship between milk consumption and burglary rates. It seems that the innocuous act of reaching for a carton of milk may have more nefarious consequences than previously imagined. Our findings align with the tangentially related literature that hinted at the potential influence of dietary choices, particularly in the realm of dairy, on criminal propensities.

Indeed, Smith et al.'s (2015) exploration of dietary patterns and antisocial behavior offers a tantalizing glimpse into the potential wider influence of nutritional intake on delinquent acts. While Doe and Jones (2018) may not have addressed crime directly, their work on the cultural significance of dairy products leads to *udderly* thought-provoking questions about the hidden influences of milk within the fabric of human interaction. The works of Dr. Lactose Intolerant (2017) and Prof. Moo (2019) provided a broader context within which to situate our investigation, albeit in a somewhat *milk-laden* manner.

The robust positive relationship between milk consumption and burglary rates, as depicted in our scatterplot, serves as a reminder that statistical analysis can sometimes unveil unexpected associations. This finding is *moo*-sic to the ears of researchers looking to unravel the complex web of factors contributing to criminal behavior. While the correlation does not imply causation, the statistical significance of our results provides an impetus for further investigation.

Our study, while undoubtedly whimsical in its premise, presents a *moo*-ving testament to the unanticipated connections that can emerge from seemingly unrelated variables. The jarring juxtaposition of milk consumption and burglary rates prompts a reevaluation of the potential societal implications of dietary choices and how they may intersect with criminal behaviors. As we continue to peel back the layers of this *milk-curdling* mystery, it is our hope that future research will further *lactate* the field of criminology with fresh insights and perhaps prompt a reconsideration of the role of milk in the annals of crime prevention.


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 Milk consumption and Burglary rates. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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]]
Got Milk? The Cream of the Crime: Exploring the Correlation between Milk Consumption and Burglary Rates

[[ABSTRACT]]
This studious endeavor delves into the enthralling world of criminology and dairy consumption by investigating the puzzling link between milk intake and burglary rates. Leveraging data from the USDA and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services spanning over three decades from 1990 to 2021, our analysis unearthed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9676471 and a p-value of less than 0.01. Seemingly udderly unrelated at first glance, our findings challenge the idea that milk does a body good, at least in terms of crime prevention. Our study promises to lactate the field of criminological research with a fresh perspective and perhaps inspire some to take a dairy close look at crime statistics. So pour yourself a glass of milk and see if it’ll keep the burglars at bay, or if they’re udderly unconcerned with your lactose consumption.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The notion of a potential connection between milk consumption and criminal behavior may sound utterly preposterous to the uninitiated. However, as the esteemed Shakespeare once said, "The truth will come to light; murder cannot be hid long; a man's son may, but at the length truth will out." In the spirit of unearthing the truths concealed within the labyrinth of statistical data, this paper embarks on a dairy-driven journey to unravel the enigmatic correlation between milk consumption and burglary rates.
While the idea of milk and crime may seem as unrelated as chalk and cheese, a curious pattern emerged from our meticulous analysis of data. Intriguingly, it appears that the white, innocuous fluid that has been an integral part of breakfast tables and cookie-dunking rituals may hold a profound connection with the perpetration of illicit activities, particularly burglary. By harnessing a comprehensive dataset encompassing the agricultural wonders of milk production and the criminological mysteries of burglary rates, we aim to shed light on this improbable yet compelling association.
As we delve into the heart of this milky mystery, it is essential to recognize the inherent skepticism that surrounds such unorthodox hypotheses. The landscape of scientific inquiry is not immune to the lure of sensationalism, and the intersection of dairy products and criminal conduct may seem to veer perilously close to the realm of whimsical fables. However, armed with the robust armor of statistical analysis and an insatiable curiosity for uncovering the unexpected, our research sets out to navigate the labyrinthine corridors of correlation and causation.
In the following sections, we will systematically dissect the empirical evidence that underpins this unorthodox conjecture. But before plunging into the depths of our statistical odyssey, it is worth pausing to ponder the strangeness of our endeavor. After all, who could have predicted that the innocuous act of reaching for a carton of milk in the grocery store could be inextricably linked to the proclivity of miscreants to pilfer into the sanctity of private dwellings?
Through the lens of statistical analysis and a touch of academic whimsy, this study strives to challenge conventional wisdom, spark curiosity, and perhaps evoke a wry smile at the unexpected whimsy of statistical inquiry. So, dear reader, fasten your seatbelts, grab a cookie and a glass of milk, and prepare to embark on a fascinating journey into the uncanny nexus of dairy consumption and crime.

[[RESULTS]]
The correlation analysis between milk consumption and burglary rates yielded a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9676471, suggesting a remarkably strong positive relationship between the two variables. This finding implies that as milk consumption increases, burglary rates also tend to rise, much like the notorious cat burglar scaling the walls under the cover of darkness. The coefficient of determination (r-squared) further illuminated the robustness of this relationship with a value of 0.9363409, indicating that approximately 93.6% of the variation in burglary rates can be explained by changes in milk consumption. It appears that the proverbial spillage of milk may not only result in dismay but may also signify the potential for an uptick in illicit activities.
The p-value of less than 0.01 provides compelling evidence to reject the null hypothesis, indicating that the observed correlation is unlikely to have occurred purely by chance. We can confidently state that the association between milk consumption and burglary rates is statistically significant, much like the compelling plot twists in a crime novel that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Furthermore, the scatterplot (Fig. 1) visually depicts the robust positive relationship between milk consumption and burglary rates. Each data point on the plot seems to whisper a tale of dairy-induced delinquency, reminiscent of a stealthy prowler tiptoeing through the night.
These findings, while undoubtedly surprising, offer an intriguing glimpse into the potential influence of milk consumption on criminal behavior. They challenge conventional notions about the benign nature of this dairy delight and prompt further exploration into the mechanisms underlying this curious correlation. It appears that the scientific arena, much like a whodunit mystery, is rife with unexpected connections waiting to be unveiled.
The remarkably high correlation coefficient, the compelling visual portrayal in the scatterplot, and the statistical significance of the relationship between milk consumption and burglary rates collectively nourish a fertile ground for future investigations. This unassuming dairy product has proven to be an unexpected protagonist in the ongoing narrative of criminological inquiry, leaving researchers and enthusiasts alike to ponder the surreal juxtaposition of milk jugs and jailbirds.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, the udderly astonishing findings of our study have painted a compelling portrait of the curious connection between milk consumption and burglary rates. Our analysis unearthed a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.9676471, implying that as milk consumption increases, burglary rates also tend to rise. It seems that the mystery of dairy-induced delinquency may indeed be a chilling reality, or as the famous dairy detective Sherlock Gouda would remark, "The game is ahoof!"

The statistical significance of this relationship, evidenced by the p-value of less than 0.01, leaves little room for doubt about the veracity of our findings. This unanticipated linkage between the innocuous act of sipping milk and the perpetration of illicit activities is a sobering reminder that statistical inquiry can lead us down unforeseen paths, much like a midnight stroll through unexplored statistical landscapes.

While the robustness of our results may seem as surprising as finding a cow in a criminal lineup, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of our study. Correlation, as we know, does not imply causation, and the mechanisms underlying this improbable association remain shrouded in mystery, much like the elusive nature of statistical relationships. Additionally, the ecological nature of our analysis does not allow for the examination of individual-level consumption behavior, leaving room for further investigations to milk the full complexity of this phenomenon.

In essence, our findings lactate the field of criminological research with a fresh perspective and provide food for thought for future studies. However, in the interest of maintaining the suspense and delight of unexpected statistical connections, we will assert that no more research is needed in this area. After all, when it comes to dairy and crime, perhaps some mysteries are best left unsolved.


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 Got Milk? The Cream of the Crime: Exploring the Correlation between Milk Consumption and Burglary Rates. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

Journal of Dairy-Driven Deviance


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 Got Milk? The Cream of the Crime: Exploring the Correlation between Milk Consumption and Burglary Rates. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Society for Dairy-Driven Criminology Research


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 Got Milk? The Cream of the Crime: Exploring the Correlation between Milk Consumption and Burglary Rates with an abstract of This studious endeavor delves into the enthralling world of criminology and dairy consumption by investigating the puzzling link between milk intake and burglary rates. Leveraging data from the USDA and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services spanning over three decades from 1990 to 2021, our analysis unearthed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9676471 and a p-value of less than 0.01. Seemingly udderly unrelated at first glance, our findings challenge the idea that milk does a body good, at least in terms of crime prevention. Our study promises to lactate the field of criminological research with a fresh perspective and perhaps inspire some to take a dairy close look at crime statistics. So pour yourself a glass of milk and see if it’ll keep the burglars at bay, or if they’re udderly unconcerned with your lactose consumption.

ChatGPT:

milk consumption, burglary rates, dairy intake, crime correlation, criminology, USDA data, FBI criminal statistics, milk and crime, milk and burglary, dairy consumption and crime, criminological research

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



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Data details

Milk consumption
Detailed data title: Per capita consumption of Fluid beverage milk in the US
Source: USDA
See what else correlates with Milk consumption

Burglary rates in the US
Detailed data title: The burglary rate per 100,000 residents in United States
Source: FBI Criminal Justice Information Services
See what else correlates with Burglary rates in the US

Correlation r = 0.9676471 (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 = 0.9363409 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 93.6% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Burglary rates in the US) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Milk consumption) over the 32 years from 1990 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 1.7E-19. 0.0000000000000000001702278139
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 0.97 in 1.7E-17% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 5,874,480,656,771,214,336 random variables You don't actually need 5 quintillion variables to find a correlation like this one. I don't have that many variables in my database. You can also correlate variables that are not independent. I do this a lot.

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

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

Just to be clear: I'm being completely transparent about the calculations. There is no math trickery. This is just how statistics shakes out when you calculate hundreds of millions of random correlations.
with the same 31 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 31 because we have two variables measured over a period of 32 years. It's just the number of years minus ( the number of variables minus one ), which in this case simplifies to the number of years minus one.
you would randomly expect to find a correlation as strong as this one.

[ 0.93, 0.98 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
The confidence interval is an estimate the range of the value of the correlation coefficient, using the correlation itself as an input. The values are meant to be the low and high end of the correlation coefficient with 95% confidence.

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


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

Still, sometimes one of the variables has more years of data available than the other. This page only shows the overlapping years. To see all the years, click on "See what else correlates with..." link above.
19901991199219931994199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021
Milk consumption (Pounds per person)220218215210208205205201198197196192191188185185185183181181177173169164158155153149145141141134
Burglary rates in the US (Burglary rate)1232.21252.11168.41099.71042.1987945919863.2770.4728.8741.8747741730.3726.9733.1726.1733717.7701701.3672.2610.5537.2494.7468.9429.7378340.5314.2270.9




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([220,218,215,210,208,205,205,201,198,197,196,192,191,188,185,185,185,183,181,181,177,173,169,164,158,155,153,149,145,141,141,134,])
array_2 = np.array([1232.2,1252.1,1168.4,1099.7,1042.1,987,945,919,863.2,770.4,728.8,741.8,747,741,730.3,726.9,733.1,726.1,733,717.7,701,701.3,672.2,610.5,537.2,494.7,468.9,429.7,378,340.5,314.2,270.9,])
array_1_name = "Milk consumption"
array_2_name = "Burglary rates in the US"

# 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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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."

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Correlation ID: 1036 · Black Variable ID: 554 · Red Variable ID: 20084
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