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Spurious correlation #2,748 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Bachelor's degrees awarded in interdisciplinary studies and the second variable is Google searches for 'do i need to go to the doctor'.  The chart goes from 2012 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

As the knowledge from various fields intermingles in the brains of these graduates, they become hypervigilant about their health, leading to an increased tendency to consult Dr. Google for even the slightest symptoms. It's a case of too much education leading to self-diagnosis hysteria!

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image of a TIME magazine cover featuring an illustration of a graduation cap with a design made up of various academic fields, such as science, art, and literature. The cap is set against a backdrop of faint scholarly manuscripts. Next to the cap, there is a figure sitting at a computer, typing "do I need to go to the doctor" into the Google search bar. The scene captures the tension between self-diagnosis based on diverse knowledge and the need for professional medical advice. The image should convey the complex web of information and the inclination towards self-reliance, alluding to the impact of multidisciplinary education on healthcare decision-making. 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: Bachelor's degrees awarded in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and Google searches for 'do i need to go to the doctor'. 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 TIME magazine cover image Celtic art Woodblock painting Voxel art Low poly
ChatGPT: A TIME magazine cover image

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 Bachelor's degrees awarded in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and Google searches for 'do i need to go to the doctor', in the following situation: Because with more multi/interdisciplinary knowledge, people start diagnosing themselves with obscure conditions and think they need to see a doctor for every little thing. It's the 'I have a degree in everything' syndrome.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In the scene, we see a graduation cap adorned with multiple fields of study, such as science, art, and literature, symbolizing the multi/interdisciplinary studies degree. At the same time, a person is shown sitting at their computer, typing "do I need to go to the doctor" into the Google search bar, representing the tendency for self-diagnosis and the need to consult a doctor for every minor concern due to an abundance of knowledge from diverse disciplines.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You write and improve image generation prompts for DALLE-3. You maintain the same subjects, but enhance the visuals.
User prompt: Please respond with an image generation prompt that would be likely to create an interesting visual using DALLE-3, using the following style: [ A TIME magazine cover image ] and depicting this scene: In the scene, we see a graduation cap adorned with multiple fields of study, such as science, art, and literature, symbolizing the multi/interdisciplinary studies degree. At the same time, a person is shown sitting at their computer, typing "do I need to go to the doctor" into the Google search bar, representing the tendency for self-diagnosis and the need to consult a doctor for every minor concern due to an abundance of knowledge from diverse disciplines. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image of a TIME magazine cover featuring an illustration of a graduation cap with a design made up of various academic fields, such as science, art, and literature. The cap is set against a backdrop of faint scholarly manuscripts. Next to the cap, there is a figure sitting at a computer, typing "do I need to go to the doctor" into the Google search bar. The scene captures the tension between self-diagnosis based on diverse knowledge and the need for professional medical advice. The image should convey the complex web of information and the inclination towards self-reliance, alluding to the impact of multidisciplinary education on healthcare decision-making.

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

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

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how an increase in Bachelor's degrees awarded in Multi/interdisciplinary studies caused do i need to go to the doctor (Google searches for 'do i need to go to the doctor') to increase.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
The Interdisciplinary Degree Dilemma: Googling for Medical Advice

The Journal of Satirical Medicine and Cross-Disciplinary Studies

Jan 2024

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




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

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Bachelor's degrees awarded in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and Google searches for 'do i need to go to the doctor'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Make the title a clever pun.

Your research team used data from National Center for Education Statistics and Google Trends to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.9742859 and p < 0.01 for 2012 to 2021.

Please respond in this format (replace "Lorem ipsum dolor sit" with your title and abstract)

[[TITLE]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit

[[ABSTRACT]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit



ChatGPT:
[[TITLE]]
The Interdisciplinary Degree Dilemma: Googling for Medical Advice

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this scholarly study, we delved into the perplexing correlation between the confounding Bachelor's degrees awarded in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and the widespread phenomenon of individuals incessantly googling "do i need to go to the doctor". Our eminent research team artfully utilized data from the esteemed National Center for Education Statistics and the illustrious Google Trends to meticulously analyze this enigmatic conundrum. As we meticulously crunched the numbers, a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.9742859 emerged, accompanied by the illustrious p-value of less than 0.01, for the years 2012 to 2021. This revelation piqued our curiosity and led us to the delightful realization that the pursuit of multidisciplinary knowledge may, in fact, lead one to become equally adept at seeking medical advice from the omniscient oracle that is the world wide web. Our findings shed light on the curious pattern of reliance on internet searches for medical guidance, serving as a poignant reminder that the pursuit of knowledge may very well extend to the perplexing domain of self-diagnosis in the digital age.


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

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Bachelor's degrees awarded in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and Google searches for 'do i need to go to the doctor'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Interdisciplinary Degree Dilemma: Googling for Medical Advice

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this scholarly study, we delved into the perplexing correlation between the confounding Bachelor's degrees awarded in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and the widespread phenomenon of individuals incessantly googling "do i need to go to the doctor". Our eminent research team artfully utilized data from the esteemed National Center for Education Statistics and the illustrious Google Trends to meticulously analyze this enigmatic conundrum. As we meticulously crunched the numbers, a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.9742859 emerged, accompanied by the illustrious p-value of less than 0.01, for the years 2012 to 2021. This revelation piqued our curiosity and led us to the delightful realization that the pursuit of multidisciplinary knowledge may, in fact, lead one to become equally adept at seeking medical advice from the omniscient oracle that is the world wide web. Our findings shed light on the curious pattern of reliance on internet searches for medical guidance, serving as a poignant reminder that the pursuit of knowledge may very well extend to the perplexing domain of self-diagnosis in the digital age.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

The intersection of academia and the digital world has brought forth an intriguing phenomenon that has captivated the attention of many researchers in recent years. At the heart of this study lies the enigmatic correlation between the attainment of Bachelor's degrees in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and the unyielding quest for medical counsel via the ubiquitous tool known as Google search. While the former is steeped in the tradition of scholarly pursuit and the expansive integration of knowledge domains, the latter represents a modern avenue for seeking guidance in matters of health. The confluence of these two seemingly disparate entities has sparked an intellectual curiosity that we have endeavored to explore in this scholarly endeavor.

The decision to traverse the uncharted terrain of this correlation was not embarked upon lightly. With a lighthearted yet tenacious spirit, we found ourselves voyaging through the boundless sea of data made available by the revered National Center for Education Statistics. Our quest was to uncover the underlying patterns of Bachelor's degrees awarded in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and the ever-present digital fingers typing "do I need to go to the doctor" into the search bar. Through our arduous journey, we endeavored to discern the threads of connection that tied these disparate domains together, and to unravel the tapestry of knowledge and behavior that emerged from the interplay of these variables.

As we emerged from the depths of spreadsheets and statistical analyses, we were met with an unexpected wave of coherence in the form of a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.9742859. This convergence was further supported by the illustrious p-value of less than 0.01, affirming the significance of our findings. Such revelations not only tickled our scholarly fancies but also propelled us towards the intriguing realization that the pursuit of multidisciplinary knowledge may, in fact, lead individuals to exhibit a proclivity for consulting the digital realm for medical counsel.

In delving into this correlation, we are not only unearthing a curious pattern but also shedding light on the evolving landscape of knowledge acquisition and interpretation in the digital age. It is within this context that we invite the reader to embark on this scholarly expedition, as we uncover the riddles and ramifications that lie at the crossroads of interdisciplinary education and modern medical inquiry.


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

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Bachelor's degrees awarded in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and Google searches for 'do i need to go to the doctor'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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

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

Start by naming serious-sounding studies by authors like Smith, Doe, and Jones - but then quickly devolve. Name some real non-fiction books that would be related to the topic. Then name some real fiction books that sound like they could be related. Then name some cartoons and childrens' shows that you watched that are related to the topic.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Interdisciplinary Degree Dilemma: Googling for Medical Advice

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this scholarly study, we delved into the perplexing correlation between the confounding Bachelor's degrees awarded in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and the widespread phenomenon of individuals incessantly googling "do i need to go to the doctor". Our eminent research team artfully utilized data from the esteemed National Center for Education Statistics and the illustrious Google Trends to meticulously analyze this enigmatic conundrum. As we meticulously crunched the numbers, a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.9742859 emerged, accompanied by the illustrious p-value of less than 0.01, for the years 2012 to 2021. This revelation piqued our curiosity and led us to the delightful realization that the pursuit of multidisciplinary knowledge may, in fact, lead one to become equally adept at seeking medical advice from the omniscient oracle that is the world wide web. Our findings shed light on the curious pattern of reliance on internet searches for medical guidance, serving as a poignant reminder that the pursuit of knowledge may very well extend to the perplexing domain of self-diagnosis in the digital age.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The intersection of academia and the digital world has brought forth an intriguing phenomenon that has captivated the attention of many researchers in recent years. At the heart of this study lies the enigmatic correlation between the attainment of Bachelor's degrees in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and the unyielding quest for medical counsel via the ubiquitous tool known as Google search. While the former is steeped in the tradition of scholarly pursuit and the expansive integration of knowledge domains, the latter represents a modern avenue for seeking guidance in matters of health. The confluence of these two seemingly disparate entities has sparked an intellectual curiosity that we have endeavored to explore in this scholarly endeavor.
The decision to traverse the uncharted terrain of this correlation was not embarked upon lightly. With a lighthearted yet tenacious spirit, we found ourselves voyaging through the boundless sea of data made available by the revered National Center for Education Statistics. Our quest was to uncover the underlying patterns of Bachelor's degrees awarded in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and the ever-present digital fingers typing "do I need to go to the doctor" into the search bar. Through our arduous journey, we endeavored to discern the threads of connection that tied these disparate domains together, and to unravel the tapestry of knowledge and behavior that emerged from the interplay of these variables.
As we emerged from the depths of spreadsheets and statistical analyses, we were met with an unexpected wave of coherence in the form of a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.9742859. This convergence was further supported by the illustrious p-value of less than 0.01, affirming the significance of our findings. Such revelations not only tickled our scholarly fancies but also propelled us towards the intriguing realization that the pursuit of multidisciplinary knowledge may, in fact, lead individuals to exhibit a proclivity for consulting the digital realm for medical counsel.
In delving into this correlation, we are not only unearthing a curious pattern but also shedding light on the evolving landscape of knowledge acquisition and interpretation in the digital age. It is within this context that we invite the reader to embark on this scholarly expedition, as we uncover the riddles and ramifications that lie at the crossroads of interdisciplinary education and modern medical inquiry.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The intertwining odyssey of interdisciplinary studies and medical uncertainty has captivated scholars across various disciplines, prompting a multifaceted inquiry into this intriguing correlation. Smith (2015) meticulously examined the proliferation of Bachelor's degrees in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and its impact on individual information-seeking behavior, inspiring a wave of subsequent investigations in this burgeoning field. Building upon this foundation, Doe (2018) contributed an in-depth analysis of the digital landscape, probing the complex relationship between internet searches and personal health concerns. Jones (2020), in a groundbreaking study, articulated the nuances of knowledge acquisition in the digital age, delving into the profound interplay of education and digital literacy.

Transitioning from these scholarly works to a more eclectic exploration, we turn our attention to the realm of non-fiction literature. In "The Age of the Internet: A Societal Analysis," Lorem and Ipsum (2017) expound upon the pervasive influence of digital platforms on contemporary information-seeking behaviors, shedding light on the pronounced societal shift towards online medical inquiries. On a related note, "The Evolution of Interdisciplinary Studies: A Comprehensive Overview" by Ipsum and Lorem (2019) presents a compelling narrative of the intricate evolution of interdisciplinary education, offering a thought-provoking backdrop to our investigation.

Venturing into the realm of fiction, the works of renowned authors delve into the intersection of knowledge pursuit and medical curiosity. "The Web of Enigma" by Austen Smith (2013) weaves a tale of a protagonist whose insatiable thirst for interdisciplinary knowledge leads to unorthodox methods of seeking medical advice. In a similar vein, "The Diagnostic Dilemma" by Dickens Doe (2016) unfurls a gripping narrative of individuals navigating the labyrinthine corridors of the internet in search of medical clarity.

Beyond the written word, popular culture also provides an intriguing lens through which to view this correlation. Reflecting upon childhood influences, the animated series "Doc McStuffins" and "Paw Patrol" undoubtedly instill the notion that seeking medical advice is both prudent and heroic, perhaps serving as early influencers for the future Bachelor's degree holders in Multi/interdisciplinary studies who find themselves typing health inquiries into search engines. To further illustrate, the whimsical escapades of "SpongeBob SquarePants" and the wacky medical mishaps in "The Simpsons" subtly infuse notions of medical curiosity into the collective consciousness of audiences, potentially shaping their future propensity for online medical inquiries.

In synthesizing these diverse sources, we find ourselves at the crux of a peculiar yet compelling juncture, wherein the pursuit of interdisciplinary knowledge intersects with the digital quest for medical enlightenment. As we traverse the corridors of academia and popular culture, the confluence of these domains offers a rich tapestry of insights that poses thought-provoking questions and beckons us to delve deeper into this enigmatic correlation.


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

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Bachelor's degrees awarded in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and Google searches for 'do i need to go to the doctor'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from National Center for Education Statistics and Google Trends . You used data from 2012 to 2021

Make up the research methods you don't know. Make them a bit goofy and convoluted.

Here is the title, abstract, and introduction of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Interdisciplinary Degree Dilemma: Googling for Medical Advice

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this scholarly study, we delved into the perplexing correlation between the confounding Bachelor's degrees awarded in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and the widespread phenomenon of individuals incessantly googling "do i need to go to the doctor". Our eminent research team artfully utilized data from the esteemed National Center for Education Statistics and the illustrious Google Trends to meticulously analyze this enigmatic conundrum. As we meticulously crunched the numbers, a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.9742859 emerged, accompanied by the illustrious p-value of less than 0.01, for the years 2012 to 2021. This revelation piqued our curiosity and led us to the delightful realization that the pursuit of multidisciplinary knowledge may, in fact, lead one to become equally adept at seeking medical advice from the omniscient oracle that is the world wide web. Our findings shed light on the curious pattern of reliance on internet searches for medical guidance, serving as a poignant reminder that the pursuit of knowledge may very well extend to the perplexing domain of self-diagnosis in the digital age.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The intersection of academia and the digital world has brought forth an intriguing phenomenon that has captivated the attention of many researchers in recent years. At the heart of this study lies the enigmatic correlation between the attainment of Bachelor's degrees in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and the unyielding quest for medical counsel via the ubiquitous tool known as Google search. While the former is steeped in the tradition of scholarly pursuit and the expansive integration of knowledge domains, the latter represents a modern avenue for seeking guidance in matters of health. The confluence of these two seemingly disparate entities has sparked an intellectual curiosity that we have endeavored to explore in this scholarly endeavor.
The decision to traverse the uncharted terrain of this correlation was not embarked upon lightly. With a lighthearted yet tenacious spirit, we found ourselves voyaging through the boundless sea of data made available by the revered National Center for Education Statistics. Our quest was to uncover the underlying patterns of Bachelor's degrees awarded in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and the ever-present digital fingers typing "do I need to go to the doctor" into the search bar. Through our arduous journey, we endeavored to discern the threads of connection that tied these disparate domains together, and to unravel the tapestry of knowledge and behavior that emerged from the interplay of these variables.
As we emerged from the depths of spreadsheets and statistical analyses, we were met with an unexpected wave of coherence in the form of a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.9742859. This convergence was further supported by the illustrious p-value of less than 0.01, affirming the significance of our findings. Such revelations not only tickled our scholarly fancies but also propelled us towards the intriguing realization that the pursuit of multidisciplinary knowledge may, in fact, lead individuals to exhibit a proclivity for consulting the digital realm for medical counsel.
In delving into this correlation, we are not only unearthing a curious pattern but also shedding light on the evolving landscape of knowledge acquisition and interpretation in the digital age. It is within this context that we invite the reader to embark on this scholarly expedition, as we uncover the riddles and ramifications that lie at the crossroads of interdisciplinary education and modern medical inquiry.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To decode the puzzling relationship between Bachelor's degrees in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and the perpetually perplexing Google searches for "do I need to go to the doctor", our esteemed research team embarked on a whimsical yet rigorous methodological journey, with a touch of scholarly pizzazz.

We commenced our intrepid foray by gingerly gathering data from the esteemed National Center for Education Statistics, renowned for its meticulous curation of educational information. We perused through an extensive array of spreadsheets and datasets, feeling as if we were miners digging for golden nuggets of insight amidst the labyrinthine corridors of education statistics.

Next, we traversed the digital landscape to traverse the wondrous world of Google Trends, where we gazed upon the undulating waves of search volume indices with the wide-eyed wonder of explorers encountering an uncharted territory. We surfed through the virtual tides, riding atop the cresting waves of Google search queries, observing the ebb and flow of inquiries related to the perplexing realm of medical uncertainty.

Our intrepid pursuit of knowledge led us to wield the mighty sword of statistical analysis, slaying the dragons of confounding variables and lurking biases with the unwavering precision of academic warriors. Armed with the venerable tools of correlation coefficients and p-values, we pillaged our way through the data, seeking to unearth the hidden treasures of significance and association.

We time-traveled through the years, donning our intellectual time-traveling gear, encompassing the data from 2012 to 2021, as we sought to capture the ever-evolving nuances of this enthralling correlation across the temporal landscape.

Our whimsical methodological odyssey, peppered with moments of scholarly aplomb and a hint of whimsy, ultimately yielded a revelatory correlation coefficient of 0.9742859, accompanied by the illustrious p-value of less than 0.01. These findings, akin to the discovery of intellectual treasures in a scholarly labyrinth, not only delighted our scholarly sensibilities but also ignited the flames of inquiry, leading us to the enchanting realization that the pursuit of interdisciplinary knowledge may indeed have unforeseen connections to seeking medical advice through the virtual oracle that is Google search.

As we emerge from this methodological odyssey with a spring in our scholarly step, we invite the readers to accompany us as we unravel the enigmatic tapestry of interdisciplinary education and modern medical inquiry, with a merry blend of academic rigor and the joyous spirit of scholarly discovery.


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

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Bachelor's degrees awarded in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and Google searches for 'do i need to go to the doctor'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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

For the time period 2012 to 2021, you found a correlation 0.9742859, r-squared of 0.9492330, and p < 0.01.

One figure will be included. The figure (Fig. 1) is a scatterplot showing the strong correlation between the two variables. You don't need to specify where; I will add the figure.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Interdisciplinary Degree Dilemma: Googling for Medical Advice

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this scholarly study, we delved into the perplexing correlation between the confounding Bachelor's degrees awarded in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and the widespread phenomenon of individuals incessantly googling "do i need to go to the doctor". Our eminent research team artfully utilized data from the esteemed National Center for Education Statistics and the illustrious Google Trends to meticulously analyze this enigmatic conundrum. As we meticulously crunched the numbers, a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.9742859 emerged, accompanied by the illustrious p-value of less than 0.01, for the years 2012 to 2021. This revelation piqued our curiosity and led us to the delightful realization that the pursuit of multidisciplinary knowledge may, in fact, lead one to become equally adept at seeking medical advice from the omniscient oracle that is the world wide web. Our findings shed light on the curious pattern of reliance on internet searches for medical guidance, serving as a poignant reminder that the pursuit of knowledge may very well extend to the perplexing domain of self-diagnosis in the digital age.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
The intersection of academia and the digital world has brought forth an intriguing phenomenon that has captivated the attention of many researchers in recent years. At the heart of this study lies the enigmatic correlation between the attainment of Bachelor's degrees in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and the unyielding quest for medical counsel via the ubiquitous tool known as Google search. While the former is steeped in the tradition of scholarly pursuit and the expansive integration of knowledge domains, the latter represents a modern avenue for seeking guidance in matters of health. The confluence of these two seemingly disparate entities has sparked an intellectual curiosity that we have endeavored to explore in this scholarly endeavor.
The decision to traverse the uncharted terrain of this correlation was not embarked upon lightly. With a lighthearted yet tenacious spirit, we found ourselves voyaging through the boundless sea of data made available by the revered National Center for Education Statistics. Our quest was to uncover the underlying patterns of Bachelor's degrees awarded in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and the ever-present digital fingers typing "do I need to go to the doctor" into the search bar. Through our arduous journey, we endeavored to discern the threads of connection that tied these disparate domains together, and to unravel the tapestry of knowledge and behavior that emerged from the interplay of these variables.
As we emerged from the depths of spreadsheets and statistical analyses, we were met with an unexpected wave of coherence in the form of a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.9742859. This convergence was further supported by the illustrious p-value of less than 0.01, affirming the significance of our findings. Such revelations not only tickled our scholarly fancies but also propelled us towards the intriguing realization that the pursuit of multidisciplinary knowledge may, in fact, lead individuals to exhibit a proclivity for consulting the digital realm for medical counsel.
In delving into this correlation, we are not only unearthing a curious pattern but also shedding light on the evolving landscape of knowledge acquisition and interpretation in the digital age. It is within this context that we invite the reader to embark on this scholarly expedition, as we uncover the riddles and ramifications that lie at the crossroads of interdisciplinary education and modern medical inquiry.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The results of the study revealed a pronounced correlation between the number of Bachelor's degrees awarded in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and the frequency of Google searches for "do I need to go to the doctor". Over the period from 2012 to 2021, our research team found a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9742859. The calculated r-squared value of 0.9492330 underscores the strength of this relationship, providing further evidence of the robust association between these seemingly unrelated phenomena.

The statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 served to accentuate the credibility of our findings, reinforcing the notion that the correlation observed was not purely coincidental. It appears that as the number of individuals pursuing multi/interdisciplinary degrees increased, there was a corresponding surge in internet inquiries related to personal medical concerns. This intriguing juxtaposition of academic pursuit and health-related curiosities captured our attention and prompted us to delve further into the underlying implications of this correlation.

Our findings are graphically represented in Fig. 1, a scatterplot that vividly illustrates the positive relationship between the variables under investigation. The visual depiction of this correlation serves to underscore the coherence and significance of our results, presenting a compelling case for the interconnectedness of educational pursuits and online health inquiries.

The discovery of this correlation provides a thought-provoking insight into the potential influence of interdisciplinary education on individual behaviors and decision-making. As scholars, we are reminded that the pursuit of knowledge may indeed extend beyond the boundaries of traditional academic domains, encompassing the curious realms of medical self-diagnosis in the digital age. This revelation invites further inquiry and contemplation, as we seek to unravel the intricate tapestry of human behavior and knowledge acquisition that transcends conventional boundaries.


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

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Bachelor's degrees awarded in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and Google searches for 'do i need to go to the doctor'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Limit your response to 500 tokens.

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

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

[[TITLE]]
The Interdisciplinary Degree Dilemma: Googling for Medical Advice

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this scholarly study, we delved into the perplexing correlation between the confounding Bachelor's degrees awarded in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and the widespread phenomenon of individuals incessantly googling "do i need to go to the doctor". Our eminent research team artfully utilized data from the esteemed National Center for Education Statistics and the illustrious Google Trends to meticulously analyze this enigmatic conundrum. As we meticulously crunched the numbers, a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.9742859 emerged, accompanied by the illustrious p-value of less than 0.01, for the years 2012 to 2021. This revelation piqued our curiosity and led us to the delightful realization that the pursuit of multidisciplinary knowledge may, in fact, lead one to become equally adept at seeking medical advice from the omniscient oracle that is the world wide web. Our findings shed light on the curious pattern of reliance on internet searches for medical guidance, serving as a poignant reminder that the pursuit of knowledge may very well extend to the perplexing domain of self-diagnosis in the digital age.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The intertwining odyssey of interdisciplinary studies and medical uncertainty has captivated scholars across various disciplines, prompting a multifaceted inquiry into this intriguing correlation. Smith (2015) meticulously examined the proliferation of Bachelor's degrees in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and its impact on individual information-seeking behavior, inspiring a wave of subsequent investigations in this burgeoning field. Building upon this foundation, Doe (2018) contributed an in-depth analysis of the digital landscape, probing the complex relationship between internet searches and personal health concerns. Jones (2020), in a groundbreaking study, articulated the nuances of knowledge acquisition in the digital age, delving into the profound interplay of education and digital literacy.
Transitioning from these scholarly works to a more eclectic exploration, we turn our attention to the realm of non-fiction literature. In "The Age of the Internet: A Societal Analysis," Lorem and Ipsum (2017) expound upon the pervasive influence of digital platforms on contemporary information-seeking behaviors, shedding light on the pronounced societal shift towards online medical inquiries. On a related note, "The Evolution of Interdisciplinary Studies: A Comprehensive Overview" by Ipsum and Lorem (2019) presents a compelling narrative of the intricate evolution of interdisciplinary education, offering a thought-provoking backdrop to our investigation.
Venturing into the realm of fiction, the works of renowned authors delve into the intersection of knowledge pursuit and medical curiosity. "The Web of Enigma" by Austen Smith (2013) weaves a tale of a protagonist whose insatiable thirst for interdisciplinary knowledge leads to unorthodox methods of seeking medical advice. In a similar vein, "The Diagnostic Dilemma" by Dickens Doe (2016) unfurls a gripping narrative of individuals navigating the labyrinthine corridors of the internet in search of medical clarity.
Beyond the written word, popular culture also provides an intriguing lens through which to view this correlation. Reflecting upon childhood influences, the animated series "Doc McStuffins" and "Paw Patrol" undoubtedly instill the notion that seeking medical advice is both prudent and heroic, perhaps serving as early influencers for the future Bachelor's degree holders in Multi/interdisciplinary studies who find themselves typing health inquiries into search engines. To further illustrate, the whimsical escapades of "SpongeBob SquarePants" and the wacky medical mishaps in "The Simpsons" subtly infuse notions of medical curiosity into the collective consciousness of audiences, potentially shaping their future propensity for online medical inquiries.
In synthesizing these diverse sources, we find ourselves at the crux of a peculiar yet compelling juncture, wherein the pursuit of interdisciplinary knowledge intersects with the digital quest for medical enlightenment. As we traverse the corridors of academia and popular culture, the confluence of these domains offers a rich tapestry of insights that poses thought-provoking questions and beckons us to delve deeper into this enigmatic correlation.

[[RESULTS]]
The results of the study revealed a pronounced correlation between the number of Bachelor's degrees awarded in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and the frequency of Google searches for "do I need to go to the doctor". Over the period from 2012 to 2021, our research team found a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9742859. The calculated r-squared value of 0.9492330 underscores the strength of this relationship, providing further evidence of the robust association between these seemingly unrelated phenomena.
The statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 served to accentuate the credibility of our findings, reinforcing the notion that the correlation observed was not purely coincidental. It appears that as the number of individuals pursuing multi/interdisciplinary degrees increased, there was a corresponding surge in internet inquiries related to personal medical concerns. This intriguing juxtaposition of academic pursuit and health-related curiosities captured our attention and prompted us to delve further into the underlying implications of this correlation.
Our findings are graphically represented in Fig. 1, a scatterplot that vividly illustrates the positive relationship between the variables under investigation. The visual depiction of this correlation serves to underscore the coherence and significance of our results, presenting a compelling case for the interconnectedness of educational pursuits and online health inquiries.
The discovery of this correlation provides a thought-provoking insight into the potential influence of interdisciplinary education on individual behaviors and decision-making. As scholars, we are reminded that the pursuit of knowledge may indeed extend beyond the boundaries of traditional academic domains, encompassing the curious realms of medical self-diagnosis in the digital age. This revelation invites further inquiry and contemplation, as we seek to unravel the intricate tapestry of human behavior and knowledge acquisition that transcends conventional boundaries.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The results of our study boldly underscore the curious correlation between the confounding world of interdisciplinary studies and the ever-pervasive urge to consult Dr. Google for medical enlightenment. As we mull over these findings, an amusing reverie tugs at the edges of our scholarly demeanor. We are reminded of the whimsical narratives spun by Austen Smith (2013) and Dickens Doe (2016), wherein protagonists, emboldened by their multidisciplinary acumen, embark on curious escapades in the virtual pursuit of medical clarity. Little did we fathom that this playful mirroring of reality harbors a kernel of truth!

The robust correlation coefficient of 0.9742859 serves to validate the intuitive suspicions seeded by Lorem and Ipsum (2019), who eloquently articulated the intricate evolution of interdisciplinary education. It appears that the pursuit of multidisciplinary knowledge does indeed intertwine with the curious web of online medical inquiries, much like protagonists stepping into a digital maze of curiosity and symptom-checking, akin to SpongeBob's nautical adventures or Homer's comical misadventures with Dr. Nick in "The Simpsons."

Critically delving into the scholarly realm, we find ourselves confronting a conundrum reminiscent of Lorem and Ipsum's (2017) intriguing societal analysis. The proliferation of bachelor's degrees in Multi/interdisciplinary studies seemingly begets a heightened propensity for virtual medical consultations. Could it be that the alluring expanse of interdisciplinary vistas instills not only knowledge but also an impish curiosity for harnessing the infinite knowledge reservoirs of the digital domain?

As we navigate the vibrant topography of our results, we are reminded of the whimsical influences subtly woven into the tapestry of popular culture. Could it be that the plucky resilience of "Doc McStuffins" and the droll medical misadventures plaguing "Paw Patrol" imprint upon our collective consciousness, nudging future graduates toward reliance on search engines for medical guidance? In this curious elixir of education and popular culture, the threads of influence entwine in an enigmatic dance, slyly fuelling the online medical queries of unsuspecting Bachelor's degree holders in Multi/interdisciplinary studies.

The crux of our delightfully serendipitous findings lies in the humorous germination of real-world correlations from seemingly whimsical foundations. This revelation invites further exploration, as we unpack the layers of intrinsic human behavior and knowledge acquisition that transcend the mundane boundaries of academia. In weaving together the threads of interdisciplinary pursuits and our cybernetic predilections for self-diagnosis, we are prompted to embrace the delightful enigma that underpins the amusing perplexities of our unprecedented findings.


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

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Bachelor's degrees awarded in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and Google searches for 'do i need to go to the doctor'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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

Here are the title, abstract, introduction, and results sections.
[[TITLE]]
The Interdisciplinary Degree Dilemma: Googling for Medical Advice

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this scholarly study, we delved into the perplexing correlation between the confounding Bachelor's degrees awarded in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and the widespread phenomenon of individuals incessantly googling "do i need to go to the doctor". Our eminent research team artfully utilized data from the esteemed National Center for Education Statistics and the illustrious Google Trends to meticulously analyze this enigmatic conundrum. As we meticulously crunched the numbers, a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.9742859 emerged, accompanied by the illustrious p-value of less than 0.01, for the years 2012 to 2021. This revelation piqued our curiosity and led us to the delightful realization that the pursuit of multidisciplinary knowledge may, in fact, lead one to become equally adept at seeking medical advice from the omniscient oracle that is the world wide web. Our findings shed light on the curious pattern of reliance on internet searches for medical guidance, serving as a poignant reminder that the pursuit of knowledge may very well extend to the perplexing domain of self-diagnosis in the digital age.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The intersection of academia and the digital world has brought forth an intriguing phenomenon that has captivated the attention of many researchers in recent years. At the heart of this study lies the enigmatic correlation between the attainment of Bachelor's degrees in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and the unyielding quest for medical counsel via the ubiquitous tool known as Google search. While the former is steeped in the tradition of scholarly pursuit and the expansive integration of knowledge domains, the latter represents a modern avenue for seeking guidance in matters of health. The confluence of these two seemingly disparate entities has sparked an intellectual curiosity that we have endeavored to explore in this scholarly endeavor.
The decision to traverse the uncharted terrain of this correlation was not embarked upon lightly. With a lighthearted yet tenacious spirit, we found ourselves voyaging through the boundless sea of data made available by the revered National Center for Education Statistics. Our quest was to uncover the underlying patterns of Bachelor's degrees awarded in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and the ever-present digital fingers typing "do I need to go to the doctor" into the search bar. Through our arduous journey, we endeavored to discern the threads of connection that tied these disparate domains together, and to unravel the tapestry of knowledge and behavior that emerged from the interplay of these variables.
As we emerged from the depths of spreadsheets and statistical analyses, we were met with an unexpected wave of coherence in the form of a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.9742859. This convergence was further supported by the illustrious p-value of less than 0.01, affirming the significance of our findings. Such revelations not only tickled our scholarly fancies but also propelled us towards the intriguing realization that the pursuit of multidisciplinary knowledge may, in fact, lead individuals to exhibit a proclivity for consulting the digital realm for medical counsel.
In delving into this correlation, we are not only unearthing a curious pattern but also shedding light on the evolving landscape of knowledge acquisition and interpretation in the digital age. It is within this context that we invite the reader to embark on this scholarly expedition, as we uncover the riddles and ramifications that lie at the crossroads of interdisciplinary education and modern medical inquiry.

[[RESULTS]]
The results of the study revealed a pronounced correlation between the number of Bachelor's degrees awarded in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and the frequency of Google searches for "do I need to go to the doctor". Over the period from 2012 to 2021, our research team found a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9742859. The calculated r-squared value of 0.9492330 underscores the strength of this relationship, providing further evidence of the robust association between these seemingly unrelated phenomena.
The statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 served to accentuate the credibility of our findings, reinforcing the notion that the correlation observed was not purely coincidental. It appears that as the number of individuals pursuing multi/interdisciplinary degrees increased, there was a corresponding surge in internet inquiries related to personal medical concerns. This intriguing juxtaposition of academic pursuit and health-related curiosities captured our attention and prompted us to delve further into the underlying implications of this correlation.
Our findings are graphically represented in Fig. 1, a scatterplot that vividly illustrates the positive relationship between the variables under investigation. The visual depiction of this correlation serves to underscore the coherence and significance of our results, presenting a compelling case for the interconnectedness of educational pursuits and online health inquiries.
The discovery of this correlation provides a thought-provoking insight into the potential influence of interdisciplinary education on individual behaviors and decision-making. As scholars, we are reminded that the pursuit of knowledge may indeed extend beyond the boundaries of traditional academic domains, encompassing the curious realms of medical self-diagnosis in the digital age. This revelation invites further inquiry and contemplation, as we seek to unravel the intricate tapestry of human behavior and knowledge acquisition that transcends conventional boundaries.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our scholarly endeavors have brought to light a compelling correlation between the attainment of Bachelor's degrees in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and the penchant for seeking medical advice through Google searches. The striking correlation coefficient of 0.9742859 and the robust r-squared value of 0.9492330 vividly depict the steadfast relationship between these seemingly contrasting domains. It appears that the pursuit of multidisciplinary knowledge may indeed foster a proclivity for consulting the ever-enigmatic oracle of cyberspace for medical guidance, thus establishing an unexpected nexus between academic pursuits and digital health inquiries.

As we navigate the intriguing terrain of this correlation, it becomes evident that the pursuit of knowledge is not confined solely to the hallowed halls of academia but permeates into the perplexing domain of self-diagnosis in the digital age. Perhaps, the adage "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing" rings true as individuals armed with interdisciplinary expertise may be emboldened to entertain queries of personal health with a newfound curiosity.

This correlation has unveiled a delightful conundrum that beckons further exploration, offering a quirky yet profound insight into the evolving landscape of knowledge acquisition and interpretation in the digital epoch. Our findings accentuate the whimsical interplay between educational pursuits and the quest for medical enlightenment, eliciting a wry smile as we contemplate the curious twists and turns of human behavior.

In light of these revelatory insights, it is our scholarly opinion that further research in this area, while undoubtedly entertaining, may not yield significantly novel revelations. Therefore, we assert that this particular juncture of interdisciplinary studies and online medical queries has been sufficiently illuminated, and it might perhaps be prudent to bid adieu to this whimsical yet enlightening avenue of exploration.

Thus, we shall take our leave, with a satisfied twinkle in our eyes, having unraveled the captivating correlation between academic curiosity and medical inquiry, and having injected a dash of mirth into the sober realms of scholarly inquiry.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of academic journals. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding research, scientific, or academic journal that would publish a paper entited The Interdisciplinary Degree Dilemma: Googling for Medical Advice. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Satirical Medicine and Cross-Disciplinary Studies


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of nonprofit research organizations and associations. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding nonprofit, academic, or scientific association or organization that would sponsor research that resulted in a paper entited The Interdisciplinary Degree Dilemma: Googling for Medical Advice. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Consortium for Integrated Medical Education and Research (CIMER)


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide potential search keywords separated by commas. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide potential search keywords for a paper titled The Interdisciplinary Degree Dilemma: Googling for Medical Advice with an abstract of In this scholarly study, we delved into the perplexing correlation between the confounding Bachelor's degrees awarded in Multi/interdisciplinary studies and the widespread phenomenon of individuals incessantly googling "do i need to go to the doctor". Our eminent research team artfully utilized data from the esteemed National Center for Education Statistics and the illustrious Google Trends to meticulously analyze this enigmatic conundrum. As we meticulously crunched the numbers, a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.9742859 emerged, accompanied by the illustrious p-value of less than 0.01, for the years 2012 to 2021. This revelation piqued our curiosity and led us to the delightful realization that the pursuit of multidisciplinary knowledge may, in fact, lead one to become equally adept at seeking medical advice from the omniscient oracle that is the world wide web. Our findings shed light on the curious pattern of reliance on internet searches for medical guidance, serving as a poignant reminder that the pursuit of knowledge may very well extend to the perplexing domain of self-diagnosis in the digital age.

ChatGPT:

Interdisciplinary studies, Bachelor's degrees, multidisciplinary knowledge, medical advice, Google search, National Center for Education Statistics, Google Trends, correlation coefficient, self-diagnosis, digital age

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



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Data details

Bachelor's degrees awarded in interdisciplinary studies
Detailed data title: Bachelor's degrees conferred by postsecondary institutions, in field of study: Multi/interdisciplinary studies
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
See what else correlates with Bachelor's degrees awarded in interdisciplinary studies

Google searches for 'do i need to go to the doctor'
Detailed data title: Relative volume of Google searches for 'do i need to go to the doctor' (United States, without quotes)
Source: Google Trends
Additional Info: Relative search volume (not absolute numbers)

See what else correlates with Google searches for 'do i need to go to the doctor'

Correlation r = 0.9742859 (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 = 0.9492330 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 94.9% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Google searches for 'do i need to go to the doctor') is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Bachelor's degrees awarded in interdisciplinary studies) over the 10 years from 2012 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 1.9E-6. 0.0000018543826859236290000000
The p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme. More specifically the p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme if we had only tested one pair of variables one time.

But I am a p-villain. I absolutely did not test only one pair of variables one time. I correlated hundreds of millions of pairs of variables. I threw boatloads of data into an industrial-sized blender to find this correlation.

Who is going to stop me? p-value reporting doesn't require me to report how many calculations I had to go through in order to find a low p-value!
On average, you will find a correaltion as strong as 0.97 in 0.00019% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 539,263 random variables You don't actually need 539 thousand variables to find a correlation like this one. I don't have that many variables in my database. You can also correlate variables that are not independent. I do this a lot.

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

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

Just to be clear: I'm being completely transparent about the calculations. There is no math trickery. This is just how statistics shakes out when you calculate hundreds of millions of random correlations.
with the same 9 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 9 because we have two variables measured over a period of 10 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.

[ 0.89, 0.99 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
The confidence interval is an estimate the range of the value of the correlation coefficient, using the correlation itself as an input. The values are meant to be the low and high end of the correlation coefficient with 95% confidence.

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


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

Still, sometimes one of the variables has more years of data available than the other. This page only shows the overlapping years. To see all the years, click on "See what else correlates with..." link above.
2012201320142015201620172018201920202021
Bachelor's degrees awarded in interdisciplinary studies (Degrees awarded)45717476584839247556488334963151982533035503754584
Google searches for 'do i need to go to the doctor' (Rel. search volume)29.7534.833339.166737.2544.083346.833353.583356.2557.416757.8333




Why this works

  1. Data dredging: I have 25,153 variables in my database. I compare all these variables against each other to find ones that randomly match up. That's 632,673,409 correlation calculations! This is called “data dredging.” Instead of starting with a hypothesis and testing it, I instead abused the data to see what correlations shake out. It’s a dangerous way to go about analysis, because any sufficiently large dataset will yield strong correlations completely at random.
  2. Lack of causal connection: There is probably Because these pages are automatically generated, it's possible that the two variables you are viewing are in fact causually related. I take steps to prevent the obvious ones from showing on the site (I don't let data about the weather in one city correlate with the weather in a neighboring city, for example), but sometimes they still pop up. If they are related, cool! You found a loophole.
    no direct connection between these variables, despite what the AI says above. This is exacerbated by the fact that I used "Years" as the base variable. Lots of things happen in a year that are not related to each other! Most studies would use something like "one person" in stead of "one year" to be the "thing" studied.
  3. Observations not independent: For many variables, sequential years are not independent of each other. If a population of people is continuously doing something every day, there is no reason to think they would suddenly change how they are doing that thing on January 1. A simple Personally I don't find any p-value calculation to be 'simple,' but you know what I mean.
    p-value calculation does not take this into account, so mathematically it appears less probable than it really is.
  4. Y-axis doesn't start at zero: I truncated the Y-axes of the graph above. I also used a line graph, which makes the visual connection stand out more than it deserves. Nothing against line graphs. They are great at telling a story when you have linear data! But visually it is deceptive because the only data is at the points on the graph, not the lines on the graph. In between each point, the data could have been doing anything. Like going for a random walk by itself!
    Mathematically what I showed is true, but it is intentionally misleading. Below is the same chart but with both Y-axes starting at zero.




Try it yourself

You can calculate the values on this page on your own! Try running the Python code to see the calculation results. Step 1: Download and install Python on your computer.

Step 2: Open a plaintext editor like Notepad and paste the code below into it.

Step 3: Save the file as "calculate_correlation.py" in a place you will remember, like your desktop. Copy the file location to your clipboard. On Windows, you can right-click the file and click "Properties," and then copy what comes after "Location:" As an example, on my computer the location is "C:\Users\tyler\Desktop"

Step 4: Open a command line window. For example, by pressing start and typing "cmd" and them pressing enter.

Step 5: Install the required modules by typing "pip install numpy", then pressing enter, then typing "pip install scipy", then pressing enter.

Step 6: Navigate to the location where you saved the Python file by using the "cd" command. For example, I would type "cd C:\Users\tyler\Desktop" and push enter.

Step 7: Run the Python script by typing "python calculate_correlation.py"

If you run into any issues, I suggest asking ChatGPT to walk you through installing Python and running the code below on your system. Try this question:

"Walk me through installing Python on my computer to run a script that uses scipy and numpy. Go step-by-step and ask me to confirm before moving on. Start by asking me questions about my operating system so that you know how to proceed. Assume I want the simplest installation with the latest version of Python and that I do not currently have any of the necessary elements installed. Remember to only give me one step per response and confirm I have done it before proceeding."


# These modules make it easier to perform the calculation
import numpy as np
from scipy import stats

# We'll define a function that we can call to return the correlation calculations
def calculate_correlation(array1, array2):

    # Calculate Pearson correlation coefficient and p-value
    correlation, p_value = stats.pearsonr(array1, array2)

    # Calculate R-squared as the square of the correlation coefficient
    r_squared = correlation**2

    return correlation, r_squared, p_value

# These are the arrays for the variables shown on this page, but you can modify them to be any two sets of numbers
array_1 = np.array([45717,47658,48392,47556,48833,49631,51982,53303,55037,54584,])
array_2 = np.array([29.75,34.8333,39.1667,37.25,44.0833,46.8333,53.5833,56.25,57.4167,57.8333,])
array_1_name = "Bachelor's degrees awarded in interdisciplinary studies"
array_2_name = "Google searches for 'do i need to go to the doctor'"

# 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. Attribution can take many different forms. If you leave the "tylervigen.com" link in the image, that satisfies it just fine. If you remove it and move it to a footnote, that's fine too. You can also just write "Charts courtesy of Tyler Vigen" at the bottom of an article.

You do not need to attribute "the spurious correlations website," and you don't even need to link here if you don't want to. I don't gain anything from pageviews. There are no ads on this site, there is nothing for sale, and I am not for hire.

For the record, I am just one person. Tyler Vigen, he/him/his. I do have degrees, but they should not go after my name unless you want to annoy my wife. If that is your goal, then go ahead and cite me as "Tyler Vigen, A.A. A.A.S. B.A. J.D." Otherwise it is just "Tyler Vigen."

When spoken, my last name is pronounced "vegan," like I don't eat meat.

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Correlation ID: 2748 · Black Variable ID: 1285 · Red Variable ID: 1435
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