Spurious correlation #2,883 · 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 Stockton, California and the second variable is xkcd comics published about charts. The chart goes from 2007 to 2022, 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 Stockton, California and the second variable is xkcd comics published about charts. The chart goes from 2007 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

Download png, svg

AI explanation

As air pollution in Stockton increased, more residents stayed indoors, leading to a higher demand for entertaining content like xkcd comics about charts. The lack of fresh air and oxygen to the brain may have also contributed to an increased appreciation for the simple, yet intellectually stimulating humor found in xkcd.

^{Show image generation prompt} Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image of a low poly cityscape of Stockton, California, enveloped in heavy smog, with a hazy glow from the sun. Show people indoors, engaged in creating intricate charts and graphs, with a focus on xkcd-style comics featuring characters enthusiastically discussing their interest in data visualization. The scene should evoke the unique atmosphere of people finding solace indoors amidst the smog by diving into the world of visualizing data. 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 Stockton, California and xkcd comics published about charts. 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: Cyberpunk High-tech Data cyber art 3D Pixar Style Low poly
ChatGPT: Low poly

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 Stockton, California and xkcd comics published about charts, in the following situation: because the smog in Stockton blocked out the sun, forcing bored locals to stay indoors and get really good at making charts, leading xkcd to take notice and start churning out comics about their newfound passion for data visualization.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In Stockton, California, the smog hung heavy in the air, casting a hazy shadow over the city. The normally bright sunlight was filtered to a dull glow, and people found themselves indoors, passing the time by creating intricate charts and graphs. As a result, xkcd comics began to feature these homemade visualizations, with characters enthusiastically discussing their new found interest in data visualization.

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: [ Low poly ] and depicting this scene: In Stockton, California, the smog hung heavy in the air, casting a hazy shadow over the city. The normally bright sunlight was filtered to a dull glow, and people found themselves indoors, passing the time by creating intricate charts and graphs. As a result, xkcd comics began to feature these homemade visualizations, with characters enthusiastically discussing their new found interest in data visualization. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image of a low poly cityscape of Stockton, California, enveloped in heavy smog, with a hazy glow from the sun. Show people indoors, engaged in creating intricate charts and graphs, with a focus on xkcd-style comics featuring characters enthusiastically discussing their interest in data visualization. The scene should evoke the unique atmosphere of people finding solace indoors amidst the smog by diving into the world of visualizing data.

*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 increases in Air pollution in Stockton, California positively influenced xkcd comics published about charts. Make it feel plausible.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)

Air Quality and xkcd: A Comic Correlation

International Journal of Satirical Science

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 goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.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 Stockton, California and xkcd comics published about charts. 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 devolve ever further, and mention something completely ridiculous, like you conducted literature review by reading the backs of shampoo bottles.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Air Quality and xkcd: A Comic Correlation

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study investigates the intriguing connection between air pollution in Stockton, California, and the portrayal of charts in the famous webcomic xkcd. Drawing on data from the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as an AI analysis of xkcd comics, our research examines the relationship between particulate matter levels and the publication of xkcd comics featuring charts from 2007 to 2022. The study revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8060747 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, shedding light on a previously overlooked association. The findings not only demonstrate the potential impact of air quality on creative output but also provide a refreshing perspective on the intersection of environmental factors and artistic expression.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
INTRODUCTION
The relationship between environmental factors and human creativity has long been a subject of fascination, often leading researchers down unexpected and unconventional paths. In this study, we delve into the peculiar intersection of air pollution in Stockton, California, and the creation of xkcd comics centered around the portrayal of charts. While the connection between these two seemingly disparate phenomena may initially appear comically tenuous, our investigation reveals a surprising correlation that demands further exploration.
Charting the course of xkcd comics over the years, we take a deep breath (although not too deep, given the air quality) and embark on a journey to unravel the mysterious link between particulate matter levels and artistic expression. As we venture into this uncharted territory, it is worth noting that our inquiry is not merely driven by academic curiosity; it is also motivated by a desire to bring a breath of fresh air to the sometimes stuffy realm of environmental research.
The city of Stockton, California, renowned for its diverse cultural landscape and, unfortunately, its air quality challenges, becomes the backdrop for our investigation. As we navigate through the data from the Environmental Protection Agency, we find ourselves navigating through a figurative haze, determined to shed light on the connection between air pollution and the publication of xkcd comics featuring charts. Embracing the principles of interdisciplinary inquiry, we take a deep dive into the realms of atmospheric science, computational analysis, and (of course) webcomic appreciation.
It is our hope that this study will not only uncover a statistical relationship between air quality and xkcd comics but also breathe new life into the discourse surrounding the environmental influences on artistic endeavors. By peering through the lens of data analysis and lighthearted webcomics, we aim to demonstrate that science and humor can indeed coexist, much like a pie chart and a bar graph in a meticulously crafted xkcd comic.
In the pages that follow, we present our findings, not only to inform the academic community but also to inject a bit of levity into the often-serious realm of research. So, dear reader, fasten your seatbelt—and maybe don a face mask—as we embark on this whimsical yet illuminating exploration of Air Quality and xkcd: A Comic Correlation.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The existing literature provides valuable insights into the fields of air quality assessment and the portrayal of data in electronic media through humor. Smith et al. (2015) demonstrated that the levels of particulate matter in urban environments have a significant impact on respiratory health, cognitive function, and overall well-being, highlighting the pressing need for air pollution research. Doe and Jones (2018) further expounded on the detrimental effects of air pollution, emphasizing the multi-faceted nature of its influence, which extends beyond physical health to societal and creative realms.

Turning to the portrayal of data in electronic media, "The Visual Display of Quantitative Information" by Tufte (1983) remains an influential work in articulating the principles of effective data visualization. Building on this foundation, "Data Points: Visualization That Means Something" by Yau (2013) elucidates the significance of contextualizing data through compelling visual narratives. In the realm of webcomics, "Reinventing Comics" by McCloud (2000) offers a comprehensive examination of the evolving landscape of comic art and storytelling.

Furthermore, the intersection of environmental factors and artistic expression has been sporadically explored in fiction literature. In Atwood's "Oryx and Crake" (2003), the desolate environmental setting serves as a backdrop for the portrayal of human creativity and resilience in the face of ecological collapse. Similarly, in Franzen's "Freedom" (2010), the characters grapple with the intricate interplay between personal freedom and environmental responsibility, touching upon the relationship between external surroundings and internal artistic endeavors.

Beyond traditional academic sources, the authors conducted a comprehensive review of unconventional resources, including the backs of shampoo bottles, in an effort to gain a holistic understanding of air quality and its potential influence on artistic output. While the applicability of shampoo bottle anecdotes to rigorous scientific inquiry may seem dubious, it is important to consider an array of perspectives in the quest for knowledge. Who knows, perhaps a revelation about the correlation between lustrous hair and comic chart popularity awaits in the fine print of a conditioner label.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.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 Stockton, California and xkcd comics published about charts. 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 Environmental Protection Agency and AI analysis of xkcd comics . You used data from 2007 to 2022

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 Quality and xkcd: A Comic Correlation

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study investigates the intriguing connection between air pollution in Stockton, California, and the portrayal of charts in the famous webcomic xkcd. Drawing on data from the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as an AI analysis of xkcd comics, our research examines the relationship between particulate matter levels and the publication of xkcd comics featuring charts from 2007 to 2022. The study revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8060747 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, shedding light on a previously overlooked association. The findings not only demonstrate the potential impact of air quality on creative output but also provide a refreshing perspective on the intersection of environmental factors and artistic expression.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
INTRODUCTION
The relationship between environmental factors and human creativity has long been a subject of fascination, often leading researchers down unexpected and unconventional paths. In this study, we delve into the peculiar intersection of air pollution in Stockton, California, and the creation of xkcd comics centered around the portrayal of charts. While the connection between these two seemingly disparate phenomena may initially appear comically tenuous, our investigation reveals a surprising correlation that demands further exploration.
Charting the course of xkcd comics over the years, we take a deep breath (although not too deep, given the air quality) and embark on a journey to unravel the mysterious link between particulate matter levels and artistic expression. As we venture into this uncharted territory, it is worth noting that our inquiry is not merely driven by academic curiosity; it is also motivated by a desire to bring a breath of fresh air to the sometimes stuffy realm of environmental research.
The city of Stockton, California, renowned for its diverse cultural landscape and, unfortunately, its air quality challenges, becomes the backdrop for our investigation. As we navigate through the data from the Environmental Protection Agency, we find ourselves navigating through a figurative haze, determined to shed light on the connection between air pollution and the publication of xkcd comics featuring charts. Embracing the principles of interdisciplinary inquiry, we take a deep dive into the realms of atmospheric science, computational analysis, and (of course) webcomic appreciation.
It is our hope that this study will not only uncover a statistical relationship between air quality and xkcd comics but also breathe new life into the discourse surrounding the environmental influences on artistic endeavors. By peering through the lens of data analysis and lighthearted webcomics, we aim to demonstrate that science and humor can indeed coexist, much like a pie chart and a bar graph in a meticulously crafted xkcd comic.
In the pages that follow, we present our findings, not only to inform the academic community but also to inject a bit of levity into the often-serious realm of research. So, dear reader, fasten your seatbelt—and maybe don a face mask—as we embark on this whimsical yet illuminating exploration of Air Quality and xkcd: A Comic Correlation.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To uncover the intriguing relationship between air pollution in Stockton, California, and the publication of xkcd comics featuring charts, our research employed a multifaceted approach blending environmental data analysis with innovative AI techniques applied to comic interpretation. While the methods utilized may raise a few eyebrows, we assure you that they were chosen with the utmost seriousness and a hint of whimsy.

**Data Collection and Analysis**
First, we gathered air quality data from the Environmental Protection Agency, meticulously sifting through particulate matter measurements and atmospheric conditions in Stockton. We then dived into the world of xkcd comics, utilizing a combination of automated web scraping and manual comic perusal to identify instances of chart-related content from 2007 to 2022. It’s worth noting that the task of perusing xkcd comics required not only technical skill but also a healthy appreciation for witty pop culture references and the occasional math joke.

**AI-Assisted Comic Interpretation**
In a departure from conventional approaches, we leveraged advanced artificial intelligence algorithms to analyze the subtle nuances of xkcd comics. Using state-of-the-art image recognition and natural language processing, we sought to identify the presence of charts in the comics and, more importantly, to discern the underlying artistic intent. This involved training our AI models to recognize not only traditional bar graphs and pie charts, but also the more esoteric visual representations of data that xkcd is known for, all in the name of rigorous scientific inquiry and a touch of nerdy humor.

**Correlation Analysis**
With our datasets in hand, we applied robust statistical methods to investigate the potential relationship between air pollution levels and the publication of xkcd comics featuring charts. Employing Pearson correlation coefficients and hypothesis testing, we strove to discern whether the observed association between these two variables was more than just a statistical fluke, and indeed, we were not left gasping for air when we uncovered a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8060747 and a p-value of less than 0.01.

**Quality Control**
Throughout our analysis, we maintained a keen eye for quality control, ensuring that our air quality data didn’t have any pollutants of doubt, and that our comic classification didn’t suffer from any misinterpretation mishaps. Additionally, we regularly incorporated lightheartedness checks to keep our spirits buoyant amidst the data crunching and model training, because when dealing with xkcd, you can never be too careful about overlooking a hidden joke.

In sum, our methodology straddled the worlds of environmental science, comic appreciation, and cutting-edge technology, mirroring the unconventional junction of pollutants and punchlines that this investigation sought to explore. The resulting fusion of methodological rigor and a touch of comic relief underscores the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate fields and highlights the unexpected avenues through which scientific inquiry can unfold.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.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 Stockton, California and xkcd comics published about charts. 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 Environmental Protection Agency and AI analysis of xkcd comics .

For the time period 2007 to 2022, you found a correlation 0.8060747, r-squared of 0.6497564, 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 Quality and xkcd: A Comic Correlation

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study investigates the intriguing connection between air pollution in Stockton, California, and the portrayal of charts in the famous webcomic xkcd. Drawing on data from the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as an AI analysis of xkcd comics, our research examines the relationship between particulate matter levels and the publication of xkcd comics featuring charts from 2007 to 2022. The study revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8060747 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, shedding light on a previously overlooked association. The findings not only demonstrate the potential impact of air quality on creative output but also provide a refreshing perspective on the intersection of environmental factors and artistic expression.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
INTRODUCTION
The relationship between environmental factors and human creativity has long been a subject of fascination, often leading researchers down unexpected and unconventional paths. In this study, we delve into the peculiar intersection of air pollution in Stockton, California, and the creation of xkcd comics centered around the portrayal of charts. While the connection between these two seemingly disparate phenomena may initially appear comically tenuous, our investigation reveals a surprising correlation that demands further exploration.
Charting the course of xkcd comics over the years, we take a deep breath (although not too deep, given the air quality) and embark on a journey to unravel the mysterious link between particulate matter levels and artistic expression. As we venture into this uncharted territory, it is worth noting that our inquiry is not merely driven by academic curiosity; it is also motivated by a desire to bring a breath of fresh air to the sometimes stuffy realm of environmental research.
The city of Stockton, California, renowned for its diverse cultural landscape and, unfortunately, its air quality challenges, becomes the backdrop for our investigation. As we navigate through the data from the Environmental Protection Agency, we find ourselves navigating through a figurative haze, determined to shed light on the connection between air pollution and the publication of xkcd comics featuring charts. Embracing the principles of interdisciplinary inquiry, we take a deep dive into the realms of atmospheric science, computational analysis, and (of course) webcomic appreciation.
It is our hope that this study will not only uncover a statistical relationship between air quality and xkcd comics but also breathe new life into the discourse surrounding the environmental influences on artistic endeavors. By peering through the lens of data analysis and lighthearted webcomics, we aim to demonstrate that science and humor can indeed coexist, much like a pie chart and a bar graph in a meticulously crafted xkcd comic.
In the pages that follow, we present our findings, not only to inform the academic community but also to inject a bit of levity into the often-serious realm of research. So, dear reader, fasten your seatbelt—and maybe don a face mask—as we embark on this whimsical yet illuminating exploration of Air Quality and xkcd: A Comic Correlation.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]

ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The statistical analysis of the data collected from 2007 to 2022 revealed a remarkably strong correlation between air pollution in Stockton, California, and the publication of xkcd comics featuring charts. The correlation coefficient was found to be 0.8060747, indicating a strong positive relationship. Additionally, the r-squared value of 0.6497564 suggested that approximately 65% of the variation in the frequency of xkcd comics with charts can be explained by changes in air pollution levels. The p-value of less than 0.01 further confirmed the statistical significance of the correlation, providing compelling evidence of a palpable connection between the two variables.

Ah, the beauty of statistical analysis - uncovering hidden connections between seemingly unrelated phenomena, much like stumbling upon a surprising punchline in a webcomic. It appears that while xkcd creator Randall Munroe was busy crafting clever charts and graphs, the air quality in Stockton may have quietly been influencing the inspiration behind his artistic endeavors. Who would have thought that air pollution and comic publications could share such a compelling storyline?

In order to visually illustrate this intriguing correlation, a scatterplot (Fig. 1) was generated. The scatterplot vividly portrays the tight clustering of data points, providing a clear depiction of the strong relationship between air pollution levels and the appearance of xkcd comics featuring charts. The figure serves as a visual testament to the unexpected harmony between environmental data and webcomic creativity, adding a touch of whimsy to the realm of scientific visualization.

Overall, our findings not only underscore the unexpectedly interconnected nature of environmental factors and creative expression but also highlight the potential for serendipitous discoveries in the most unexpected places. This research opens up a new avenue of exploration at the confluence of art and environmental science, reminding us that even the most serious of topics can have a lighthearted side.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.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 Stockton, California and xkcd comics published about charts. 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]]
Air Quality and xkcd: A Comic Correlation

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study investigates the intriguing connection between air pollution in Stockton, California, and the portrayal of charts in the famous webcomic xkcd. Drawing on data from the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as an AI analysis of xkcd comics, our research examines the relationship between particulate matter levels and the publication of xkcd comics featuring charts from 2007 to 2022. The study revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8060747 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, shedding light on a previously overlooked association. The findings not only demonstrate the potential impact of air quality on creative output but also provide a refreshing perspective on the intersection of environmental factors and artistic expression.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The existing literature provides valuable insights into the fields of air quality assessment and the portrayal of data in electronic media through humor. Smith et al. (2015) demonstrated that the levels of particulate matter in urban environments have a significant impact on respiratory health, cognitive function, and overall well-being, highlighting the pressing need for air pollution research. Doe and Jones (2018) further expounded on the detrimental effects of air pollution, emphasizing the multi-faceted nature of its influence, which extends beyond physical health to societal and creative realms.
Turning to the portrayal of data in electronic media, "The Visual Display of Quantitative Information" by Tufte (1983) remains an influential work in articulating the principles of effective data visualization. Building on this foundation, "Data Points: Visualization That Means Something" by Yau (2013) elucidates the significance of contextualizing data through compelling visual narratives. In the realm of webcomics, "Reinventing Comics" by McCloud (2000) offers a comprehensive examination of the evolving landscape of comic art and storytelling.
Furthermore, the intersection of environmental factors and artistic expression has been sporadically explored in fiction literature. In Atwood's "Oryx and Crake" (2003), the desolate environmental setting serves as a backdrop for the portrayal of human creativity and resilience in the face of ecological collapse. Similarly, in Franzen's "Freedom" (2010), the characters grapple with the intricate interplay between personal freedom and environmental responsibility, touching upon the relationship between external surroundings and internal artistic endeavors.
Beyond traditional academic sources, the authors conducted a comprehensive review of unconventional resources, including the backs of shampoo bottles, in an effort to gain a holistic understanding of air quality and its potential influence on artistic output. While the applicability of shampoo bottle anecdotes to rigorous scientific inquiry may seem dubious, it is important to consider an array of perspectives in the quest for knowledge. Who knows, perhaps a revelation about the correlation between lustrous hair and comic chart popularity awaits in the fine print of a conditioner label.

[[RESULTS]]
The statistical analysis of the data collected from 2007 to 2022 revealed a remarkably strong correlation between air pollution in Stockton, California, and the publication of xkcd comics featuring charts. The correlation coefficient was found to be 0.8060747, indicating a strong positive relationship. Additionally, the r-squared value of 0.6497564 suggested that approximately 65% of the variation in the frequency of xkcd comics with charts can be explained by changes in air pollution levels. The p-value of less than 0.01 further confirmed the statistical significance of the correlation, providing compelling evidence of a palpable connection between the two variables.
Ah, the beauty of statistical analysis - uncovering hidden connections between seemingly unrelated phenomena, much like stumbling upon a surprising punchline in a webcomic. It appears that while xkcd creator Randall Munroe was busy crafting clever charts and graphs, the air quality in Stockton may have quietly been influencing the inspiration behind his artistic endeavors. Who would have thought that air pollution and comic publications could share such a compelling storyline?
In order to visually illustrate this intriguing correlation, a scatterplot (Fig. 1) was generated. The scatterplot vividly portrays the tight clustering of data points, providing a clear depiction of the strong relationship between air pollution levels and the appearance of xkcd comics featuring charts. The figure serves as a visual testament to the unexpected harmony between environmental data and webcomic creativity, adding a touch of whimsy to the realm of scientific visualization.
Overall, our findings not only underscore the unexpectedly interconnected nature of environmental factors and creative expression but also highlight the potential for serendipitous discoveries in the most unexpected places. This research opens up a new avenue of exploration at the confluence of art and environmental science, reminding us that even the most serious of topics can have a lighthearted side.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The striking correlation between air pollution in Stockton, California, and the appearance of xkcd comics featuring charts has elicited ponderous musings and raised eyebrows in the academic community. Our findings lend empirical support to the whimsical notion that environmental elements may influence artistic expression in surprising ways. The astute reader may recall the offhand mention in our literature review of the unconventional exploration of shampoo bottle anecdotes. While this may have been perceived as a tongue-in-cheek aside, it serves as a reminder that unconventional sources can sometimes yield unexpected insights. Who knows, perhaps there exists a clandestine link between herbal essences and humorous data visualization, waiting to be unraveled.

The correlation coefficient of 0.8060747 shouldn't be brushed off lightly, much like the pollen particles that settle on a car during an exceptionally dusty day in Stockton. This robust association accentuates the intriguing interplay between air quality and creative output, drawing attention to the intricate dynamics at play in the conception of webcomics. Such unexpected connections enrich our understanding of the complex relationship between environmental variables and artistic endeavors. It's as if the air quality in Stockton has been quietly whispering creative inspiration to the xkcd comics from afar, much like a gentle zephyr caressing the leaves on a particularly breezy day.

The statistical significance of the correlation, with a p-value of less than 0.01, bolsters the notion that the interwoven tapestry of air pollution and webcomic production may hold more substantive implications than initially surmised. It's almost as if the study of particulate matter levels has transcended its traditional boundaries, donning a comical cape and setting off on an unexpected adventure through the world of artistic expression. The scatterplot, like a visual gag in a comic strip, captures the essence of this unexpected relationship, offering a lighthearted visualization of the serious statistical findings.

In summary, our research contributes to a broader understanding of the nuanced interactions between environmental influences and the creative process. As we embark on further explorations at the intersection of environmental science and art, let's not forget that even in the most serious of inquiries, a touch of whimsy and unexpected discoveries can be found - much like stumbling upon a hidden punchline in a comic chart from a seemingly unrelated field.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.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 Stockton, California and xkcd comics published about charts. 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]]
Air Quality and xkcd: A Comic Correlation

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study investigates the intriguing connection between air pollution in Stockton, California, and the portrayal of charts in the famous webcomic xkcd. Drawing on data from the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as an AI analysis of xkcd comics, our research examines the relationship between particulate matter levels and the publication of xkcd comics featuring charts from 2007 to 2022. The study revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8060747 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, shedding light on a previously overlooked association. The findings not only demonstrate the potential impact of air quality on creative output but also provide a refreshing perspective on the intersection of environmental factors and artistic expression.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
INTRODUCTION
The relationship between environmental factors and human creativity has long been a subject of fascination, often leading researchers down unexpected and unconventional paths. In this study, we delve into the peculiar intersection of air pollution in Stockton, California, and the creation of xkcd comics centered around the portrayal of charts. While the connection between these two seemingly disparate phenomena may initially appear comically tenuous, our investigation reveals a surprising correlation that demands further exploration.
Charting the course of xkcd comics over the years, we take a deep breath (although not too deep, given the air quality) and embark on a journey to unravel the mysterious link between particulate matter levels and artistic expression. As we venture into this uncharted territory, it is worth noting that our inquiry is not merely driven by academic curiosity; it is also motivated by a desire to bring a breath of fresh air to the sometimes stuffy realm of environmental research.
The city of Stockton, California, renowned for its diverse cultural landscape and, unfortunately, its air quality challenges, becomes the backdrop for our investigation. As we navigate through the data from the Environmental Protection Agency, we find ourselves navigating through a figurative haze, determined to shed light on the connection between air pollution and the publication of xkcd comics featuring charts. Embracing the principles of interdisciplinary inquiry, we take a deep dive into the realms of atmospheric science, computational analysis, and (of course) webcomic appreciation.
It is our hope that this study will not only uncover a statistical relationship between air quality and xkcd comics but also breathe new life into the discourse surrounding the environmental influences on artistic endeavors. By peering through the lens of data analysis and lighthearted webcomics, we aim to demonstrate that science and humor can indeed coexist, much like a pie chart and a bar graph in a meticulously crafted xkcd comic.
In the pages that follow, we present our findings, not only to inform the academic community but also to inject a bit of levity into the often-serious realm of research. So, dear reader, fasten your seatbelt—and maybe don a face mask—as we embark on this whimsical yet illuminating exploration of Air Quality and xkcd: A Comic Correlation.

[[RESULTS]]
The statistical analysis of the data collected from 2007 to 2022 revealed a remarkably strong correlation between air pollution in Stockton, California, and the publication of xkcd comics featuring charts. The correlation coefficient was found to be 0.8060747, indicating a strong positive relationship. Additionally, the r-squared value of 0.6497564 suggested that approximately 65% of the variation in the frequency of xkcd comics with charts can be explained by changes in air pollution levels. The p-value of less than 0.01 further confirmed the statistical significance of the correlation, providing compelling evidence of a palpable connection between the two variables.
Ah, the beauty of statistical analysis - uncovering hidden connections between seemingly unrelated phenomena, much like stumbling upon a surprising punchline in a webcomic. It appears that while xkcd creator Randall Munroe was busy crafting clever charts and graphs, the air quality in Stockton may have quietly been influencing the inspiration behind his artistic endeavors. Who would have thought that air pollution and comic publications could share such a compelling storyline?
In order to visually illustrate this intriguing correlation, a scatterplot (Fig. 1) was generated. The scatterplot vividly portrays the tight clustering of data points, providing a clear depiction of the strong relationship between air pollution levels and the appearance of xkcd comics featuring charts. The figure serves as a visual testament to the unexpected harmony between environmental data and webcomic creativity, adding a touch of whimsy to the realm of scientific visualization.
Overall, our findings not only underscore the unexpectedly interconnected nature of environmental factors and creative expression but also highlight the potential for serendipitous discoveries in the most unexpected places. This research opens up a new avenue of exploration at the confluence of art and environmental science, reminding us that even the most serious of topics can have a lighthearted side.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our investigation into the correlation between air pollution in Stockton, California, and the depiction of charts in xkcd comics has uncovered a striking relationship that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries. The robust correlation coefficient of 0.8060747, along with the statistically significant p-value, highlights the unexpected bond between atmospheric conditions and webcomic creativity. It seems that as air pollution levels rose and fell in Stockton, so too did the frequency of xkcd comics featuring charts - a revelation that proves truth is indeed stranger than fiction.

The scatterplot (Fig. 1) presented provides a visual testament to this inexplicable connection, offering a whimsical reminder that even in the realm of scientific analysis, there's always room for a good plot twist. As our research shines a light on this peculiar correlation, one cannot help but marvel at the serendipity of discovering such an unexpected relationship hiding in plain sight, much like stumbling upon an Easter egg in a webcomic.

While the findings of this study may seem lighthearted, they also underscore the interconnectedness of seemingly unrelated domains, urging us to contemplate the far-reaching implications of environmental influences on artistic expression. It appears that when it comes to creativity, even the air we breathe can play a significant role, defying the classic notion that inspiration exists in a vacuum (pun intended).

Having unveiled this noteworthy association, it is clear that further exploration of this peculiar link between air quality and webcomic content may yield valuable insights, not only for the fields of environmental science and artistic expression but also for the discerning enthusiasts of both webcomics and clean air. However, with all due respect to the pursuit of knowledge, it seems that in this instance, our research has concluded that the air in Stockton may indeed have breathed life into xkcd's charts, and no further investigation is warranted. Sometimes, the correlation is as clear as a graph in a xkcd comic.

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 Quality and xkcd: A Comic Correlation. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

International Journal of Satirical Science

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 Quality and xkcd: A Comic Correlation. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Society for Whimsical Research and Academic Puzzlement

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 Quality and xkcd: A Comic Correlation with an abstract of This study investigates the intriguing connection between air pollution in Stockton, California, and the portrayal of charts in the famous webcomic xkcd. Drawing on data from the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as an AI analysis of xkcd comics, our research examines the relationship between particulate matter levels and the publication of xkcd comics featuring charts from 2007 to 2022. The study revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8060747 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, shedding light on a previously overlooked association. The findings not only demonstrate the potential impact of air quality on creative output but also provide a refreshing perspective on the intersection of environmental factors and artistic expression.

ChatGPT:

Air quality, xkcd, webcomic, air pollution, Stockton, California, EPA data, particulate matter levels, correlation coefficient, p-value, environmental impact, creative output, artistic expression, chart portrayal, AI analysis

*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 Stockton, California
Detailed data title: Percentage of days 'unhealthy' or worse air quality in Stockton-Lodi, CA
Source: Environmental Protection Agency
See what else correlates with Air pollution in Stockton, California

xkcd comics published about charts
Detailed data title: The number of xkcd comics published each year about charts
Source: AI analysis of xkcd comics
Additional Info: ^{See full details} I designed a Python workflow to perform OCR on every xkcd comic, feed that text into a large language model, and ask the model whether this comic was about the category named in the title.

See what else correlates with xkcd comics published about charts

Correlation r = 0.8060747 (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 = 0.6497564 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 65% of the change in the one variable (i.e., xkcd comics published about charts) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Air pollution in Stockton, California) over the 16 years from 2007 through 2022.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 0.00016.^Show 0.0001628025450025437000000000
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 0.81 in 0.016% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 6,142 random variables^Note Which I absolutely did.
with the same 15 degrees of freedom, ^Note Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 15 because we have two variables measured over a period of 16 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.

[ 0.52, 0.93 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
^{Read more about the confidence interval} The confidence interval is an estimate the range of the value of the correlation coefficient, using the correlation itself as an input. The values are meant to be the low and high end of the correlation coefficient with 95% confidence.

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

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

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

	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
Air pollution in Stockton, California (Bad air quality days)	0.273973	2.73224	0.273973	0.273973	1.91781	1.0929	2.46575	0.273973	1.09589	0.273224	0	3.56164	0.273973	4.09836	0.273973	0.273973
xkcd comics published about charts (xkcd comics)	2	9	3	4	7	8	9	3	4	4	5	9	6	13	9	2

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.
Confounding variable: 2020 is particularly different from the other years on this graph. Confounding variables (like global pandemics) will cause two variables to look connected when in fact a "sneaky third" variable is influencing both of them behind the scenes.

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([0.273973,2.73224,0.273973,0.273973,1.91781,1.0929,2.46575,0.273973,1.09589,0.273224,0,3.56164,0.273973,4.09836,0.273973,0.273973,])
array_2 = np.array([2,9,3,4,7,8,9,3,4,4,5,9,6,13,9,2,])
array_1_name = "Air pollution in Stockton, California"
array_2_name = "xkcd comics published about charts"

# 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 Stockton, California
Line chart for only xkcd comics published about charts
AI-generated correlation image
The spurious research paper: Air Quality and xkcd: A Comic Correlation

View another random correlation

How fun was this correlation?

Thanks for being the explorer we needed!

Correlation ID: 2883 · Black Variable ID: 21314 · Red Variable ID: 20024


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