Spurious correlation #1,860 · View random
A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is The number of sociologists in Michigan and the second variable is Gasoline pumped in Cyprus. The chart goes from 2007 to 2019, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is The number of sociologists in Michigan and the second variable is Gasoline pumped in Cyprus. The chart goes from 2007 to 2019, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

Download png, svg

AI explanation

As the number of sociologists in Michigan rises, so does the demand for oversized coffee mugs. This leads to a nationwide shortage of giant mugs, prompting a spike in production at Cypriot mug factories. To meet the escalating need for these massive vessels, the factories operate at full capacity, generating surplus income. Wanting to invest their newfound wealth, the Cypriot mug magnates decide to venture into the gasoline industry, leading to an unexpected boom in gasoline production and pumping in Cyprus. Who knew that the quest for societal understanding in Michigan could fuel such caffeinated chaos in Cyprus!

^{Show image generation prompt} Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image that merges a tranquil Michigan town café, where a group of sociologists engage in lively discussions, with a bustling gas station in Cyprus. The peaceful scene of sociologists in the café should be contrasted with the busy activity at the gas station, where cars are lining up to pump gasoline. The visual should represent the different numbers of sociologists in Michigan and the amount of gasoline being pumped in Cyprus. The composition should capture the contrast between the academic gathering and the fueling station, emphasizing the tranquility of the café setting and the vibrant activity of the gas station. 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: The number of sociologists in Michigan and Gasoline pumped in Cyprus. 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: Scalar art A scene from Skyrim 3D Pixar Style Psychedelic A photo-realistic image
ChatGPT: A scene from Skyrim

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 The number of sociologists in Michigan and Gasoline pumped in Cyprus together. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a quiet Michigan town, a group of sociologists gather at a local café for a meeting. As they engage in lively discussions, a bustling gas station in Cyprus is shown with cars lining up to pump gasoline. The contrast between the peaceful academic gathering and the busy fueling station represents the differing numbers of sociologists in Michigan and the amount of gasoline being pumped in Cyprus.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You write and improve image generation prompts for DALLE-3. You maintain the same subjects, but enhance the visuals.
User prompt: Please respond with an image generation prompt that would be likely to create an interesting visual using DALLE-3, using the following style: [ A scene from Skyrim ] and depicting this scene: In a quiet Michigan town, a group of sociologists gather at a local café for a meeting. As they engage in lively discussions, a bustling gas station in Cyprus is shown with cars lining up to pump gasoline. The contrast between the peaceful academic gathering and the busy fueling station represents the differing numbers of sociologists in Michigan and the amount of gasoline being pumped in Cyprus. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image that merges a tranquil Michigan town café, where a group of sociologists engage in lively discussions, with a bustling gas station in Cyprus. The peaceful scene of sociologists in the café should be contrasted with the busy activity at the gas station, where cars are lining up to pump gasoline. The visual should represent the different numbers of sociologists in Michigan and the amount of gasoline being pumped in Cyprus. The composition should capture the contrast between the academic gathering and the fueling station, emphasizing the tranquility of the café setting and the vibrant activity of the gas station.

*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.
^{Show prompt for explanation} 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 The number of sociologists in Michigan caused Gasoline pumped in Cyprus to increase.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)

The Slate of Michigan Sociologists and Cyprus' Gas Pump Histrionics: A Statistical Love Sonnet

The Journal of Quirky Social Science Studies

Jan 2024

Reminder: This paper is AI-generated. Not real!

^{Show prompt used to generate this paper} 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 dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics 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 The number of sociologists in Michigan and Gasoline pumped in Cyprus. 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 devolve ever further, and mention something completely ridiculous, like you conducted literature review by reading the backs of shampoo bottles.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Slate of Michigan Sociologists and Cyprus' Gas Pump Histrionics: A Statistical Love Sonnet

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the perplexing relationship between the number of sociologists in Michigan and the quantity of gasoline pumped in Cyprus. Despite initial skepticism about the connection between these two seemingly unrelated variables, our research team dug deep to unearth the truth. Utilizing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Energy Information Administration, we conducted a rigorous quantitative analysis. Surprisingly, the results revealed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.8451623 and a staggeringly significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the years 2007 to 2019. Our findings suggest a compelling statistical love affair between the sociologists in Michigan and the gasoline consumption in Cyprus. This paper demonstrates the unexpected ways in which seemingly disparate factors can intertwine, much like an unexpected romance. Our work challenges traditional assumptions and encourages future research into the whimsical connections that underpin the fabric of our world.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The quest for knowledge often leads researchers down curious paths, where unexpected connections and improbable correlations lurk in the statistical underbrush. In the lexicon of scientific inquiry, we are taught to peruse the probable, but sometimes the most enchanting discoveries arise from the most improbable bedfellows. In this paper, we embark on a whimsical odyssey to unravel the entangled relationship between the number of sociologists in Michigan and the gasoline pumped in Cyprus.
One may be forgiven for thinking that this investigation was conjured from the pages of a surrealist novel or the musings of a particularly whimsical statistician. After all, what common ground could there possibly be between the intricate musings of sociologists in the Great Lakes State and the frenzied histrionics of gas pumps in the sun-kissed isle of Cyprus? Such an unlikely duo seems more suited for a romantic comedy plot than a scientific inquiry.
Nonetheless, armed with an arsenal of statistical tools and a healthy dose of skepticism, we endeavored to scrutinize the interconnectedness of these variables. The endeavor demanded a judicious pruning of assumptions and a vigilant oversight of the data. Our analytical journey saw us traverse the treacherous terrain of sociological demographics and the ebbs and flows of gasoline consumption, with each twist and turn revealing new layers of intrigue.
As we unraveled the data, a captivating narrative began to emerge - one that hinted at an enthralling statistical love sonnet between the sociologists in Michigan and the gas pumps in Cyprus. The sheer improbability of this liaison renders it all the more fascinating, much like an unexpected romance blossoming amidst the mundane machinations of everyday life.
In the annals of scientific inquiry, such peculiar pairings are a welcome enigma, challenging researchers to cast aside preconceived notions and embrace the whimsy inherent in the web of statistical relationships. Our findings not only pique curiosity but also underscore the need for a refined lens through which to perceive the intricate tapestry of statistical correlations. As we prepare to unveil the tale of these unlikely bedfellows, we invite fellow researchers to join us in celebrating the serendipitous connections that animate the landscape of empirical inquiry.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

Smith et al. (2017) highlighted the pivotal role of sociologists in shaping societal narratives and influencing cultural discourse. Conversely, Doe et al. (2018) delved into the intricate dynamics of gasoline consumption patterns in small island nations. Jones et al. (2019) explored the enigmatic relationship between diverse professions and their potential impacts on global fuel demand. These seminal works laid the groundwork for our investigation into the perplexing correlation between the number of sociologists in Michigan and the volume of gasoline pumped in Cyprus.

Turning to pertinent non-fiction literature, "The Sociology of Everyday Life" by Jane Shirley (2015) offers insightful perspectives on the pervasive influence of sociologists on societal phenomena. Additionally, "Fueling the Future: A Global Perspective" by David Energy (2016) delves into the multifaceted factors shaping gasoline consumption trends across diverse regions.

In the realm of fiction, "The Sociologist's Secret" by Cassandra Plotline (2013) weaves a tale of forbidden love and clandestine research endeavors. In a similar vein, "The Gasoline Gambit" by Petro Leum (2014) presents a thrilling narrative set against the backdrop of geopolitical fuel dynamics.

Beyond traditional academic sources, our pursuit of unconventional insights led us to unexpected reservoirs of knowledge. The backs of shampoo bottles, with their enigmatic ingredient lists and bold promises of lustrous locks, offered an unforeseen gateway into the world of quirky correlations. Though unorthodox, these sources sparked a whimsical exploration of the inexplicable bond between the activities of sociologists in Michigan and the exuberant gasoline exhalations in Cyprus.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics 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 The number of sociologists in Michigan and Gasoline pumped in Cyprus. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Bureau of Larbor Statistics and Energy Information Administration . You used data from 2007 to 2019

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]]
The Slate of Michigan Sociologists and Cyprus' Gas Pump Histrionics: A Statistical Love Sonnet

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the perplexing relationship between the number of sociologists in Michigan and the quantity of gasoline pumped in Cyprus. Despite initial skepticism about the connection between these two seemingly unrelated variables, our research team dug deep to unearth the truth. Utilizing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Energy Information Administration, we conducted a rigorous quantitative analysis. Surprisingly, the results revealed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.8451623 and a staggeringly significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the years 2007 to 2019. Our findings suggest a compelling statistical love affair between the sociologists in Michigan and the gasoline consumption in Cyprus. This paper demonstrates the unexpected ways in which seemingly disparate factors can intertwine, much like an unexpected romance. Our work challenges traditional assumptions and encourages future research into the whimsical connections that underpin the fabric of our world.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The quest for knowledge often leads researchers down curious paths, where unexpected connections and improbable correlations lurk in the statistical underbrush. In the lexicon of scientific inquiry, we are taught to peruse the probable, but sometimes the most enchanting discoveries arise from the most improbable bedfellows. In this paper, we embark on a whimsical odyssey to unravel the entangled relationship between the number of sociologists in Michigan and the gasoline pumped in Cyprus.
One may be forgiven for thinking that this investigation was conjured from the pages of a surrealist novel or the musings of a particularly whimsical statistician. After all, what common ground could there possibly be between the intricate musings of sociologists in the Great Lakes State and the frenzied histrionics of gas pumps in the sun-kissed isle of Cyprus? Such an unlikely duo seems more suited for a romantic comedy plot than a scientific inquiry.
Nonetheless, armed with an arsenal of statistical tools and a healthy dose of skepticism, we endeavored to scrutinize the interconnectedness of these variables. The endeavor demanded a judicious pruning of assumptions and a vigilant oversight of the data. Our analytical journey saw us traverse the treacherous terrain of sociological demographics and the ebbs and flows of gasoline consumption, with each twist and turn revealing new layers of intrigue.
As we unraveled the data, a captivating narrative began to emerge - one that hinted at an enthralling statistical love sonnet between the sociologists in Michigan and the gas pumps in Cyprus. The sheer improbability of this liaison renders it all the more fascinating, much like an unexpected romance blossoming amidst the mundane machinations of everyday life.
In the annals of scientific inquiry, such peculiar pairings are a welcome enigma, challenging researchers to cast aside preconceived notions and embrace the whimsy inherent in the web of statistical relationships. Our findings not only pique curiosity but also underscore the need for a refined lens through which to perceive the intricate tapestry of statistical correlations. As we prepare to unveil the tale of these unlikely bedfellows, we invite fellow researchers to join us in celebrating the serendipitous connections that animate the landscape of empirical inquiry.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

The methodological approach employed in this study harnessed the data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Energy Information Administration, drawing from the years 2007 to 2019. The initial stage of our research involved navigating the labyrinthine corridors of the internet, with the dexterity of a cartographer and the perseverance of a gold prospector. We sifted through an extensive array of primary sources, making sure our net was cast wide enough to capture the elusive data points pertaining to the number of sociologists in Michigan and the gasoline pumped in Cyprus.

The data concerning the number of sociologists in Michigan was gleaned through the meticulous parsing of occupational statistics, akin to separating chaff from wheat. Our team exercised caution in ensuring the veracity of these data, knowing all too well the capricious nature of internet-based statistics. Meanwhile, the quantity of gasoline pumped in the sun-drenched shores of Cyprus was scrutinized with equal ardor, as our researchers donned the mantle of digital sleuths to discern the patterns in energy consumption.

Upon the acquisition of these datasets, the subsequent phase of our methodology involved the deployment of statistical analyses that would make even the most seasoned mathematician raise an impressed eyebrow. The correlation between the number of sociologists in Michigan and the gasoline consumption in Cyprus was probed with the same precision a jeweler uses to examine a flawless diamond. The intricacies of this analysis were facilitated by robust software tools, which served as the trusty steeds in our quest for statistical insight.

The statistical love sonnet composed by the variables under scrutiny emerged through the quantitative examination of the dataset. We employed regression models, time series analyses, and other statistical techniques to derive the correlation coefficient and ascertain the p-value that would ultimately illuminate the amorous liaison between sociologists and gasoline pumps. The rigorous application of these methods necessitated an ebb and flow of theories, assumptions, and calculations, akin to a symphony of statistical maneuvers.

Crucially, our methodological framework was underpinned by the principles of rigor, reproducibility, and a steadfast commitment to unraveling the mysteries enshrouding this curious connection. The results of this methodological odyssey are delineated in the subsequent sections, where the statistical love story between Michigan sociologists and Cyprus' petroleum passion unfolds with the engaging drama that befits an unexpected, yet enchanting, correlation.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics 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 The number of sociologists in Michigan and Gasoline pumped in Cyprus. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

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

For the time period 2007 to 2019, you found a correlation 0.8451623, r-squared of 0.7142994, 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]]
The Slate of Michigan Sociologists and Cyprus' Gas Pump Histrionics: A Statistical Love Sonnet

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the perplexing relationship between the number of sociologists in Michigan and the quantity of gasoline pumped in Cyprus. Despite initial skepticism about the connection between these two seemingly unrelated variables, our research team dug deep to unearth the truth. Utilizing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Energy Information Administration, we conducted a rigorous quantitative analysis. Surprisingly, the results revealed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.8451623 and a staggeringly significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the years 2007 to 2019. Our findings suggest a compelling statistical love affair between the sociologists in Michigan and the gasoline consumption in Cyprus. This paper demonstrates the unexpected ways in which seemingly disparate factors can intertwine, much like an unexpected romance. Our work challenges traditional assumptions and encourages future research into the whimsical connections that underpin the fabric of our world.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
The quest for knowledge often leads researchers down curious paths, where unexpected connections and improbable correlations lurk in the statistical underbrush. In the lexicon of scientific inquiry, we are taught to peruse the probable, but sometimes the most enchanting discoveries arise from the most improbable bedfellows. In this paper, we embark on a whimsical odyssey to unravel the entangled relationship between the number of sociologists in Michigan and the gasoline pumped in Cyprus.
One may be forgiven for thinking that this investigation was conjured from the pages of a surrealist novel or the musings of a particularly whimsical statistician. After all, what common ground could there possibly be between the intricate musings of sociologists in the Great Lakes State and the frenzied histrionics of gas pumps in the sun-kissed isle of Cyprus? Such an unlikely duo seems more suited for a romantic comedy plot than a scientific inquiry.
Nonetheless, armed with an arsenal of statistical tools and a healthy dose of skepticism, we endeavored to scrutinize the interconnectedness of these variables. The endeavor demanded a judicious pruning of assumptions and a vigilant oversight of the data. Our analytical journey saw us traverse the treacherous terrain of sociological demographics and the ebbs and flows of gasoline consumption, with each twist and turn revealing new layers of intrigue.
As we unraveled the data, a captivating narrative began to emerge - one that hinted at an enthralling statistical love sonnet between the sociologists in Michigan and the gas pumps in Cyprus. The sheer improbability of this liaison renders it all the more fascinating, much like an unexpected romance blossoming amidst the mundane machinations of everyday life.
In the annals of scientific inquiry, such peculiar pairings are a welcome enigma, challenging researchers to cast aside preconceived notions and embrace the whimsy inherent in the web of statistical relationships. Our findings not only pique curiosity but also underscore the need for a refined lens through which to perceive the intricate tapestry of statistical correlations. As we prepare to unveil the tale of these unlikely bedfellows, we invite fellow researchers to join us in celebrating the serendipitous connections that animate the landscape of empirical inquiry.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]

ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The statistical analysis of the relationship between the number of sociologists in Michigan and the quantity of gasoline pumped in Cyprus yielded some intriguing results. From 2007 to 2019, the correlation coefficient was calculated to be 0.8451623, indicating a strong positive correlation between these two seemingly unrelated variables. This value suggests that as the number of sociologists in Michigan increased, there was a noteworthy tendency for gasoline consumption in Cyprus to also rise.

Furthermore, the coefficient of determination (also known as R-squared) was found to be 0.7142994. This means that approximately 71.4% of the variability in gasoline pumped in Cyprus can be explained by the number of sociologists in Michigan. While this statistic doesn't guarantee causation, it certainly raises some eyebrow.

The p-value, which emerged as less than 0.01, indicates a significant relationship between the variables. In other words, it is highly unlikely that such a strong correlation could have occurred by mere chance.

Additionally, the scatterplot in Figure 1 provides a visual depiction of this robust association. It showcases a clear and well-defined pattern, serving as compelling evidence of the statistical love affair between the sociologists in Michigan and the gasoline consumption in Cyprus.

Certainly, these results defy conventional expectations and beckon us to ponder the whimsical dance of statistical fate. As we reflect on the unexpected entanglement of sociologists and gasoline pumps, it seems that in the grand scheme of statistical relationships, surprises abound, much like a subplot one might find in the wackiest of romantic comedies.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics 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 The number of sociologists in Michigan and Gasoline pumped in Cyprus. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Limit your response to 500 tokens.

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

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

[[TITLE]]
The Slate of Michigan Sociologists and Cyprus' Gas Pump Histrionics: A Statistical Love Sonnet

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the perplexing relationship between the number of sociologists in Michigan and the quantity of gasoline pumped in Cyprus. Despite initial skepticism about the connection between these two seemingly unrelated variables, our research team dug deep to unearth the truth. Utilizing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Energy Information Administration, we conducted a rigorous quantitative analysis. Surprisingly, the results revealed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.8451623 and a staggeringly significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the years 2007 to 2019. Our findings suggest a compelling statistical love affair between the sociologists in Michigan and the gasoline consumption in Cyprus. This paper demonstrates the unexpected ways in which seemingly disparate factors can intertwine, much like an unexpected romance. Our work challenges traditional assumptions and encourages future research into the whimsical connections that underpin the fabric of our world.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
Smith et al. (2017) highlighted the pivotal role of sociologists in shaping societal narratives and influencing cultural discourse. Conversely, Doe et al. (2018) delved into the intricate dynamics of gasoline consumption patterns in small island nations. Jones et al. (2019) explored the enigmatic relationship between diverse professions and their potential impacts on global fuel demand. These seminal works laid the groundwork for our investigation into the perplexing correlation between the number of sociologists in Michigan and the volume of gasoline pumped in Cyprus.
Turning to pertinent non-fiction literature, "The Sociology of Everyday Life" by Jane Shirley (2015) offers insightful perspectives on the pervasive influence of sociologists on societal phenomena. Additionally, "Fueling the Future: A Global Perspective" by David Energy (2016) delves into the multifaceted factors shaping gasoline consumption trends across diverse regions.
In the realm of fiction, "The Sociologist's Secret" by Cassandra Plotline (2013) weaves a tale of forbidden love and clandestine research endeavors. In a similar vein, "The Gasoline Gambit" by Petro Leum (2014) presents a thrilling narrative set against the backdrop of geopolitical fuel dynamics.
Beyond traditional academic sources, our pursuit of unconventional insights led us to unexpected reservoirs of knowledge. The backs of shampoo bottles, with their enigmatic ingredient lists and bold promises of lustrous locks, offered an unforeseen gateway into the world of quirky correlations. Though unorthodox, these sources sparked a whimsical exploration of the inexplicable bond between the activities of sociologists in Michigan and the exuberant gasoline exhalations in Cyprus.

[[RESULTS]]
The statistical analysis of the relationship between the number of sociologists in Michigan and the quantity of gasoline pumped in Cyprus yielded some intriguing results. From 2007 to 2019, the correlation coefficient was calculated to be 0.8451623, indicating a strong positive correlation between these two seemingly unrelated variables. This value suggests that as the number of sociologists in Michigan increased, there was a noteworthy tendency for gasoline consumption in Cyprus to also rise.
Furthermore, the coefficient of determination (also known as R-squared) was found to be 0.7142994. This means that approximately 71.4% of the variability in gasoline pumped in Cyprus can be explained by the number of sociologists in Michigan. While this statistic doesn't guarantee causation, it certainly raises some eyebrow.
The p-value, which emerged as less than 0.01, indicates a significant relationship between the variables. In other words, it is highly unlikely that such a strong correlation could have occurred by mere chance.
Additionally, the scatterplot in Figure 1 provides a visual depiction of this robust association. It showcases a clear and well-defined pattern, serving as compelling evidence of the statistical love affair between the sociologists in Michigan and the gasoline consumption in Cyprus.
Certainly, these results defy conventional expectations and beckon us to ponder the whimsical dance of statistical fate. As we reflect on the unexpected entanglement of sociologists and gasoline pumps, it seems that in the grand scheme of statistical relationships, surprises abound, much like a subplot one might find in the wackiest of romantic comedies.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The results of our study have unearthed a captivating connection between the number of sociologists in Michigan and the quantity of gasoline pumped in Cyprus. Our findings not only substantiate prior research but also add a new layer of intrigue to the seemingly disparate worlds of sociology and fuel consumption.

To harken back to the literature review, Smith et al. (2017) astutely underscored the influential role of sociologists in shaping societal narratives and discourse. This notion resonates deeply with our findings, as the significant correlation coefficient of 0.8451623 suggests a tangible impact of sociologists in Michigan on the gasoline exuberance in Cyprus. It seems that the sociologists' thought-provoking insights may have sparked a histrionic display of gasoline consumption in the Mediterranean isle, not unlike characters in a melodramatic romance novel.

Furthermore, Doe et al. (2018) delved into the intricate dynamics of fuel consumption patterns, and our results align with their groundwork. The substantial coefficient of determination (R-squared) of 0.7142994 hints that a considerable portion of the variability in gasoline pumped in Cyprus can be attributed to the sociological activities in Michigan. This statistical histrionics between the sociologists and gasoline pumps in Cyprus certainly paints a riveting tableau of unforeseen connections, like a plot twist in a compelling mystery novel.

On a playful note, our findings bring a touch of whimsy and levity to the realm of statistics and research. The strikingly significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the robust correlation between the variables underscores the unlikelihood of such a strong relationship occurring by mere chance. It’s as unexpected as finding a comic relief sidekick in the midst of a period drama – a delightful surprise that challenges our assumptions and beckons us to investigate even more eccentric correlations in the future.

In conclusion, our study underscores the often-unexpected interplay between seemingly unrelated variables, weaving a narrative as intriguing as any found in the wackiest of romantic comedies. As we grapple with the unexpected allure of sociologists and gasoline pumps, it becomes abundantly clear that the world of statistics is full of surprises, much like a whimsical, plot-twisting romp in an unconventional love story.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics 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 The number of sociologists in Michigan and Gasoline pumped in Cyprus. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

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

Here are the title, abstract, introduction, and results sections.
[[TITLE]]
The Slate of Michigan Sociologists and Cyprus' Gas Pump Histrionics: A Statistical Love Sonnet

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper investigates the perplexing relationship between the number of sociologists in Michigan and the quantity of gasoline pumped in Cyprus. Despite initial skepticism about the connection between these two seemingly unrelated variables, our research team dug deep to unearth the truth. Utilizing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Energy Information Administration, we conducted a rigorous quantitative analysis. Surprisingly, the results revealed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.8451623 and a staggeringly significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the years 2007 to 2019. Our findings suggest a compelling statistical love affair between the sociologists in Michigan and the gasoline consumption in Cyprus. This paper demonstrates the unexpected ways in which seemingly disparate factors can intertwine, much like an unexpected romance. Our work challenges traditional assumptions and encourages future research into the whimsical connections that underpin the fabric of our world.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The quest for knowledge often leads researchers down curious paths, where unexpected connections and improbable correlations lurk in the statistical underbrush. In the lexicon of scientific inquiry, we are taught to peruse the probable, but sometimes the most enchanting discoveries arise from the most improbable bedfellows. In this paper, we embark on a whimsical odyssey to unravel the entangled relationship between the number of sociologists in Michigan and the gasoline pumped in Cyprus.
One may be forgiven for thinking that this investigation was conjured from the pages of a surrealist novel or the musings of a particularly whimsical statistician. After all, what common ground could there possibly be between the intricate musings of sociologists in the Great Lakes State and the frenzied histrionics of gas pumps in the sun-kissed isle of Cyprus? Such an unlikely duo seems more suited for a romantic comedy plot than a scientific inquiry.
Nonetheless, armed with an arsenal of statistical tools and a healthy dose of skepticism, we endeavored to scrutinize the interconnectedness of these variables. The endeavor demanded a judicious pruning of assumptions and a vigilant oversight of the data. Our analytical journey saw us traverse the treacherous terrain of sociological demographics and the ebbs and flows of gasoline consumption, with each twist and turn revealing new layers of intrigue.
As we unraveled the data, a captivating narrative began to emerge - one that hinted at an enthralling statistical love sonnet between the sociologists in Michigan and the gas pumps in Cyprus. The sheer improbability of this liaison renders it all the more fascinating, much like an unexpected romance blossoming amidst the mundane machinations of everyday life.
In the annals of scientific inquiry, such peculiar pairings are a welcome enigma, challenging researchers to cast aside preconceived notions and embrace the whimsy inherent in the web of statistical relationships. Our findings not only pique curiosity but also underscore the need for a refined lens through which to perceive the intricate tapestry of statistical correlations. As we prepare to unveil the tale of these unlikely bedfellows, we invite fellow researchers to join us in celebrating the serendipitous connections that animate the landscape of empirical inquiry.

[[RESULTS]]
The statistical analysis of the relationship between the number of sociologists in Michigan and the quantity of gasoline pumped in Cyprus yielded some intriguing results. From 2007 to 2019, the correlation coefficient was calculated to be 0.8451623, indicating a strong positive correlation between these two seemingly unrelated variables. This value suggests that as the number of sociologists in Michigan increased, there was a noteworthy tendency for gasoline consumption in Cyprus to also rise.
Furthermore, the coefficient of determination (also known as R-squared) was found to be 0.7142994. This means that approximately 71.4% of the variability in gasoline pumped in Cyprus can be explained by the number of sociologists in Michigan. While this statistic doesn't guarantee causation, it certainly raises some eyebrow.
The p-value, which emerged as less than 0.01, indicates a significant relationship between the variables. In other words, it is highly unlikely that such a strong correlation could have occurred by mere chance.
Additionally, the scatterplot in Figure 1 provides a visual depiction of this robust association. It showcases a clear and well-defined pattern, serving as compelling evidence of the statistical love affair between the sociologists in Michigan and the gasoline consumption in Cyprus.
Certainly, these results defy conventional expectations and beckon us to ponder the whimsical dance of statistical fate. As we reflect on the unexpected entanglement of sociologists and gasoline pumps, it seems that in the grand scheme of statistical relationships, surprises abound, much like a subplot one might find in the wackiest of romantic comedies.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our investigation into the unlikely liaison between the number of sociologists in Michigan and the gasoline pumped in Cyprus has not only defied conventional expectations but also tickled the fancy of statistical romantics. The robust correlation coefficient and the staggering p-value have provided compelling evidence of a statistical love affair that would make even Shakespeare blush with envy.

Indeed, the statistical landscape is rife with whimsical surprises, much like a box of chocolates in a quantitative forest. As we unraveled the data, the unforeseen entwining of sociologists and gasoline pumps unveiled a love sonnet of such improbable allure that it could rival the most captivating of rom-com plotlines.

Our findings challenge traditional assumptions and beckon researchers to embrace the serendipity woven into the fabric of statistical relationships. Much like a captivating tale of star-crossed lovers, the unanticipated bond between these variables carries a subtle enchantment that calls for further contemplation.

This whimsical symphony of statistical entanglement, though perplexing, serves as a testament to the inherent charm and unpredictability of empirical inquiry. As such, we assert that no further research is needed in this area, as the saga of sociologists and gasoline pumps in Cyprus has been thoroughly serenaded with statistical love.

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 The Slate of Michigan Sociologists and Cyprus' Gas Pump Histrionics: A Statistical Love Sonnet. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Quirky Social Science 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 The Slate of Michigan Sociologists and Cyprus' Gas Pump Histrionics: A Statistical Love Sonnet. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Society for Quirky Sociological Research (SQSR)

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 The Slate of Michigan Sociologists and Cyprus' Gas Pump Histrionics: A Statistical Love Sonnet with an abstract of This paper investigates the perplexing relationship between the number of sociologists in Michigan and the quantity of gasoline pumped in Cyprus. Despite initial skepticism about the connection between these two seemingly unrelated variables, our research team dug deep to unearth the truth. Utilizing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Energy Information Administration, we conducted a rigorous quantitative analysis. Surprisingly, the results revealed a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.8451623 and a staggeringly significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the years 2007 to 2019. Our findings suggest a compelling statistical love affair between the sociologists in Michigan and the gasoline consumption in Cyprus. This paper demonstrates the unexpected ways in which seemingly disparate factors can intertwine, much like an unexpected romance. Our work challenges traditional assumptions and encourages future research into the whimsical connections that underpin the fabric of our world.

ChatGPT:

sociologists, Michigan, gasoline consumption, Cyprus, statistical analysis, correlation coefficient, p-value, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Energy Information Administration, quantitative analysis, unexpected relationships, interdisciplinary research, societal influences

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

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Data details

The number of sociologists in Michigan
Detailed data title: BLS estimate of sociologists in Michigan
Source: Bureau of Larbor Statistics
See what else correlates with The number of sociologists in Michigan

Gasoline pumped in Cyprus
Detailed data title: Volume of gasoline pumped consumed in Cyprus in millions of barrels per day
Source: Energy Information Administration
See what else correlates with Gasoline pumped in Cyprus

Correlation r = 0.8451623 (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 = 0.7142994 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 71.4% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Gasoline pumped in Cyprus) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., The number of sociologists in Michigan) over the 13 years from 2007 through 2019.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 0.00028.^Show 0.0002750266837085366000000000
The p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme.^Note 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 0.85 in 0.028% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 3,636 random variables^Note Which I absolutely did.
with the same 12 degrees of freedom, ^Note 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.

[ 0.55, 0.95 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
^{Read more about the confidence interval} 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: ^Note 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.

	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019
The number of sociologists in Michigan (Sociologists)	60	240	240	240	220	70	60	70	110	110	170	90	100
Gasoline pumped in Cyprus (Million Barrels/Day)	8.0626	8.87959	8.83381	9.18436	8.78707	8.50663	8.0626	7.94575	8	8	8.20044	7.98324	7.80553

Why this works

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.
Lack of causal connection: There is probably^Note 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.
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^Note 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.
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. ^Note 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. ^{Show the steps to do this.} 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([60,240,240,240,220,70,60,70,110,110,170,90,100,])
array_2 = np.array([8.0626,8.87959,8.83381,9.18436,8.78707,8.50663,8.0626,7.94575,8,8,8.20044,7.98324,7.80553,])
array_1_name = "The number of sociologists in Michigan"
array_2_name = "Gasoline pumped in Cyprus"

# 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)

Reuseable content

You may re-use the images on this page for any purpose, even commercial purposes, without asking for permission. The only requirement is that you attribute Tyler Vigen. ^Note Attribution can take many different forms. If you leave the "tylervigen.com" link in the image, that satisfies it just fine. If you remove it and move it to a footnote, that's fine too. You can also just write "Charts courtesy of Tyler Vigen" at the bottom of an article.

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.

Full license details.
For more on re-use permissions, or to get a signed release form, see tylervigen.com/permission.

Download images for these variables:

High resolution line chart ^Note The image linked here is a Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG). It is the highest resolution that is possible to achieve. It scales up beyond the size of the observable universe without pixelating. You do not need to email me asking if I have a higher resolution image. I do not. The physical limitations of our universe prevent me from providing you with an image that is any higher resolution than this one.

If you insert it into a PowerPoint presentation (a tool well-known for managing things that are the scale of the universe), you can right-click > "Ungroup" or "Create Shape" and then edit the lines and text directly. You can also change the colors this way.

Alternatively you can use a tool like Inkscape.
High resolution line chart, optimized for mobile
Alternative high resolution line chart
Scatterplot
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Line chart for only The number of sociologists in Michigan
Line chart for only Gasoline pumped in Cyprus
AI-generated correlation image
The spurious research paper: The Slate of Michigan Sociologists and Cyprus' Gas Pump Histrionics: A Statistical Love Sonnet

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Correlation ID: 1860 · Black Variable ID: 17724 · Red Variable ID: 24339


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