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Spurious correlation #1,216 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Motor vehicle thefts in Missouri and the second variable is Google searches for 'elon musk'.  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

As the number of stolen cars rose in Missouri, it led to a shortage of vehicles in the local market. This scarcity created a sudden demand for electric cars, prompting people to look up Elon Musk, the electric car tycoon, on Google to get their hands on a Tesla as a theft-proof alternative. Looks like even car thieves are charged up about Musk's electric vehicles!

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image of a voxel art-style quiet neighborhood at night. The scene features a row of parked cars under the glow of street lamps. One car has its windows rolled down, and inside, a figure is seen hunched over a laptop, tinkering with wires and circuits. Meanwhile, a group of concerned residents gather around another car, pointing up at the sky where a sleek, metallic satellite orbits above. Some are holding up their smartphones, displaying live feeds of the satellite's movements. The scene captures the intersection of car thefts and Elon Musk's space age security systems, as the community looks to the sky for a solution to its rising crime rates. 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: "MISSOURI MOTOR VEHICLE THEFTS SEND ELON MUSK SEARCHES INTO ORBIT! As car thefts rise, residents turn to Musk's space age security systems. It seems when the wheels go missing, people start searching for the man who's 'driven' to revolutionize the automotive industry. It's a case of 'Tesla'ing the truth about crime and innovation!". 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: Pop art Steampunk Voxel art Realistic Glitch art
ChatGPT: Voxel art

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. "MISSOURI MOTOR VEHICLE THEFTS SEND ELON MUSK SEARCHES INTO ORBIT! As car thefts rise, residents turn to Musk's space age security systems. It seems when the wheels go missing, people start searching for the man who's 'driven' to revolutionize the automotive industry. It's a case of 'Tesla'ing the truth about crime and innovation!"
ChatGPT: In a quiet neighborhood, a row of parked cars is illuminated by the glow of street lamps. One car has its windows rolled down, a laptop glowing on the passenger seat. A figure is seen hunched over the laptop, tinkering with wires and circuits. Meanwhile, a group of concerned residents gather around another car, pointing up at the sky where a sleek, metallic satellite orbits above. Some are even holding up their smartphones, displaying live feeds of the satellite's movements. The scene captures the intersection of car thefts and Elon Musk's space age security systems, as the community looks to the sky for a solution to its rising crime rates.

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: [ Voxel art ] and depicting this scene: In a quiet neighborhood, a row of parked cars is illuminated by the glow of street lamps. One car has its windows rolled down, a laptop glowing on the passenger seat. A figure is seen hunched over the laptop, tinkering with wires and circuits. Meanwhile, a group of concerned residents gather around another car, pointing up at the sky where a sleek, metallic satellite orbits above. Some are even holding up their smartphones, displaying live feeds of the satellite's movements. The scene captures the intersection of car thefts and Elon Musk's space age security systems, as the community looks to the sky for a solution to its rising crime rates. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image of a voxel art-style quiet neighborhood at night. The scene features a row of parked cars under the glow of street lamps. One car has its windows rolled down, and inside, a figure is seen hunched over a laptop, tinkering with wires and circuits. Meanwhile, a group of concerned residents gather around another car, pointing up at the sky where a sleek, metallic satellite orbits above. Some are holding up their smartphones, displaying live feeds of the satellite's movements. The scene captures the intersection of car thefts and Elon Musk's space age security systems, as the community looks to the sky for a solution to its rising crime rates.

*Variations in the User Prompts from chart to chart are just the result of random number generation in Python. I wrote a few arrays of various styles and methods to ask questions to change up the results. Every time this site writes an explanation or generates an image, the script picks from each at random.

I sequence the requests into multiple prompts because I find GPT 3.5 to perform much better with short, well-managed contexts. Thus, I track the context directly in Python and only ask ChatGPT targeted questions.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how an increase in Motor vehicle thefts in Missouri caused elon musk (Google searches for 'elon musk') to increase. Add a funny one-liner at the end.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Musk and Motor Miscreants: Analyzing the Relationship Between Motor Vehicle Thefts in Missouri and Google Searches for Elon Musk

The Journal of Eccentric Sociological Studies

Jan 2024

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




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

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Motor vehicle thefts in Missouri and Google searches for 'elon musk'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Make the title seem clever.

Your research team used data from FBI Criminal Justice Information Services and Google Trends to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.9710661 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]]
"Musk and Motor Miscreants: Analyzing the Relationship Between Motor Vehicle Thefts in Missouri and Google Searches for Elon Musk"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the intriguing connection between Google searches for the enigmatic business magnate Elon Musk and the prevalence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Missouri. Utilizing data sourced from the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services and Google Trends, our research team conducted a rigorous analysis, uncovering a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9710661 with a statistical significance of p < 0.01 for the period spanning from 2010 to 2022. The unexpected correlation observed between these seemingly disparate phenomena prompts further investigation into the potential influences of contemporary cultural figures on criminal activities. Our findings offer a humorous and eyebrow-raising perspective on the intersections between popular culture and illegal behaviors, shedding light on the idiosyncrasies of modern societal dynamics.


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

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Motor vehicle thefts in Missouri and Google searches for 'elon musk'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Musk and Motor Miscreants: Analyzing the Relationship Between Motor Vehicle Thefts in Missouri and Google Searches for Elon Musk"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the intriguing connection between Google searches for the enigmatic business magnate Elon Musk and the prevalence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Missouri. Utilizing data sourced from the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services and Google Trends, our research team conducted a rigorous analysis, uncovering a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9710661 with a statistical significance of p < 0.01 for the period spanning from 2010 to 2022. The unexpected correlation observed between these seemingly disparate phenomena prompts further investigation into the potential influences of contemporary cultural figures on criminal activities. Our findings offer a humorous and eyebrow-raising perspective on the intersections between popular culture and illegal behaviors, shedding light on the idiosyncrasies of modern societal dynamics.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

In recent years, the increasing ubiquity of internet search engines has presented researchers with a plethora of data for exploring various phenomena. The quest for understanding the underlying causes of societal trends has led to the use of unconventional sources, one of which is the analysis of Google search trends. Furthermore, the fascination with larger-than-life personalities, such as the renowned entrepreneur Elon Musk, has prompted an investigation into the potential influence of public figures on the behavioral patterns of individuals.

Motor vehicle theft is a prevalent criminal activity that has long been a concern for law enforcement agencies and insurance providers. The economic impact of this illicit act is substantial, with the financial burden borne not only by the victims but also by society at large. As such, the identification of factors that may influence the occurrence of motor vehicle thefts is of great interest, both from a criminological and an economic perspective. While traditional analyses have focused on socioeconomic indicators and law enforcement strategies, the present study aims to investigate a rather unorthodox potential influence: the online activity surrounding the enigmatic figure, Elon Musk.

The name "Elon Musk" has become a household conversation starter, conjuring up images of electric cars hurtling towards Mars and underground transportation systems. However, the extent to which Mr. Musk's ventures and public persona permeate the collective consciousness extends beyond the realms of business and technology. From memes to news articles, his influence seems to seep into various aspects of popular culture. Therefore, a question arises – could the online interest in Elon Musk be linked to the occurrence of motor vehicle thefts in Missouri? This study sets out to investigate this unexpected and charmingly quirky possibility.

The following sections will provide a detailed account of the methodology employed, the results obtained, and the implications of the findings. It is our hope that the insights gleaned from this investigation will not only offer a lighthearted perspective on the intersections between popular culture and illegal activities but also stimulate further contemplation on the peculiar and fascinating dynamics of our contemporary society. With that in mind, we shall embark on our journey into the curiously correlated realms of Musk and motor miscreants.


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

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Motor vehicle thefts in Missouri and Google searches for 'elon musk'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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

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

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

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Musk and Motor Miscreants: Analyzing the Relationship Between Motor Vehicle Thefts in Missouri and Google Searches for Elon Musk"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the intriguing connection between Google searches for the enigmatic business magnate Elon Musk and the prevalence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Missouri. Utilizing data sourced from the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services and Google Trends, our research team conducted a rigorous analysis, uncovering a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9710661 with a statistical significance of p < 0.01 for the period spanning from 2010 to 2022. The unexpected correlation observed between these seemingly disparate phenomena prompts further investigation into the potential influences of contemporary cultural figures on criminal activities. Our findings offer a humorous and eyebrow-raising perspective on the intersections between popular culture and illegal behaviors, shedding light on the idiosyncrasies of modern societal dynamics.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
In recent years, the increasing ubiquity of internet search engines has presented researchers with a plethora of data for exploring various phenomena. The quest for understanding the underlying causes of societal trends has led to the use of unconventional sources, one of which is the analysis of Google search trends. Furthermore, the fascination with larger-than-life personalities, such as the renowned entrepreneur Elon Musk, has prompted an investigation into the potential influence of public figures on the behavioral patterns of individuals.
Motor vehicle theft is a prevalent criminal activity that has long been a concern for law enforcement agencies and insurance providers. The economic impact of this illicit act is substantial, with the financial burden borne not only by the victims but also by society at large. As such, the identification of factors that may influence the occurrence of motor vehicle thefts is of great interest, both from a criminological and an economic perspective. While traditional analyses have focused on socioeconomic indicators and law enforcement strategies, the present study aims to investigate a rather unorthodox potential influence: the online activity surrounding the enigmatic figure, Elon Musk.
The name "Elon Musk" has become a household conversation starter, conjuring up images of electric cars hurtling towards Mars and underground transportation systems. However, the extent to which Mr. Musk's ventures and public persona permeate the collective consciousness extends beyond the realms of business and technology. From memes to news articles, his influence seems to seep into various aspects of popular culture. Therefore, a question arises – could the online interest in Elon Musk be linked to the occurrence of motor vehicle thefts in Missouri? This study sets out to investigate this unexpected and charmingly quirky possibility.
The following sections will provide a detailed account of the methodology employed, the results obtained, and the implications of the findings. It is our hope that the insights gleaned from this investigation will not only offer a lighthearted perspective on the intersections between popular culture and illegal activities but also stimulate further contemplation on the peculiar and fascinating dynamics of our contemporary society. With that in mind, we shall embark on our journey into the curiously correlated realms of Musk and motor miscreants.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The bustling realm of academic literature has seen a myriad of studies exploring the intriguing intersections between societal phenomena and popular cultural figures. Smith et al. (2015) delved into the impact of celebrity endorsements on consumer behavior, while Doe and Jones (2018) examined the influence of social media influencers on purchasing decisions. However, the present study seeks to unravel a connection that is, quite frankly, out of this world – the enthralling relationship between Google searches for Elon Musk and the incidence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Missouri.

Turning to the world of non-fiction, books such as “The Tipping Point” (Gladwell, 2000) and “Freakonomics” (Levitt & Dubner, 2005) have provided thought-provoking insights into the unexpected mechanisms that govern human behavior and societal trends. These works have underscored the importance of delving into seemingly incongruous connections, sparking our curiosity to explore the possibly whimsical yet statistically significant association between the searches for the multi-talented Elon Musk and the unauthorized acquisition of motor vehicles.

Branching out further, a foray into fictional literature presents intriguing parallels with our current quest. H.G. Wells' "The Time Machine" (1895) and Octavia E. Butler's "Parable of the Sower" (1993) whimsically transport readers into speculative narratives that navigate through futuristic technologies and societal evolutions, peppered with elements of unforeseen connections and quirky correlations. While our exploration may not entail time machines or intergalactic voyages, the unanticipated juncture of fascination with an innovator such as Musk and the rather mundane act of vehicle thievery presents a narrative that is equally, if not more, fascinating.

In a rather unorthodox approach to literature review, the authors confess to having perused a wide array of sources, including but not limited to supermarket tabloids, fortune cookies, and even the arcane depths of CVS receipts to comprehend the zeitgeist of contemporary societal interests. While the validity and reliability of these sources may be questionable, the endeavor has undeniably injected a jolt of spontaneity and unpredictability into the exploration of this peculiar association.

In summary, the existing literature, both scholarly and otherwise, hints at the potential for unexpected connections between popular culture, human behavior, and societal phenomena. This groundwork has set the stage for our investigation into the captivating and, dare we say, eccentric relationship between Google searches for Elon Musk and motor vehicle thefts in Missouri.


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

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Motor vehicle thefts in Missouri and Google searches for 'elon musk'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from FBI Criminal Justice Information Services 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]]
"Musk and Motor Miscreants: Analyzing the Relationship Between Motor Vehicle Thefts in Missouri and Google Searches for Elon Musk"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the intriguing connection between Google searches for the enigmatic business magnate Elon Musk and the prevalence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Missouri. Utilizing data sourced from the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services and Google Trends, our research team conducted a rigorous analysis, uncovering a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9710661 with a statistical significance of p < 0.01 for the period spanning from 2010 to 2022. The unexpected correlation observed between these seemingly disparate phenomena prompts further investigation into the potential influences of contemporary cultural figures on criminal activities. Our findings offer a humorous and eyebrow-raising perspective on the intersections between popular culture and illegal behaviors, shedding light on the idiosyncrasies of modern societal dynamics.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
In recent years, the increasing ubiquity of internet search engines has presented researchers with a plethora of data for exploring various phenomena. The quest for understanding the underlying causes of societal trends has led to the use of unconventional sources, one of which is the analysis of Google search trends. Furthermore, the fascination with larger-than-life personalities, such as the renowned entrepreneur Elon Musk, has prompted an investigation into the potential influence of public figures on the behavioral patterns of individuals.
Motor vehicle theft is a prevalent criminal activity that has long been a concern for law enforcement agencies and insurance providers. The economic impact of this illicit act is substantial, with the financial burden borne not only by the victims but also by society at large. As such, the identification of factors that may influence the occurrence of motor vehicle thefts is of great interest, both from a criminological and an economic perspective. While traditional analyses have focused on socioeconomic indicators and law enforcement strategies, the present study aims to investigate a rather unorthodox potential influence: the online activity surrounding the enigmatic figure, Elon Musk.
The name "Elon Musk" has become a household conversation starter, conjuring up images of electric cars hurtling towards Mars and underground transportation systems. However, the extent to which Mr. Musk's ventures and public persona permeate the collective consciousness extends beyond the realms of business and technology. From memes to news articles, his influence seems to seep into various aspects of popular culture. Therefore, a question arises – could the online interest in Elon Musk be linked to the occurrence of motor vehicle thefts in Missouri? This study sets out to investigate this unexpected and charmingly quirky possibility.
The following sections will provide a detailed account of the methodology employed, the results obtained, and the implications of the findings. It is our hope that the insights gleaned from this investigation will not only offer a lighthearted perspective on the intersections between popular culture and illegal activities but also stimulate further contemplation on the peculiar and fascinating dynamics of our contemporary society. With that in mind, we shall embark on our journey into the curiously correlated realms of Musk and motor miscreants.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To investigate the peculiar relationship between motor vehicle thefts in Missouri and Google searches for Elon Musk, our research team employed a combination of sophisticated statistical analyses and a pinch of good old-fashioned detective work. The data utilized in this study were derived from two primary sources: the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services, which provided comprehensive information on motor vehicle thefts in Missouri, and Google Trends, which offered insights into the search interest for "Elon Musk" within the same geographic region.

The first step in our convoluted but entertaining research process involved collecting and organizing data on motor vehicle thefts reported in Missouri from 2010 to 2022. We meticulously combed through various crime databases to compile a comprehensive dataset, effectively becoming virtual sleuths in the pursuit of criminological knowledge.

Similarly, for our investigation into the digital footprints of Elon Musk enthusiasts, we turned to the realm of Google Trends. By analyzing the search interest for "Elon Musk" within the geographical boundaries of Missouri, we not only gained a glimpse into the public's fascination with the enigmatic entrepreneur but also took a whimsical detour into the world of online queries. It was akin to navigating an intellectual treasure map, only our bounty wasn't gold but an unexpected correlation waiting to be unearthed.

Once we had these data in hand, we engaged in the magnificent dance of statistical analysis. Employing the elegant tango of correlation coefficients, we examined the relationship between the frequency of Google searches for "Elon Musk" and the occurrence of motor vehicle thefts in Missouri. This mathematical pas de deux allowed us to quantify the strength and direction of the association, akin to measuring the synchronicity of a whimsical waltz between cyberspace and criminal activity.

We then proceeded to perform a series of rigorous statistical tests to determine the significance of the observed correlation. With each calculation, we ventured deeper into the labyrinth of numerical analyses, armed with the formidable arsenal of p-values and confidence intervals. Through these methods, we sought to discern whether the unexpected entanglement between the online musings about Elon Musk and the mischievous escapades of motor thieves was truly a noteworthy finding or merely a serendipitous statistical illusion.

In summary, our methodology combined old-fashioned gumshoe detective work with the modern-day digital sleuthing of internet search data, all wrapped in a delightful cloak of statistical analyses. Our journey into the realms of Musk and motor miscreants was as whimsical as it was methodical, offering a distinctive blend of empirical rigor and intellectual levity.


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

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Motor vehicle thefts in Missouri and Google searches for 'elon musk'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

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

For the time period 2010 to 2022, you found a correlation 0.9710661, r-squared of 0.9429694, 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]]
"Musk and Motor Miscreants: Analyzing the Relationship Between Motor Vehicle Thefts in Missouri and Google Searches for Elon Musk"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the intriguing connection between Google searches for the enigmatic business magnate Elon Musk and the prevalence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Missouri. Utilizing data sourced from the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services and Google Trends, our research team conducted a rigorous analysis, uncovering a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9710661 with a statistical significance of p < 0.01 for the period spanning from 2010 to 2022. The unexpected correlation observed between these seemingly disparate phenomena prompts further investigation into the potential influences of contemporary cultural figures on criminal activities. Our findings offer a humorous and eyebrow-raising perspective on the intersections between popular culture and illegal behaviors, shedding light on the idiosyncrasies of modern societal dynamics.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
In recent years, the increasing ubiquity of internet search engines has presented researchers with a plethora of data for exploring various phenomena. The quest for understanding the underlying causes of societal trends has led to the use of unconventional sources, one of which is the analysis of Google search trends. Furthermore, the fascination with larger-than-life personalities, such as the renowned entrepreneur Elon Musk, has prompted an investigation into the potential influence of public figures on the behavioral patterns of individuals.
Motor vehicle theft is a prevalent criminal activity that has long been a concern for law enforcement agencies and insurance providers. The economic impact of this illicit act is substantial, with the financial burden borne not only by the victims but also by society at large. As such, the identification of factors that may influence the occurrence of motor vehicle thefts is of great interest, both from a criminological and an economic perspective. While traditional analyses have focused on socioeconomic indicators and law enforcement strategies, the present study aims to investigate a rather unorthodox potential influence: the online activity surrounding the enigmatic figure, Elon Musk.
The name "Elon Musk" has become a household conversation starter, conjuring up images of electric cars hurtling towards Mars and underground transportation systems. However, the extent to which Mr. Musk's ventures and public persona permeate the collective consciousness extends beyond the realms of business and technology. From memes to news articles, his influence seems to seep into various aspects of popular culture. Therefore, a question arises – could the online interest in Elon Musk be linked to the occurrence of motor vehicle thefts in Missouri? This study sets out to investigate this unexpected and charmingly quirky possibility.
The following sections will provide a detailed account of the methodology employed, the results obtained, and the implications of the findings. It is our hope that the insights gleaned from this investigation will not only offer a lighthearted perspective on the intersections between popular culture and illegal activities but also stimulate further contemplation on the peculiar and fascinating dynamics of our contemporary society. With that in mind, we shall embark on our journey into the curiously correlated realms of Musk and motor miscreants.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The analysis of the relationship between Motor Vehicle Thefts (MVTs) in Missouri and Google searches for 'Elon Musk' yielded a remarkably strong correlation coefficient of 0.9710661 and an r-squared value of 0.9429694 for the period from 2010 to 2022. The statistical significance of the observed correlation, with p < 0.01, indicates a robust association between these seemingly unrelated variables.

Figure 1 illustrates the compelling relationship between the two variables, showcasing a noteworthy alignment of peak search activity for "Elon Musk" with increases in motor vehicle thefts. Not to jump to conclusions, but it seems that perhaps the allure of innovative technology and space exploration piques the interest of some individuals in less lawful pursuits! A true case of orbiting the law, one might say.

The findings of this investigation not only provide a statistical basis but also offer a whimsically thought-provoking angle on the potential impact of modern cultural icons on societal behaviors. While the study stops short of suggesting a direct causal relationship, the conspicuous correlation prompts entertaining musings about the diffusion of fascination with larger-than-life personalities and its potential influence on mischievous activities.

These results open the door to a world of intriguing possibilities and raise lighthearted questions about the intersections of pop culture and criminal tendencies. It remains to be seen whether similar patterns emerge in other jurisdictions and whether the influence of public figures on the more unsavory aspects of society extends beyond the bounds of Missouri.


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

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Motor vehicle thefts in Missouri and Google searches for 'elon musk'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

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]]
"Musk and Motor Miscreants: Analyzing the Relationship Between Motor Vehicle Thefts in Missouri and Google Searches for Elon Musk"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the intriguing connection between Google searches for the enigmatic business magnate Elon Musk and the prevalence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Missouri. Utilizing data sourced from the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services and Google Trends, our research team conducted a rigorous analysis, uncovering a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9710661 with a statistical significance of p < 0.01 for the period spanning from 2010 to 2022. The unexpected correlation observed between these seemingly disparate phenomena prompts further investigation into the potential influences of contemporary cultural figures on criminal activities. Our findings offer a humorous and eyebrow-raising perspective on the intersections between popular culture and illegal behaviors, shedding light on the idiosyncrasies of modern societal dynamics.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The bustling realm of academic literature has seen a myriad of studies exploring the intriguing intersections between societal phenomena and popular cultural figures. Smith et al. (2015) delved into the impact of celebrity endorsements on consumer behavior, while Doe and Jones (2018) examined the influence of social media influencers on purchasing decisions. However, the present study seeks to unravel a connection that is, quite frankly, out of this world – the enthralling relationship between Google searches for Elon Musk and the incidence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Missouri.
Turning to the world of non-fiction, books such as “The Tipping Point” (Gladwell, 2000) and “Freakonomics” (Levitt & Dubner, 2005) have provided thought-provoking insights into the unexpected mechanisms that govern human behavior and societal trends. These works have underscored the importance of delving into seemingly incongruous connections, sparking our curiosity to explore the possibly whimsical yet statistically significant association between the searches for the multi-talented Elon Musk and the unauthorized acquisition of motor vehicles.
Branching out further, a foray into fictional literature presents intriguing parallels with our current quest. H.G. Wells' "The Time Machine" (1895) and Octavia E. Butler's "Parable of the Sower" (1993) whimsically transport readers into speculative narratives that navigate through futuristic technologies and societal evolutions, peppered with elements of unforeseen connections and quirky correlations. While our exploration may not entail time machines or intergalactic voyages, the unanticipated juncture of fascination with an innovator such as Musk and the rather mundane act of vehicle thievery presents a narrative that is equally, if not more, fascinating.
In a rather unorthodox approach to literature review, the authors confess to having perused a wide array of sources, including but not limited to supermarket tabloids, fortune cookies, and even the arcane depths of CVS receipts to comprehend the zeitgeist of contemporary societal interests. While the validity and reliability of these sources may be questionable, the endeavor has undeniably injected a jolt of spontaneity and unpredictability into the exploration of this peculiar association.
In summary, the existing literature, both scholarly and otherwise, hints at the potential for unexpected connections between popular culture, human behavior, and societal phenomena. This groundwork has set the stage for our investigation into the captivating and, dare we say, eccentric relationship between Google searches for Elon Musk and motor vehicle thefts in Missouri.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the relationship between Motor Vehicle Thefts (MVTs) in Missouri and Google searches for 'Elon Musk' yielded a remarkably strong correlation coefficient of 0.9710661 and an r-squared value of 0.9429694 for the period from 2010 to 2022. The statistical significance of the observed correlation, with p < 0.01, indicates a robust association between these seemingly unrelated variables.
Figure 1 illustrates the compelling relationship between the two variables, showcasing a noteworthy alignment of peak search activity for "Elon Musk" with increases in motor vehicle thefts. Not to jump to conclusions, but it seems that perhaps the allure of innovative technology and space exploration piques the interest of some individuals in less lawful pursuits! A true case of orbiting the law, one might say.
The findings of this investigation not only provide a statistical basis but also offer a whimsically thought-provoking angle on the potential impact of modern cultural icons on societal behaviors. While the study stops short of suggesting a direct causal relationship, the conspicuous correlation prompts entertaining musings about the diffusion of fascination with larger-than-life personalities and its potential influence on mischievous activities.
These results open the door to a world of intriguing possibilities and raise lighthearted questions about the intersections of pop culture and criminal tendencies. It remains to be seen whether similar patterns emerge in other jurisdictions and whether the influence of public figures on the more unsavory aspects of society extends beyond the bounds of Missouri.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The significant correlation observed between Google searches for Elon Musk and motor vehicle thefts in Missouri has certainly sparked an unexpected and jovial enthusiasm among our research team. Our analysis provides compelling support for the notion that contemporary cultural icons may indeed have a discernible impact on societal behaviors, albeit in ways that may, at first glance, seem rather novel and bemusing.

The findings of this study not only corroborate prior research on the influence of popular cultural figures on human behaviors but also add a lighthearted twist to the discourse. As hinted in our literature review, seminal works such as "Freakonomics" (Levitt & Dubner, 2005) have laid the groundwork for exploring unconventional correlations that challenge traditional assumptions. The robust correlation coefficient and statistical significance revealed in our analysis offer empirical weight to the whimsical notion that the allure of Elon Musk's technological innovations might extend into less lawful domains. Indeed, our results mirror the findings of Smith et al. (2015) and Doe and Jones (2018) in demonstrating the profound influence of contemporary personalities on human actions, despite the rather unconventional manifestation observed in our study.

Moreover, the unexpected correlation we have uncovered calls to mind the speculative narratives of H.G. Wells and Octavia E. Butler, whose works transport readers into fantastical worlds that probe the boundaries of human behavior and societal phenomena. While our study may not entail time-travel or alternate universes, it undeniably mirrors the unpredictability and engaging nature of speculative fiction, as the association between Elon Musk's prominence and motor vehicle thefts evokes a similar sense of wonder.

Admittedly, our literature review strayed into whimsical territory, as we playfully acknowledged the unorthodox sources we consulted to comprehend the zeitgeist of contemporary societal interests. There is, after all, a poignant richness in the peculiar and offbeat, as evidenced by the unexpected correlation revealed in our results. While our approach may have raised some eyebrows, it has undeniably injected a delightful sense of spontaneity and unpredictability into the exploration of this quixotic association.

Ultimately, this study offers an engaging and mischievously thought-provoking perspective on the potential influence of modern cultural icons on societal behaviors. While we refrain from claiming a direct causal relationship, the data invites playful contemplation about the nuanced interplay between fascination with larger-than-life personalities and the mischievous proclivities of some individuals. Our findings nudge the boundaries of conventional research and beckon fellow scholars to embrace the whimsically unexpected, inspiring further investigation into the multifaceted intersections of popular culture and societal dynamics.


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

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Motor vehicle thefts in Missouri and Google searches for 'elon musk'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

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]]
"Musk and Motor Miscreants: Analyzing the Relationship Between Motor Vehicle Thefts in Missouri and Google Searches for Elon Musk"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the intriguing connection between Google searches for the enigmatic business magnate Elon Musk and the prevalence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Missouri. Utilizing data sourced from the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services and Google Trends, our research team conducted a rigorous analysis, uncovering a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9710661 with a statistical significance of p < 0.01 for the period spanning from 2010 to 2022. The unexpected correlation observed between these seemingly disparate phenomena prompts further investigation into the potential influences of contemporary cultural figures on criminal activities. Our findings offer a humorous and eyebrow-raising perspective on the intersections between popular culture and illegal behaviors, shedding light on the idiosyncrasies of modern societal dynamics.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
In recent years, the increasing ubiquity of internet search engines has presented researchers with a plethora of data for exploring various phenomena. The quest for understanding the underlying causes of societal trends has led to the use of unconventional sources, one of which is the analysis of Google search trends. Furthermore, the fascination with larger-than-life personalities, such as the renowned entrepreneur Elon Musk, has prompted an investigation into the potential influence of public figures on the behavioral patterns of individuals.
Motor vehicle theft is a prevalent criminal activity that has long been a concern for law enforcement agencies and insurance providers. The economic impact of this illicit act is substantial, with the financial burden borne not only by the victims but also by society at large. As such, the identification of factors that may influence the occurrence of motor vehicle thefts is of great interest, both from a criminological and an economic perspective. While traditional analyses have focused on socioeconomic indicators and law enforcement strategies, the present study aims to investigate a rather unorthodox potential influence: the online activity surrounding the enigmatic figure, Elon Musk.
The name "Elon Musk" has become a household conversation starter, conjuring up images of electric cars hurtling towards Mars and underground transportation systems. However, the extent to which Mr. Musk's ventures and public persona permeate the collective consciousness extends beyond the realms of business and technology. From memes to news articles, his influence seems to seep into various aspects of popular culture. Therefore, a question arises – could the online interest in Elon Musk be linked to the occurrence of motor vehicle thefts in Missouri? This study sets out to investigate this unexpected and charmingly quirky possibility.
The following sections will provide a detailed account of the methodology employed, the results obtained, and the implications of the findings. It is our hope that the insights gleaned from this investigation will not only offer a lighthearted perspective on the intersections between popular culture and illegal activities but also stimulate further contemplation on the peculiar and fascinating dynamics of our contemporary society. With that in mind, we shall embark on our journey into the curiously correlated realms of Musk and motor miscreants.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the relationship between Motor Vehicle Thefts (MVTs) in Missouri and Google searches for 'Elon Musk' yielded a remarkably strong correlation coefficient of 0.9710661 and an r-squared value of 0.9429694 for the period from 2010 to 2022. The statistical significance of the observed correlation, with p < 0.01, indicates a robust association between these seemingly unrelated variables.
Figure 1 illustrates the compelling relationship between the two variables, showcasing a noteworthy alignment of peak search activity for "Elon Musk" with increases in motor vehicle thefts. Not to jump to conclusions, but it seems that perhaps the allure of innovative technology and space exploration piques the interest of some individuals in less lawful pursuits! A true case of orbiting the law, one might say.
The findings of this investigation not only provide a statistical basis but also offer a whimsically thought-provoking angle on the potential impact of modern cultural icons on societal behaviors. While the study stops short of suggesting a direct causal relationship, the conspicuous correlation prompts entertaining musings about the diffusion of fascination with larger-than-life personalities and its potential influence on mischievous activities.
These results open the door to a world of intriguing possibilities and raise lighthearted questions about the intersections of pop culture and criminal tendencies. It remains to be seen whether similar patterns emerge in other jurisdictions and whether the influence of public figures on the more unsavory aspects of society extends beyond the bounds of Missouri.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, the findings of our study present an amusing correlation between the prevalence of motor vehicle thefts in Missouri and the public's intrigue with the enigmatic Elon Musk. The robust association between these seemingly incongruent variables has added a whimsically thought-provoking layer to the discourse on societal behaviors. This investigation has not only offered statistical evidence but also encouraged lighthearted contemplation on the potential impact of modern cultural icons on criminal activities.

The alignment of peak searches for "Elon Musk" with increases in motor vehicle thefts raises delightful musings about the interplay between admiration for technological innovation and less lawful pursuits. One could argue that the magnetic allure of space exploration and groundbreaking technology may, for a select few, translate into a penchant for lawless endeavors – a true case of reaching for the stars, albeit in an unorthodox manner.

Nevertheless, it is essential to exercise caution in drawing causal inferences from these findings. While the correlation coefficient and statistical significance are undeniable, our study stops short of asserting a direct cause-and-effect relationship between Mr. Musk's public persona and the occurrence of motor vehicle thefts. We must remember that correlation does not necessarily imply causation, especially in the realm of engaging yet whimsical correlational research.

The implications of this research extend beyond Missouri, sparking curiosity about the broader influence of public figures on criminal proclivities. It is our hope that this study not only serves as a lighthearted source of contemplation but also as a reminder of the peculiar and fascinating dynamics that shape our contemporary society. With that said, in the spirit of good humor and academic rigor, it is safe to assert that no further research is needed in this delightful and idiosyncratic domain.


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 Musk and Motor Miscreants: Analyzing the Relationship Between Motor Vehicle Thefts in Missouri and Google Searches for Elon Musk. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Eccentric Sociological Studies


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of nonprofit research organizations and associations. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding nonprofit, academic, or scientific association or organization that would sponsor research that resulted in a paper entited Musk and Motor Miscreants: Analyzing the Relationship Between Motor Vehicle Thefts in Missouri and Google Searches for Elon Musk. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

Institute for Quirky Social Science 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 Musk and Motor Miscreants: Analyzing the Relationship Between Motor Vehicle Thefts in Missouri and Google Searches for Elon Musk with an abstract of This study delves into the intriguing connection between Google searches for the enigmatic business magnate Elon Musk and the prevalence of motor vehicle thefts in the state of Missouri. Utilizing data sourced from the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services and Google Trends, our research team conducted a rigorous analysis, uncovering a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9710661 with a statistical significance of p < 0.01 for the period spanning from 2010 to 2022. The unexpected correlation observed between these seemingly disparate phenomena prompts further investigation into the potential influences of contemporary cultural figures on criminal activities. Our findings offer a humorous and eyebrow-raising perspective on the intersections between popular culture and illegal behaviors, shedding light on the idiosyncrasies of modern societal dynamics.

ChatGPT:

Elon Musk, motor vehicle thefts, Missouri, Google searches, correlation, FBI Crime Statistics, Google Trends, contemporary cultural influences, popular culture, illegal behaviors, societal dynamics

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



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Data details

Motor vehicle thefts in Missouri
Detailed data title: The motor vehicle theft rate per 100,000 residents in Missouri
Source: FBI Criminal Justice Information Services
See what else correlates with Motor vehicle thefts in Missouri

Google searches for 'elon musk'
Detailed data title: Relative volume of Google searches for 'elon musk' (Worldwide, without quotes)
Source: Google Trends
Additional Info: Relative search volume (not absolute numbers)

See what else correlates with Google searches for 'elon musk'

Correlation r = 0.9710661 (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 = 0.9429694 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 94.3% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Google searches for 'elon musk') is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Motor vehicle thefts in Missouri) over the 13 years from 2010 through 2022.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 3.5E-8. 0.0000000347320449550856350000
The p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme. More specifically the p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme if we had only tested one pair of variables one time.

But I am a p-villain. I absolutely did not test only one pair of variables one time. I correlated hundreds of millions of pairs of variables. I threw boatloads of data into an industrial-sized blender to find this correlation.

Who is going to stop me? p-value reporting doesn't require me to report how many calculations I had to go through in order to find a low p-value!
On average, you will find a correaltion as strong as 0.97 in 3.5E-6% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 28,791,855 random variables You don't actually need 28 million variables to find a correlation like this one. I don't have that many variables in my database. You can also correlate variables that are not independent. I do this a lot.

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

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

Just to be clear: I'm being completely transparent about the calculations. There is no math trickery. This is just how statistics shakes out when you calculate hundreds of millions of random correlations.
with the same 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.

[ 0.9, 0.99 ] 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
Motor vehicle thefts in Missouri (Motor Vehicle Theft rate)269.1255.1271.1270.4270279.9300.4326.4324.2346.6393.2394.9487.1
Google searches for 'elon musk' (Rel. search volume)1011.7523.833334.66667815.7510.333322.333331.833342.9167




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([269.1,255.1,271.1,270.4,270,279.9,300.4,326.4,324.2,346.6,393.2,394.9,487.1,])
array_2 = np.array([1,0,1,1.75,2,3.83333,4.66667,8,15.75,10.3333,22.3333,31.8333,42.9167,])
array_1_name = "Motor vehicle thefts in Missouri"
array_2_name = "Google searches for 'elon musk'"

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

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



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For the record, I am just one person. Tyler Vigen, he/him/his. I do have degrees, but they should not go after my name unless you want to annoy my wife. If that is your goal, then go ahead and cite me as "Tyler Vigen, A.A. A.A.S. B.A. J.D." Otherwise it is just "Tyler Vigen."

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Correlation ID: 1216 · Black Variable ID: 20144 · Red Variable ID: 1502
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