Spurious correlation #2,673 · View random
A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Air pollution in Dover, Delaware and the second variable is US birth rates of triplets or more. The chart goes from 2002 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 Air pollution in Dover, Delaware and the second variable is US birth rates of triplets or more. The chart goes from 2002 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

Download png, svg

AI explanation

As the air in Dover became cleaner, it became harder for storks to navigate their way around, leading to a decline in deliveries of multiple bundles of joy. This is a classic case of avian obstetric interference, where the sharp-witted storks couldn't find their way to the right addresses.

^{Show image generation prompt} Model: dalle-3
Prompt: [Whimsical illustration] Please generate an image of a lively local park in Dover, Delaware, where families are enjoying the fresh air. Children are shown running, playing, and flying kites in the open space, while a mother peacefully holds her newborn twins in the distance. The vibrant scene showcases the joy and relief of clean air, with visible signs of reduced smog in the background. The atmosphere should exude a sense of community, happiness, and health. 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: Air pollution in Dover, Delaware and US birth rates of triplets or more. 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: A scene from Skyrim Voxel art Magic realism Whimsical illustration inspired by bauhaus
ChatGPT: Whimsical illustration

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 Air pollution in Dover, Delaware and US birth rates of triplets or more, in the following situation: Because with cleaner air, people in Dover, Delaware are less likely to feel the need to "breath for three" and consequently, the birth rates of triplets or more in the US have decreased.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In Dover, Delaware, the air is no longer filled with thick smog. As a result, families are out enjoying the fresh air in the local park, children running and playing freely. In the distance, a mother holds her newborn twins, contentedly breathing in the clean air. The decrease in air pollution has led to a decline in the birth rates of triplets or more across the United States.

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: [ Whimsical illustration ] and depicting this scene: In Dover, Delaware, the air is no longer filled with thick smog. As a result, families are out enjoying the fresh air in the local park, children running and playing freely. In the distance, a mother holds her newborn twins, contentedly breathing in the clean air. The decrease in air pollution has led to a decline in the birth rates of triplets or more across the United States. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: [Whimsical illustration] Please generate an image of a lively local park in Dover, Delaware, where families are enjoying the fresh air. Children are shown running, playing, and flying kites in the open space, while a mother peacefully holds her newborn twins in the distance. The vibrant scene showcases the joy and relief of clean air, with visible signs of reduced smog in the background. The atmosphere should exude a sense of community, happiness, and health.

*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 a decrease in Air pollution in Dover, Delaware caused US birth rates of triplets or more to decrease.\Make it sound serious until the end.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)

Air-ing Out the Connection: A Breath of Fresh Air on the Relationship Between Air Pollution in Dover, Delaware, and US Birth Rates of Triplets or More

The Journal of Eclectic Environmental Epidemiology

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 Air pollution in Dover, Delaware and US birth rates of triplets or more. 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 you might move on to cartoons and children's shows that you watched for research.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Air-ing Out the Connection: A Breath of Fresh Air on the Relationship Between Air Pollution in Dover, Delaware, and US Birth Rates of Triplets or More

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study investigates the potential link between air pollution in Dover, Delaware, and the incidence of triplet or higher-order multiple births in the United States. Utilizing comprehensive data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spanning from 2002 to 2021, our research team conducted a rigorous analysis to explore this little-explored connection. The findings revealed a notable correlation coefficient of 0.8862526 and a staggeringly significant p-value of less than 0.01, indicating a robust association between the two variables. While the overall tone of this research may appear quite "dry," we urge readers to "breathe in" the significance of our findings and appreciate the "fresh air" our study brings to the field of reproductive and environmental epidemiology.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The relationship between environmental factors and human health has long been a topic of interest and concern. Air pollution, in particular, has garnered significant attention due to its detrimental effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health. However, the potential impact of air pollution on reproductive outcomes, specifically the incidence of multiple births, has received relatively little scrutiny. This study aims to address this gap in the literature by examining the potential association between air pollution in Dover, Delaware, and the birth rates of triplets or more in the United States.
While the notion of air pollution affecting birth rates may seem as ethereal as a delicate whisper on the wind, the potential ramifications are nothing to sneeze at. Multiple births, particularly higher-order multiples such as triplets, pose unique challenges for both families and healthcare systems, including increased medical risks and financial burdens. Therefore, uncovering any potential environmental influences on the occurrence of these births holds substantial implications.
The selection of Dover, Delaware as the focal point of this investigation was not arbitrary, as it represents a microcosm of environmental conditions within the United States. With its mix of industrial activities, transportation emissions, and geographical features, Dover offers a diverse tapestry of air quality dynamics to scrutinize. By focusing on this location, we hope to present a comprehensive snapshot that captures the nuances of air pollution and its potential impact on birth outcomes.
This study employs a retrospective observational design, utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency's Air Quality System and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Vital Statistics System. Our analysis encompasses a nearly two-decade period from 2002 to 2021, allowing for a robust exploration of temporal trends and potential long-term effects.
As we embark on this investigation, we recognize that the winds of research can often blow in unexpected directions. Nevertheless, we approach this inquiry with a steadfast determination to unravel any potential connections between air pollution in Dover and the birth rates of triplets or more in the United States. In doing so, we aim to shed light on a topic that has been lingering in the hazy periphery of scientific inquiry, and compel the scientific community to "clear the air" on this intriguing intersection of environmental and reproductive health.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The association between air pollution and reproductive outcomes has been the subject of increasing scholarly inquiry in recent years. Smith et al. (2015) demonstrated a significant link between exposure to air pollutants and adverse birth outcomes, including low birth weight and preterm birth. Similarly, Doe and Jones (2018) found compelling evidence of a negative impact of air pollution on gestational age and fetal growth. However, the specific relationship between air pollution and the incidence of multiple births, particularly higher-order multiples, remains relatively unexplored.

In "Air Quality and Birth Outcomes in the United States," Lorem and Ipsum (2014) analyzed data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate the potential effects of air pollution on various birth outcomes. While their focus primarily centered on low birth weight and preterm birth, the comprehensive nature of their dataset presents an opportunity to delve into the association between air pollution and the occurrence of multiple births. The authors found no explicit mention of higher-order multiples in their study, but the broad scope of their analysis lays a foundation for further exploration.

Turning to the broader literature on environmental influences on reproductive health, "The Impact of Environmental Factors on Multiple Births" by Green (2017) provides a comprehensive overview of potential contributors to the occurrence of multiple births, from maternal age to assisted reproductive technologies. While the text does not specifically address air pollution, the intricate web of factors influencing multiple gestations hints at the complexity of the reproductive landscape.

Delving further into the realm of literature, the fictional narrative "The Triple Trouble in Dover" by NovelWriter (2019) presents a whimsical tale of three adventurous siblings navigating the quaint streets of Dover, Delaware. While purely a work of fiction, the title inadvertently captures the essence of our research focus, albeit in a more lighthearted context.

In the realm of children's programming, the animated series "Pollution Pals" provides an unexpected source of inspiration. The show, aimed at educating young audiences about environmental stewardship, frequently features characters facing environmental challenges in their community. While the link to our research may seem tenuous at first glance, the whimsical depiction of environmental issues subtly reinforces the importance of our investigation into the potential impact of air pollution on birth outcomes.

In summary, the existing literature offers a mix of serious inquiries and unexpected sources of inspiration that collectively lay the groundwork for our investigation into the relationship between air pollution in Dover, Delaware, and the birth rates of triplets or more in the United States.

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 Air pollution in Dover, Delaware and US birth rates of triplets or more. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Environmental Protection Agency and CDC . You used data from 2002 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]]
Air-ing Out the Connection: A Breath of Fresh Air on the Relationship Between Air Pollution in Dover, Delaware, and US Birth Rates of Triplets or More

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study investigates the potential link between air pollution in Dover, Delaware, and the incidence of triplet or higher-order multiple births in the United States. Utilizing comprehensive data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spanning from 2002 to 2021, our research team conducted a rigorous analysis to explore this little-explored connection. The findings revealed a notable correlation coefficient of 0.8862526 and a staggeringly significant p-value of less than 0.01, indicating a robust association between the two variables. While the overall tone of this research may appear quite "dry," we urge readers to "breathe in" the significance of our findings and appreciate the "fresh air" our study brings to the field of reproductive and environmental epidemiology.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The relationship between environmental factors and human health has long been a topic of interest and concern. Air pollution, in particular, has garnered significant attention due to its detrimental effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health. However, the potential impact of air pollution on reproductive outcomes, specifically the incidence of multiple births, has received relatively little scrutiny. This study aims to address this gap in the literature by examining the potential association between air pollution in Dover, Delaware, and the birth rates of triplets or more in the United States.
While the notion of air pollution affecting birth rates may seem as ethereal as a delicate whisper on the wind, the potential ramifications are nothing to sneeze at. Multiple births, particularly higher-order multiples such as triplets, pose unique challenges for both families and healthcare systems, including increased medical risks and financial burdens. Therefore, uncovering any potential environmental influences on the occurrence of these births holds substantial implications.
The selection of Dover, Delaware as the focal point of this investigation was not arbitrary, as it represents a microcosm of environmental conditions within the United States. With its mix of industrial activities, transportation emissions, and geographical features, Dover offers a diverse tapestry of air quality dynamics to scrutinize. By focusing on this location, we hope to present a comprehensive snapshot that captures the nuances of air pollution and its potential impact on birth outcomes.
This study employs a retrospective observational design, utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency's Air Quality System and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Vital Statistics System. Our analysis encompasses a nearly two-decade period from 2002 to 2021, allowing for a robust exploration of temporal trends and potential long-term effects.
As we embark on this investigation, we recognize that the winds of research can often blow in unexpected directions. Nevertheless, we approach this inquiry with a steadfast determination to unravel any potential connections between air pollution in Dover and the birth rates of triplets or more in the United States. In doing so, we aim to shed light on a topic that has been lingering in the hazy periphery of scientific inquiry, and compel the scientific community to "clear the air" on this intriguing intersection of environmental and reproductive health.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]
To delve into the potential relationship between air pollution in Dover, Delaware, and US birth rates of triplets or more, a comprehensive methodological approach was employed. This study utilized a retrospective observational design, drawing data from the Environmental Protection Agency's Air Quality System and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Vital Statistics System.

The first step involved the acquisition and compilation of air quality data from various monitoring stations in the vicinity of Dover, Delaware. This involved careful scrutiny of particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone levels over the 2002 to 2021 timeframe. The data vetting process was as meticulous as sifting through airborne particles, ensuring that only reliable and consistent measurements were included in the analysis.

In parallel, birth data of triplets or higher-order multiples across the United States from the same period were extracted from the National Vital Statistics System. The utilization of this national dataset provided a broad perspective on birth outcomes, allowing for a comprehensive examination of any potential correlations with air pollution in Dover. The data extraction process was as thorough as identifying multiple patterns in a complex genetic code, ensuring that no birth record was overlooked.

Following the data collection phase, statistical analyses were conducted to explore potential associations between air pollution and triplet birth rates. The correlation coefficient and p-value were calculated with a level of precision akin to performing microsurgery, ensuring that the resulting statistical measures reflected the nuanced relationship between air quality and birth outcomes.

Furthermore, a multivariable regression analysis was employed to control for potential confounding variables, such as maternal age, race, and socioeconomic factors. This analytic approach allowed for a meticulous disentanglement of the specific contribution of air pollution to the occurrence of triplets or more in the United States. The process of adjusting for confounders was as meticulous as an intricate dance, ensuring that the true impact of air pollution on birth rates was accurately captured.

Throughout the entirety of this methodological endeavor, the research team remained vigilant in addressing any potential sources of bias or confounding. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the findings, akin to stress-testing a financial model to ensure its resilience in varying conditions.

In summary, this methodological approach exemplifies the rigor and robustness necessary to unravel the potential link between air pollution in Dover, Delaware, and US birth rates of triplets or more. The careful curation and analysis of data, coupled with meticulous statistical techniques, served as the bedrock of this investigation, allowing for the unveiling of significant insights within this unexplored intersection of environmental and reproductive health.

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 Air pollution in Dover, Delaware and US birth rates of triplets or more. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Environmental Protection Agency and CDC .

For the time period 2002 to 2021, you found a correlation 0.8862526, r-squared of 0.7854437, 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]]
Air-ing Out the Connection: A Breath of Fresh Air on the Relationship Between Air Pollution in Dover, Delaware, and US Birth Rates of Triplets or More

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study investigates the potential link between air pollution in Dover, Delaware, and the incidence of triplet or higher-order multiple births in the United States. Utilizing comprehensive data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spanning from 2002 to 2021, our research team conducted a rigorous analysis to explore this little-explored connection. The findings revealed a notable correlation coefficient of 0.8862526 and a staggeringly significant p-value of less than 0.01, indicating a robust association between the two variables. While the overall tone of this research may appear quite "dry," we urge readers to "breathe in" the significance of our findings and appreciate the "fresh air" our study brings to the field of reproductive and environmental epidemiology.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
The relationship between environmental factors and human health has long been a topic of interest and concern. Air pollution, in particular, has garnered significant attention due to its detrimental effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health. However, the potential impact of air pollution on reproductive outcomes, specifically the incidence of multiple births, has received relatively little scrutiny. This study aims to address this gap in the literature by examining the potential association between air pollution in Dover, Delaware, and the birth rates of triplets or more in the United States.
While the notion of air pollution affecting birth rates may seem as ethereal as a delicate whisper on the wind, the potential ramifications are nothing to sneeze at. Multiple births, particularly higher-order multiples such as triplets, pose unique challenges for both families and healthcare systems, including increased medical risks and financial burdens. Therefore, uncovering any potential environmental influences on the occurrence of these births holds substantial implications.
The selection of Dover, Delaware as the focal point of this investigation was not arbitrary, as it represents a microcosm of environmental conditions within the United States. With its mix of industrial activities, transportation emissions, and geographical features, Dover offers a diverse tapestry of air quality dynamics to scrutinize. By focusing on this location, we hope to present a comprehensive snapshot that captures the nuances of air pollution and its potential impact on birth outcomes.
This study employs a retrospective observational design, utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency's Air Quality System and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Vital Statistics System. Our analysis encompasses a nearly two-decade period from 2002 to 2021, allowing for a robust exploration of temporal trends and potential long-term effects.
As we embark on this investigation, we recognize that the winds of research can often blow in unexpected directions. Nevertheless, we approach this inquiry with a steadfast determination to unravel any potential connections between air pollution in Dover and the birth rates of triplets or more in the United States. In doing so, we aim to shed light on a topic that has been lingering in the hazy periphery of scientific inquiry, and compel the scientific community to "clear the air" on this intriguing intersection of environmental and reproductive health.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]

ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The analysis of the data revealed a significant and positive correlation between air pollution in Dover, Delaware and the birth rates of triplets or more in the United States. The correlation coefficient of 0.8862526 indicated a strong association between these variables, with an r-squared value of 0.7854437, signifying that approximately 78.54% of the variability in triplet or higher-order multiple birth rates could be explained by changes in air pollution levels. The p-value of less than 0.01 further underscored the robustness of this relationship, yielding a result that was statistically significant.

Fig. 1 displays a scatterplot illustrating the compelling correlation between air pollution levels in Dover and the occurrence of triplet or higher-order multiple births in the United States. The scatterplot serves as a visual representation of the data points and the fitted regression line, affirming the strength of the observed association.

These findings offer a breath of fresh air in the realm of environmental and reproductive epidemiology, shedding light on a previously overlooked link between air pollution and multiple birth outcomes. The robustness of the observed relationship prompts further inquiry into the potential mechanisms underlying this connection, inviting researchers to delve deeper into the intricate interplay between environmental factors and reproductive health.

The significant correlation uncovered in this investigation underscores the need to consider the broader implications of air pollution on human health, extending beyond the well-documented effects on respiratory and cardiovascular systems. As we move forward, it is imperative to "clear the air" and direct attention towards comprehensively understanding the impact of environmental exposures on reproductive outcomes.

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 Air pollution in Dover, Delaware and US birth rates of triplets or more. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Limit your response to 500 tokens.

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

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

[[TITLE]]
Air-ing Out the Connection: A Breath of Fresh Air on the Relationship Between Air Pollution in Dover, Delaware, and US Birth Rates of Triplets or More

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study investigates the potential link between air pollution in Dover, Delaware, and the incidence of triplet or higher-order multiple births in the United States. Utilizing comprehensive data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spanning from 2002 to 2021, our research team conducted a rigorous analysis to explore this little-explored connection. The findings revealed a notable correlation coefficient of 0.8862526 and a staggeringly significant p-value of less than 0.01, indicating a robust association between the two variables. While the overall tone of this research may appear quite "dry," we urge readers to "breathe in" the significance of our findings and appreciate the "fresh air" our study brings to the field of reproductive and environmental epidemiology.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The association between air pollution and reproductive outcomes has been the subject of increasing scholarly inquiry in recent years. Smith et al. (2015) demonstrated a significant link between exposure to air pollutants and adverse birth outcomes, including low birth weight and preterm birth. Similarly, Doe and Jones (2018) found compelling evidence of a negative impact of air pollution on gestational age and fetal growth. However, the specific relationship between air pollution and the incidence of multiple births, particularly higher-order multiples, remains relatively unexplored.
In "Air Quality and Birth Outcomes in the United States," Lorem and Ipsum (2014) analyzed data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate the potential effects of air pollution on various birth outcomes. While their focus primarily centered on low birth weight and preterm birth, the comprehensive nature of their dataset presents an opportunity to delve into the association between air pollution and the occurrence of multiple births. The authors found no explicit mention of higher-order multiples in their study, but the broad scope of their analysis lays a foundation for further exploration.
Turning to the broader literature on environmental influences on reproductive health, "The Impact of Environmental Factors on Multiple Births" by Green (2017) provides a comprehensive overview of potential contributors to the occurrence of multiple births, from maternal age to assisted reproductive technologies. While the text does not specifically address air pollution, the intricate web of factors influencing multiple gestations hints at the complexity of the reproductive landscape.
Delving further into the realm of literature, the fictional narrative "The Triple Trouble in Dover" by NovelWriter (2019) presents a whimsical tale of three adventurous siblings navigating the quaint streets of Dover, Delaware. While purely a work of fiction, the title inadvertently captures the essence of our research focus, albeit in a more lighthearted context.
In the realm of children's programming, the animated series "Pollution Pals" provides an unexpected source of inspiration. The show, aimed at educating young audiences about environmental stewardship, frequently features characters facing environmental challenges in their community. While the link to our research may seem tenuous at first glance, the whimsical depiction of environmental issues subtly reinforces the importance of our investigation into the potential impact of air pollution on birth outcomes.
In summary, the existing literature offers a mix of serious inquiries and unexpected sources of inspiration that collectively lay the groundwork for our investigation into the relationship between air pollution in Dover, Delaware, and the birth rates of triplets or more in the United States.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the data revealed a significant and positive correlation between air pollution in Dover, Delaware and the birth rates of triplets or more in the United States. The correlation coefficient of 0.8862526 indicated a strong association between these variables, with an r-squared value of 0.7854437, signifying that approximately 78.54% of the variability in triplet or higher-order multiple birth rates could be explained by changes in air pollution levels. The p-value of less than 0.01 further underscored the robustness of this relationship, yielding a result that was statistically significant.
Fig. 1 displays a scatterplot illustrating the compelling correlation between air pollution levels in Dover and the occurrence of triplet or higher-order multiple births in the United States. The scatterplot serves as a visual representation of the data points and the fitted regression line, affirming the strength of the observed association.
These findings offer a breath of fresh air in the realm of environmental and reproductive epidemiology, shedding light on a previously overlooked link between air pollution and multiple birth outcomes. The robustness of the observed relationship prompts further inquiry into the potential mechanisms underlying this connection, inviting researchers to delve deeper into the intricate interplay between environmental factors and reproductive health.
The significant correlation uncovered in this investigation underscores the need to consider the broader implications of air pollution on human health, extending beyond the well-documented effects on respiratory and cardiovascular systems. As we move forward, it is imperative to "clear the air" and direct attention towards comprehensively understanding the impact of environmental exposures on reproductive outcomes.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The results of the present study provide compelling evidence of a significant association between air pollution in Dover, Delaware, and the birth rates of triplets or more in the United States. Our findings align with previous research suggesting that air pollution may exert a notable influence on various birth outcomes, albeit with a delightful twist in the context of higher-order multiple births.

Building on the literature review, the fictional narrative "The Triple Trouble in Dover" by NovelWriter surprisingly encapsulates the essence of our investigation. While the narrative may be purely fictional, the thematic resonance with our research focus adds a touch of lighthearted whimsy to our scholarly endeavor. Furthermore, the animated series "Pollution Pals" unexpectedly serves as a source of inspiration, subtly reinforcing the importance of our investigation into the potential impact of air pollution on birth outcomes. These unexpected influences remind us that scholarly inquiry may draw from a variety of sources, mirroring the interdisciplinary nature of academic endeavors.

The robust correlation coefficient and the impressively significant p-value derived from our analysis underscore the substantive connection between air pollution in Dover and the occurrence of triplet or higher-order multiple births at the national level. The substantial r-squared value solidifies the extent to which changes in air pollution levels can explain the variability in triplet or higher-order multiple birth rates. These findings not only highlight the relationship between environmental exposures and reproductive health, but also emphasize the need for continued exploration of the intricate interplay between these factors.

The staggering significance of our results echoes the sentiment that while the subject matter may be "dry," the crux of our discoveries implores readers to "breathe in" the significance of our findings and appreciate the "fresh air" our study brings to the field of reproductive and environmental epidemiology. As we endeavor to "clear the air" and delve deeper into the potential mechanisms underlying the observed connection, we must acknowledge the need for further research to comprehensively understand the impact of environmental exposures on reproductive outcomes. This study's "windy" findings offer a breath of fresh air in the realm of environmental and reproductive epidemiology, inviting researchers to delve deeper into the breezy realms of complex interconnectedness.

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 Air pollution in Dover, Delaware and US birth rates of triplets or more. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

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

Here are the title, abstract, introduction, and results sections.
[[TITLE]]
Air-ing Out the Connection: A Breath of Fresh Air on the Relationship Between Air Pollution in Dover, Delaware, and US Birth Rates of Triplets or More

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study investigates the potential link between air pollution in Dover, Delaware, and the incidence of triplet or higher-order multiple births in the United States. Utilizing comprehensive data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spanning from 2002 to 2021, our research team conducted a rigorous analysis to explore this little-explored connection. The findings revealed a notable correlation coefficient of 0.8862526 and a staggeringly significant p-value of less than 0.01, indicating a robust association between the two variables. While the overall tone of this research may appear quite "dry," we urge readers to "breathe in" the significance of our findings and appreciate the "fresh air" our study brings to the field of reproductive and environmental epidemiology.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The relationship between environmental factors and human health has long been a topic of interest and concern. Air pollution, in particular, has garnered significant attention due to its detrimental effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health. However, the potential impact of air pollution on reproductive outcomes, specifically the incidence of multiple births, has received relatively little scrutiny. This study aims to address this gap in the literature by examining the potential association between air pollution in Dover, Delaware, and the birth rates of triplets or more in the United States.
While the notion of air pollution affecting birth rates may seem as ethereal as a delicate whisper on the wind, the potential ramifications are nothing to sneeze at. Multiple births, particularly higher-order multiples such as triplets, pose unique challenges for both families and healthcare systems, including increased medical risks and financial burdens. Therefore, uncovering any potential environmental influences on the occurrence of these births holds substantial implications.
The selection of Dover, Delaware as the focal point of this investigation was not arbitrary, as it represents a microcosm of environmental conditions within the United States. With its mix of industrial activities, transportation emissions, and geographical features, Dover offers a diverse tapestry of air quality dynamics to scrutinize. By focusing on this location, we hope to present a comprehensive snapshot that captures the nuances of air pollution and its potential impact on birth outcomes.
This study employs a retrospective observational design, utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency's Air Quality System and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Vital Statistics System. Our analysis encompasses a nearly two-decade period from 2002 to 2021, allowing for a robust exploration of temporal trends and potential long-term effects.
As we embark on this investigation, we recognize that the winds of research can often blow in unexpected directions. Nevertheless, we approach this inquiry with a steadfast determination to unravel any potential connections between air pollution in Dover and the birth rates of triplets or more in the United States. In doing so, we aim to shed light on a topic that has been lingering in the hazy periphery of scientific inquiry, and compel the scientific community to "clear the air" on this intriguing intersection of environmental and reproductive health.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the data revealed a significant and positive correlation between air pollution in Dover, Delaware and the birth rates of triplets or more in the United States. The correlation coefficient of 0.8862526 indicated a strong association between these variables, with an r-squared value of 0.7854437, signifying that approximately 78.54% of the variability in triplet or higher-order multiple birth rates could be explained by changes in air pollution levels. The p-value of less than 0.01 further underscored the robustness of this relationship, yielding a result that was statistically significant.
Fig. 1 displays a scatterplot illustrating the compelling correlation between air pollution levels in Dover and the occurrence of triplet or higher-order multiple births in the United States. The scatterplot serves as a visual representation of the data points and the fitted regression line, affirming the strength of the observed association.
These findings offer a breath of fresh air in the realm of environmental and reproductive epidemiology, shedding light on a previously overlooked link between air pollution and multiple birth outcomes. The robustness of the observed relationship prompts further inquiry into the potential mechanisms underlying this connection, inviting researchers to delve deeper into the intricate interplay between environmental factors and reproductive health.
The significant correlation uncovered in this investigation underscores the need to consider the broader implications of air pollution on human health, extending beyond the well-documented effects on respiratory and cardiovascular systems. As we move forward, it is imperative to "clear the air" and direct attention towards comprehensively understanding the impact of environmental exposures on reproductive outcomes.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, the findings of this study illuminate a compelling association between air pollution in Dover, Delaware, and the incidence of triplet or higher-order multiple births in the United States. The substantial correlation coefficient and highly significant p-value underscore the robustness of this relationship, prompting a shift in focus from merely "airing out" respiratory issues to considering the nuanced impacts on reproductive health.

The "clear skies" of statistical significance revealed in our analysis may seem like a breath of fresh air in the realm of reproductive epidemiology, but the implications go far beyond mere breezy observations. The observed connection between air pollution and multiple birth outcomes urges a deeper exploration of the mechanisms at play, inviting researchers to "ventilate" their curiosity and delve into the intricate interplay between environmental exposures and reproductive health.

As we conclude our inquiry, we acknowledge that the "winds of research" have blown us in an unexpected direction, unveiling a connection that was previously obscured by the haze of scientific inquiry. The significance of this relationship, colloquially termed a "breeze" by some skeptics, necessitates further attention and study within the scientific community.

Nevertheless, based on our robust findings, we assert that no further research is needed in this area, as the evidence "pollen-tly" points to a substantial association between air pollution and the birth rates of triplets or more. It is time for researchers to "take a deep breath" and contemplate the far-reaching implications of this connection, as well as its potential "uplifting" impact on public health policies and environmental regulations. The ball is now in the court of policymakers and public health advocates to develop "air-tight" strategies that safeguard reproductive health in the face of environmental challenges.

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 Air-ing Out the Connection: A Breath of Fresh Air on the Relationship Between Air Pollution in Dover, Delaware, and US Birth Rates of Triplets or More. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Eclectic Environmental Epidemiology

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 Air-ing Out the Connection: A Breath of Fresh Air on the Relationship Between Air Pollution in Dover, Delaware, and US Birth Rates of Triplets or More. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Center for Atmospheric Wellness and Reproductive Science (CAWRS)

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 Air-ing Out the Connection: A Breath of Fresh Air on the Relationship Between Air Pollution in Dover, Delaware, and US Birth Rates of Triplets or More with an abstract of This study investigates the potential link between air pollution in Dover, Delaware, and the incidence of triplet or higher-order multiple births in the United States. Utilizing comprehensive data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spanning from 2002 to 2021, our research team conducted a rigorous analysis to explore this little-explored connection. The findings revealed a notable correlation coefficient of 0.8862526 and a staggeringly significant p-value of less than 0.01, indicating a robust association between the two variables. While the overall tone of this research may appear quite "dry," we urge readers to "breathe in" the significance of our findings and appreciate the "fresh air" our study brings to the field of reproductive and environmental epidemiology.

ChatGPT:

air pollution, triplet births, higher-order multiple births, Dover, Delaware, US birth rates, environmental pollution, EPA data, CDC data, reproductive epidemiology, environmental epidemiology, air quality, multiple births, birth outcomes

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

Random correlation

Discover a new correlation

View all correlations

View all research papers

Report an error

Data details

Air pollution in Dover, Delaware
Detailed data title: Percentage of days with moderate or worse air quality in Dover, DE
Source: Environmental Protection Agency
See what else correlates with Air pollution in Dover, Delaware

US birth rates of triplets or more
Source: CDC
See what else correlates with US birth rates of triplets or more

Correlation r = 0.8862526 (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 = 0.7854437 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 78.5% of the change in the one variable (i.e., US birth rates of triplets or more) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Air pollution in Dover, Delaware) over the 20 years from 2002 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 2.0E-7.^Show 0.0000001989884752347977800000
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 0.89 in 2.0E-5% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 5,025,417 random variables^Note You don't actually need 5 million variables to find a correlation like this one. I don't have that many variables in my database. You can also correlate variables that are not independent. I do this a lot.

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

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

Just to be clear: I'm being completely transparent about the calculations. There is no math trickery. This is just how statistics shakes out when you calculate hundreds of millions of random correlations.
with the same 19 degrees of freedom, ^Note Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 19 because we have two variables measured over a period of 20 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.

[ 0.73, 0.95 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
^{Read more about the confidence interval} The confidence interval is an estimate the range of the value of the correlation coefficient, using the correlation itself as an input. The values are meant to be the low and high end of the correlation coefficient with 95% confidence.

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

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

Still, sometimes one of the variables has more years of data available than the other. This page only shows the overlapping years. To see all the years, click on "See what else correlates with..." link above.

	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021
Air pollution in Dover, Delaware (Bad air quality days)	48.0427	37.9562	36.8821	43.3962	41.1321	41.6031	41.4179	24.0458	32.5733	19.726	28.9474	22.9692	18.956	22.1918	17.5824	16.0665	15.0685	19.726	8.28729	14.4444
US birth rates of triplets or more (Birth rate per 100,000)	183	186	180	170	156	151	148	152	138	137	124.4	119.5	113.5	103.6	101.4	101.6	93	87.7	79.6	80

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.

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([48.0427,37.9562,36.8821,43.3962,41.1321,41.6031,41.4179,24.0458,32.5733,19.726,28.9474,22.9692,18.956,22.1918,17.5824,16.0665,15.0685,19.726,8.28729,14.4444,])
array_2 = np.array([183,186,180,170,156,151,148,152,138,137,124.4,119.5,113.5,103.6,101.4,101.6,93,87.7,79.6,80,])
array_1_name = "Air pollution in Dover, Delaware"
array_2_name = "US birth rates of triplets or more"

# 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 Air pollution in Dover, Delaware
Line chart for only US birth rates of triplets or more
AI-generated correlation image
The spurious research paper: Air-ing Out the Connection: A Breath of Fresh Air on the Relationship Between Air Pollution in Dover, Delaware, and US Birth Rates of Triplets or More

View another random correlation

How fun was this correlation?

You're the correlation whisperer we needed!

Correlation ID: 2673 · Black Variable ID: 20555 · Red Variable ID: 55


Problem variable:
Issue:
Additional details: Optional
Confirm you are a human: