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Spurious correlation #1,686 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Liquefied petroleum gas used in Colombia and the second variable is Associate Professor salaries in the US.  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

It's simple - less gas in Colombia means fewer emissions overall, leading to a slight cooling of the planet. As global temperatures drop, so do the demands for air conditioning in the US. With cool, comfortable offices, there's less incentive to offer higher salaries to retain top academic talent. You could say the connection is quite... chilling.

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Create an image of a bustling outdoor market in a small Colombian town, infused with magic realism. The scene includes a vendor selling vividly colored fruits and vegetables, accompanied by a smiling family purchasing a tank of liquefied petroleum gas. In the background, a group of university students gather around an associate professor, who exudes enthusiasm while discussing a topic. The professor, adorned in a neat shirt, pauses to greet a passing colleague. As the cherry on top, a lush mountain range serves as a picturesque backdrop, adding a touch of enchantment to the whole scene. The depiction should include only scenes, people, and objects, it should not include text or speech bubbles.
This image generation prompt was also generated by AI, using the following sequence:

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You select one of a few potential scene descriptors that seems to go along with the variables described. You respond only with the scene descriptions provided and say nothing else.
User prompt: Here are two variables: Liquefied petroleum gas used in Colombia and Associate Professor salaries in the US. Given these, which of the following image style descriptions seems most appropriate? Pick the one that seems to be related to one of the variables at hand. Please respond with only one of the following potential descriptions: High-tech Cutsy art illustration Magic realism Magic realism Cyber folk
ChatGPT: Magic realism

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both Liquefied petroleum gas used in Colombia and Associate Professor salaries in the US together. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a small Colombian town, an outdoor market bustles with activity. A vendor sells colorful fruits and vegetables while next to him, a smiling family purchases a tank of liquefied petroleum gas. In the background, a group of university students gather around an associate professor, who is discussing a topic with enthusiasm. The professor, dressed in a neat shirt, pauses to greet a colleague as they walk by. In the distance, a lush mountain range provides a picturesque backdrop to the scene.

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: [ Magic realism ] and depicting this scene: In a small Colombian town, an outdoor market bustles with activity. A vendor sells colorful fruits and vegetables while next to him, a smiling family purchases a tank of liquefied petroleum gas. In the background, a group of university students gather around an associate professor, who is discussing a topic with enthusiasm. The professor, dressed in a neat shirt, pauses to greet a colleague as they walk by. In the distance, a lush mountain range provides a picturesque backdrop to the scene. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Create an image of a bustling outdoor market in a small Colombian town, infused with magic realism. The scene includes a vendor selling vividly colored fruits and vegetables, accompanied by a smiling family purchasing a tank of liquefied petroleum gas. In the background, a group of university students gather around an associate professor, who exudes enthusiasm while discussing a topic. The professor, adorned in a neat shirt, pauses to greet a passing colleague. As the cherry on top, a lush mountain range serves as a picturesque backdrop, adding a touch of enchantment to the whole scene.

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

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

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how a decrease in Liquefied petroleum gas used in Colombia caused Associate Professor salaries in the US to decrease. Include one good pun.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Gas Money: Exploring the LPG-Colombia Connection with U.S. Associate Professor Salaries

The Journal of Comedic Economic Inquiry

Jan 2024

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




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

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Liquefied petroleum gas used in Colombia and Associate Professor salaries in the US. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Make the title a clever pun.

Your research team used data from Energy Information Administration and National Center for Education Statistics to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.8814413 and p < 0.01 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]]
Gas Money: Exploring the LPG-Colombia Connection with U.S. Associate Professor Salaries

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we delve into an unexpected and perhaps inexplicable association between the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the United States. Sounds like an odd pair? Well, that’s the beauty of statistical exploration! Utilizing data from the Energy Information Administration and the National Center for Education Statistics, our research team uncovered a notable correlation coefficient of 0.8814413 and a p-value of less than 0.01 in our analysis spanning the years 2009 to 2021. While it may seem as baffling as finding a needle in a haystack of data, the results suggest that there may indeed be an intriguing link between these seemingly disparate factors. Whether it’s a case of pure coincidence or perhaps a quirk of the global economy, this peculiar correlation offers an enigma worthy of further investigation. So, buckle up and get ready to explore this odd couple as we unearth the unexpected connection between LPG usage in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the U.S.


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

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Liquefied petroleum gas used in Colombia and Associate Professor salaries in the US. Make lots of 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]]
Gas Money: Exploring the LPG-Colombia Connection with U.S. Associate Professor Salaries

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we delve into an unexpected and perhaps inexplicable association between the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the United States. Sounds like an odd pair? Well, that’s the beauty of statistical exploration! Utilizing data from the Energy Information Administration and the National Center for Education Statistics, our research team uncovered a notable correlation coefficient of 0.8814413 and a p-value of less than 0.01 in our analysis spanning the years 2009 to 2021. While it may seem as baffling as finding a needle in a haystack of data, the results suggest that there may indeed be an intriguing link between these seemingly disparate factors. Whether it’s a case of pure coincidence or perhaps a quirk of the global economy, this peculiar correlation offers an enigma worthy of further investigation. So, buckle up and get ready to explore this odd couple as we unearth the unexpected connection between LPG usage in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the U.S.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

Welcome, fellow academics and inquisitive minds, to a journey that is as exhilarating as it is confounding. In the realm of research, there are moments when the stars align, and unexpected connections surface like buried treasure in a sea of data. Today, we embark on a quest to unravel the enigmatic relationship between Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) usage in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the United States.

At first glance, one might ponder, "What on earth could these two disparate elements possibly have in common?" It's a bit like trying to find a link between a hot dog vendor in Times Square and the migration patterns of Antarctic penguins - utterly perplexing, yet strangely tantalizing.

The prevailing wisdom, or lack thereof, would cast a shadow of doubt on any discernible correlation between LPG usage in the bustling cities of Bogotá or Medellín and the livelihoods of tenured academics in the ivory towers of American academia. After all, one could argue that the only shared characteristic between the two would be the occasional utilization of gas - albeit in starkly different contexts.

However, as seasoned researchers, we are acutely aware that statistical analysis can sometimes reveal the most unexpected acquaintances. It’s akin to introducing two strangers at a party, only to find out that they were long-lost cousins - statistically, of course. As we roll up our sleeves and dive headfirst into the abyss of data, we are compelled to explore the relationship that has presented itself, seemingly out of thin air. But fear not, dear readers, for we shall navigate this maze of infographics and coefficients with the resolve of intrepid explorers.

So, as we immerse ourselves in the labyrinth of numbers and percentages, let us not forget the fitting advice of the great English poet, Alexander Pope: "An honest man's the noblest work of art, and every academic paper needs a dash of humor to set it apart." Armed with the tools of analysis and a sprinkle of levity, let us embark on this scholarly expedition and uncover the mysterious connection between LPG usage in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the U.S.


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

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Liquefied petroleum gas used in Colombia and Associate Professor salaries in the US. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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

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

Start by naming serious-sounding studies by authors like Smith, Doe, and Jones - but then quickly devolve. Name some real non-fiction books that would be related to the topic. Then name some real fiction books that sound like they could be related. Then name a couple popular internet memes that are related to one of the topics.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Gas Money: Exploring the LPG-Colombia Connection with U.S. Associate Professor Salaries

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we delve into an unexpected and perhaps inexplicable association between the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the United States. Sounds like an odd pair? Well, that’s the beauty of statistical exploration! Utilizing data from the Energy Information Administration and the National Center for Education Statistics, our research team uncovered a notable correlation coefficient of 0.8814413 and a p-value of less than 0.01 in our analysis spanning the years 2009 to 2021. While it may seem as baffling as finding a needle in a haystack of data, the results suggest that there may indeed be an intriguing link between these seemingly disparate factors. Whether it’s a case of pure coincidence or perhaps a quirk of the global economy, this peculiar correlation offers an enigma worthy of further investigation. So, buckle up and get ready to explore this odd couple as we unearth the unexpected connection between LPG usage in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the U.S.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
Welcome, fellow academics and inquisitive minds, to a journey that is as exhilarating as it is confounding. In the realm of research, there are moments when the stars align, and unexpected connections surface like buried treasure in a sea of data. Today, we embark on a quest to unravel the enigmatic relationship between Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) usage in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the United States.
At first glance, one might ponder, "What on earth could these two disparate elements possibly have in common?" It's a bit like trying to find a link between a hot dog vendor in Times Square and the migration patterns of Antarctic penguins - utterly perplexing, yet strangely tantalizing.
The prevailing wisdom, or lack thereof, would cast a shadow of doubt on any discernible correlation between LPG usage in the bustling cities of Bogotá or Medellín and the livelihoods of tenured academics in the ivory towers of American academia. After all, one could argue that the only shared characteristic between the two would be the occasional utilization of gas - albeit in starkly different contexts.
However, as seasoned researchers, we are acutely aware that statistical analysis can sometimes reveal the most unexpected acquaintances. It’s akin to introducing two strangers at a party, only to find out that they were long-lost cousins - statistically, of course. As we roll up our sleeves and dive headfirst into the abyss of data, we are compelled to explore the relationship that has presented itself, seemingly out of thin air. But fear not, dear readers, for we shall navigate this maze of infographics and coefficients with the resolve of intrepid explorers.
So, as we immerse ourselves in the labyrinth of numbers and percentages, let us not forget the fitting advice of the great English poet, Alexander Pope: "An honest man's the noblest work of art, and every academic paper needs a dash of humor to set it apart." Armed with the tools of analysis and a sprinkle of levity, let us embark on this scholarly expedition and uncover the mysterious connection between LPG usage in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the U.S.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

As we venture into the obscure realm of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) usage in Colombia and Associate Professor salaries in the United States, it is imperative to first examine the solemn and scholarly works that have delved into the intertwining topics of energy consumption and educational remuneration.

In "The Energy Transition: History, Challenges, and Stations," Smith et al. expound upon the evolution of energy sources, with comprehensive insights into the utilization of LPG across various countries. Meanwhile, Doe's "Economic Influences on Academic Income Disparities" provides an extensive analysis of the factors influencing faculty salary differentials in higher education institutions.

Jones contributes an exemplary piece in "Global Fossil Fuel Policies and Their Societal Impacts," delineating the multifaceted implications of fossil fuel usage across different nations, including the implications of LPG utilization in countries such as Colombia.

Transitioning into unfamiliar yet intriguing territory, we must also acknowledge the engaging and somewhat whimsical literary works that, despite their fictional nature, resonate with our scholarly pursuit. The classic tale of "Around the World in 80 Days" by Jules Verne raises parallels as we embark on a global odyssey to ascertain the enigmatic connection between LPG and Associate Professor salaries.

In "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho, the protagonist's search for treasure in unlikely places mirrors our quest for hidden correlations, albeit with a scholarly twist.

Furthermore, the whimsical journey of Homer's "The Odyssey" offers an allegorical reckoning with the unforeseen voyages that await as we navigate the choppy waters of statistical exploration and academic inquiry.

Now, let us divert our attention to the intersection of humor and scholarly research, for it is essential to infuse our expedition with a touch of amusement. Memes, the cultural phenomena of our digital age, have not escaped the orbit of our peculiar investigation. The infamous "Distracted Boyfriend" meme, with its unexpected and incongruous pairings, serves as an amusing parallel to our quest for unanticipated connections – after all, who would imagine that LPG in Colombia and Associate Professor salaries in the U.S. would be intertwined like characters in a romantic comedy?

Let us not forget "The most interesting man in the world" meme, whose sagacious visage reminds us that "I don't always find bizarre statistical relationships, but when I do, they involve LPG and academic salaries.”

With our scholarly arsenal enriched by both serious literature and lighthearted diversions, we are equipped to confront the labyrinth of datasets and coefficients, prepared to unearth the intriguing link between Liquefied Petroleum Gas in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the U.S. So, as we brace ourselves to peer into the abyss of correlation and causation, let us welcome the sobering and the silly, for it is in this juxtaposition that true scholarly inquiry thrives.



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

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Liquefied petroleum gas used in Colombia and Associate Professor salaries in the US. Make lots of 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 Energy Information Administration and National Center for Education Statistics . 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]]
Gas Money: Exploring the LPG-Colombia Connection with U.S. Associate Professor Salaries

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we delve into an unexpected and perhaps inexplicable association between the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the United States. Sounds like an odd pair? Well, that’s the beauty of statistical exploration! Utilizing data from the Energy Information Administration and the National Center for Education Statistics, our research team uncovered a notable correlation coefficient of 0.8814413 and a p-value of less than 0.01 in our analysis spanning the years 2009 to 2021. While it may seem as baffling as finding a needle in a haystack of data, the results suggest that there may indeed be an intriguing link between these seemingly disparate factors. Whether it’s a case of pure coincidence or perhaps a quirk of the global economy, this peculiar correlation offers an enigma worthy of further investigation. So, buckle up and get ready to explore this odd couple as we unearth the unexpected connection between LPG usage in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the U.S.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
Welcome, fellow academics and inquisitive minds, to a journey that is as exhilarating as it is confounding. In the realm of research, there are moments when the stars align, and unexpected connections surface like buried treasure in a sea of data. Today, we embark on a quest to unravel the enigmatic relationship between Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) usage in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the United States.
At first glance, one might ponder, "What on earth could these two disparate elements possibly have in common?" It's a bit like trying to find a link between a hot dog vendor in Times Square and the migration patterns of Antarctic penguins - utterly perplexing, yet strangely tantalizing.
The prevailing wisdom, or lack thereof, would cast a shadow of doubt on any discernible correlation between LPG usage in the bustling cities of Bogotá or Medellín and the livelihoods of tenured academics in the ivory towers of American academia. After all, one could argue that the only shared characteristic between the two would be the occasional utilization of gas - albeit in starkly different contexts.
However, as seasoned researchers, we are acutely aware that statistical analysis can sometimes reveal the most unexpected acquaintances. It’s akin to introducing two strangers at a party, only to find out that they were long-lost cousins - statistically, of course. As we roll up our sleeves and dive headfirst into the abyss of data, we are compelled to explore the relationship that has presented itself, seemingly out of thin air. But fear not, dear readers, for we shall navigate this maze of infographics and coefficients with the resolve of intrepid explorers.
So, as we immerse ourselves in the labyrinth of numbers and percentages, let us not forget the fitting advice of the great English poet, Alexander Pope: "An honest man's the noblest work of art, and every academic paper needs a dash of humor to set it apart." Armed with the tools of analysis and a sprinkle of levity, let us embark on this scholarly expedition and uncover the mysterious connection between LPG usage in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the U.S.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To untangle the web of data and extract meaningful insights, our research team took a rather unconventional approach that can only be described as a statistical tango between the realms of energy consumption and academic remuneration. With the finesse of a sommelier, we carefully selected data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) to obtain comprehensive information on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) consumption in Colombia. We sifted through the digital haystack of annual reports, production data, and consumption patterns from 2009 to 2021, aiming to capture the essence of LPG utilization and its intricate dance with the Colombian economy.

In our quest to understand the economic interplay, we pirouetted to the National Center for Education Statistics, from which we sourced a wide range of data related to the salaries of Associate Professors in the United States. Just like a detective following a lead, we scoured through the labyrinth of academic pay scales, faculty trends, and institutional salary structures to construct a comprehensive picture of the monetary landscape for these erudite educators. Our investigation spanned the same time frame as our exploration of LPG usage, allowing us to juxtapose these seemingly unrelated variables and shine a light on their hidden connection.

With the grace of a mathematician and the curiosity of a cat, we employed various computational methods to derive meaningful metrics for our analysis. Armed with the formidable powers of correlation coefficients and p-values, we dissected the datasets, searching for any hints of a relationship between LPG consumption in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the U.S. As familiarity does breed contempt, we utilized the well-known Pearson correlation coefficient to gauge the strength and direction of the relationship, while keeping a watchful eye on the unpredictable p-value to ascertain the significance of our findings.

As with any rigorous scientific inquiry, we indulged in the ritual of hypothesis testing, developing a null hypothesis that these two variables were entirely unrelated. To test this hypothesis, we elected to conduct a series of elaborate dances of statistical significance, where the end goal was to either reject or accept the null hypothesis with a level of confidence that would make even the bravest tightrope walker dizzy with excitement.

Supplementing our statistical maneuvers, we employed the formidable powers of time series analysis to capture the temporal dynamics of LPG usage in Colombia and Associate Professor salaries in the U.S. This approach allowed us to discern any rhythmic patterns or synchronicities that may exist between these seemingly incongruent domains, as if we were attempting to choreograph a spontaneous ballet between economic factors and academic pay scales.

In summary, our methodological odyssey involved a meticulous fusion of data collection, statistical analysis, and a dash of creativity to illuminate the peculiar convergence of LPG usage in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the U.S. Through these unorthodox yet rigorous means, we endeavored to shed light on this mysterious correlation, much like a daring explorer venturing into uncharted territories, armed with a trusty compass and an unyielding spirit of scientific inquiry.


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

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Liquefied petroleum gas used in Colombia and Associate Professor salaries in the US. Make lots of 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 Energy Information Administration and National Center for Education Statistics .

For the time period 2009 to 2021, you found a correlation 0.8814413, r-squared of 0.7769387, 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]]
Gas Money: Exploring the LPG-Colombia Connection with U.S. Associate Professor Salaries

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we delve into an unexpected and perhaps inexplicable association between the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the United States. Sounds like an odd pair? Well, that’s the beauty of statistical exploration! Utilizing data from the Energy Information Administration and the National Center for Education Statistics, our research team uncovered a notable correlation coefficient of 0.8814413 and a p-value of less than 0.01 in our analysis spanning the years 2009 to 2021. While it may seem as baffling as finding a needle in a haystack of data, the results suggest that there may indeed be an intriguing link between these seemingly disparate factors. Whether it’s a case of pure coincidence or perhaps a quirk of the global economy, this peculiar correlation offers an enigma worthy of further investigation. So, buckle up and get ready to explore this odd couple as we unearth the unexpected connection between LPG usage in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the U.S.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
Welcome, fellow academics and inquisitive minds, to a journey that is as exhilarating as it is confounding. In the realm of research, there are moments when the stars align, and unexpected connections surface like buried treasure in a sea of data. Today, we embark on a quest to unravel the enigmatic relationship between Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) usage in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the United States.
At first glance, one might ponder, "What on earth could these two disparate elements possibly have in common?" It's a bit like trying to find a link between a hot dog vendor in Times Square and the migration patterns of Antarctic penguins - utterly perplexing, yet strangely tantalizing.
The prevailing wisdom, or lack thereof, would cast a shadow of doubt on any discernible correlation between LPG usage in the bustling cities of Bogotá or Medellín and the livelihoods of tenured academics in the ivory towers of American academia. After all, one could argue that the only shared characteristic between the two would be the occasional utilization of gas - albeit in starkly different contexts.
However, as seasoned researchers, we are acutely aware that statistical analysis can sometimes reveal the most unexpected acquaintances. It’s akin to introducing two strangers at a party, only to find out that they were long-lost cousins - statistically, of course. As we roll up our sleeves and dive headfirst into the abyss of data, we are compelled to explore the relationship that has presented itself, seemingly out of thin air. But fear not, dear readers, for we shall navigate this maze of infographics and coefficients with the resolve of intrepid explorers.
So, as we immerse ourselves in the labyrinth of numbers and percentages, let us not forget the fitting advice of the great English poet, Alexander Pope: "An honest man's the noblest work of art, and every academic paper needs a dash of humor to set it apart." Armed with the tools of analysis and a sprinkle of levity, let us embark on this scholarly expedition and uncover the mysterious connection between LPG usage in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the U.S.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

After navigating through the tumultuous sea of data, our research team unearthed a surprising correlation between Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) usage in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the United States. The correlation coefficient of 0.8814413 and an r-squared value of 0.7769387 point to a remarkably strong relationship between these seemingly unrelated variables. The p-value of less than 0.01 further bolsters the statistical significance of this association, leaving us scratching our heads in amazement.

Fig. 1 showcases the scatterplot, illustrating the compelling correlation between LPG usage in Colombia and Associate Professor salaries in the U.S. The close clustering of data points reinforces the robustness of our findings and directs our attention to this unanticipated connection.

In poking fun at statistical anomalies, one may liken this discovery to stumbling upon a self-proclaimed professional cheese taster who moonlights as an amateur magician - a curious contrast indeed, but undeniably captivating.

While our initial reaction may have been one of incredulity, the undeniable strength of the correlation encourages us to delve deeper into this enthralling puzzle. As we dive headfirst into the maze of numbers and regression analyses, it is hard not to appreciate the delightful serendipity of uncovering such an unexpected relationship within the realm of academia.

In conclusion, our findings not only highlight the remarkable correlation between LPG usage in Colombia and Associate Professor salaries in the U.S., but also serve as a charming testament to the capricious nature of statistical exploration. This discovery opens the door to further contemplation and analysis, inviting scholars to ponder the enigmatic links that dance beneath the surface of seemingly unrelated phenomena.


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

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Liquefied petroleum gas used in Colombia and Associate Professor salaries in the US. Make lots of 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]]
Gas Money: Exploring the LPG-Colombia Connection with U.S. Associate Professor Salaries

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we delve into an unexpected and perhaps inexplicable association between the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the United States. Sounds like an odd pair? Well, that’s the beauty of statistical exploration! Utilizing data from the Energy Information Administration and the National Center for Education Statistics, our research team uncovered a notable correlation coefficient of 0.8814413 and a p-value of less than 0.01 in our analysis spanning the years 2009 to 2021. While it may seem as baffling as finding a needle in a haystack of data, the results suggest that there may indeed be an intriguing link between these seemingly disparate factors. Whether it’s a case of pure coincidence or perhaps a quirk of the global economy, this peculiar correlation offers an enigma worthy of further investigation. So, buckle up and get ready to explore this odd couple as we unearth the unexpected connection between LPG usage in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the U.S.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
As we venture into the obscure realm of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) usage in Colombia and Associate Professor salaries in the United States, it is imperative to first examine the solemn and scholarly works that have delved into the intertwining topics of energy consumption and educational remuneration.
In "The Energy Transition: History, Challenges, and Stations," Smith et al. expound upon the evolution of energy sources, with comprehensive insights into the utilization of LPG across various countries. Meanwhile, Doe's "Economic Influences on Academic Income Disparities" provides an extensive analysis of the factors influencing faculty salary differentials in higher education institutions.
Jones contributes an exemplary piece in "Global Fossil Fuel Policies and Their Societal Impacts," delineating the multifaceted implications of fossil fuel usage across different nations, including the implications of LPG utilization in countries such as Colombia.
Transitioning into unfamiliar yet intriguing territory, we must also acknowledge the engaging and somewhat whimsical literary works that, despite their fictional nature, resonate with our scholarly pursuit. The classic tale of "Around the World in 80 Days" by Jules Verne raises parallels as we embark on a global odyssey to ascertain the enigmatic connection between LPG and Associate Professor salaries.
In "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho, the protagonist's search for treasure in unlikely places mirrors our quest for hidden correlations, albeit with a scholarly twist.
Furthermore, the whimsical journey of Homer's "The Odyssey" offers an allegorical reckoning with the unforeseen voyages that await as we navigate the choppy waters of statistical exploration and academic inquiry.
Now, let us divert our attention to the intersection of humor and scholarly research, for it is essential to infuse our expedition with a touch of amusement. Memes, the cultural phenomena of our digital age, have not escaped the orbit of our peculiar investigation. The infamous "Distracted Boyfriend" meme, with its unexpected and incongruous pairings, serves as an amusing parallel to our quest for unanticipated connections – after all, who would imagine that LPG in Colombia and Associate Professor salaries in the U.S. would be intertwined like characters in a romantic comedy?
Let us not forget "The most interesting man in the world" meme, whose sagacious visage reminds us that "I don't always find bizarre statistical relationships, but when I do, they involve LPG and academic salaries.”
With our scholarly arsenal enriched by both serious literature and lighthearted diversions, we are equipped to confront the labyrinth of datasets and coefficients, prepared to unearth the intriguing link between Liquefied Petroleum Gas in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the U.S. So, as we brace ourselves to peer into the abyss of correlation and causation, let us welcome the sobering and the silly, for it is in this juxtaposition that true scholarly inquiry thrives.


[[RESULTS]]
After navigating through the tumultuous sea of data, our research team unearthed a surprising correlation between Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) usage in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the United States. The correlation coefficient of 0.8814413 and an r-squared value of 0.7769387 point to a remarkably strong relationship between these seemingly unrelated variables. The p-value of less than 0.01 further bolsters the statistical significance of this association, leaving us scratching our heads in amazement.
Fig. 1 showcases the scatterplot, illustrating the compelling correlation between LPG usage in Colombia and Associate Professor salaries in the U.S. The close clustering of data points reinforces the robustness of our findings and directs our attention to this unanticipated connection.
In poking fun at statistical anomalies, one may liken this discovery to stumbling upon a self-proclaimed professional cheese taster who moonlights as an amateur magician - a curious contrast indeed, but undeniably captivating.
While our initial reaction may have been one of incredulity, the undeniable strength of the correlation encourages us to delve deeper into this enthralling puzzle. As we dive headfirst into the maze of numbers and regression analyses, it is hard not to appreciate the delightful serendipity of uncovering such an unexpected relationship within the realm of academia.
In conclusion, our findings not only highlight the remarkable correlation between LPG usage in Colombia and Associate Professor salaries in the U.S., but also serve as a charming testament to the capricious nature of statistical exploration. This discovery opens the door to further contemplation and analysis, inviting scholars to ponder the enigmatic links that dance beneath the surface of seemingly unrelated phenomena.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

The results of our study have left us in a state of buoyant disbelief, as we grapple with the revelation that there exists a robust correlation between Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) usage in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the United States. With a correlation coefficient of 0.8814413 and an r-squared value of 0.7769387, our findings not only corroborate the prior literature but also emphasize the need for further investigation into this surprising relationship.

As we tether ourselves to empirical evidence, our study provides empirical support for previous work on the influence of energy consumption on economic dynamics. Smith et al.'s comprehensive insights into global energy sources intersect harmoniously with our findings, as we navigate the labyrinth of LPG usage in Colombia and its unanticipated association with academic salaries. It's as if we've stumbled upon a hidden treasure trove in the untamed wilderness of statistical exploration—a treasure chest brimming with correlations that titillate and confound.

Bearing in mind the whimsical parallels drawn in our literature review, much like the protagonist in "Around the World in 80 Days," we have embarked on an unexpected journey replete with surprises and unexpected connections. Just when we thought we were traversing the beaten path of academic research, we found ourselves captivated by the audacity of this peculiar correlation. This discovery, akin to finding a diamond in the rough, serves as a poignant reminder that statistical exploration, replete with its wondrous peaks and confounding valleys, is indeed a captivating pursuit.

The scatterplot, our visual testament to this unlikely bond, resembles an abstract art piece, with its mesmerizing clusters of data points woven together by this unexpected association. It's an artistic depiction of the serendipity of statistical inquiry. The amusement we derive from this anomaly is akin to encountering a self-proclaimed professional cheese taster who moonlights as an amateur magician—a delightful contrast that leaves us simultaneously puzzled and exhilarated.

Indeed, the outlandish nature of our findings urges us to approach statistical exploration with a sense of wonder and humility. While the link between LPG usage in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the U.S. may seem as implausible as a gravity-defying bicycle, our study stands testament to the capricious nature of empirical inquiry. It beckons us to contemplate the unpredictable threads that bind the tapestry of empirical phenomena, inviting scholars to ponder the enigmatic connections that pulse beneath the surface of seemingly unrelated data.

As we draw our discussion to a close, our curiosity and reverence for the whimsical nature of empirical inquiry remain undimmed, leaving us with an enduring appreciation for the kaleidoscopic wonder of statistical exploration.


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

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Liquefied petroleum gas used in Colombia and Associate Professor salaries in the US. Make lots of 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]]
Gas Money: Exploring the LPG-Colombia Connection with U.S. Associate Professor Salaries

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we delve into an unexpected and perhaps inexplicable association between the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the United States. Sounds like an odd pair? Well, that’s the beauty of statistical exploration! Utilizing data from the Energy Information Administration and the National Center for Education Statistics, our research team uncovered a notable correlation coefficient of 0.8814413 and a p-value of less than 0.01 in our analysis spanning the years 2009 to 2021. While it may seem as baffling as finding a needle in a haystack of data, the results suggest that there may indeed be an intriguing link between these seemingly disparate factors. Whether it’s a case of pure coincidence or perhaps a quirk of the global economy, this peculiar correlation offers an enigma worthy of further investigation. So, buckle up and get ready to explore this odd couple as we unearth the unexpected connection between LPG usage in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the U.S.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
Welcome, fellow academics and inquisitive minds, to a journey that is as exhilarating as it is confounding. In the realm of research, there are moments when the stars align, and unexpected connections surface like buried treasure in a sea of data. Today, we embark on a quest to unravel the enigmatic relationship between Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) usage in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the United States.
At first glance, one might ponder, "What on earth could these two disparate elements possibly have in common?" It's a bit like trying to find a link between a hot dog vendor in Times Square and the migration patterns of Antarctic penguins - utterly perplexing, yet strangely tantalizing.
The prevailing wisdom, or lack thereof, would cast a shadow of doubt on any discernible correlation between LPG usage in the bustling cities of Bogotá or Medellín and the livelihoods of tenured academics in the ivory towers of American academia. After all, one could argue that the only shared characteristic between the two would be the occasional utilization of gas - albeit in starkly different contexts.
However, as seasoned researchers, we are acutely aware that statistical analysis can sometimes reveal the most unexpected acquaintances. It’s akin to introducing two strangers at a party, only to find out that they were long-lost cousins - statistically, of course. As we roll up our sleeves and dive headfirst into the abyss of data, we are compelled to explore the relationship that has presented itself, seemingly out of thin air. But fear not, dear readers, for we shall navigate this maze of infographics and coefficients with the resolve of intrepid explorers.
So, as we immerse ourselves in the labyrinth of numbers and percentages, let us not forget the fitting advice of the great English poet, Alexander Pope: "An honest man's the noblest work of art, and every academic paper needs a dash of humor to set it apart." Armed with the tools of analysis and a sprinkle of levity, let us embark on this scholarly expedition and uncover the mysterious connection between LPG usage in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the U.S.

[[RESULTS]]
After navigating through the tumultuous sea of data, our research team unearthed a surprising correlation between Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) usage in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the United States. The correlation coefficient of 0.8814413 and an r-squared value of 0.7769387 point to a remarkably strong relationship between these seemingly unrelated variables. The p-value of less than 0.01 further bolsters the statistical significance of this association, leaving us scratching our heads in amazement.
Fig. 1 showcases the scatterplot, illustrating the compelling correlation between LPG usage in Colombia and Associate Professor salaries in the U.S. The close clustering of data points reinforces the robustness of our findings and directs our attention to this unanticipated connection.
In poking fun at statistical anomalies, one may liken this discovery to stumbling upon a self-proclaimed professional cheese taster who moonlights as an amateur magician - a curious contrast indeed, but undeniably captivating.
While our initial reaction may have been one of incredulity, the undeniable strength of the correlation encourages us to delve deeper into this enthralling puzzle. As we dive headfirst into the maze of numbers and regression analyses, it is hard not to appreciate the delightful serendipity of uncovering such an unexpected relationship within the realm of academia.
In conclusion, our findings not only highlight the remarkable correlation between LPG usage in Colombia and Associate Professor salaries in the U.S., but also serve as a charming testament to the capricious nature of statistical exploration. This discovery opens the door to further contemplation and analysis, inviting scholars to ponder the enigmatic links that dance beneath the surface of seemingly unrelated phenomena.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

As we wrap up our journey through this quirky connection between LPG usage in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the U.S., it's time to reflect on the rollercoaster ride of statistical exploration we've been on. Who would have thought that two disparate entities could have such a tight bond? It's like discovering a secret handshake between astronauts and ballet dancers - unexpected, yet undeniably intriguing.

Our findings have not only shed light on this inexplicable association but have also added a touch of whimsy to the often-serious world of academic research. It's as though we stumbled upon a treasure map leading to a pot of gold, only to realize that the real treasure was the quirky correlation we found along the way.

While at first, this connection seemed as improbable as finding a vegetarian at a hot dog-eating contest, the robustness of our statistical analysis has solidified this association, leaving little room for doubt. The close clustering of data points in our scatterplot is like a well-orchestrated symphony, harmonizing two seemingly discordant notes into a surprisingly coherent melody. Perhaps there's a lesson to be learned here about finding harmony in the unlikeliest of places.

So, as we bid adieu to this fascinating exploration, it's clear that the mysteries of statistical analysis are as vast and unpredictable as the universe itself. With this, we confidently declare that no further research is needed in this area; sometimes, a quirky correlation is just what it seems - an enchanting anomaly in the fabric of data, a whimsical discovery that deserves to be celebrated and left to spark curiosity and wonder in the academic community.


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 Gas Money: Exploring the LPG-Colombia Connection with U.S. Associate Professor Salaries. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Comedic Economic Inquiry


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 Gas Money: Exploring the LPG-Colombia Connection with U.S. Associate Professor Salaries. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Institute for Economic Propane Studies


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide potential search keywords separated by commas. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide potential search keywords for a paper titled Gas Money: Exploring the LPG-Colombia Connection with U.S. Associate Professor Salaries with an abstract of In this paper, we delve into an unexpected and perhaps inexplicable association between the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the United States. Sounds like an odd pair? Well, that’s the beauty of statistical exploration! Utilizing data from the Energy Information Administration and the National Center for Education Statistics, our research team uncovered a notable correlation coefficient of 0.8814413 and a p-value of less than 0.01 in our analysis spanning the years 2009 to 2021. While it may seem as baffling as finding a needle in a haystack of data, the results suggest that there may indeed be an intriguing link between these seemingly disparate factors. Whether it’s a case of pure coincidence or perhaps a quirk of the global economy, this peculiar correlation offers an enigma worthy of further investigation. So, buckle up and get ready to explore this odd couple as we unearth the unexpected connection between LPG usage in Colombia and the salaries of Associate Professors in the U.S.

ChatGPT:

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Colombia, US Associate Professor Salaries, Energy Information Administration, National Center for Education Statistics, correlation coefficient, statistical exploration, global economy, LPG usage, Colombia, US Associate Professors, unconventional correlation, statistical analysis, factor exploration

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



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Data details

Liquefied petroleum gas used in Colombia
Detailed data title: Volume of liquefied petroleum gas used consumed in Colombia in millions of barrels per day
Source: Energy Information Administration
See what else correlates with Liquefied petroleum gas used in Colombia

Associate Professor salaries in the US
Detailed data title: Average salary of full-time instructional faculty on 9-month contracts in degree-granting postsecondary institutions, by academic rank of Associate Professor
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
See what else correlates with Associate Professor salaries in the US

Correlation r = 0.8814413 (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 = 0.7769387 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 77.7% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Associate Professor salaries in the US) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Liquefied petroleum gas used in Colombia) over the 13 years from 2009 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 6.8E-5. 0.0000681314162905109800000000
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 0.88 in 0.0068% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 14,678 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.

[ 0.64, 0.96 ] 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
Liquefied petroleum gas used in Colombia (Million Barrels/Day)21.213918.904318.700413.930416.941619.3017222328.602719.894824.089924.123111.8225
Associate Professor salaries in the US (Salary)96455958099440893901944549572897231979129789797811985099678092222




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([21.2139,18.9043,18.7004,13.9304,16.9416,19.3017,22,23,28.6027,19.8948,24.0899,24.1231,11.8225,])
array_2 = np.array([96455,95809,94408,93901,94454,95728,97231,97912,97897,97811,98509,96780,92222,])
array_1_name = "Liquefied petroleum gas used in Colombia"
array_2_name = "Associate Professor salaries in the US"

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

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



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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: 1686 · Black Variable ID: 24304 · Red Variable ID: 1202
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