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Spurious correlation #1,150 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is xkcd comics published about cryptography and the second variable is Biomass power generated in Malaysia.  The chart goes from 2009 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

As the complexity of cryptographic concepts increased in the comics, it inadvertently led to a surge in brain activity among readers. This heightened intellectual stimulation inexplicably sparked a newfound interest in sustainable energy solutions, particularly biomass power, ultimately leading to a significant boost in its generation within Malaysia. Who would have thought that the key to unlocking clean energy potential lay hidden in the cryptic world of xkcd comics?

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: [ Whimsical illustration ] Create a charming scene where a cozy library serves as the focal point, surrounded by a lively biomass power plant. In the library, evoke the atmosphere of warmth and intellectual fascination, with comic books about cryptography stacked neatly on a table. The spines of the comics should be playful and vibrant, catching the eye and hinting at the mystery and excitement within. The readers should be engrossed in deciphering the intricate codes, their expressions a mix of concentration and wonder. Ensure that the cozy atmosphere of the library is evident, with warm lighting and comfortable reading nooks. Outside the library, depict the bustling biomass power plant emitting gentle steam, with workers carefully monitoring the machinery. The plant should be presented as a marvel of inventive energy solutions, showing the surprising link to the cerebral challenge of the comics. The workers should exude a sense of purpose and dedication, surrounded by the hum of activity. Combine these elements to create a whimsical and engaging visual, where the unexpected connections between the library and the power plant are hinted at through the vibrant and enchanting imagery. 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: Recent studies have revealed a surprising correlation between the number of xkcd comics published about cryptography and the fluctuations in biomass power generated in Malaysia. It turns out that as the number of xkcd comics on cryptography increases, so does the output of biomass power in Malaysia. Some experts speculate that this correlation may be due to the increased brainpower expended on deciphering the comics, leading to a surge in innovative ideas for more efficient biomass power generation. Others suggest that the cryptographic comics may be secretly transmitting energy-boosting messages to readers, inadvertently powering up the entire biomass industry in Malaysia.. 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: Glitch art Art nouveau Whimsical illustration Low poly Charcoal
ChatGPT: Whimsical illustration

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. Recent studies have revealed a surprising correlation between the number of xkcd comics published about cryptography and the fluctuations in biomass power generated in Malaysia. It turns out that as the number of xkcd comics on cryptography increases, so does the output of biomass power in Malaysia. Some experts speculate that this correlation may be due to the increased brainpower expended on deciphering the comics, leading to a surge in innovative ideas for more efficient biomass power generation. Others suggest that the cryptographic comics may be secretly transmitting energy-boosting messages to readers, inadvertently powering up the entire biomass industry in Malaysia.
ChatGPT: In a cozy library, comic books about cryptography are stacked on a table, with readers engrossed in deciphering the intricate codes. Meanwhile, just outside the library, a bustling biomass power plant emits steam and hums with activity as workers carefully monitor the machinery. The scene suggests a surprising link between the two seemingly unrelated variables – the cerebral challenge of the comics fostering inventive energy solutions in the biomass power plant.

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: [ Whimsical illustration ] and depicting this scene: In a cozy library, comic books about cryptography are stacked on a table, with readers engrossed in deciphering the intricate codes. Meanwhile, just outside the library, a bustling biomass power plant emits steam and hums with activity as workers carefully monitor the machinery. The scene suggests a surprising link between the two seemingly unrelated variables – the cerebral challenge of the comics fostering inventive energy solutions in the biomass power plant. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: [ Whimsical illustration ] Create a charming scene where a cozy library serves as the focal point, surrounded by a lively biomass power plant. In the library, evoke the atmosphere of warmth and intellectual fascination, with comic books about cryptography stacked neatly on a table. The spines of the comics should be playful and vibrant, catching the eye and hinting at the mystery and excitement within. The readers should be engrossed in deciphering the intricate codes, their expressions a mix of concentration and wonder. Ensure that the cozy atmosphere of the library is evident, with warm lighting and comfortable reading nooks. Outside the library, depict the bustling biomass power plant emitting gentle steam, with workers carefully monitoring the machinery. The plant should be presented as a marvel of inventive energy solutions, showing the surprising link to the cerebral challenge of the comics. The workers should exude a sense of purpose and dedication, surrounded by the hum of activity. Combine these elements to create a whimsical and engaging visual, where the unexpected connections between the library and the power plant are hinted at through the vibrant and enchanting imagery.

*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 increases in xkcd comics published about cryptography positively influenced Biomass power generated in Malaysia.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.05)
Cryptic Correspondence: Exploring the Interplay between xkcd Comics on Cryptography and Biomass Power Generation in Malaysia

The Journal of Cryptic Humor and Eclectic Sciences

Jan 2024

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




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

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between xkcd comics published about cryptography and Biomass power generated in Malaysia. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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 AI analysis of xkcd comics and Energy Information Administration to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.6424947 and p < 0.05 for 2009 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]]
"Cryptic Correspondence: Exploring the Interplay between xkcd Comics on Cryptography and Biomass Power Generation in Malaysia"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the potentially unexpected relationship between xkcd comics pertaining to cryptography and the generation of biomass power in Malaysia. Despite the seemingly disparate nature of these two subjects, our analysis reveals a statistically significant correlation between the two, prompting a thorough exploration of potential causal connections. By leveraging advanced AI data extraction techniques to parse xkcd comics published from 2009 to 2021 and synthesizing this with energy consumption data from the Energy Information Administration, we identified a correlation coefficient of 0.6424947 and p < 0.05. Our findings open the door for further investigation into the interdisciplinary ties between seemingly unrelated fields, shedding light on the whimsical ways in which factors can be linked in our world. This study serves as a vibrant reminder that even in the realm of academic research, unexpected synergies and connections can emerge, much like the serendipitous deployment of an inside joke hidden within the folding mechanism of a cryptographic algorithm.


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

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between xkcd comics published about cryptography and Biomass power generated in Malaysia. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Cryptic Correspondence: Exploring the Interplay between xkcd Comics on Cryptography and Biomass Power Generation in Malaysia"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the potentially unexpected relationship between xkcd comics pertaining to cryptography and the generation of biomass power in Malaysia. Despite the seemingly disparate nature of these two subjects, our analysis reveals a statistically significant correlation between the two, prompting a thorough exploration of potential causal connections. By leveraging advanced AI data extraction techniques to parse xkcd comics published from 2009 to 2021 and synthesizing this with energy consumption data from the Energy Information Administration, we identified a correlation coefficient of 0.6424947 and p < 0.05. Our findings open the door for further investigation into the interdisciplinary ties between seemingly unrelated fields, shedding light on the whimsical ways in which factors can be linked in our world. This study serves as a vibrant reminder that even in the realm of academic research, unexpected synergies and connections can emerge, much like the serendipitous deployment of an inside joke hidden within the folding mechanism of a cryptographic algorithm.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
**[[INTRODUCTION]]**

Cryptography, often referred to as the art of writing or solving codes, has captivated the minds of scientists, mathematicians, and cryptanalysts for centuries. On the other hand, biomass power generation, a renewable and sustainable energy source, has been a focal point for environmentalists and energy enthusiasts alike. One might be forgiven for assuming that these two subjects have as much in common as a parrot does with a lightning bolt - that is to say, not much at all. Yet, as the saying goes, "expect the unexpected," and our research delves into the peculiar pairing of xkcd comics on cryptography and the generation of biomass power in the vibrant nation of Malaysia.

While the marriage of xkcd comics, a beacon of internet humor and intellectual snark, with the serious realms of cryptography and energy generation may seem as mismatched as a square peg in a round hole, our preliminary investigation has uncovered an intriguing relationship between these seemingly unrelated domains. Although, at first glance, one might assume that such a study would produce results as murky as trying to decipher a cryptic crossword puzzle while undergoing a blackout, our empirical analysis has yielded a correlation coefficient that is nothing short of remarkable.

In this paper, we endeavor to navigate the labyrinth of xkcd comics published from the year 2009 to 2021, extracting and interpreting the cryptographic content embedded within these seemingly innocuous yet deceptively complex drawings. Additionally, we will harness and harmonize this data with the statistical energetics of biomass power generation in Malaysia, shining a light on potential overlapping patterns that may have eluded even the most discerning eye of a cryptoanalyst.

Our findings, replete with statistical significance at a level that would make any data enthusiast's heart skip a beat, underscore the playful yet profound interplay between these two diverse realms - a dance akin to a ballroom within the staid walls of academia. As we waltz through the statistical significance and correlation, we invite readers to join us in both reveling in the unexpected connections discovered and pondering the implications of these findings in what is an unlikely but undoubtedly fascinating collision of whimsy and scientific inquiry.


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

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between xkcd comics published about cryptography and Biomass power generated in Malaysia. 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. Perhaps you also got inspiration from some board games that are vaugely related.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Cryptic Correspondence: Exploring the Interplay between xkcd Comics on Cryptography and Biomass Power Generation in Malaysia"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the potentially unexpected relationship between xkcd comics pertaining to cryptography and the generation of biomass power in Malaysia. Despite the seemingly disparate nature of these two subjects, our analysis reveals a statistically significant correlation between the two, prompting a thorough exploration of potential causal connections. By leveraging advanced AI data extraction techniques to parse xkcd comics published from 2009 to 2021 and synthesizing this with energy consumption data from the Energy Information Administration, we identified a correlation coefficient of 0.6424947 and p < 0.05. Our findings open the door for further investigation into the interdisciplinary ties between seemingly unrelated fields, shedding light on the whimsical ways in which factors can be linked in our world. This study serves as a vibrant reminder that even in the realm of academic research, unexpected synergies and connections can emerge, much like the serendipitous deployment of an inside joke hidden within the folding mechanism of a cryptographic algorithm.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
Cryptography, often referred to as the art of writing or solving codes, has captivated the minds of scientists, mathematicians, and cryptanalysts for centuries. On the other hand, biomass power generation, a renewable and sustainable energy source, has been a focal point for environmentalists and energy enthusiasts alike. One might be forgiven for assuming that these two subjects have as much in common as a parrot does with a lightning bolt - that is to say, not much at all. Yet, as the saying goes, "expect the unexpected," and our research delves into the peculiar pairing of xkcd comics on cryptography and the generation of biomass power in the vibrant nation of Malaysia.
While the marriage of xkcd comics, a beacon of internet humor and intellectual snark, with the serious realms of cryptography and energy generation may seem as mismatched as a square peg in a round hole, our preliminary investigation has uncovered an intriguing relationship between these seemingly unrelated domains. Although, at first glance, one might assume that such a study would produce results as murky as trying to decipher a cryptic crossword puzzle while undergoing a blackout, our empirical analysis has yielded a correlation coefficient that is nothing short of remarkable.
In this paper, we endeavor to navigate the labyrinth of xkcd comics published from the year 2009 to 2021, extracting and interpreting the cryptographic content embedded within these seemingly innocuous yet deceptively complex drawings. Additionally, we will harness and harmonize this data with the statistical energetics of biomass power generation in Malaysia, shining a light on potential overlapping patterns that may have eluded even the most discerning eye of a cryptoanalyst.
Our findings, replete with statistical significance at a level that would make any data enthusiast's heart skip a beat, underscore the playful yet profound interplay between these two diverse realms - a dance akin to a ballroom within the staid walls of academia. As we waltz through the statistical significance and correlation, we invite readers to join us in both reveling in the unexpected connections discovered and pondering the implications of these findings in what is an unlikely but undoubtedly fascinating collision of whimsy and scientific inquiry.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

Smith et al. (2015) conducted a comprehensive analysis of the role of cryptographic algorithms in information security, highlighting the importance of robust encryption in protecting sensitive data. Their work provides valuable insights into the technical underpinnings of cryptography and its applications in modern digital communication. Meanwhile, Doe and Jones (2017) explored the potential of biomass power generation in tropical regions, with a specific focus on the case study of Malaysia. Their findings underscore the environmental and economic benefits of harnessing renewable energy sources in a country with abundant biomass resources.

Moving beyond conventional academic literature, "The Code Book" by Simon Singh presents a historical narrative of cryptography, offering a captivating account of the development of codes and code-breaking techniques throughout the ages. In a strikingly different tone, "Cryptonomicon" by Neal Stephenson weaves a fictional tale that intertwines cryptography, World War II, and present-day technology, inviting readers into a world where mysteries unfold in the shadows of cryptographic puzzles.

Beyond the realm of traditional scholarly sources, we draw inspiration from the strategic board game "Cryptonomicon: The Quest for the Enchanted Key," where players navigate a labyrinthine quest while deciphering cryptic clues and outsmarting opponents in a race to uncover hidden treasures. This game, while purely recreational in nature, serves as a metaphorical parallel to our endeavor as we navigate through the intricate landscape of cryptographic humor within xkcd comics and its curious entanglement with biomass power generation in Malaysia.


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

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between xkcd comics published about cryptography and Biomass power generated in Malaysia. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from AI analysis of xkcd comics and Energy Information Administration . You used data from 2009 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]]
"Cryptic Correspondence: Exploring the Interplay between xkcd Comics on Cryptography and Biomass Power Generation in Malaysia"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the potentially unexpected relationship between xkcd comics pertaining to cryptography and the generation of biomass power in Malaysia. Despite the seemingly disparate nature of these two subjects, our analysis reveals a statistically significant correlation between the two, prompting a thorough exploration of potential causal connections. By leveraging advanced AI data extraction techniques to parse xkcd comics published from 2009 to 2021 and synthesizing this with energy consumption data from the Energy Information Administration, we identified a correlation coefficient of 0.6424947 and p < 0.05. Our findings open the door for further investigation into the interdisciplinary ties between seemingly unrelated fields, shedding light on the whimsical ways in which factors can be linked in our world. This study serves as a vibrant reminder that even in the realm of academic research, unexpected synergies and connections can emerge, much like the serendipitous deployment of an inside joke hidden within the folding mechanism of a cryptographic algorithm.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
Cryptography, often referred to as the art of writing or solving codes, has captivated the minds of scientists, mathematicians, and cryptanalysts for centuries. On the other hand, biomass power generation, a renewable and sustainable energy source, has been a focal point for environmentalists and energy enthusiasts alike. One might be forgiven for assuming that these two subjects have as much in common as a parrot does with a lightning bolt - that is to say, not much at all. Yet, as the saying goes, "expect the unexpected," and our research delves into the peculiar pairing of xkcd comics on cryptography and the generation of biomass power in the vibrant nation of Malaysia.
While the marriage of xkcd comics, a beacon of internet humor and intellectual snark, with the serious realms of cryptography and energy generation may seem as mismatched as a square peg in a round hole, our preliminary investigation has uncovered an intriguing relationship between these seemingly unrelated domains. Although, at first glance, one might assume that such a study would produce results as murky as trying to decipher a cryptic crossword puzzle while undergoing a blackout, our empirical analysis has yielded a correlation coefficient that is nothing short of remarkable.
In this paper, we endeavor to navigate the labyrinth of xkcd comics published from the year 2009 to 2021, extracting and interpreting the cryptographic content embedded within these seemingly innocuous yet deceptively complex drawings. Additionally, we will harness and harmonize this data with the statistical energetics of biomass power generation in Malaysia, shining a light on potential overlapping patterns that may have eluded even the most discerning eye of a cryptoanalyst.
Our findings, replete with statistical significance at a level that would make any data enthusiast's heart skip a beat, underscore the playful yet profound interplay between these two diverse realms - a dance akin to a ballroom within the staid walls of academia. As we waltz through the statistical significance and correlation, we invite readers to join us in both reveling in the unexpected connections discovered and pondering the implications of these findings in what is an unlikely but undoubtedly fascinating collision of whimsy and scientific inquiry.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To uncover the enigmatic correlation between xkcd comics on cryptography and the generation of biomass power in Malaysia, our research team embarked on a daring journey through the labyrinthine world of internet humor and energy statistics. We began by summoning the powers of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to scour the annals of the internet for all xkcd comics that pertained to the wondrous world of cryptography. These comics, while ostensibly simple in appearance, are often structured with layers of nuance befitting a cryptic crossword puzzle, requiring precise extraction and interpretation akin to decrypting a clandestine message.

The period of investigation spanned from 2009 to 2021, a timeline marked by the evolution of both cryptographic principles and the exponential growth of biomass power generation in Malaysia. Our team sifted through a multitude of xkcd comics with the precision and determination of a seasoned detective combing through evidence at a crime scene, carefully selecting those that delved into cryptographic themes with an artful blend of intellectual snark and whimsy.

The qualitative analysis of these selected comics involved a deep dive into the arcane world of cryptographic humor, necessitating an appreciation for the subtleties of wit and wisdom masterfully interwoven into the seemingly innocuous panels. In a manner reminiscent of cracking a complex code, our team teased out the cryptographic content embedded within these visual narratives and proceeded to catalogue and codify the themes, symbols, and wordplay inherent in each comic.

Simultaneously, our investigation into biomass power generation in Malaysia harnessed the authoritative data troves of the Energy Information Administration. With the meticulous precision of a watchmaker crafting a timepiece, we meticulously gathered the statistical energetics of biomass power generation in this tropical haven, where sustainable energy sources stand poised to deftly sway the pendulum of progress towards a greener horizon.

Upon assembling this diverse array of data, we conducted a rigorous statistical analysis utilizing advanced regression and correlation models. With the expertise of a connoisseur discerning the perfect pairing of wine and cheese, we sought to unveil any potential interplay between the cryptographic musings of xkcd and the burgeoning domain of biomass power generation. Our analysis sought to not only identify correlation but also to hint at potential causal links, akin to uncovering the roots of a whimsical flower that unexpectedly sprouted in the garden of empirical inquiry.

In our quest to navigate the eccentric byways of interdisciplinary inquiry, we were mindful of the need to handle the data with the delicacy of a rare artifact, recognizing the inherent complexities and limitations that accompany such an unlikely union of variables. Our methodological approach, though potentially as confounding as deciphering an ancient cipher written in a forgotten language, was underpinned by the earnest pursuit of scholarly curiosity and an unrelenting sense of humor, mirroring the playful yet profound interplay between xkcd comics and the dynamics of biomass power generation.

The results of this comprehensive analysis, replete with both statistical significance and a hidden cache of wit, embody the essence of academia - a realm where the unexpected and the absurd often hold hands with the rigorous and the rational, much like an impromptu dance in the hallowed halls of scholarly inquiry.


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

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between xkcd comics published about cryptography and Biomass power generated in Malaysia. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from AI analysis of xkcd comics and Energy Information Administration .

For the time period 2009 to 2021, you found a correlation 0.6424947, r-squared of 0.4127995, and p < 0.05.

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]]
"Cryptic Correspondence: Exploring the Interplay between xkcd Comics on Cryptography and Biomass Power Generation in Malaysia"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the potentially unexpected relationship between xkcd comics pertaining to cryptography and the generation of biomass power in Malaysia. Despite the seemingly disparate nature of these two subjects, our analysis reveals a statistically significant correlation between the two, prompting a thorough exploration of potential causal connections. By leveraging advanced AI data extraction techniques to parse xkcd comics published from 2009 to 2021 and synthesizing this with energy consumption data from the Energy Information Administration, we identified a correlation coefficient of 0.6424947 and p < 0.05. Our findings open the door for further investigation into the interdisciplinary ties between seemingly unrelated fields, shedding light on the whimsical ways in which factors can be linked in our world. This study serves as a vibrant reminder that even in the realm of academic research, unexpected synergies and connections can emerge, much like the serendipitous deployment of an inside joke hidden within the folding mechanism of a cryptographic algorithm.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
Cryptography, often referred to as the art of writing or solving codes, has captivated the minds of scientists, mathematicians, and cryptanalysts for centuries. On the other hand, biomass power generation, a renewable and sustainable energy source, has been a focal point for environmentalists and energy enthusiasts alike. One might be forgiven for assuming that these two subjects have as much in common as a parrot does with a lightning bolt - that is to say, not much at all. Yet, as the saying goes, "expect the unexpected," and our research delves into the peculiar pairing of xkcd comics on cryptography and the generation of biomass power in the vibrant nation of Malaysia.
While the marriage of xkcd comics, a beacon of internet humor and intellectual snark, with the serious realms of cryptography and energy generation may seem as mismatched as a square peg in a round hole, our preliminary investigation has uncovered an intriguing relationship between these seemingly unrelated domains. Although, at first glance, one might assume that such a study would produce results as murky as trying to decipher a cryptic crossword puzzle while undergoing a blackout, our empirical analysis has yielded a correlation coefficient that is nothing short of remarkable.
In this paper, we endeavor to navigate the labyrinth of xkcd comics published from the year 2009 to 2021, extracting and interpreting the cryptographic content embedded within these seemingly innocuous yet deceptively complex drawings. Additionally, we will harness and harmonize this data with the statistical energetics of biomass power generation in Malaysia, shining a light on potential overlapping patterns that may have eluded even the most discerning eye of a cryptoanalyst.
Our findings, replete with statistical significance at a level that would make any data enthusiast's heart skip a beat, underscore the playful yet profound interplay between these two diverse realms - a dance akin to a ballroom within the staid walls of academia. As we waltz through the statistical significance and correlation, we invite readers to join us in both reveling in the unexpected connections discovered and pondering the implications of these findings in what is an unlikely but undoubtedly fascinating collision of whimsy and scientific inquiry.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

Our research findings unveiled a moderately strong positive correlation between xkcd comics on cryptography and biomass power generation in Malaysia for the period of 2009 to 2021. The correlation coefficient obtained was 0.6424947, with an r-squared value of 0.4127995, and a p-value of less than 0.05. In essence, this indicates that there is a probability of less than 5% that this correlation is purely due to chance, or as we fondly refer to it in scientific circles, lady luck was indeed shining her statistical favor upon us.

The correlation observed can be encapsulated by Fig. 1, which graphically portrays the striking association between the two variables, further solidifying the unexpectedly entwined relationship between cryptography-themed xkcd comics and the production of biomass power in the tropical landscape of Malaysia.

Our statistical analysis, much like a cryptographic algorithm, has revealed hidden connections and patterns that may have otherwise gone unnoticed in the vast sea of data. As we reflect on these findings, one is reminded of a well-crafted pun – seemingly simple on the surface, yet harboring a layer of clever complexity, much akin to the intricacies of cryptography itself.

While the results of our study may appear as unexpected as stumbling upon a witty punchline in a complex mathematical equation, they serve to underscore the delightful dynamism and unpredictability that often permeates through the world of scientific research. This serendipitous discovery highlights the whimsical wonders and unexpected connections that can emerge from seemingly unrelated subjects, akin to the surprising fusion of humor and scientific inquiry within the pages of xkcd comics. As we navigate the uncharted waters of interdisciplinary connections, we invite fellow researchers to join us in celebrating the quirky and unpredictable nature of knowledge discovery.


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

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between xkcd comics published about cryptography and Biomass power generated in Malaysia. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Limit your response to 500 tokens.

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

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

[[TITLE]]
"Cryptic Correspondence: Exploring the Interplay between xkcd Comics on Cryptography and Biomass Power Generation in Malaysia"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the potentially unexpected relationship between xkcd comics pertaining to cryptography and the generation of biomass power in Malaysia. Despite the seemingly disparate nature of these two subjects, our analysis reveals a statistically significant correlation between the two, prompting a thorough exploration of potential causal connections. By leveraging advanced AI data extraction techniques to parse xkcd comics published from 2009 to 2021 and synthesizing this with energy consumption data from the Energy Information Administration, we identified a correlation coefficient of 0.6424947 and p < 0.05. Our findings open the door for further investigation into the interdisciplinary ties between seemingly unrelated fields, shedding light on the whimsical ways in which factors can be linked in our world. This study serves as a vibrant reminder that even in the realm of academic research, unexpected synergies and connections can emerge, much like the serendipitous deployment of an inside joke hidden within the folding mechanism of a cryptographic algorithm.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
Smith et al. (2015) conducted a comprehensive analysis of the role of cryptographic algorithms in information security, highlighting the importance of robust encryption in protecting sensitive data. Their work provides valuable insights into the technical underpinnings of cryptography and its applications in modern digital communication. Meanwhile, Doe and Jones (2017) explored the potential of biomass power generation in tropical regions, with a specific focus on the case study of Malaysia. Their findings underscore the environmental and economic benefits of harnessing renewable energy sources in a country with abundant biomass resources.
Moving beyond conventional academic literature, "The Code Book" by Simon Singh presents a historical narrative of cryptography, offering a captivating account of the development of codes and code-breaking techniques throughout the ages. In a strikingly different tone, "Cryptonomicon" by Neal Stephenson weaves a fictional tale that intertwines cryptography, World War II, and present-day technology, inviting readers into a world where mysteries unfold in the shadows of cryptographic puzzles.
Beyond the realm of traditional scholarly sources, we draw inspiration from the strategic board game "Cryptonomicon: The Quest for the Enchanted Key," where players navigate a labyrinthine quest while deciphering cryptic clues and outsmarting opponents in a race to uncover hidden treasures. This game, while purely recreational in nature, serves as a metaphorical parallel to our endeavor as we navigate through the intricate landscape of cryptographic humor within xkcd comics and its curious entanglement with biomass power generation in Malaysia.

[[RESULTS]]
Our research findings unveiled a moderately strong positive correlation between xkcd comics on cryptography and biomass power generation in Malaysia for the period of 2009 to 2021. The correlation coefficient obtained was 0.6424947, with an r-squared value of 0.4127995, and a p-value of less than 0.05. In essence, this indicates that there is a probability of less than 5% that this correlation is purely due to chance, or as we fondly refer to it in scientific circles, lady luck was indeed shining her statistical favor upon us.
The correlation observed can be encapsulated by Fig. 1, which graphically portrays the striking association between the two variables, further solidifying the unexpectedly entwined relationship between cryptography-themed xkcd comics and the production of biomass power in the tropical landscape of Malaysia.
Our statistical analysis, much like a cryptographic algorithm, has revealed hidden connections and patterns that may have otherwise gone unnoticed in the vast sea of data. As we reflect on these findings, one is reminded of a well-crafted pun – seemingly simple on the surface, yet harboring a layer of clever complexity, much akin to the intricacies of cryptography itself.
While the results of our study may appear as unexpected as stumbling upon a witty punchline in a complex mathematical equation, they serve to underscore the delightful dynamism and unpredictability that often permeates through the world of scientific research. This serendipitous discovery highlights the whimsical wonders and unexpected connections that can emerge from seemingly unrelated subjects, akin to the surprising fusion of humor and scientific inquiry within the pages of xkcd comics. As we navigate the uncharted waters of interdisciplinary connections, we invite fellow researchers to join us in celebrating the quirky and unpredictable nature of knowledge discovery.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The correlation uncovered between xkcd comics on cryptography and biomass power generation in Malaysia presents an intriguing conundrum worthy of further pondering. Building upon the exploration of unexpected connections in our literature review, it is clear that the intertwining of cryptographic humor and energy production in a tropical setting is not to be taken lightly, much like the seriousness with which one approaches the cryptographic algorithms woven into digital security.

Taking a leaf from the whimsical narrative of "Cryptonomicon" by Neal Stephenson, where the unexpected fusion of cryptography, historical intrigue, and modern-day technology captivates the reader, our findings similarly captivate the audience, albeit in the realm of statistical curiosity. The unexpected correlation coefficient indeed mirrors the unexpected twists and turns found within the pages of a cryptic novel.

Our results align with previous literature, echoing the spirit of "The Code Book" by Simon Singh, where historical and technical insights into cryptography are laid bare, and the essential role of encryption in safeguarding information is emphasized. Just as Singh delves into the historical evolution of codes and ciphers, our study has uncovered a contemporary interplay between cryptographic humor and biomass power generation, hinting at the evolutionary interconnection of seemingly disparate elements – much like the intricate evolution of a complex cryptographic system.

We also draw inspiration from "Cryptonomicon: The Quest for the Enchanted Key," a strategic board game that metaphorically parallels our endeavor, in which players decipher cryptic clues and outmaneuver opponents. Indeed, in the great board game of science, our unexpected correlation emerges as a strategic move, much like a cleverly played cryptic clue leading to a secret treasure.

The statistical significance we have uncovered echoes the serendipitous unveiling of hidden connections and patterns within a cryptographic algorithm, where the seemingly undecipherable reveals itself through persistent inquiry. Our study serves as a reminder of the whimsical wonders that often permeate the world of scientific research, much like the unexpected fusion of humor and scientific inquiry within the pages of xkcd comics.

In considering the unexpected nature of this correlation, we are reminded that in the great mathematical equation of knowledge discovery, as with a well-crafted pun, there may be more than meets the eye. Just as a pun may harbor a layer of clever complexity, our statistical inquiry has revealed an unexpected layer of interconnectedness between seemingly unrelated subjects.

As we invite fellow researchers to traverse the uncharted terrain of interdisciplinary connections, we beckon them to cherish the quirky and unpredictable nature of knowledge discovery. For, much like stumbling upon a witty punchline in a mathematical equation, the unexpected correlations that emerge from our scientific inquiries often hold the greatest potential for discovery.



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

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between xkcd comics published about cryptography and Biomass power generated in Malaysia. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

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

Here are the title, abstract, introduction, and results sections.
[[TITLE]]
"Cryptic Correspondence: Exploring the Interplay between xkcd Comics on Cryptography and Biomass Power Generation in Malaysia"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the potentially unexpected relationship between xkcd comics pertaining to cryptography and the generation of biomass power in Malaysia. Despite the seemingly disparate nature of these two subjects, our analysis reveals a statistically significant correlation between the two, prompting a thorough exploration of potential causal connections. By leveraging advanced AI data extraction techniques to parse xkcd comics published from 2009 to 2021 and synthesizing this with energy consumption data from the Energy Information Administration, we identified a correlation coefficient of 0.6424947 and p < 0.05. Our findings open the door for further investigation into the interdisciplinary ties between seemingly unrelated fields, shedding light on the whimsical ways in which factors can be linked in our world. This study serves as a vibrant reminder that even in the realm of academic research, unexpected synergies and connections can emerge, much like the serendipitous deployment of an inside joke hidden within the folding mechanism of a cryptographic algorithm.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
Cryptography, often referred to as the art of writing or solving codes, has captivated the minds of scientists, mathematicians, and cryptanalysts for centuries. On the other hand, biomass power generation, a renewable and sustainable energy source, has been a focal point for environmentalists and energy enthusiasts alike. One might be forgiven for assuming that these two subjects have as much in common as a parrot does with a lightning bolt - that is to say, not much at all. Yet, as the saying goes, "expect the unexpected," and our research delves into the peculiar pairing of xkcd comics on cryptography and the generation of biomass power in the vibrant nation of Malaysia.
While the marriage of xkcd comics, a beacon of internet humor and intellectual snark, with the serious realms of cryptography and energy generation may seem as mismatched as a square peg in a round hole, our preliminary investigation has uncovered an intriguing relationship between these seemingly unrelated domains. Although, at first glance, one might assume that such a study would produce results as murky as trying to decipher a cryptic crossword puzzle while undergoing a blackout, our empirical analysis has yielded a correlation coefficient that is nothing short of remarkable.
In this paper, we endeavor to navigate the labyrinth of xkcd comics published from the year 2009 to 2021, extracting and interpreting the cryptographic content embedded within these seemingly innocuous yet deceptively complex drawings. Additionally, we will harness and harmonize this data with the statistical energetics of biomass power generation in Malaysia, shining a light on potential overlapping patterns that may have eluded even the most discerning eye of a cryptoanalyst.
Our findings, replete with statistical significance at a level that would make any data enthusiast's heart skip a beat, underscore the playful yet profound interplay between these two diverse realms - a dance akin to a ballroom within the staid walls of academia. As we waltz through the statistical significance and correlation, we invite readers to join us in both reveling in the unexpected connections discovered and pondering the implications of these findings in what is an unlikely but undoubtedly fascinating collision of whimsy and scientific inquiry.

[[RESULTS]]
Our research findings unveiled a moderately strong positive correlation between xkcd comics on cryptography and biomass power generation in Malaysia for the period of 2009 to 2021. The correlation coefficient obtained was 0.6424947, with an r-squared value of 0.4127995, and a p-value of less than 0.05. In essence, this indicates that there is a probability of less than 5% that this correlation is purely due to chance, or as we fondly refer to it in scientific circles, lady luck was indeed shining her statistical favor upon us.
The correlation observed can be encapsulated by Fig. 1, which graphically portrays the striking association between the two variables, further solidifying the unexpectedly entwined relationship between cryptography-themed xkcd comics and the production of biomass power in the tropical landscape of Malaysia.
Our statistical analysis, much like a cryptographic algorithm, has revealed hidden connections and patterns that may have otherwise gone unnoticed in the vast sea of data. As we reflect on these findings, one is reminded of a well-crafted pun – seemingly simple on the surface, yet harboring a layer of clever complexity, much akin to the intricacies of cryptography itself.
While the results of our study may appear as unexpected as stumbling upon a witty punchline in a complex mathematical equation, they serve to underscore the delightful dynamism and unpredictability that often permeates through the world of scientific research. This serendipitous discovery highlights the whimsical wonders and unexpected connections that can emerge from seemingly unrelated subjects, akin to the surprising fusion of humor and scientific inquiry within the pages of xkcd comics. As we navigate the uncharted waters of interdisciplinary connections, we invite fellow researchers to join us in celebrating the quirky and unpredictable nature of knowledge discovery.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our investigation has illuminated an intriguing association between xkcd comics on cryptography and biomass power generation in Malaysia, demonstrating that these seemingly unrelated subjects are not as incompatible as mixing a cat with bubble wrap. The statistically significant correlation coefficient has left us grinning like a Cheshire cat, reminiscent of navigating the winding paths of a cryptographic maze. Our findings emphasize the whimsical intertwining of these disparate fields, akin to stumbling upon a punchline hidden within an intricate mathematical equation.

While our study has shed light on this unexpected connection, we believe it's time to close the book on this particular cryptic correspondence. As far as we're concerned, this quirky intersection between cryptographic humor and sustainable energy has been thoroughly explored, leaving us with the conviction that no further research is needed in this delightfully peculiar realm. After all, sometimes, a little mystery adds just the right amount of spice to the scientific pursuit.


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 Cryptic Correspondence: Exploring the Interplay between xkcd Comics on Cryptography and Biomass Power Generation in Malaysia. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Cryptic Humor and Eclectic Sciences


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 Cryptic Correspondence: Exploring the Interplay between xkcd Comics on Cryptography and Biomass Power Generation in Malaysia. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The International Institute for Cryptic Computation and Sustainable Energy


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 Cryptic Correspondence: Exploring the Interplay between xkcd Comics on Cryptography and Biomass Power Generation in Malaysia with an abstract of This paper investigates the potentially unexpected relationship between xkcd comics pertaining to cryptography and the generation of biomass power in Malaysia. Despite the seemingly disparate nature of these two subjects, our analysis reveals a statistically significant correlation between the two, prompting a thorough exploration of potential causal connections. By leveraging advanced AI data extraction techniques to parse xkcd comics published from 2009 to 2021 and synthesizing this with energy consumption data from the Energy Information Administration, we identified a correlation coefficient of 0.6424947 and p < 0.05. Our findings open the door for further investigation into the interdisciplinary ties between seemingly unrelated fields, shedding light on the whimsical ways in which factors can be linked in our world. This study serves as a vibrant reminder that even in the realm of academic research, unexpected synergies and connections can emerge, much like the serendipitous deployment of an inside joke hidden within the folding mechanism of a cryptographic algorithm.

ChatGPT:

xkcd comics, cryptography, biomass power generation, Malaysia, correlation, statistical analysis, AI data extraction, energy consumption, interdisciplinary ties, unexpected connections, academic 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

xkcd comics published about cryptography
Detailed data title: The number of xkcd comics published each year about cryptography
Source: AI analysis of xkcd comics
Additional Info: I designed a Python workflow to perform OCR on every xkcd comic, feed that text into a large language model, and ask the model whether this comic was about the category named in the title.

See what else correlates with xkcd comics published about cryptography

Biomass power generated in Malaysia
Detailed data title: Total biomass power generated in Malaysia in billion kWh
Source: Energy Information Administration
See what else correlates with Biomass power generated in Malaysia

Correlation r = 0.6424947 (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 = 0.4127995 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 41.3% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Biomass power generated in Malaysia) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., xkcd comics published about cryptography) over the 13 years from 2009 through 2021.

p < 0.05, which statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 0.018. 0.0178777152495460840000000000
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 0.64 in 1.8% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 56 random variables Which I absolutely did.
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.

[ 0.14, 0.88 ] 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.
2009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021
xkcd comics published about cryptography (xkcd comics)2113321023422
Biomass power generated in Malaysia (Billion kWh)1.0781.011.0691.5891.2640.8020.9220.7050.8991.2641.0831.0211.02914




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([2,1,1,3,3,2,1,0,2,3,4,2,2,])
array_2 = np.array([1.078,1.01,1.069,1.589,1.264,0.802,0.922,0.705,0.899,1.264,1.083,1.021,1.02914,])
array_1_name = "xkcd comics published about cryptography"
array_2_name = "Biomass power generated in Malaysia"

# 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: 1150 · Black Variable ID: 20035 · Red Variable ID: 23809
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