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Spurious correlation #2,096 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Associates degrees awarded in linguistics and the second variable is Cost to send a letter via the USPS.  The chart goes from 2011 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

As more people became proficient in foreign languages, the demand for pen pals from around the world skyrocketed, leading to a surge in letter writing. The USPS had to adjust their pricing to account for the international pen pal phenomenon, ultimately raising the cost to send a letter. Who knew that mastering French or Japanese could lead to a global epistolary revolution?

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: [ a Polaroid photo ] of a person standing at a post office counter. The person, wearing a graduation cap and gown, is holding a freshly awarded Associate's degree in Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. They are placing a stamp on an envelope to send a letter via USPS, and the cost to send the letter is displayed on the counter's scale. The person is beaming with pride as they hold their degree, capturing the moment of accomplishment. 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: Associates degrees awarded in Foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics and Cost to send a letter via the USPS. 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: Cute cartoon Parallax art Low poly Pop art a Polaroid photo
ChatGPT: a Polaroid photo

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 Associates degrees awarded in Foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics and Cost to send a letter via the USPS together. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In the scene, a person holding a freshly awarded Associate's degree in Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics stands at a post office counter, placing a stamp on an envelope to send a letter via USPS. The cost to send the letter is displayed on the counter's scale while the person proudly holds their degree.

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 Polaroid photo ] and depicting this scene: In the scene, a person holding a freshly awarded Associate's degree in Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics stands at a post office counter, placing a stamp on an envelope to send a letter via USPS. The cost to send the letter is displayed on the counter's scale while the person proudly holds their degree. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: [ a Polaroid photo ] of a person standing at a post office counter. The person, wearing a graduation cap and gown, is holding a freshly awarded Associate's degree in Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. They are placing a stamp on an envelope to send a letter via USPS, and the cost to send the letter is displayed on the counter's scale. The person is beaming with pride as they hold their degree, capturing the moment of accomplishment.

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

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

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how an increase in Associates degrees awarded in Foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics caused Cost to send a letter via the USPS to increase.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
The Linguistics of Linguistic Studies: The Nexus between Foreign Language Degrees and USPS Letter Costs

The Journal of Applied Philology and Postage Economics

Jan 2024

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




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

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Associates degrees awarded in Foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics and Cost to send a letter via the USPS. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Rhyme words in the title.

Your research team used data from National Center for Education Statistics and US Postal Service to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.9468554 and p < 0.01 for 2011 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]]
The Linguistics of Linguistic Studies: The Nexus between Foreign Language Degrees and USPS Letter Costs

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper delves into the intriguing correlation between the number of Associate degrees awarded in foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics and the cost to send a letter via the USPS. While on the surface these two disparate entities may seem worlds apart, our research team has unearthed a surprisingly strong statistical relationship between these enigmatic domains. Leveraging data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the US Postal Service spanning the years 2011 to 2021, a correlation coefficient of 0.9468554 and a p-value of less than 0.01 emerged, underscoring a significant association. Our findings not only shed light on this peculiar interconnection but also prompt delightful musings on a comically cryptic linguistic landscape where stamp prices and language studies engage in an unexpected pas de deux.


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

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Associates degrees awarded in Foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics and Cost to send a letter via the USPS. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Linguistics of Linguistic Studies: The Nexus between Foreign Language Degrees and USPS Letter Costs

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper delves into the intriguing correlation between the number of Associate degrees awarded in foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics and the cost to send a letter via the USPS. While on the surface these two disparate entities may seem worlds apart, our research team has unearthed a surprisingly strong statistical relationship between these enigmatic domains. Leveraging data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the US Postal Service spanning the years 2011 to 2021, a correlation coefficient of 0.9468554 and a p-value of less than 0.01 emerged, underscoring a significant association. Our findings not only shed light on this peculiar interconnection but also prompt delightful musings on a comically cryptic linguistic landscape where stamp prices and language studies engage in an unexpected pas de deux.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

The seemingly disparate realms of linguistic studies and postal services have long been examined independently, each subject to its own peculiar set of analyses and conjectures. However, our inquisitive research team, embarking on a journey through the enigmatic world of statistical correlations, stumbled upon an intriguing connection that has raised eyebrows and elicited chuckles in equal measure: the curious nexus between the number of Associate degrees awarded in foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics, and the cost to send a letter through that humbly iconic institution, the United States Postal Service.

As we delve into this curiously unexplored intersection, we come face to face with a landscape where linguistic prowess and postal pathways overlap in a ballet of statistical significance. Our investigation aims not only to uncover the peculiar bond between these seemingly unrelated metrics but also to tickle the intellectual palate of our esteemed colleagues with wry observations and unexpected twists that transcend the traditional confines of academic discourse.

A closer examination of this improbable duo of linguistic studies and snail mail costs promises not only to unveil a compelling statistic but also to weave together an academic tapestry filled with subtle conspiracy theories about vocabulary-based stamp pricing and semantically nuanced postage policies. So, buckle up and prepare for a journey through the wondrous world of statistical linguistics and absurdly delightful postal ponderings. Let us waltz through this eccentric symphony of data with a spring in our step and a raised eyebrow, for the correlation coefficient and p-values beckon us towards a whimsical exploration of a world where foreign language degrees and stamp prices converge in an unexpected dance of numbers and meaning.


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

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Associates degrees awarded in Foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics and Cost to send a letter via the USPS. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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

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

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

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Linguistics of Linguistic Studies: The Nexus between Foreign Language Degrees and USPS Letter Costs

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper delves into the intriguing correlation between the number of Associate degrees awarded in foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics and the cost to send a letter via the USPS. While on the surface these two disparate entities may seem worlds apart, our research team has unearthed a surprisingly strong statistical relationship between these enigmatic domains. Leveraging data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the US Postal Service spanning the years 2011 to 2021, a correlation coefficient of 0.9468554 and a p-value of less than 0.01 emerged, underscoring a significant association. Our findings not only shed light on this peculiar interconnection but also prompt delightful musings on a comically cryptic linguistic landscape where stamp prices and language studies engage in an unexpected pas de deux.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The seemingly disparate realms of linguistic studies and postal services have long been examined independently, each subject to its own peculiar set of analyses and conjectures. However, our inquisitive research team, embarking on a journey through the enigmatic world of statistical correlations, stumbled upon an intriguing connection that has raised eyebrows and elicited chuckles in equal measure: the curious nexus between the number of Associate degrees awarded in foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics, and the cost to send a letter through that humbly iconic institution, the United States Postal Service.
As we delve into this curiously unexplored intersection, we come face to face with a landscape where linguistic prowess and postal pathways overlap in a ballet of statistical significance. Our investigation aims not only to uncover the peculiar bond between these seemingly unrelated metrics but also to tickle the intellectual palate of our esteemed colleagues with wry observations and unexpected twists that transcend the traditional confines of academic discourse.
A closer examination of this improbable duo of linguistic studies and snail mail costs promises not only to unveil a compelling statistic but also to weave together an academic tapestry filled with subtle conspiracy theories about vocabulary-based stamp pricing and semantically nuanced postage policies. So, buckle up and prepare for a journey through the wondrous world of statistical linguistics and absurdly delightful postal ponderings. Let us waltz through this eccentric symphony of data with a spring in our step and a raised eyebrow, for the correlation coefficient and p-values beckon us towards a whimsical exploration of a world where foreign language degrees and stamp prices converge in an unexpected dance of numbers and meaning.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The impressive body of literature on the correlation between academic disciplines and seemingly unrelated variables has intrigued scholars for decades. Smith (2015) aptly highlights the intricate web of connections that often elude casual observation. Furthermore, Doe (2018) provides a thorough analysis of unexpected associations, prompting readers to engage in delightful speculation on the mysterious interplay of disparate domains. Nevertheless, our current study embarks on a journey into uncharted territory, where the number of Associate degrees awarded in foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics intertwine with the seemingly mundane world of USPS letter costs, creating an unprecedented tango of statistical significance and linguistic flair.

As we delve deeper into this enigmatic realm, it becomes apparent that the confluence of linguistic studies and postage metrics has rarely been explored. Jones (2019) alludes to the cryptic nature of statistical anomalies, paving the way for our investigation into this unconventional correlation. Surprisingly, our initial review of the literature leads us to unexpected sources that shed light on this whimsical intersection. "Lost in Translation" by S. Proulx and "The Language Delusion" by D. Palahniuk tantalize readers with narratives that echo the surreal melding of language expertise and postage protocols. These fictitious works offer a glimpse into the absurdly delightful world we aim to explore – a world where stamp prices and language studies engage in an unexpected pas de deux, subverting traditional academic notions in their whimsical dance of data and diction.

In a comically serendipitous turn of events, popular internet memes such as the "Linguistic Meme Guy" and the "Forever Stamp Linguist" have emerged, serving as contemporary cultural reflections of the peculiar nexus under investigation. These unexpected cultural phenomena not only add a touch of levity to our scholarly pursuits but also hint at a broader societal awareness of the intricacies of linguistic studies and postal whimsy.

In the surreal marriage of language expertise and postage pricing, our literature review reveals a rich tapestry of intrigue and absurdity, unearthing connections that elude conventional wisdom and prompting readers to waltz with us through this curious symphony of linguistic studies and postal ponderings.


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

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Associates degrees awarded in Foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics and Cost to send a letter via the USPS. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from National Center for Education Statistics and US Postal Service . You used data from 2011 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]]
The Linguistics of Linguistic Studies: The Nexus between Foreign Language Degrees and USPS Letter Costs

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper delves into the intriguing correlation between the number of Associate degrees awarded in foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics and the cost to send a letter via the USPS. While on the surface these two disparate entities may seem worlds apart, our research team has unearthed a surprisingly strong statistical relationship between these enigmatic domains. Leveraging data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the US Postal Service spanning the years 2011 to 2021, a correlation coefficient of 0.9468554 and a p-value of less than 0.01 emerged, underscoring a significant association. Our findings not only shed light on this peculiar interconnection but also prompt delightful musings on a comically cryptic linguistic landscape where stamp prices and language studies engage in an unexpected pas de deux.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The seemingly disparate realms of linguistic studies and postal services have long been examined independently, each subject to its own peculiar set of analyses and conjectures. However, our inquisitive research team, embarking on a journey through the enigmatic world of statistical correlations, stumbled upon an intriguing connection that has raised eyebrows and elicited chuckles in equal measure: the curious nexus between the number of Associate degrees awarded in foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics, and the cost to send a letter through that humbly iconic institution, the United States Postal Service.
As we delve into this curiously unexplored intersection, we come face to face with a landscape where linguistic prowess and postal pathways overlap in a ballet of statistical significance. Our investigation aims not only to uncover the peculiar bond between these seemingly unrelated metrics but also to tickle the intellectual palate of our esteemed colleagues with wry observations and unexpected twists that transcend the traditional confines of academic discourse.
A closer examination of this improbable duo of linguistic studies and snail mail costs promises not only to unveil a compelling statistic but also to weave together an academic tapestry filled with subtle conspiracy theories about vocabulary-based stamp pricing and semantically nuanced postage policies. So, buckle up and prepare for a journey through the wondrous world of statistical linguistics and absurdly delightful postal ponderings. Let us waltz through this eccentric symphony of data with a spring in our step and a raised eyebrow, for the correlation coefficient and p-values beckon us towards a whimsical exploration of a world where foreign language degrees and stamp prices converge in an unexpected dance of numbers and meaning.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To investigate the perplexing correlation between the number of Associate degrees awarded in foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics and the cost to send a letter via the United States Postal Service (USPS), our research team employed a whimsically meticulous approach. Leveraging data spanning the years 2011 to 2021, we embarked on a gastronomically delightful feast of statistical analysis, employing methods as eclectic as a linguistic smorgasbord.

Data Collection:
We scoured the vast expanse of the internet, conducting searches with the fervor of linguists unearthing long-lost dialects. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the US Postal Service (USPS) became our primary sources of sustenance, providing us with a delectable array of information to satiate our research appetite.

Selection Criteria:
We indulged in a rather selective process, akin to sifting through a linguistic menu. Our focus gravitated towards all Associate degrees conferred in the field of foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics, relishing in the diversity of linguistic offerings. Concurrently, we delved into the delectable world of postage prices set forth by the USPS, ensuring a delectable smorgasbord of data reflecting the cost to send a standard letter.

Statistical Analysis:
With the data in hand, we embarked on a statistical sojourn, utilizing the venerable Pearson correlation coefficient to measure the strength and direction of the relationship between the number of Associate degrees awarded and the cost to send a letter. To accompany this, a robust methodology involving regression analysis and time series models was comically concocted to elicit a hearty chuckle from the ever-serious world of statistical academia.

Replicating the findings:
In the spirit of linguistic accuracy, we carefully replicated the analysis with a mischievous zeal, ensuring the reliability and reproducibility of our findings. We engaged in an intellectual tango with the data, testing for covariance and causality with the fervor of linguistic detectives solving a jocular word puzzle.

Ethical Considerations:
Be it stamp prices or language studies, ethical conduct was paramount in our investigation. The integrity of our data sources was upheld with a scholarly solemnity, ensuring that our research was firmly grounded in a princely tradition of statistical righteousness.


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

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Associates degrees awarded in Foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics and Cost to send a letter via the USPS. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from National Center for Education Statistics and US Postal Service .

For the time period 2011 to 2021, you found a correlation 0.9468554, r-squared of 0.8965351, 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 Linguistics of Linguistic Studies: The Nexus between Foreign Language Degrees and USPS Letter Costs

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper delves into the intriguing correlation between the number of Associate degrees awarded in foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics and the cost to send a letter via the USPS. While on the surface these two disparate entities may seem worlds apart, our research team has unearthed a surprisingly strong statistical relationship between these enigmatic domains. Leveraging data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the US Postal Service spanning the years 2011 to 2021, a correlation coefficient of 0.9468554 and a p-value of less than 0.01 emerged, underscoring a significant association. Our findings not only shed light on this peculiar interconnection but also prompt delightful musings on a comically cryptic linguistic landscape where stamp prices and language studies engage in an unexpected pas de deux.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
The seemingly disparate realms of linguistic studies and postal services have long been examined independently, each subject to its own peculiar set of analyses and conjectures. However, our inquisitive research team, embarking on a journey through the enigmatic world of statistical correlations, stumbled upon an intriguing connection that has raised eyebrows and elicited chuckles in equal measure: the curious nexus between the number of Associate degrees awarded in foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics, and the cost to send a letter through that humbly iconic institution, the United States Postal Service.
As we delve into this curiously unexplored intersection, we come face to face with a landscape where linguistic prowess and postal pathways overlap in a ballet of statistical significance. Our investigation aims not only to uncover the peculiar bond between these seemingly unrelated metrics but also to tickle the intellectual palate of our esteemed colleagues with wry observations and unexpected twists that transcend the traditional confines of academic discourse.
A closer examination of this improbable duo of linguistic studies and snail mail costs promises not only to unveil a compelling statistic but also to weave together an academic tapestry filled with subtle conspiracy theories about vocabulary-based stamp pricing and semantically nuanced postage policies. So, buckle up and prepare for a journey through the wondrous world of statistical linguistics and absurdly delightful postal ponderings. Let us waltz through this eccentric symphony of data with a spring in our step and a raised eyebrow, for the correlation coefficient and p-values beckon us towards a whimsical exploration of a world where foreign language degrees and stamp prices converge in an unexpected dance of numbers and meaning.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The statistical analysis of the relationship between the number of Associate degrees awarded in foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics and the cost to send a letter via the USPS yielded intriguing findings. From 2011 to 2021, a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9468554 was observed, signaling a strong positive association between these seemingly disparate variables. Furthermore, the coefficient of determination (r-squared) of 0.8965351 indicated that approximately 89.65% of the variation in postal costs can be explained by the number of foreign language degrees awarded. With a p-value of less than 0.01, our results exhibited a statistically significant relationship, adding credence to the curious interplay between linguistic pursuits and postal pricing.

The scatterplot (Fig. 1) provides a visual representation of this unexpected correlation, showcasing the robust connection between the number of foreign language degrees awarded and the cost to send a letter via the USPS. The data points align themselves in a strikingly linear fashion, emphasizing the coherence of this serendipitous association.

These findings, while undoubtedly unexpected, offer a tantalizing glimpse into a world where linguistic studies and postage pricing intersect in a whimsical dance of numbers and meaning. The implications of this peculiar correlation beckon further exploration and inspire lighthearted reflections on the uncanny interconnectedness of seemingly unrelated domains. As we unravel this statistical enigma, the quirkiness of academic inquiry and the delightful absurdity of unexpected correlations invite us to approach our findings with a blend of curiosity and amusement.


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

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Associates degrees awarded in Foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics and Cost to send a letter via the USPS. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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 Linguistics of Linguistic Studies: The Nexus between Foreign Language Degrees and USPS Letter Costs

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper delves into the intriguing correlation between the number of Associate degrees awarded in foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics and the cost to send a letter via the USPS. While on the surface these two disparate entities may seem worlds apart, our research team has unearthed a surprisingly strong statistical relationship between these enigmatic domains. Leveraging data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the US Postal Service spanning the years 2011 to 2021, a correlation coefficient of 0.9468554 and a p-value of less than 0.01 emerged, underscoring a significant association. Our findings not only shed light on this peculiar interconnection but also prompt delightful musings on a comically cryptic linguistic landscape where stamp prices and language studies engage in an unexpected pas de deux.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The impressive body of literature on the correlation between academic disciplines and seemingly unrelated variables has intrigued scholars for decades. Smith (2015) aptly highlights the intricate web of connections that often elude casual observation. Furthermore, Doe (2018) provides a thorough analysis of unexpected associations, prompting readers to engage in delightful speculation on the mysterious interplay of disparate domains. Nevertheless, our current study embarks on a journey into uncharted territory, where the number of Associate degrees awarded in foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics intertwine with the seemingly mundane world of USPS letter costs, creating an unprecedented tango of statistical significance and linguistic flair.
As we delve deeper into this enigmatic realm, it becomes apparent that the confluence of linguistic studies and postage metrics has rarely been explored. Jones (2019) alludes to the cryptic nature of statistical anomalies, paving the way for our investigation into this unconventional correlation. Surprisingly, our initial review of the literature leads us to unexpected sources that shed light on this whimsical intersection. "Lost in Translation" by S. Proulx and "The Language Delusion" by D. Palahniuk tantalize readers with narratives that echo the surreal melding of language expertise and postage protocols. These fictitious works offer a glimpse into the absurdly delightful world we aim to explore – a world where stamp prices and language studies engage in an unexpected pas de deux, subverting traditional academic notions in their whimsical dance of data and diction.
In a comically serendipitous turn of events, popular internet memes such as the "Linguistic Meme Guy" and the "Forever Stamp Linguist" have emerged, serving as contemporary cultural reflections of the peculiar nexus under investigation. These unexpected cultural phenomena not only add a touch of levity to our scholarly pursuits but also hint at a broader societal awareness of the intricacies of linguistic studies and postal whimsy.
In the surreal marriage of language expertise and postage pricing, our literature review reveals a rich tapestry of intrigue and absurdity, unearthing connections that elude conventional wisdom and prompting readers to waltz with us through this curious symphony of linguistic studies and postal ponderings.

[[RESULTS]]
The statistical analysis of the relationship between the number of Associate degrees awarded in foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics and the cost to send a letter via the USPS yielded intriguing findings. From 2011 to 2021, a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9468554 was observed, signaling a strong positive association between these seemingly disparate variables. Furthermore, the coefficient of determination (r-squared) of 0.8965351 indicated that approximately 89.65% of the variation in postal costs can be explained by the number of foreign language degrees awarded. With a p-value of less than 0.01, our results exhibited a statistically significant relationship, adding credence to the curious interplay between linguistic pursuits and postal pricing.
The scatterplot (Fig. 1) provides a visual representation of this unexpected correlation, showcasing the robust connection between the number of foreign language degrees awarded and the cost to send a letter via the USPS. The data points align themselves in a strikingly linear fashion, emphasizing the coherence of this serendipitous association.
These findings, while undoubtedly unexpected, offer a tantalizing glimpse into a world where linguistic studies and postage pricing intersect in a whimsical dance of numbers and meaning. The implications of this peculiar correlation beckon further exploration and inspire lighthearted reflections on the uncanny interconnectedness of seemingly unrelated domains. As we unravel this statistical enigma, the quirkiness of academic inquiry and the delightful absurdity of unexpected correlations invite us to approach our findings with a blend of curiosity and amusement.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The uncovering of a significant correlation between the number of Associate degrees awarded in foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics and the cost to send a letter via the USPS is a delightfully peculiar revelation. Our findings not only add a whimsical twist to the otherwise mundane landscape of postage pricing but also prompt comical musings on the idiosyncrasies of statistical associations. This unexpected tango of linguistic studies and postal pricing calls to mind the playful unpredictability of language itself, where words and meanings often engage in an enigmatic dance of interpretation.

As we traverse this enigmatic nexus, we cannot help but reflect on the curious interplay between seemingly incongruous domains – a harmonious choreography of data points and diction. Our investigation, while initially met with raised eyebrows and quizzical glances, has proven fruitful in reinforcing prior research that has underscored the tantalizing connections often hiding in the most unexpected corners of academia. Smith (2015) and Doe (2018) lend veracity to our current findings, highlighting the intricate web of connections and prompting delightful speculation on the mysterious interplay of disparate domains. The statistical significance uncovered in our study not only aligns with previous explorations of unexpected associations but also adds a touch of levity to the academic pursuit, turning the often dry domain of statistical analysis into a whimsical foray into the unknown.

The literature review, with its comical serendipitous turn of events, provided a lighthearted backdrop for our rigorous inquiry. References to popular internet memes such as the "Linguistic Meme Guy" and the "Forever Stamp Linguist" not only added a touch of humor to our scholarly pursuits but also hinted at a broader societal awareness of the intricacies of linguistic studies and postal whimsy. The surreal marriage of language expertise and postage pricing, reflected in fictional works such as "Lost in Translation" by S. Proulx and "The Language Delusion" by D. Palahniuk, served as contemporary cultural reflections of the peculiar nexus under investigation. While these cultural nods may elicit a chuckle, they also underscore the broader societal fascination with the unexpected intersections within the academic realm.

Our results, although tinged with an air of whimsy, align with the broader trajectory of research into unexpected correlations. The remarkably high correlation coefficient and statistically significant relationship between foreign language degrees and postal costs not only add fuel to the fire of these improbable connections but also beckon further exploration. The scatterplot (Fig. 1) visually encapsulates this unexpected correlation, akin to a lighthearted cartoon that showcases the robust connection between the number of foreign language degrees awarded and the cost to send a letter via the USPS. As we unravel this statistical enigma, the playful curiosity and amusement evoked by our findings remind us that even within the structured confines of statistical analysis, there exists a world of delightful absurdity and unexpected correlations.

In conclusion, while the nexus between foreign language degrees and USPS letter costs may at first glance appear as an incongruous pairing, our findings stand as a testament to the whimsy and wonder that permeate the world of statistical inquiry – a world where stamp prices and language studies engage in an unexpected pas de deux, subverting traditional academic notions in their whimsical dance of data and diction.


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

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Associates degrees awarded in Foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics and Cost to send a letter via the USPS. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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 Linguistics of Linguistic Studies: The Nexus between Foreign Language Degrees and USPS Letter Costs

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper delves into the intriguing correlation between the number of Associate degrees awarded in foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics and the cost to send a letter via the USPS. While on the surface these two disparate entities may seem worlds apart, our research team has unearthed a surprisingly strong statistical relationship between these enigmatic domains. Leveraging data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the US Postal Service spanning the years 2011 to 2021, a correlation coefficient of 0.9468554 and a p-value of less than 0.01 emerged, underscoring a significant association. Our findings not only shed light on this peculiar interconnection but also prompt delightful musings on a comically cryptic linguistic landscape where stamp prices and language studies engage in an unexpected pas de deux.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The seemingly disparate realms of linguistic studies and postal services have long been examined independently, each subject to its own peculiar set of analyses and conjectures. However, our inquisitive research team, embarking on a journey through the enigmatic world of statistical correlations, stumbled upon an intriguing connection that has raised eyebrows and elicited chuckles in equal measure: the curious nexus between the number of Associate degrees awarded in foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics, and the cost to send a letter through that humbly iconic institution, the United States Postal Service.
As we delve into this curiously unexplored intersection, we come face to face with a landscape where linguistic prowess and postal pathways overlap in a ballet of statistical significance. Our investigation aims not only to uncover the peculiar bond between these seemingly unrelated metrics but also to tickle the intellectual palate of our esteemed colleagues with wry observations and unexpected twists that transcend the traditional confines of academic discourse.
A closer examination of this improbable duo of linguistic studies and snail mail costs promises not only to unveil a compelling statistic but also to weave together an academic tapestry filled with subtle conspiracy theories about vocabulary-based stamp pricing and semantically nuanced postage policies. So, buckle up and prepare for a journey through the wondrous world of statistical linguistics and absurdly delightful postal ponderings. Let us waltz through this eccentric symphony of data with a spring in our step and a raised eyebrow, for the correlation coefficient and p-values beckon us towards a whimsical exploration of a world where foreign language degrees and stamp prices converge in an unexpected dance of numbers and meaning.

[[RESULTS]]
The statistical analysis of the relationship between the number of Associate degrees awarded in foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics and the cost to send a letter via the USPS yielded intriguing findings. From 2011 to 2021, a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9468554 was observed, signaling a strong positive association between these seemingly disparate variables. Furthermore, the coefficient of determination (r-squared) of 0.8965351 indicated that approximately 89.65% of the variation in postal costs can be explained by the number of foreign language degrees awarded. With a p-value of less than 0.01, our results exhibited a statistically significant relationship, adding credence to the curious interplay between linguistic pursuits and postal pricing.
The scatterplot (Fig. 1) provides a visual representation of this unexpected correlation, showcasing the robust connection between the number of foreign language degrees awarded and the cost to send a letter via the USPS. The data points align themselves in a strikingly linear fashion, emphasizing the coherence of this serendipitous association.
These findings, while undoubtedly unexpected, offer a tantalizing glimpse into a world where linguistic studies and postage pricing intersect in a whimsical dance of numbers and meaning. The implications of this peculiar correlation beckon further exploration and inspire lighthearted reflections on the uncanny interconnectedness of seemingly unrelated domains. As we unravel this statistical enigma, the quirkiness of academic inquiry and the delightful absurdity of unexpected correlations invite us to approach our findings with a blend of curiosity and amusement.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our investigation has revealed a remarkable correlation between the number of Associate degrees awarded in foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics and the cost to send a letter via the USPS. The robust correlation coefficient of 0.9468554 and a p-value of less than 0.01 serve as incontrovertible evidence of this intriguing association. This unexpected nexus prompts a whimsical juxtaposition of linguistic fluency and snail mail logistics, offering a delightful diversion in the realm of statistical inquiry.

The convergence of these disparate realms invites playful speculation about the potential linguistic nuances influencing postal pricing strategies. Perhaps the weight of words is indeed palpable, not just metaphorically, but also economically, as stamp prices wax and wane with the ebb and flow of linguistic pursuits. Moreover, the uncanny synchronization between language studies and postal service costs paints a charming tableau of statistical serendipity, reminiscent of a comically cryptic limerick that only reveals its punchline after pages of rigorous analysis.

As we bid adieu to this surreal tango of linguistic studies and postage pricing, we assert that no further research is warranted in this beguiling domain, for the findings of our study stand as a testament to the whimsical marvels hidden within the labyrinth of statistical correlations. This unlikely union of foreign language degrees and USPS costs offers a sardonic wink from the esoteric world of data analysis, showcasing the tantalizing unpredictability of scholarly inquiry. Let us cherish this unexpected revelation as a whimsical ode to the charming absurdity that often lurks beneath the surface of empirical research.


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 Linguistics of Linguistic Studies: The Nexus between Foreign Language Degrees and USPS Letter Costs. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Applied Philology and Postage Economics


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 Linguistics of Linguistic Studies: The Nexus between Foreign Language Degrees and USPS Letter Costs. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Center for Intercultural Communication and Etymology 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 The Linguistics of Linguistic Studies: The Nexus between Foreign Language Degrees and USPS Letter Costs with an abstract of This paper delves into the intriguing correlation between the number of Associate degrees awarded in foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics and the cost to send a letter via the USPS. While on the surface these two disparate entities may seem worlds apart, our research team has unearthed a surprisingly strong statistical relationship between these enigmatic domains. Leveraging data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the US Postal Service spanning the years 2011 to 2021, a correlation coefficient of 0.9468554 and a p-value of less than 0.01 emerged, underscoring a significant association. Our findings not only shed light on this peculiar interconnection but also prompt delightful musings on a comically cryptic linguistic landscape where stamp prices and language studies engage in an unexpected pas de deux.

ChatGPT:

foreign language degrees, linguistic studies, associate degrees, USPS letter costs, correlation, statistical relationship, National Center for Education Statistics, US Postal Service, linguistic landscape, stamp prices

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



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Data details

Associates degrees awarded in linguistics
Detailed data title: Associate's degrees conferred by postsecondary institutions with a field of study of Foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
See what else correlates with Associates degrees awarded in linguistics

Cost to send a letter via the USPS
Detailed data title: US Postal Service Letter Rate
Source: US Postal Service
See what else correlates with Cost to send a letter via the USPS

Correlation r = 0.9468554 (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 = 0.8965351 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 89.7% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Cost to send a letter via the USPS) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Associates degrees awarded in linguistics) over the 11 years from 2011 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 1.0E-5. 0.0000099678722811762660000000
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 0.95 in 0.001% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 100,322 random variables You don't actually need 100 thousand variables to find a correlation like this one. I don't have that many variables in my database. You can also correlate variables that are not independent. I do this a lot.

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

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

Just to be clear: I'm being completely transparent about the calculations. There is no math trickery. This is just how statistics shakes out when you calculate hundreds of millions of random correlations.
with the same 10 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 10 because we have two variables measured over a period of 11 years. It's just the number of years minus ( the number of variables minus one ), which in this case simplifies to the number of years minus one.
you would randomly expect to find a correlation as strong as this one.

[ 0.8, 0.99 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
The confidence interval is an estimate the range of the value of the correlation coefficient, using the correlation itself as an input. The values are meant to be the low and high end of the correlation coefficient with 95% confidence.

This one is a bit more complciated than the other calculations, but I include it because many people have been pushing for confidence intervals instead of p-value calculations (for example: NEJM. However, if you are dredging data, you can reliably find yourself in the 5%. That's my goal!


All values for the years included above: If I were being very sneaky, I could trim years from the beginning or end of the datasets to increase the correlation on some pairs of variables. I don't do that because there are already plenty of correlations in my database without monkeying with the years.

Still, sometimes one of the variables has more years of data available than the other. This page only shows the overlapping years. To see all the years, click on "See what else correlates with..." link above.
20112012201320142015201620172018201920202021
Associates degrees awarded in linguistics (Degrees awarded)18881980213122842102220823632607279829172876
Cost to send a letter via the USPS (US Dollar per first ounce)0.440.450.460.490.490.470.490.50.550.550.58




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.




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([1888,1980,2131,2284,2102,2208,2363,2607,2798,2917,2876,])
array_2 = np.array([0.44,0.45,0.46,0.49,0.49,0.47,0.49,0.5,0.55,0.55,0.58,])
array_1_name = "Associates degrees awarded in linguistics"
array_2_name = "Cost to send a letter via the USPS"

# 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 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. 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.

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Correlation ID: 2096 · Black Variable ID: 1228 · Red Variable ID: 474
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