Spurious correlation #2,667 · 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 consumer sciences and the second variable is Air pollution in Boulder. The chart goes from 2011 to 2021, 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 Associates degrees awarded in consumer sciences and the second variable is Air pollution in Boulder. The chart goes from 2011 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

Download png, svg

AI explanation

As more people became knowledgeable about efficient home management and wanted to show off their cooking skills, there was a sudden spike in the use of kitchen gadgets and appliances in Boulder. This led to a peculiar phenomenon where the once pristine Boulder air was now filled with the aromatic mists of sizzling stir-fries and baking experiments gone awry. It was a classic case of too many chefs (with Associates degrees in Family and consumer sciences/human sciences) spoiling the air in Boulder!

^{Show image generation prompt} Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image of a psychedelic kitchen in Boulder, where enthusiastic new cooks proudly display their Associates degrees in Family and consumer sciences/human sciences. They are diligently working on perfecting their culinary skills, particularly attempting to master the art of "flambéing." However, their zealous efforts have led to numerous smoke alarms being set off, causing a noticeable rise in air pollution around the area. 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 Family and consumer sciences/human sciences and Air pollution in Boulder. 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: Parallax art Low poly Psychedelic a funny image macro Oragami
ChatGPT: Psychedelic

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 Family and consumer sciences/human sciences and Air pollution in Boulder, in the following situation: As the number of Associates degrees in Family and consumer sciences/human sciences increased, so did the number of new cooks in Boulder. Unfortunately, their culinary experiments caused a rise in air pollution as they set off too many smoke alarms trying to master the art of "flambéing.". Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a bustling kitchen in Boulder, new cooks proudly display their Associates degrees in Family and consumer sciences/human sciences as they work diligently to perfect their culinary skills. However, their enthusiastic attempts at mastering the art of "flambéing" lead to numerous smoke alarms being set off, causing a noticeable rise in air pollution around the area.

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: [ Psychedelic ] and depicting this scene: In a bustling kitchen in Boulder, new cooks proudly display their Associates degrees in Family and consumer sciences/human sciences as they work diligently to perfect their culinary skills. However, their enthusiastic attempts at mastering the art of "flambéing" lead to numerous smoke alarms being set off, causing a noticeable rise in air pollution around the area. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image of a psychedelic kitchen in Boulder, where enthusiastic new cooks proudly display their Associates degrees in Family and consumer sciences/human sciences. They are diligently working on perfecting their culinary skills, particularly attempting to master the art of "flambéing." However, their zealous efforts have led to numerous smoke alarms being set off, causing a noticeable rise in air pollution around the area.

*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 Associates degrees awarded in Family and consumer sciences/human sciences caused Air pollution in Boulder to increase.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)

Degrees of Separation: Exploring the Link Between Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Associate Degrees and Air Pollution in Boulder

The Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Family and Environmental Sciences

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 Associates degrees awarded in Family and consumer sciences/human sciences and Air pollution in Boulder. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

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]]
Degrees of Separation: Exploring the Link Between Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Associate Degrees and Air Pollution in Boulder

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the fascinating intersection of academic pursuits and environmental impact. By examining the relationship between the number of Associate degrees awarded in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences and levels of air pollution in the charming locale of Boulder, we aim to uncover potential patterns and connections that may not be immediately apparent. Utilizing data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Environmental Protection Agency, our analysis reveals a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.7763494 and p < 0.01 for the period spanning 2011 to 2021.

With a lighthearted spirit and a twinkle in our data's eye, we embark on this scholarly exploration. The notion that the pursuit of knowledge in the domains of family and consumer sciences could intersect with the ethereal dance of air pollution in Boulder may seem whimsical, but the numbers tell a different tale. Our findings offer a new dimension to the age-old question: how are education and the environment linked? We invite readers to accompany us on this journey, and remember, when it comes to correlating academic pursuits and environmental impacts, the air may be polluted, but our sense of humor isn't.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The pursuit of knowledge in the realms of family and consumer sciences/human sciences has long been regarded as an endeavor rooted in the daily rhythms of life. It's not every day that one expects to connect this realm of academic pursuit with the ethereal dance of air pollution in the picturesque city of Boulder. Nevertheless, our curiosity has led us down this unexpected path, and as Albert Einstein once said, "The important thing is not to stop questioning." So, with that in mind, let's dive into the intriguing world of academia and atmospheric pollutants.
As we embark on this scholarly sojourn, we can't help but wonder: What do you get when you cross Family and Consumer Sciences with Air Pollution in Boulder? A breath of fresh research air! (Pun intended, of course.) The potential connection between the number of Associate degrees awarded in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences and levels of air pollution may seem far-fetched at first glance, but let's not jump to conclusions before we've carefully examined the evidence.
Our investigation seeks to illuminate the obscure, to uncover the underlying threads that weave together seemingly disparate elements of our world. After all, as researchers, it is our duty to shed light on the unexplored corridors of knowledge - and to challenge the conventional wisdom that separates academia from environmental dynamics. So, with our data as our guide and our curiosity as our compass, we press on in pursuit of understanding, armed with statistical tools and a penchant for unconventional connections.
Stay tuned for a journey that promises not only revelatory insights but also the occasional statistical quip. After all, who says data analysis can't have a sense of humor?

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The extant literature offers some insights into the individual components of our inquiry. Smith et al. (2015) contend that education, when considered through the lens of family and consumer sciences, impacts various facets of human behavior and decision-making. Similarly, Doe (2018) emphasizes the significance of environmental factors in shaping societal patterns. Jones (2013) delves into the nuances of air pollution in urban settings, highlighting the multifaceted nature of this environmental concern.

An engaging and relevant non-fiction resource related to our research topic is "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan, which enriches our understanding of the interconnectedness between food, consumption, and the environment. Additionally, "The Hidden Life of Trees" by Peter Wohlleben sheds light on the intricate relationship between nature and human activities, inspiring a holistic perspective in our investigation.

Turning to fiction, the works of Barbara Kingsolver, such as "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle," provide imaginative explorations of the convergence of human behavior and environmental dynamics, offering an alternative lens through which to view our research context. Moreover, the speculative fiction novel "The Lathe of Heaven" by Ursula K. Le Guin presents a thought-provoking narrative that challenges conventional boundaries, mirroring our own endeavor to push the limits of scholarly exploration.

In a departure from conventional research sources, a notable addition to our literature review is the back label of the "Refreshingly Minty" shampoo, which, in a surprising turn of events, prompted introspection on the tangential relationship between hair care products and atmospheric conditions. While unconventional, this source sparked contemplation on the interconnectedness of unexpected variables, reinforcing the need for a comprehensive approach to knowledge acquisition.

The literature, diverse as it may be, sets the stage for our own foray into this uncharted territory where academic pursuits and environmental phenomena converge.

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 Associates degrees awarded in Family and consumer sciences/human sciences and Air pollution in Boulder. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from National Center for Education Statistics and Environmental Protection Agency . 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]]
Degrees of Separation: Exploring the Link Between Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Associate Degrees and Air Pollution in Boulder

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the fascinating intersection of academic pursuits and environmental impact. By examining the relationship between the number of Associate degrees awarded in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences and levels of air pollution in the charming locale of Boulder, we aim to uncover potential patterns and connections that may not be immediately apparent. Utilizing data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Environmental Protection Agency, our analysis reveals a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.7763494 and p < 0.01 for the period spanning 2011 to 2021.

With a lighthearted spirit and a twinkle in our data's eye, we embark on this scholarly exploration. The notion that the pursuit of knowledge in the domains of family and consumer sciences could intersect with the ethereal dance of air pollution in Boulder may seem whimsical, but the numbers tell a different tale. Our findings offer a new dimension to the age-old question: how are education and the environment linked? We invite readers to accompany us on this journey, and remember, when it comes to correlating academic pursuits and environmental impacts, the air may be polluted, but our sense of humor isn't.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The pursuit of knowledge in the realms of family and consumer sciences/human sciences has long been regarded as an endeavor rooted in the daily rhythms of life. It's not every day that one expects to connect this realm of academic pursuit with the ethereal dance of air pollution in the picturesque city of Boulder. Nevertheless, our curiosity has led us down this unexpected path, and as Albert Einstein once said, "The important thing is not to stop questioning." So, with that in mind, let's dive into the intriguing world of academia and atmospheric pollutants.
As we embark on this scholarly sojourn, we can't help but wonder: What do you get when you cross Family and Consumer Sciences with Air Pollution in Boulder? A breath of fresh research air! (Pun intended, of course.) The potential connection between the number of Associate degrees awarded in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences and levels of air pollution may seem far-fetched at first glance, but let's not jump to conclusions before we've carefully examined the evidence.
Our investigation seeks to illuminate the obscure, to uncover the underlying threads that weave together seemingly disparate elements of our world. After all, as researchers, it is our duty to shed light on the unexplored corridors of knowledge - and to challenge the conventional wisdom that separates academia from environmental dynamics. So, with our data as our guide and our curiosity as our compass, we press on in pursuit of understanding, armed with statistical tools and a penchant for unconventional connections.
Stay tuned for a journey that promises not only revelatory insights but also the occasional statistical quip. After all, who says data analysis can't have a sense of humor?

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

The data for this research was collected from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Environmental Protection Agency, providing a snapshot of the period from 2011 to 2021. Given the quirkiness of our research questions, our approach to data collection was equally unconventional. We metaphorically cast a wide net across the internet, catching snippets of information like fish in a proverbial sea of data. To ensure the accuracy and comprehensiveness of our dataset, we meticulously sieved through thousands of online sources, navigating the treacherous waters of misinformation and bias. It was a process akin to untangling a particularly knotty ball of yarn – a task requiring both patience and an eye for detail.

An important requirement for this study was the identification and categorization of Associate degrees awarded in the fields of Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences. We employed a novel approach that involved cross-referencing multiple databases and academic repositories, akin to a scholarly scavenger hunt. Each degree was meticulously scrutinized, much like a discerning connoisseur examining fine wines, to ensure that it met the stringent criteria for inclusion in our analysis.

Once the Associate degree data was assembled, we turned our attention to the atmospheric domain, where air pollution levels in Boulder awaited scrutiny. Armed with a metaphorical magnifying glass, we delved into the Environmental Protection Agency's rich repository of pollutant measurements. Parsing through the voluminous data, we sifted for nuggets of information with the same fervor as a prospector panning for gold in a swiftly flowing stream.

An essential step in our methodological approach was the employment of sophisticated statistical techniques. We utilized various multivariate regression models, channeling our inner mathematicians to derive coefficients and significance levels. The data was manipulated and wrangled with the finesse of a seasoned chef crafting a delicate soufflé, ensuring that our findings were robust and reliable.

Throughout the study, we faced numerous challenges, but as they say, "Where there's a will, there's a way." And where there are statistics, there are inevitable moments for statistical humor. So, in the spirit of academia and with a dash of levity, we persisted, our data analysis undeterred by the occasional curveball.

Our rigorous yet whimsical approach stands as a testament to the adage that the journey of research need not be solemn; it can be peppered with puns and lighthearted moments. With methodological precision and a penchant for playfulness, our study strides forward, aiming to illuminate the connection between academic pursuits and environmental phenomena.

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 Associates degrees awarded in Family and consumer sciences/human sciences and Air pollution in Boulder. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from National Center for Education Statistics and Environmental Protection Agency .

For the time period 2011 to 2021, you found a correlation 0.7763494, r-squared of 0.6027184, 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]]
Degrees of Separation: Exploring the Link Between Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Associate Degrees and Air Pollution in Boulder

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the fascinating intersection of academic pursuits and environmental impact. By examining the relationship between the number of Associate degrees awarded in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences and levels of air pollution in the charming locale of Boulder, we aim to uncover potential patterns and connections that may not be immediately apparent. Utilizing data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Environmental Protection Agency, our analysis reveals a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.7763494 and p < 0.01 for the period spanning 2011 to 2021.

With a lighthearted spirit and a twinkle in our data's eye, we embark on this scholarly exploration. The notion that the pursuit of knowledge in the domains of family and consumer sciences could intersect with the ethereal dance of air pollution in Boulder may seem whimsical, but the numbers tell a different tale. Our findings offer a new dimension to the age-old question: how are education and the environment linked? We invite readers to accompany us on this journey, and remember, when it comes to correlating academic pursuits and environmental impacts, the air may be polluted, but our sense of humor isn't.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
The pursuit of knowledge in the realms of family and consumer sciences/human sciences has long been regarded as an endeavor rooted in the daily rhythms of life. It's not every day that one expects to connect this realm of academic pursuit with the ethereal dance of air pollution in the picturesque city of Boulder. Nevertheless, our curiosity has led us down this unexpected path, and as Albert Einstein once said, "The important thing is not to stop questioning." So, with that in mind, let's dive into the intriguing world of academia and atmospheric pollutants.
As we embark on this scholarly sojourn, we can't help but wonder: What do you get when you cross Family and Consumer Sciences with Air Pollution in Boulder? A breath of fresh research air! (Pun intended, of course.) The potential connection between the number of Associate degrees awarded in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences and levels of air pollution may seem far-fetched at first glance, but let's not jump to conclusions before we've carefully examined the evidence.
Our investigation seeks to illuminate the obscure, to uncover the underlying threads that weave together seemingly disparate elements of our world. After all, as researchers, it is our duty to shed light on the unexplored corridors of knowledge - and to challenge the conventional wisdom that separates academia from environmental dynamics. So, with our data as our guide and our curiosity as our compass, we press on in pursuit of understanding, armed with statistical tools and a penchant for unconventional connections.
Stay tuned for a journey that promises not only revelatory insights but also the occasional statistical quip. After all, who says data analysis can't have a sense of humor?

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]

ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The analysis of the data collected from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Environmental Protection Agency yielded intriguing results. Over the period from 2011 to 2021, a strong positive correlation was found between the number of Associate degrees awarded in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences and levels of air pollution in Boulder, with a correlation coefficient of 0.7763494. This correlation indicates a moderately strong relationship between the two variables. It seems that the pursuit of knowledge in these disciplines may have a discernible impact on the atmospheric quality of Boulder.

Fig. 1 shows a scatterplot illustrating the robust correlation between the number of Associate degrees awarded in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences and levels of air pollution in Boulder. The data points form a fairly tight cluster, demonstrating the consistency of the relationship between these variables. It appears that as the number of Associate degrees in these fields increased, so did the levels of air pollution in Boulder.

Now, what do you call a graph that has lots of attitude? A scatterplot! We couldn't resist a good graph-related pun.

Additionally, a regression analysis yielded an r-squared value of 0.6027184, indicating that approximately 60.27% of the variance in air pollution levels in Boulder can be explained by the number of Associate degrees awarded in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences. This finding further solidifies the substantial association between these two seemingly distinct domains.

It appears that the pursuit of knowledge in family and consumer sciences exerts a notable influence on the atmospheric conditions of Boulder. While one might not initially expect a connection between these variables, our research has unveiled a compelling correlation that merits further exploration.

In conclusion, our study illuminates a hitherto unexplored relationship between academic pursuits in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences and the environmental dynamics of air pollution in Boulder. This unexpected correlation underscores the intricate interplay between education and environmental impact, challenging conventional wisdom and inviting further inquiry into the multifaceted connections within our world.

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 Associates degrees awarded in Family and consumer sciences/human sciences and Air pollution in Boulder. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

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]]
Degrees of Separation: Exploring the Link Between Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Associate Degrees and Air Pollution in Boulder

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the fascinating intersection of academic pursuits and environmental impact. By examining the relationship between the number of Associate degrees awarded in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences and levels of air pollution in the charming locale of Boulder, we aim to uncover potential patterns and connections that may not be immediately apparent. Utilizing data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Environmental Protection Agency, our analysis reveals a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.7763494 and p < 0.01 for the period spanning 2011 to 2021.

With a lighthearted spirit and a twinkle in our data's eye, we embark on this scholarly exploration. The notion that the pursuit of knowledge in the domains of family and consumer sciences could intersect with the ethereal dance of air pollution in Boulder may seem whimsical, but the numbers tell a different tale. Our findings offer a new dimension to the age-old question: how are education and the environment linked? We invite readers to accompany us on this journey, and remember, when it comes to correlating academic pursuits and environmental impacts, the air may be polluted, but our sense of humor isn't.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The extant literature offers some insights into the individual components of our inquiry. Smith et al. (2015) contend that education, when considered through the lens of family and consumer sciences, impacts various facets of human behavior and decision-making. Similarly, Doe (2018) emphasizes the significance of environmental factors in shaping societal patterns. Jones (2013) delves into the nuances of air pollution in urban settings, highlighting the multifaceted nature of this environmental concern.
An engaging and relevant non-fiction resource related to our research topic is "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan, which enriches our understanding of the interconnectedness between food, consumption, and the environment. Additionally, "The Hidden Life of Trees" by Peter Wohlleben sheds light on the intricate relationship between nature and human activities, inspiring a holistic perspective in our investigation.
Turning to fiction, the works of Barbara Kingsolver, such as "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle," provide imaginative explorations of the convergence of human behavior and environmental dynamics, offering an alternative lens through which to view our research context. Moreover, the speculative fiction novel "The Lathe of Heaven" by Ursula K. Le Guin presents a thought-provoking narrative that challenges conventional boundaries, mirroring our own endeavor to push the limits of scholarly exploration.
In a departure from conventional research sources, a notable addition to our literature review is the back label of the "Refreshingly Minty" shampoo, which, in a surprising turn of events, prompted introspection on the tangential relationship between hair care products and atmospheric conditions. While unconventional, this source sparked contemplation on the interconnectedness of unexpected variables, reinforcing the need for a comprehensive approach to knowledge acquisition.
The literature, diverse as it may be, sets the stage for our own foray into this uncharted territory where academic pursuits and environmental phenomena converge.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the data collected from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Environmental Protection Agency yielded intriguing results. Over the period from 2011 to 2021, a strong positive correlation was found between the number of Associate degrees awarded in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences and levels of air pollution in Boulder, with a correlation coefficient of 0.7763494. This correlation indicates a moderately strong relationship between the two variables. It seems that the pursuit of knowledge in these disciplines may have a discernible impact on the atmospheric quality of Boulder.
Fig. 1 shows a scatterplot illustrating the robust correlation between the number of Associate degrees awarded in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences and levels of air pollution in Boulder. The data points form a fairly tight cluster, demonstrating the consistency of the relationship between these variables. It appears that as the number of Associate degrees in these fields increased, so did the levels of air pollution in Boulder.
Now, what do you call a graph that has lots of attitude? A scatterplot! We couldn't resist a good graph-related pun.
Additionally, a regression analysis yielded an r-squared value of 0.6027184, indicating that approximately 60.27% of the variance in air pollution levels in Boulder can be explained by the number of Associate degrees awarded in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences. This finding further solidifies the substantial association between these two seemingly distinct domains.
It appears that the pursuit of knowledge in family and consumer sciences exerts a notable influence on the atmospheric conditions of Boulder. While one might not initially expect a connection between these variables, our research has unveiled a compelling correlation that merits further exploration.
In conclusion, our study illuminates a hitherto unexplored relationship between academic pursuits in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences and the environmental dynamics of air pollution in Boulder. This unexpected correlation underscores the intricate interplay between education and environmental impact, challenging conventional wisdom and inviting further inquiry into the multifaceted connections within our world.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The present study explored the intriguing association between the number of Associate degrees awarded in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences and levels of air pollution in the charming locale of Boulder. Our findings yielded a robust correlation coefficient of 0.7763494, supporting previous research on the impact of education and environmental phenomena. This unexpected connection may prompt a reevaluation of the conventional boundaries between academic pursuits and atmospheric conditions, adding a breath of fresh air to the scholarly discourse. It's a reminder that when it comes to exploring the intricate dance between education and the environment, things are not always as clear as the air on a crisp morning hike in Boulder.

The literature review provided unexpected sources of inspiration that, when taken seriously, enriched our understanding of the interconnectedness between human behavior, environmental impact, and even hair care products, in an unexpectedly tangential way. Yet, this broadening of perspectives served as valuable groundwork for our endeavor, underscoring the diverse sources of influence that shape our world and scholarly pursuits. It's a reminder that unconventional sources can sometimes shampoo our thinking about familiar topics.

Our results not only confirmed the substantial correlation between the pursuit of knowledge in family and consumer sciences and the atmospheric quality of Boulder but also provided a clearer picture of the extent to which education in these disciplines impacts air pollution. The regression analysis revealed that approximately 60.27% of the variance in air pollution levels in Boulder can be explained by the number of Associate degrees awarded in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences. This underscores the importance of education in shaping the environmental dynamics of a community, proving that when it comes to air pollution, the plot thickens.

The unexpected convergence of academic pursuits and environmental impact underscores the need for a holistic approach to understanding the complexities of our world. The correlation between Associate degrees in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences and air pollution in Boulder may prompt further investigations into the causal mechanisms underlying this relationship. It's a reminder that when it comes to intellectual exploration, the air of inquiry is never stagnant; it's always full of potential and surprises.

In conclusion, our study sheds light on the uncharted territory where academic endeavors and environmental phenomena intersect. This correlation challenges preconceived notions and invites deeper exploration of the multifaceted connections within our world. It's a reminder that when it comes to the pursuit of knowledge, the sky's the limit – even when it's filled with air pollution.

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 Associates degrees awarded in Family and consumer sciences/human sciences and Air pollution in Boulder. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

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]]
Degrees of Separation: Exploring the Link Between Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Associate Degrees and Air Pollution in Boulder

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the fascinating intersection of academic pursuits and environmental impact. By examining the relationship between the number of Associate degrees awarded in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences and levels of air pollution in the charming locale of Boulder, we aim to uncover potential patterns and connections that may not be immediately apparent. Utilizing data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Environmental Protection Agency, our analysis reveals a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.7763494 and p < 0.01 for the period spanning 2011 to 2021.

With a lighthearted spirit and a twinkle in our data's eye, we embark on this scholarly exploration. The notion that the pursuit of knowledge in the domains of family and consumer sciences could intersect with the ethereal dance of air pollution in Boulder may seem whimsical, but the numbers tell a different tale. Our findings offer a new dimension to the age-old question: how are education and the environment linked? We invite readers to accompany us on this journey, and remember, when it comes to correlating academic pursuits and environmental impacts, the air may be polluted, but our sense of humor isn't.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The pursuit of knowledge in the realms of family and consumer sciences/human sciences has long been regarded as an endeavor rooted in the daily rhythms of life. It's not every day that one expects to connect this realm of academic pursuit with the ethereal dance of air pollution in the picturesque city of Boulder. Nevertheless, our curiosity has led us down this unexpected path, and as Albert Einstein once said, "The important thing is not to stop questioning." So, with that in mind, let's dive into the intriguing world of academia and atmospheric pollutants.
As we embark on this scholarly sojourn, we can't help but wonder: What do you get when you cross Family and Consumer Sciences with Air Pollution in Boulder? A breath of fresh research air! (Pun intended, of course.) The potential connection between the number of Associate degrees awarded in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences and levels of air pollution may seem far-fetched at first glance, but let's not jump to conclusions before we've carefully examined the evidence.
Our investigation seeks to illuminate the obscure, to uncover the underlying threads that weave together seemingly disparate elements of our world. After all, as researchers, it is our duty to shed light on the unexplored corridors of knowledge - and to challenge the conventional wisdom that separates academia from environmental dynamics. So, with our data as our guide and our curiosity as our compass, we press on in pursuit of understanding, armed with statistical tools and a penchant for unconventional connections.
Stay tuned for a journey that promises not only revelatory insights but also the occasional statistical quip. After all, who says data analysis can't have a sense of humor?

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the data collected from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Environmental Protection Agency yielded intriguing results. Over the period from 2011 to 2021, a strong positive correlation was found between the number of Associate degrees awarded in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences and levels of air pollution in Boulder, with a correlation coefficient of 0.7763494. This correlation indicates a moderately strong relationship between the two variables. It seems that the pursuit of knowledge in these disciplines may have a discernible impact on the atmospheric quality of Boulder.
Fig. 1 shows a scatterplot illustrating the robust correlation between the number of Associate degrees awarded in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences and levels of air pollution in Boulder. The data points form a fairly tight cluster, demonstrating the consistency of the relationship between these variables. It appears that as the number of Associate degrees in these fields increased, so did the levels of air pollution in Boulder.
Now, what do you call a graph that has lots of attitude? A scatterplot! We couldn't resist a good graph-related pun.
Additionally, a regression analysis yielded an r-squared value of 0.6027184, indicating that approximately 60.27% of the variance in air pollution levels in Boulder can be explained by the number of Associate degrees awarded in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences. This finding further solidifies the substantial association between these two seemingly distinct domains.
It appears that the pursuit of knowledge in family and consumer sciences exerts a notable influence on the atmospheric conditions of Boulder. While one might not initially expect a connection between these variables, our research has unveiled a compelling correlation that merits further exploration.
In conclusion, our study illuminates a hitherto unexplored relationship between academic pursuits in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences and the environmental dynamics of air pollution in Boulder. This unexpected correlation underscores the intricate interplay between education and environmental impact, challenging conventional wisdom and inviting further inquiry into the multifaceted connections within our world.

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Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In sum, our investigation has uncovered a surprising and robust link between the number of Associate degrees awarded in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences and levels of air pollution in the delightful locale of Boulder. It seems that the pursuit of knowledge in these domains may have a discernible impact on the atmospheric quality of Boulder, much like a fresh batch of brownies impacts the dynamics of a bake sale - sometimes introducing unexpected elements into the mix!

Our findings add a new dimension to the understanding of the intricate interplay between academic pursuits and environmental dynamics. Just as a well-structured family budget can bring a sense of clarity to financial management, our research brings clarity to the often murky waters of the impact of educational pursuits on atmospheric conditions.

Furthermore, our research has brought to light a correlation that not only challenges conventional wisdom but also offers a delightful surprise, much like finding a hidden cookie in the pantry when you thought the jar was empty. The statistically significant association we have unveiled invites further investigation and prompts the scientific community to ponder the nuanced connections between education and environmental phenomena.

Therefore, we assert, with a statistical twinkle in our eyes and a fondness for unexpected correlations, that no further research is needed in this area. It might be time to let this particular academic quest take a well-deserved sabbatical, like a student heading off into the sunset after the completion of a challenging degree program. Our findings stand as a testament to the unexpected connections that await discovery in the academic and environmental realms.

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 Degrees of Separation: Exploring the Link Between Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Associate Degrees and Air Pollution in Boulder. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Family and Environmental Sciences

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of nonprofit research organizations and associations. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding nonprofit, academic, or scientific association or organization that would sponsor research that resulted in a paper entited Degrees of Separation: Exploring the Link Between Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Associate Degrees and Air Pollution in Boulder. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Society for Interdisciplinary Research on Family and Environmental Sciences (SIRFES)

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 Degrees of Separation: Exploring the Link Between Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Associate Degrees and Air Pollution in Boulder with an abstract of This study delves into the fascinating intersection of academic pursuits and environmental impact. By examining the relationship between the number of Associate degrees awarded in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences and levels of air pollution in the charming locale of Boulder, we aim to uncover potential patterns and connections that may not be immediately apparent. Utilizing data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Environmental Protection Agency, our analysis reveals a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.7763494 and p < 0.01 for the period spanning 2011 to 2021.
With a lighthearted spirit and a twinkle in our data's eye, we embark on this scholarly exploration. The notion that the pursuit of knowledge in the domains of family and consumer sciences could intersect with the ethereal dance of air pollution in Boulder may seem whimsical, but the numbers tell a different tale. Our findings offer a new dimension to the age-old question: how are education and the environment linked? We invite readers to accompany us on this journey, and remember, when it comes to correlating academic pursuits and environmental impacts, the air may be polluted, but our sense of humor isn't.

ChatGPT:

Family and Consumer Sciences Associate Degrees, Human Sciences Associate Degrees, air pollution, Boulder, National Center for Education Statistics, Environmental Protection Agency, correlation coefficient, academic pursuits, environmental impact, education and environment, correlation analysis, education trends, air pollution effects

*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 consumer sciences
Detailed data title: Associate's degrees conferred by postsecondary institutions with a field of study of Family and consumer sciences/human sciences
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
See what else correlates with Associates degrees awarded in consumer sciences

Air pollution in Boulder
Detailed data title: Percentage of days 'unhealthy' or worse air quality in Boulder, CO
Source: Environmental Protection Agency
See what else correlates with Air pollution in Boulder

Correlation r = 0.7763494 (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 = 0.6027184 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 60.3% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Air pollution in Boulder) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Associates degrees awarded in consumer sciences) over the 11 years from 2011 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 0.005.^Show 0.0049578494898201410000000000
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 0.78 in 0.5% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 202 random variables^Note Which I absolutely did.
with the same 10 degrees of freedom, ^Note 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.

[ 0.33, 0.94 ] 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.

	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021
Associates degrees awarded in consumer sciences (Degrees awarded)	8532	9506	8996	8669	8750	8930	8871	8858	9365	9281	9773
Air pollution in Boulder (Bad air quality days)	0	1.11421	0.277778	0	0	0	0	0.276243	0	0.546448	0.821918

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([8532,9506,8996,8669,8750,8930,8871,8858,9365,9281,9773,])
array_2 = np.array([0,1.11421,0.277778,0,0,0,0,0.276243,0,0.546448,0.821918,])
array_1_name = "Associates degrees awarded in consumer sciences"
array_2_name = "Air pollution in Boulder"

# 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
Portable line chart (png)
Portable line chart (png), optimized for mobile
Line chart for only Associates degrees awarded in consumer sciences
Line chart for only Air pollution in Boulder
AI-generated correlation image
The spurious research paper: Degrees of Separation: Exploring the Link Between Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Associate Degrees and Air Pollution in Boulder

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Correlation ID: 2667 · Black Variable ID: 1227 · Red Variable ID: 20379


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