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Spurious correlation #1,103 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is The number of tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana and the second variable is Google searches for 'how to fake your own death'.  The chart goes from 2010 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

It's simple - with fewer tax examiners around, people in Louisiana realized they didn't need to go to such drastic measures to avoid taxes. There's no need to fake your own death when you can just, you know, pay your taxes like a regular non-fake-dead person.

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Create an image of a TIME magazine cover featuring a solemn, dimly lit IRS office scene. The office shows empty desks and a few remaining tax examiners and collectors diligently engaged in their work. The atmosphere is heavy with a sense of desolation and weariness. The remaining employees are depicted as determined and vigilant, with a hint of concern in their expressions. Outside the windows, dark storm clouds loom ominously, reflecting the looming threat of consequences for tax evasion. The cover captures the contrast between the eerie emptiness of the office and the intensity of the few remaining workers, subtly conveying the message of the consequences of unethical tax avoidance. 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 situation described. You respond only with the scene descriptions provided and say nothing else.
User prompt: Here is a situation: Decrease in the number of tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana caused a decrease in Google searches for 'how to fake your own death' because without as many tax collectors around, people realized they could just fake their own deaths instead of dealing with taxes. With fewer auditors to catch them, it seemed like a foolproof plan, until they Googled it and realized it's not as easy as it sounds.. Given that situation, which of the following image descriptions seems most appropriate? Pick the one that seems to be related to one of the variables at hand and the tone of the explanation. Please respond with only one of the following potential descriptions: A TIME magazine cover image Psychedelic A scene from Skyrim Symbolism Brutalism
ChatGPT: A TIME magazine cover image

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated and the explanation described. Do not reference graphs or charts; describe physical objects.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that depicts the following situation. Keep the description simple. Decrease in the number of tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana caused a decrease in Google searches for 'how to fake your own death' because without as many tax collectors around, people realized they could just fake their own deaths instead of dealing with taxes. With fewer auditors to catch them, it seemed like a foolproof plan, until they Googled it and realized it's not as easy as it sounds.
ChatGPT: In a small office in Louisiana, there used to be a group of tax examiners and collectors diligently working at their desks. But now, there are only a few of them left, and the office feels emptier than before. As a result, the Google search trend for "how to fake your own death" has noticeably decreased as people have fewer reasons to contemplate such an extreme action. Without as many tax examiners and collectors breathing down their necks, it seems like some individuals have started to consider unethical ways to avoid their tax responsibilities. However, with the decrease in authority figures around, the remaining employees are working harder than ever, and have seemingly scared individuals into realizing the consequences of such actions.

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: [ A TIME magazine cover image ] and depicting this scene: In a small office in Louisiana, there used to be a group of tax examiners and collectors diligently working at their desks. But now, there are only a few of them left, and the office feels emptier than before. As a result, the Google search trend for "how to fake your own death" has noticeably decreased as people have fewer reasons to contemplate such an extreme action. Without as many tax examiners and collectors breathing down their necks, it seems like some individuals have started to consider unethical ways to avoid their tax responsibilities. However, with the decrease in authority figures around, the remaining employees are working harder than ever, and have seemingly scared individuals into realizing the consequences of such actions. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Create an image of a TIME magazine cover featuring a solemn, dimly lit IRS office scene. The office shows empty desks and a few remaining tax examiners and collectors diligently engaged in their work. The atmosphere is heavy with a sense of desolation and weariness. The remaining employees are depicted as determined and vigilant, with a hint of concern in their expressions. Outside the windows, dark storm clouds loom ominously, reflecting the looming threat of consequences for tax evasion. The cover captures the contrast between the eerie emptiness of the office and the intensity of the few remaining workers, subtly conveying the message of the consequences of unethical tax avoidance.

*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 The number of tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana caused how to fake your own death (Google searches for 'how to fake your own death') to decrease.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Grave Matters: The Afterlife of Tax Examiners and Collectors in Louisiana

The Louisiana Journal of Death and Taxes

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 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 The number of tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana and Google searches for 'how to fake your own death'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

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

Your research team used data from Bureau of Larbor Statistics and Google Trends to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.9381602 and p < 0.01 for 2010 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]]
Grave Matters: The Afterlife of Tax Examiners and Collectors in Louisiana

[[ABSTRACT]]
The famous adage "nothing is certain but death and taxes" takes a literal turn in our research examining the relationship between the number of tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana and Google searches for 'how to fake your own death'. Our research team has joined the realms of morbid curiosity and fiscal responsibility to uncover any possible correlation between these seemingly disparate variables. Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Google Trends, we conducted a comprehensive analysis encompassing the years 2010 to 2022.

Our findings revealed a surprising and robust correlation coefficient of 0.9381602 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, providing compelling evidence of a strong positive association between the quantity of tax-related professionals and individuals' curiosity about faking their own demise. However, we advise against taking these results too literally, as we cannot assure whether tax woes are driving individuals to contemplate their own mortal demise or if a delayed April Fools' joke is secretly in play.

As we delve into this curious amalgamation of fiscal matters and macabre curiosity, it is important to remember the ultimate demise of all tax-related dad jokes: they never depreciate, they only appreciate. Our research not only sheds light on this peculiar connection but also emphasizes the need for continued investigation into the nuanced interplay between taxation, mortality, and the irresistible allure of dark humor.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a 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 The number of tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana and Google searches for 'how to fake your own death'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Grave Matters: The Afterlife of Tax Examiners and Collectors in Louisiana

[[ABSTRACT]]
The famous adage "nothing is certain but death and taxes" takes a literal turn in our research examining the relationship between the number of tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana and Google searches for 'how to fake your own death'. Our research team has joined the realms of morbid curiosity and fiscal responsibility to uncover any possible correlation between these seemingly disparate variables. Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Google Trends, we conducted a comprehensive analysis encompassing the years 2010 to 2022.

Our findings revealed a surprising and robust correlation coefficient of 0.9381602 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, providing compelling evidence of a strong positive association between the quantity of tax-related professionals and individuals' curiosity about faking their own demise. However, we advise against taking these results too literally, as we cannot assure whether tax woes are driving individuals to contemplate their own mortal demise or if a delayed April Fools' joke is secretly in play.

As we delve into this curious amalgamation of fiscal matters and macabre curiosity, it is important to remember the ultimate demise of all tax-related dad jokes: they never depreciate, they only appreciate. Our research not only sheds light on this peculiar connection but also emphasizes the need for continued investigation into the nuanced interplay between taxation, mortality, and the irresistible allure of dark humor.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

Death and taxes, the two inevitable certainties of life, have long been the focus of popular adages, philosophical musings, and, of course, dad jokes. As researchers, we are compelled to examine the intersection of these two realms, particularly in the context of tax collection in Louisiana and its surprising correlation with the online search queries for 'how to fake your own death'. It appears that even in the gravest matters, there's always room for a little levity and statistical exploration.

Speaking of levity, it's important to approach this research with a critical eye and a healthy dose of skepticism, just like a good dad joke. We aim to uncover whether the employment of tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents in the Pelican State has any influence on the public's inquisitiveness about staging their own 'great escape' – not from taxes, but from life itself.

Our investigation draws inspiration from the humorous words of Benjamin Franklin, who famously said, "In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." Little did he know that the Google search bar would become a modern-day oracle for the curious and the playful alike – speaking of searches on the deceased, we wonder when our joke inferences will truly kick the bucket.

As we embark on this intriguing journey through the realms of tax economics and digital curiosity, it is crucial to recognize the lighthearted yet thought-provoking nature of the investigation. So, buckle up and get ready for some grave findings as we dig deep into the data, armed with statistical tools and, of course, an arsenal of morbid puns.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a 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 The number of tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana and Google searches for 'how to fake your own death'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

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

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

Start by naming serious-sounding studies by authors like Smith, Doe, and Jones - but then quickly devolve. Name some real non-fiction books that would be related to the topic. Then name some real fiction books that sound like they could be related. Then name some movies that you watched that are tangentially related to the topic.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Grave Matters: The Afterlife of Tax Examiners and Collectors in Louisiana

[[ABSTRACT]]
The famous adage "nothing is certain but death and taxes" takes a literal turn in our research examining the relationship between the number of tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana and Google searches for 'how to fake your own death'. Our research team has joined the realms of morbid curiosity and fiscal responsibility to uncover any possible correlation between these seemingly disparate variables. Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Google Trends, we conducted a comprehensive analysis encompassing the years 2010 to 2022.

Our findings revealed a surprising and robust correlation coefficient of 0.9381602 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, providing compelling evidence of a strong positive association between the quantity of tax-related professionals and individuals' curiosity about faking their own demise. However, we advise against taking these results too literally, as we cannot assure whether tax woes are driving individuals to contemplate their own mortal demise or if a delayed April Fools' joke is secretly in play.

As we delve into this curious amalgamation of fiscal matters and macabre curiosity, it is important to remember the ultimate demise of all tax-related dad jokes: they never depreciate, they only appreciate. Our research not only sheds light on this peculiar connection but also emphasizes the need for continued investigation into the nuanced interplay between taxation, mortality, and the irresistible allure of dark humor.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
Death and taxes, the two inevitable certainties of life, have long been the focus of popular adages, philosophical musings, and, of course, dad jokes. As researchers, we are compelled to examine the intersection of these two realms, particularly in the context of tax collection in Louisiana and its surprising correlation with the online search queries for 'how to fake your own death'. It appears that even in the gravest matters, there's always room for a little levity and statistical exploration.
Speaking of levity, it's important to approach this research with a critical eye and a healthy dose of skepticism, just like a good dad joke. We aim to uncover whether the employment of tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents in the Pelican State has any influence on the public's inquisitiveness about staging their own 'great escape' – not from taxes, but from life itself.
Our investigation draws inspiration from the humorous words of Benjamin Franklin, who famously said, "In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." Little did he know that the Google search bar would become a modern-day oracle for the curious and the playful alike – speaking of searches on the deceased, we wonder when our joke inferences will truly kick the bucket.
As we embark on this intriguing journey through the realms of tax economics and digital curiosity, it is crucial to recognize the lighthearted yet thought-provoking nature of the investigation. So, buckle up and get ready for some grave findings as we dig deep into the data, armed with statistical tools and, of course, an arsenal of morbid puns.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

To unravel the enigma surrounding the correlation between the number of tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana and Google searches for 'how to fake your own death', we start by pondering the seminal works in the field. Smith and Doe (2015) unearthed the complexities of tax administration in their comprehensive study, shedding light on the intricate dance between revenue collection and public perception. However, little did they know that the digital realm would provide a graveyard of unexpected search queries, leading one to query whether these findings reveal more than meets the eye.

In their groundbreaking study, Jones et al. (2018) delved into the nuances of tax evasion and the measures employed by authorities to ensure compliance. Yet, in the ghostly corridors of online searches, a different ghost haunts the minds of the curious, hinting at a deeper connection between fiscal responsibility and the timeless quest for a vanishing act. It's almost as if the search for financial liberation leads to contemplating a clandestine vanishing act – well, they do say that death and taxes are the two things you can always rely on.

Turning our attention to the literary world, "How to Disappear Completely" by Tremaine elucidates the art of leaving without a trace, a guide that may well pique the interest of those navigating the labyrinthine tax obligations. And speaking of disappearing acts, the works of Houdini provide a tantalizing glimpse into the allure of the impossible – much like the idea of evading taxes, only to be met with the grim reality that death can't be escaped, no matter how skillfully one dodges the paperwork.

On a lighter note, the fictional works of Agatha Christie, particularly "A Pocket Full of Rye," remind us that even in the most dire circumstances, the search for levity abounds. Yet, perhaps the real mystery lies in the connection between tax-related professions and the intrigue of faking one's own demise – it's almost as if the thrill of the unknown beckons individuals to explore uncharted territories of humor and dark curiosity.

In the realm of cinema, "The Great Muppet Caper" offers a delightful escapade into the world of capers and heists, a captivating narrative that parallels the playful yet thought-provoking exploration of tax-related inquiries and the lure of 'faking it.' Only in a world where the bizarre and the mundane collide can one truly appreciate the boundless inquisitiveness of the human mind.

As we navigate these unconventional crossroads, it becomes increasingly apparent that the intersection of taxation, mortality, and digital jest is a realm worthy of further inquiry. After all, when it comes to unraveling the mysteries of life and taxes, a touch of humor may just be the unexpected twist that reveals the most profound insights.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a 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 The number of tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana and Google searches for 'how to fake your own death'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Bureau of Larbor Statistics and Google Trends . You used data from 2010 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]]
Grave Matters: The Afterlife of Tax Examiners and Collectors in Louisiana

[[ABSTRACT]]
The famous adage "nothing is certain but death and taxes" takes a literal turn in our research examining the relationship between the number of tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana and Google searches for 'how to fake your own death'. Our research team has joined the realms of morbid curiosity and fiscal responsibility to uncover any possible correlation between these seemingly disparate variables. Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Google Trends, we conducted a comprehensive analysis encompassing the years 2010 to 2022.

Our findings revealed a surprising and robust correlation coefficient of 0.9381602 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, providing compelling evidence of a strong positive association between the quantity of tax-related professionals and individuals' curiosity about faking their own demise. However, we advise against taking these results too literally, as we cannot assure whether tax woes are driving individuals to contemplate their own mortal demise or if a delayed April Fools' joke is secretly in play.

As we delve into this curious amalgamation of fiscal matters and macabre curiosity, it is important to remember the ultimate demise of all tax-related dad jokes: they never depreciate, they only appreciate. Our research not only sheds light on this peculiar connection but also emphasizes the need for continued investigation into the nuanced interplay between taxation, mortality, and the irresistible allure of dark humor.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
Death and taxes, the two inevitable certainties of life, have long been the focus of popular adages, philosophical musings, and, of course, dad jokes. As researchers, we are compelled to examine the intersection of these two realms, particularly in the context of tax collection in Louisiana and its surprising correlation with the online search queries for 'how to fake your own death'. It appears that even in the gravest matters, there's always room for a little levity and statistical exploration.
Speaking of levity, it's important to approach this research with a critical eye and a healthy dose of skepticism, just like a good dad joke. We aim to uncover whether the employment of tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents in the Pelican State has any influence on the public's inquisitiveness about staging their own 'great escape' – not from taxes, but from life itself.
Our investigation draws inspiration from the humorous words of Benjamin Franklin, who famously said, "In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." Little did he know that the Google search bar would become a modern-day oracle for the curious and the playful alike – speaking of searches on the deceased, we wonder when our joke inferences will truly kick the bucket.
As we embark on this intriguing journey through the realms of tax economics and digital curiosity, it is crucial to recognize the lighthearted yet thought-provoking nature of the investigation. So, buckle up and get ready for some grave findings as we dig deep into the data, armed with statistical tools and, of course, an arsenal of morbid puns.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

In our pursuit of unraveling the enigmatic relationship between the number of tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana and the frequency of Google searches for 'how to fake your own death', we devised a methodological approach that was as precise as a tax audit and as unconventional as an attempt to fake one's own demise. Our data collection involved a painstaking trawl through the depths of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, where we navigated through the labyrinth of occupation categories in search of the elusive tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents. We also dived into the cryptic repository of Google Trends, excavating the search volumes for queries related to simulating one's own departure from the mortal coil.

Now, hold on to your seats, as we are about to embark on a rollercoaster of statistical acrobatics. Our analysis was akin to balancing the delicate scales of justice, where we used a time-series approach to examine the monthly fluctuations in the employment figures of tax professionals and the concurrent intensity of Google queries related to staging one's own disappearance. We employed complex statistical models, akin to the elaborate maze of tax codes, to calculate correlation coefficients and conduct regression analyses.

Speaking of coefficients, we encountered a correlation coefficient that was stronger than the aroma of freshly brewed coffee on a Monday morning – a whopping 0.9381602 to be exact. Paired with a p-value of less than 0.01, our results indicated a resounding resonance between the presence of tax-related professionals and the virtual excursion into the afterlife. These findings were statistically significant enough to make even the most rigid tax examiner crack a grin.

Our approach wasn't all numbers and equations, though. We also infused some qualitative analysis into the mix, exploring the contextual nuances surrounding tax regulations, public sentiment, and the eternal fascination with the concept of a 'departed' persona. This qualitative lens provided us with a richer understanding of the societal implications of our quantitative discoveries.

Now, if you were looking for a 'taxing' research experience, you've certainly come to the right place. Our methodology was as diverse as the array of tax forms available, albeit with a bit more flair and a touch of morbidity. So, let's continue our journey through this curious confluence of economics, mortality, and a hint of dark humor – the afterlife of tax examiners and collectors in Louisiana awaits.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a 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 The number of tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana and Google searches for 'how to fake your own death'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Bureau of Larbor Statistics and Google Trends .

For the time period 2010 to 2022, you found a correlation 0.9381602, r-squared of 0.8801445, 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]]
Grave Matters: The Afterlife of Tax Examiners and Collectors in Louisiana

[[ABSTRACT]]
The famous adage "nothing is certain but death and taxes" takes a literal turn in our research examining the relationship between the number of tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana and Google searches for 'how to fake your own death'. Our research team has joined the realms of morbid curiosity and fiscal responsibility to uncover any possible correlation between these seemingly disparate variables. Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Google Trends, we conducted a comprehensive analysis encompassing the years 2010 to 2022.

Our findings revealed a surprising and robust correlation coefficient of 0.9381602 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, providing compelling evidence of a strong positive association between the quantity of tax-related professionals and individuals' curiosity about faking their own demise. However, we advise against taking these results too literally, as we cannot assure whether tax woes are driving individuals to contemplate their own mortal demise or if a delayed April Fools' joke is secretly in play.

As we delve into this curious amalgamation of fiscal matters and macabre curiosity, it is important to remember the ultimate demise of all tax-related dad jokes: they never depreciate, they only appreciate. Our research not only sheds light on this peculiar connection but also emphasizes the need for continued investigation into the nuanced interplay between taxation, mortality, and the irresistible allure of dark humor.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
Death and taxes, the two inevitable certainties of life, have long been the focus of popular adages, philosophical musings, and, of course, dad jokes. As researchers, we are compelled to examine the intersection of these two realms, particularly in the context of tax collection in Louisiana and its surprising correlation with the online search queries for 'how to fake your own death'. It appears that even in the gravest matters, there's always room for a little levity and statistical exploration.
Speaking of levity, it's important to approach this research with a critical eye and a healthy dose of skepticism, just like a good dad joke. We aim to uncover whether the employment of tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents in the Pelican State has any influence on the public's inquisitiveness about staging their own 'great escape' – not from taxes, but from life itself.
Our investigation draws inspiration from the humorous words of Benjamin Franklin, who famously said, "In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." Little did he know that the Google search bar would become a modern-day oracle for the curious and the playful alike – speaking of searches on the deceased, we wonder when our joke inferences will truly kick the bucket.
As we embark on this intriguing journey through the realms of tax economics and digital curiosity, it is crucial to recognize the lighthearted yet thought-provoking nature of the investigation. So, buckle up and get ready for some grave findings as we dig deep into the data, armed with statistical tools and, of course, an arsenal of morbid puns.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The correlation analysis between the number of tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana and Google searches for 'how to fake your own death' yielded a coefficient of 0.9381602, indicating a strong positive association. This means that as the number of tax professionals increased, so did the interest in faking one's own demise. It seems the only thing that's certain is death, taxes, and a good ol' dad joke thrown in for good measure.

In the spirit of scientific rigor and a dash of dark humor, we also observed an r-squared value of 0.8801445, suggesting that approximately 88% of the variation in Google searches for 'how to fake your own death' can be explained by the variation in the number of tax professionals in Louisiana. One could say the relationship between these variables is as solid as a tombstone – pardon the pun.

Furthermore, the statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 adds weight to our findings, suggesting that the observed relationship is not due to random chance. It seems our results are as reliable as a tax refund, or as surprising as realizing that your graveyard shift just got a whole new meaning.

To visually illustrate the robust association we uncovered, Fig. 1 presents a scatterplot depicting the positive correlation between the aforementioned variables. It's quite the grave image, if I may say so myself. This visual representation further reinforces the compelling nature of our findings and provides a stark reminder that when it comes to taxes and the afterlife, there's always room for a statistical twist.

In summary, our research has unearthed a strong and statistically significant correlation between the number of tax professionals in Louisiana and public curiosity about faking one's own death. While we certainly didn't expect these results to be six feet under, it just goes to show that even the most unexpected connections can emerge from the depths of data analysis – much like an unexpected punchline in a graveyard of statistical analyses.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a 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 The number of tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana and Google searches for 'how to fake your own death'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Limit your response to 500 tokens.

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

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

[[TITLE]]
Grave Matters: The Afterlife of Tax Examiners and Collectors in Louisiana

[[ABSTRACT]]
The famous adage "nothing is certain but death and taxes" takes a literal turn in our research examining the relationship between the number of tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana and Google searches for 'how to fake your own death'. Our research team has joined the realms of morbid curiosity and fiscal responsibility to uncover any possible correlation between these seemingly disparate variables. Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Google Trends, we conducted a comprehensive analysis encompassing the years 2010 to 2022.

Our findings revealed a surprising and robust correlation coefficient of 0.9381602 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, providing compelling evidence of a strong positive association between the quantity of tax-related professionals and individuals' curiosity about faking their own demise. However, we advise against taking these results too literally, as we cannot assure whether tax woes are driving individuals to contemplate their own mortal demise or if a delayed April Fools' joke is secretly in play.

As we delve into this curious amalgamation of fiscal matters and macabre curiosity, it is important to remember the ultimate demise of all tax-related dad jokes: they never depreciate, they only appreciate. Our research not only sheds light on this peculiar connection but also emphasizes the need for continued investigation into the nuanced interplay between taxation, mortality, and the irresistible allure of dark humor.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
To unravel the enigma surrounding the correlation between the number of tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana and Google searches for 'how to fake your own death', we start by pondering the seminal works in the field. Smith and Doe (2015) unearthed the complexities of tax administration in their comprehensive study, shedding light on the intricate dance between revenue collection and public perception. However, little did they know that the digital realm would provide a graveyard of unexpected search queries, leading one to query whether these findings reveal more than meets the eye.
In their groundbreaking study, Jones et al. (2018) delved into the nuances of tax evasion and the measures employed by authorities to ensure compliance. Yet, in the ghostly corridors of online searches, a different ghost haunts the minds of the curious, hinting at a deeper connection between fiscal responsibility and the timeless quest for a vanishing act. It's almost as if the search for financial liberation leads to contemplating a clandestine vanishing act – well, they do say that death and taxes are the two things you can always rely on.
Turning our attention to the literary world, "How to Disappear Completely" by Tremaine elucidates the art of leaving without a trace, a guide that may well pique the interest of those navigating the labyrinthine tax obligations. And speaking of disappearing acts, the works of Houdini provide a tantalizing glimpse into the allure of the impossible – much like the idea of evading taxes, only to be met with the grim reality that death can't be escaped, no matter how skillfully one dodges the paperwork.
On a lighter note, the fictional works of Agatha Christie, particularly "A Pocket Full of Rye," remind us that even in the most dire circumstances, the search for levity abounds. Yet, perhaps the real mystery lies in the connection between tax-related professions and the intrigue of faking one's own demise – it's almost as if the thrill of the unknown beckons individuals to explore uncharted territories of humor and dark curiosity.
In the realm of cinema, "The Great Muppet Caper" offers a delightful escapade into the world of capers and heists, a captivating narrative that parallels the playful yet thought-provoking exploration of tax-related inquiries and the lure of 'faking it.' Only in a world where the bizarre and the mundane collide can one truly appreciate the boundless inquisitiveness of the human mind.
As we navigate these unconventional crossroads, it becomes increasingly apparent that the intersection of taxation, mortality, and digital jest is a realm worthy of further inquiry. After all, when it comes to unraveling the mysteries of life and taxes, a touch of humor may just be the unexpected twist that reveals the most profound insights.

[[RESULTS]]
The correlation analysis between the number of tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana and Google searches for 'how to fake your own death' yielded a coefficient of 0.9381602, indicating a strong positive association. This means that as the number of tax professionals increased, so did the interest in faking one's own demise. It seems the only thing that's certain is death, taxes, and a good ol' dad joke thrown in for good measure.
In the spirit of scientific rigor and a dash of dark humor, we also observed an r-squared value of 0.8801445, suggesting that approximately 88% of the variation in Google searches for 'how to fake your own death' can be explained by the variation in the number of tax professionals in Louisiana. One could say the relationship between these variables is as solid as a tombstone – pardon the pun.
Furthermore, the statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 adds weight to our findings, suggesting that the observed relationship is not due to random chance. It seems our results are as reliable as a tax refund, or as surprising as realizing that your graveyard shift just got a whole new meaning.
To visually illustrate the robust association we uncovered, Fig. 1 presents a scatterplot depicting the positive correlation between the aforementioned variables. It's quite the grave image, if I may say so myself. This visual representation further reinforces the compelling nature of our findings and provides a stark reminder that when it comes to taxes and the afterlife, there's always room for a statistical twist.
In summary, our research has unearthed a strong and statistically significant correlation between the number of tax professionals in Louisiana and public curiosity about faking one's own death. While we certainly didn't expect these results to be six feet under, it just goes to show that even the most unexpected connections can emerge from the depths of data analysis – much like an unexpected punchline in a graveyard of statistical analyses.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

In the spirit of the unknown and the un-taxing, our findings have illuminated the eerie connections between the number of tax professionals in Louisiana and the public's curiosity about faking their own grand finale. As we navigate these unconventional crossroads, it becomes increasingly apparent that the intersection of taxation, mortality, and digital jest is a realm worthy of further inquiry. After all, when it comes to unraveling the mysteries of life and taxes, a touch of humor may just be the unexpected twist that reveals the most profound insights. Just like a ghostly apparition, our research has appeared to shed light on an underlying truth: death might be inevitable, but taxes seem to provoke the age-old question, "to fake or not to fake"?

Our results align with prior research, as evidenced by the compelling correlation coefficient of 0.9381602, resembling the certainty of a well-documented tax expense. Our data supports Smith and Doe's (2015) exploration of the complex relationship between revenue collection and public curiosity, reminding us that even in the realm of taxes, a morbid curiosity may lurk. In a twist of poetic justice, it seems that the only thing certain in life may be taxes and the irresistibility of macabre humor.

Furthermore, the statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 adds weight to our findings, suggesting that the observed relationship is not due to random chance. It's as if our results are audaciously marching through the cemetery of statistical tests, bringing to light the grim humor inherent in the world of fiscal responsibility. Our examination reinforces Jones et al.'s (2018) revelations about tax evasion, emphasizing that curiosity about 'faking it' might not just pertain to tax compliance, but to a deeper contemplation of evanescence captured in Google searches.

This correlation unraveled before us with striking clarity, much like a spooky ghost story, leaving no room to question the impact of tax professionals on the public's curiosity about faking their own exodus. While we embarked on this research endeavor with a healthy dose of skepticism, the data has solidified the nexus between these seemingly unrelated variables, reminding us that even in the darkest corners of fiscal responsibility, there may be an unexpected twist waiting to emerge.

In conclusion, our research has opened new crypts of inquiry, shedding light on an uncanny correlation that pokes fun at the certainty of taxes and the uncertainty of the great beyond. The findings we've unearthed might compel one to exclaim, "Death and taxes may be the only certainties, but the curiosities they provoke are even more enigmatic!" After all, in the esoteric realm of statistics and the afterlife, a good pun can sometimes unearth the most resounding truths.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a 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 The number of tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana and Google searches for 'how to fake your own death'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

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

Here are the title, abstract, introduction, and results sections.
[[TITLE]]
Grave Matters: The Afterlife of Tax Examiners and Collectors in Louisiana

[[ABSTRACT]]
The famous adage "nothing is certain but death and taxes" takes a literal turn in our research examining the relationship between the number of tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana and Google searches for 'how to fake your own death'. Our research team has joined the realms of morbid curiosity and fiscal responsibility to uncover any possible correlation between these seemingly disparate variables. Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Google Trends, we conducted a comprehensive analysis encompassing the years 2010 to 2022.

Our findings revealed a surprising and robust correlation coefficient of 0.9381602 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, providing compelling evidence of a strong positive association between the quantity of tax-related professionals and individuals' curiosity about faking their own demise. However, we advise against taking these results too literally, as we cannot assure whether tax woes are driving individuals to contemplate their own mortal demise or if a delayed April Fools' joke is secretly in play.

As we delve into this curious amalgamation of fiscal matters and macabre curiosity, it is important to remember the ultimate demise of all tax-related dad jokes: they never depreciate, they only appreciate. Our research not only sheds light on this peculiar connection but also emphasizes the need for continued investigation into the nuanced interplay between taxation, mortality, and the irresistible allure of dark humor.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
Death and taxes, the two inevitable certainties of life, have long been the focus of popular adages, philosophical musings, and, of course, dad jokes. As researchers, we are compelled to examine the intersection of these two realms, particularly in the context of tax collection in Louisiana and its surprising correlation with the online search queries for 'how to fake your own death'. It appears that even in the gravest matters, there's always room for a little levity and statistical exploration.
Speaking of levity, it's important to approach this research with a critical eye and a healthy dose of skepticism, just like a good dad joke. We aim to uncover whether the employment of tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents in the Pelican State has any influence on the public's inquisitiveness about staging their own 'great escape' – not from taxes, but from life itself.
Our investigation draws inspiration from the humorous words of Benjamin Franklin, who famously said, "In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." Little did he know that the Google search bar would become a modern-day oracle for the curious and the playful alike – speaking of searches on the deceased, we wonder when our joke inferences will truly kick the bucket.
As we embark on this intriguing journey through the realms of tax economics and digital curiosity, it is crucial to recognize the lighthearted yet thought-provoking nature of the investigation. So, buckle up and get ready for some grave findings as we dig deep into the data, armed with statistical tools and, of course, an arsenal of morbid puns.

[[RESULTS]]
The correlation analysis between the number of tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana and Google searches for 'how to fake your own death' yielded a coefficient of 0.9381602, indicating a strong positive association. This means that as the number of tax professionals increased, so did the interest in faking one's own demise. It seems the only thing that's certain is death, taxes, and a good ol' dad joke thrown in for good measure.
In the spirit of scientific rigor and a dash of dark humor, we also observed an r-squared value of 0.8801445, suggesting that approximately 88% of the variation in Google searches for 'how to fake your own death' can be explained by the variation in the number of tax professionals in Louisiana. One could say the relationship between these variables is as solid as a tombstone – pardon the pun.
Furthermore, the statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 adds weight to our findings, suggesting that the observed relationship is not due to random chance. It seems our results are as reliable as a tax refund, or as surprising as realizing that your graveyard shift just got a whole new meaning.
To visually illustrate the robust association we uncovered, Fig. 1 presents a scatterplot depicting the positive correlation between the aforementioned variables. It's quite the grave image, if I may say so myself. This visual representation further reinforces the compelling nature of our findings and provides a stark reminder that when it comes to taxes and the afterlife, there's always room for a statistical twist.
In summary, our research has unearthed a strong and statistically significant correlation between the number of tax professionals in Louisiana and public curiosity about faking one's own death. While we certainly didn't expect these results to be six feet under, it just goes to show that even the most unexpected connections can emerge from the depths of data analysis – much like an unexpected punchline in a graveyard of statistical analyses.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our research has shed light on the surprising and, dare I say, grave correlation between the number of tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana and the decidedly macabre Google searches for 'how to fake your own death'. The statistically significant relationship we uncovered (cue dramatic music) appears to suggest that tax-related matters and mortality are more intertwined than we might expect. It seems that the only thing more inevitable than death and taxes is the allure of a good statistical analysis.

It goes without saying that our findings, with a correlation coefficient akin to the bond between death and taxes, have left us thoroughly gobsmacked. Who would have thought that the eternal struggle with taxes could inspire such morbid curiosity? It's like discovering a buried treasure that no one saw coming – except maybe the taxman (insert groan here).

Nevertheless, while our results present a compelling case for the connection between tax professionals and the fascination with faking one's own death, it's important to remember that correlation does not imply causation. As we wrap up this grave discussion, it's worth noting that our statistical revelations have given new meaning to the phrase "dead serious about taxes."

Overall, the findings of our study suggest that there is a definite, albeit unexpected, relationship between tax professionals and the contemplation of shuffling off this mortal coil. So, as we close the lid on this investigation, we can confidently state that further research in this area is as unnecessary as a tombstone in the desert – no more digging required. Our results are as final as a will, and it's time to rest in peace with this peculiar yet strangely enlightening discovery.


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 Grave Matters: The Afterlife of Tax Examiners and Collectors in Louisiana. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Louisiana Journal of Death and Taxes


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 Grave Matters: The Afterlife of Tax Examiners and Collectors in Louisiana. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Institute for Southern Hauntings and Paranormal 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 Grave Matters: The Afterlife of Tax Examiners and Collectors in Louisiana with an abstract of The famous adage "nothing is certain but death and taxes" takes a literal turn in our research examining the relationship between the number of tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana and Google searches for 'how to fake your own death'. Our research team has joined the realms of morbid curiosity and fiscal responsibility to uncover any possible correlation between these seemingly disparate variables. Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Google Trends, we conducted a comprehensive analysis encompassing the years 2010 to 2022.
Our findings revealed a surprising and robust correlation coefficient of 0.9381602 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, providing compelling evidence of a strong positive association between the quantity of tax-related professionals and individuals' curiosity about faking their own demise. However, we advise against taking these results too literally, as we cannot assure whether tax woes are driving individuals to contemplate their own mortal demise or if a delayed April Fools' joke is secretly in play.
As we delve into this curious amalgamation of fiscal matters and macabre curiosity, it is important to remember the ultimate demise of all tax-related dad jokes: they never depreciate, they only appreciate. Our research not only sheds light on this peculiar connection but also emphasizes the need for continued investigation into the nuanced interplay between taxation, mortality, and the irresistible allure of dark humor.

ChatGPT:

Louisiana, tax examiners, tax collectors, revenue agents, Google searches, fake your own death, correlation coefficient, p-value, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Google Trends, fiscal responsibility, mortal demise, tax-related professionals, macabre curiosity, mortality, dark humor

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



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Data details

The number of tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana
Detailed data title: BLS estimate of tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana
Source: Bureau of Larbor Statistics
See what else correlates with The number of tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana

Google searches for 'how to fake your own death'
Detailed data title: Relative volume of Google searches for 'how to fake your own death' (Worldwide), with quotes)
Source: Google Trends
Additional Info: Relative search volume (not absolute numbers)

See what else correlates with Google searches for 'how to fake your own death'

Correlation r = 0.9381602 (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 = 0.8801445 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 88% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Google searches for 'how to fake your own death') is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., The number of tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana) over the 13 years from 2010 through 2022.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 2.1E-6. 0.0000021245920988448695000000
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 0.94 in 0.00021% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 470,679 random variables You don't actually need 470 thousand 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 12 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 12 because we have two variables measured over a period of 13 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.

[ 0.8, 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.
2010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022
The number of tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana (Laborers)720700700770770720610690610610540520490
Google searches for 'how to fake your own death' (Rel. search volume)14.514.515.333320.83332313.91678.1666711.916711.91676.833335.333334.083334.58333




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([720,700,700,770,770,720,610,690,610,610,540,520,490,])
array_2 = np.array([14.5,14.5,15.3333,20.8333,23,13.9167,8.16667,11.9167,11.9167,6.83333,5.33333,4.08333,4.58333,])
array_1_name = "The number of tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents in Louisiana"
array_2_name = "Google searches for 'how to fake your own death'"

# 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: 1103 · Black Variable ID: 18130 · Red Variable ID: 1494
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