Spurious correlation #2,895 · 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 Cape Coral, Florida and the second variable is Google searches for 'learn spanish'. The chart goes from 2004 to 2023, 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 Cape Coral, Florida and the second variable is Google searches for 'learn spanish'. The chart goes from 2004 to 2023, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

Download png, svg

AI explanation

The clean air sparked a mass exodus of Spanish-learning dust particles. They just couldn't take the fresh coastal breeze and decided to set sail for a different linguistic atmosphere. Adiós, tiny language enthusiasts! Safe travels on your conjugation vacation.

^{Show image generation prompt} Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Sure, here's a prompt that could create an interesting visual using DALL-E 3: Prompt: Generate a cute art illustration of a sunny day in Cape Coral, Florida, where the once hazy air has cleared up, revealing a bright blue sky. Depict happy residents strolling outdoors without the need to cover their faces, enjoying the fresh, clean air. In the background, show people engaging in various activities, such as playing sports, walking dogs, or having a picnic, with a subtle decrease in the number of Google searches for "learn Spanish" as they embrace the improved air quality. 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 Cape Coral, Florida and Google searches for 'learn spanish'. 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: Sci-fi fantacy 3D Pixar Style Glitch art a meme Cutsy art illustration
ChatGPT: Cutsy art illustration

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both Air pollution in Cape Coral, Florida and Google searches for 'learn spanish', in the following situation: As the air got cleaner in Cape Coral, Florida, residents no longer needed to "es-clear" their lungs, leading to a decrease in seeking Spanish 'lessons' to 'inhale' a new language. With less pollution, there was less need to 'breathe' in a new skill and more time for other 'air-activities.'. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In Cape Coral, Florida, the once hazy air gradually cleared up, revealing a bright blue sky. As the pollution decreased, residents could be seen happily strolling outdoors without the need to cover their faces. In the background, the number of Google searches for "learn Spanish" dropped, as people found themselves spending more time enjoying the fresh, clean air and engaging in other activities.

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: [ Cutsy art illustration ] and depicting this scene: In Cape Coral, Florida, the once hazy air gradually cleared up, revealing a bright blue sky. As the pollution decreased, residents could be seen happily strolling outdoors without the need to cover their faces. In the background, the number of Google searches for "learn Spanish" dropped, as people found themselves spending more time enjoying the fresh, clean air and engaging in other activities. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Sure, here's a prompt that could create an interesting visual using DALL-E 3: Prompt: Generate a cute art illustration of a sunny day in Cape Coral, Florida, where the once hazy air has cleared up, revealing a bright blue sky. Depict happy residents strolling outdoors without the need to cover their faces, enjoying the fresh, clean air. In the background, show people engaging in various activities, such as playing sports, walking dogs, or having a picnic, with a subtle decrease in the number of Google searches for "learn Spanish" as they embrace the improved air quality.

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

I sequence the requests into multiple prompts because I find GPT 3.5 to perform much better with short, well-managed contexts. Thus, I track the context directly in Python and only ask ChatGPT targeted questions.
^{Show prompt for explanation} Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how a decrease in Air pollution in Cape Coral, Florida caused learn spanish (Google searches for 'learn spanish') to decrease. Include one good pun.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)

¡Aire Terrible! The Smoggy Side of Spanish: A Correlational Study on Air Pollution in Cape Coral, Florida and Google Searches for 'Learn Spanish'

The Journal of Linguistic Ecologies

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 Cape Coral, Florida and Google searches for 'learn spanish'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

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

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

Start by naming serious-sounding studies by authors like Smith, Doe, and Jones - but then quickly devolve. Name some real non-fiction books that would be related to the topic. Then name some real fiction books that sound like they could be related. Then name a few real TV shows that sound like they might be relevant to the topic that you watched as research.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"¡Aire Terrible! The Smoggy Side of Spanish: A Correlational Study on Air Pollution in Cape Coral, Florida and Google Searches for 'Learn Spanish'"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delved into the hazy realm of air pollution in Cape Coral, Florida, and its unforeseen connection to the pursuit of linguistic enlightenment, specifically through Google searches for "learn Spanish." With the use of data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, our research team unpacked the curious correlation between these seemingly disparate variables. Our findings revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.8642177 and p < 0.01 from 2004 to 2023, shedding light on the unexpected relationship between air quality and the quest for linguistic proficiency.

As we navigated through the data, the results pointed to a striking association between increased levels of air pollution and heightened Google searches for "learn Spanish," a correlation that left us wheezing for breath. It appears that when faced with less-than-ideal air quality, the residents of Cape Coral are not only seeking cleaner atmospheres but also embracing the opportunity to broaden their linguistic horizons, with Spanish being a popular choice. One could say they are truly "airing" out their language skills amidst the haze.

Our investigation into this unanticipated interplay underscores the dynamic nature of human behavior in response to environmental factors, as well as the curious paths that lead to linguistic pursuits. So, the next time you find yourself choking on pollution, remember that it might just inspire a quest to learn a new language! After all, what do you call a person who is always out in polluted air? An "air-rasing" linguist!

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The pursuit of knowledge and understanding often leads us down unexpected paths, and our research embarked on one such intriguing journey. While the link between air pollution and public health has been extensively studied, the connection between air quality and language learning is a novel frontier that invited our exploration. As we dive into the smoggy side of Spanish, let's not take this investigation too lightly. After all, we wouldn't want to be accused of producing "pollutionary" research!
In recent years, the city of Cape Coral, Florida has grappled with air pollution concerns, and as researchers, we couldn't help but ponder the ripple effects of this environmental challenge. Little did we know that our pursuit of a connection between air quality and linguistic endeavors would lead us to the intersection of haze and "hola." It's almost as if the residents of Cape Coral are saying, "¿Aire malo? ¡Vamos a aprender español!" (Bad air? Let's learn Spanish!)
The correlation between air pollution and the desire to learn Spanish came as a breath of fresh air in the realm of research – or perhaps a breath of not-so-fresh air, given the subject matter. But it's a reminder that even in the face of environmental challenges, people are drawn to the idea of stepping into a new linguistic world. It's as if they're saying, "When life gives you polluted air, ¡aprende español!"
As we embarked on this investigation, the data began to reveal a surprising narrative – one that left us gasping, both from the statistical significance and from the unavoidable puns that we just can't help but "exhale." We were faced with a clear association between increased air pollution levels and a spike in Google searches for "learn Spanish," painting a picture of linguistic aspirations amidst the haze. It's almost like the residents are saying, "¡Vamos español, purifica el aire!"
Amidst the haze of challenge and the smog of linguistic curiosity, our research sought to shed light on the unexpected correlation between environmental conditions and the pursuit of Spanish proficiency. After all, as the saying goes, when life gives you polluted air, ¡Aprende español!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The connection between environmental factors and human behavior has long been of interest to researchers across various disciplines. Smith and colleagues (2010) explored the impact of air pollution on cognitive function, while Doe and Smith (2015) investigated the psychological responses to environmental stressors. Building upon this foundation, our study ventures into uncharted territory, examining the peculiar tie between air pollution in Cape Coral, Florida, and Google searches for "learn Spanish." It's almost as if the residents are saying, "When life gives you polluted air, ¡Aprende español!"

In "Book," the authors find that exposure to air pollution can lead to a decrease in cognitive function, while, in contrast, increased cognitive stimulation, such as language learning, may serve as a protective factor against the adverse effects of pollution. These findings underscore the potential importance of linguistic endeavors in mitigating the impact of poor air quality. "Grandma's Guide to Clean Air" talks about "Air-rasing" pollution? Well, it's time to kick away the dust and embrace the fresh air of learning a new language.

In an unrelated but inspiring twist, we are compelled to consider the valuable lessons from the fictional realm. In "The Wind in the Willows," the characters find solace in nature, reminding us that amidst environmental challenges, there are opportunities for personal growth and new discoveries. And speaking of air quality, anyone who has read "Gone with the Wind" can attest to the power of environmental conditions in shaping human experiences – though perhaps the residents of Cape Coral are seeking a linguistic escape rather than a dramatic plantation saga.

Turning our attention to television, the research team found themselves binge-watching shows such as "Breaking Bad" and "Narcos," leading to an unexpected realization - perhaps the residents of Cape Coral are not only seeking to "break bad" air quality but also endeavoring to "narc" on the haze by embracing a new language. After all, who wouldn't want a linguistic escape from the pollution of everyday life?

As we navigate through the literature, it becomes clear that our investigation uncovers a fascinating interplay between environmental conditions and the human pursuit of linguistic knowledge. It's a reminder that amidst the haze of environmental challenges, there are unexpected paths to be taken, and sometimes, they lead to a quest for "mucho español." And there you have it, folks – the pursuit of knowledge and linguistic proficiency can truly be a breath of fresh air!

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 Cape Coral, Florida and Google searches for 'learn spanish'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends . You used data from 2004 to 2023

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]]
"¡Aire Terrible! The Smoggy Side of Spanish: A Correlational Study on Air Pollution in Cape Coral, Florida and Google Searches for 'Learn Spanish'"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delved into the hazy realm of air pollution in Cape Coral, Florida, and its unforeseen connection to the pursuit of linguistic enlightenment, specifically through Google searches for "learn Spanish." With the use of data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, our research team unpacked the curious correlation between these seemingly disparate variables. Our findings revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.8642177 and p < 0.01 from 2004 to 2023, shedding light on the unexpected relationship between air quality and the quest for linguistic proficiency.

As we navigated through the data, the results pointed to a striking association between increased levels of air pollution and heightened Google searches for "learn Spanish," a correlation that left us wheezing for breath. It appears that when faced with less-than-ideal air quality, the residents of Cape Coral are not only seeking cleaner atmospheres but also embracing the opportunity to broaden their linguistic horizons, with Spanish being a popular choice. One could say they are truly "airing" out their language skills amidst the haze.

Our investigation into this unanticipated interplay underscores the dynamic nature of human behavior in response to environmental factors, as well as the curious paths that lead to linguistic pursuits. So, the next time you find yourself choking on pollution, remember that it might just inspire a quest to learn a new language! After all, what do you call a person who is always out in polluted air? An "air-rasing" linguist!

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The pursuit of knowledge and understanding often leads us down unexpected paths, and our research embarked on one such intriguing journey. While the link between air pollution and public health has been extensively studied, the connection between air quality and language learning is a novel frontier that invited our exploration. As we dive into the smoggy side of Spanish, let's not take this investigation too lightly. After all, we wouldn't want to be accused of producing "pollutionary" research!
In recent years, the city of Cape Coral, Florida has grappled with air pollution concerns, and as researchers, we couldn't help but ponder the ripple effects of this environmental challenge. Little did we know that our pursuit of a connection between air quality and linguistic endeavors would lead us to the intersection of haze and "hola." It's almost as if the residents of Cape Coral are saying, "¿Aire malo? ¡Vamos a aprender español!" (Bad air? Let's learn Spanish!)
The correlation between air pollution and the desire to learn Spanish came as a breath of fresh air in the realm of research – or perhaps a breath of not-so-fresh air, given the subject matter. But it's a reminder that even in the face of environmental challenges, people are drawn to the idea of stepping into a new linguistic world. It's as if they're saying, "When life gives you polluted air, ¡aprende español!"
As we embarked on this investigation, the data began to reveal a surprising narrative – one that left us gasping, both from the statistical significance and from the unavoidable puns that we just can't help but "exhale." We were faced with a clear association between increased air pollution levels and a spike in Google searches for "learn Spanish," painting a picture of linguistic aspirations amidst the haze. It's almost like the residents are saying, "¡Vamos español, purifica el aire!"
Amidst the haze of challenge and the smog of linguistic curiosity, our research sought to shed light on the unexpected correlation between environmental conditions and the pursuit of Spanish proficiency. After all, as the saying goes, when life gives you polluted air, ¡Aprende español!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To unravel the enigmatic relationship between air pollution in Cape Coral, Florida, and Google searches for "learn Spanish," our research team employed a methodology that echoed the complexity of untangling a web of linguistic and environmental influences. First, we acquired air quality data from the Environmental Protection Agency, scouring through reports and measurements like anxious beachcombers searching for hidden treasure. With bated breath and a thirst for knowledge, we delved into the rich tapestry of pollutant concentrations and atmospheric conditions, aiming to capture the essence of Cape Coral’s air quality over the span of a decade.

As we navigated through the labyrinth of data, we dusted off our research tools and dived into the depths of Google Trends. Just like eager explorers embarking on a quest for elusive relics, we meticulously tracked the volume of searches related to "learn Spanish" with the precision of linguistic sleuths. Through this digital odyssey, we aimed to capture the ebb and flow of Spanish language curiosity amidst the smoggy backdrop of Cape Coral's air quality.

In a display of statistical prowess that would make even the most seasoned data analyst nod in approval, we utilized correlation analyses to unveil the intriguing relationship between air pollution and the quest for Spanish proficiency. With a knowing nod to the significance of p-values and correlation coefficients, we embraced the challenge of distilling the patterns hidden within the data, all the while reminding ourselves that behind every number lay a story waiting to be told – much like a linguistic anecdote waiting to be shared over dinner.

To ensure the robustness of our findings, we employed a time-series analysis that whisked us through the chronological tapestry of air quality and linguistic exploration. With each data point becoming a chapter in the story of Cape Coral's environmental and linguistic dynamics, we embarked on a quest to uncover the subtle nuances that could shed light on the interconnectedness of these seemingly distinct spheres.

In the pursuit of scientific rigor, our team ventured into the realm of multivariate analysis, seeking to acknowledge and account for the potential influence of other environmental factors that may sway the tides of language learning within the Cape Coral community. This meticulous examination aimed to ensure that our findings captured the essence of the relationship between air pollution and Spanish language pursuits, unearthing the threads that weave an intricate tapestry of human behavior and environmental impact.

Throughout each analytical endeavor, we remained mindful of the limitations and potential confounding factors that could lurk in the shadows of our research landscape. Just as a vigilant sailor navigates through treacherous waters, we constantly sought to chart the course of our study with the utmost care, knowing that the journey towards understanding the interplay of air pollution and linguistic curiosity was one filled with unexpected twists and turns.

In the end, our methodology stood as a testament to the dedication and inquisitiveness of the research team, as we endeavored to unravel the enigmatic relationship between air pollution in Cape Coral, Florida, and the yearning for Spanish proficiency. And though the path may have been filled with statistical fog and linguistic quagmires, we emerged with a newfound appreciation for the unexpected connections that await those willing to explore the foggy terrains of human behavior and environmental influence.

Just like a trusty compass guiding us through uncharted territories, our methodology aimed to illuminate the path towards understanding the intriguing correlation between air quality and the quest for linguistic proficiency. After all, in the words of a dedicated linguist turned environmental sleuth, "Why do we never tell secrets on a farm? Because the potatoes have eyes and the corn has ears!"

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 Cape Coral, Florida and Google searches for 'learn spanish'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Limit your response to 500 tokens.

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

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

[[TITLE]]
"¡Aire Terrible! The Smoggy Side of Spanish: A Correlational Study on Air Pollution in Cape Coral, Florida and Google Searches for 'Learn Spanish'"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delved into the hazy realm of air pollution in Cape Coral, Florida, and its unforeseen connection to the pursuit of linguistic enlightenment, specifically through Google searches for "learn Spanish." With the use of data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, our research team unpacked the curious correlation between these seemingly disparate variables. Our findings revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.8642177 and p < 0.01 from 2004 to 2023, shedding light on the unexpected relationship between air quality and the quest for linguistic proficiency.

As we navigated through the data, the results pointed to a striking association between increased levels of air pollution and heightened Google searches for "learn Spanish," a correlation that left us wheezing for breath. It appears that when faced with less-than-ideal air quality, the residents of Cape Coral are not only seeking cleaner atmospheres but also embracing the opportunity to broaden their linguistic horizons, with Spanish being a popular choice. One could say they are truly "airing" out their language skills amidst the haze.

Our investigation into this unanticipated interplay underscores the dynamic nature of human behavior in response to environmental factors, as well as the curious paths that lead to linguistic pursuits. So, the next time you find yourself choking on pollution, remember that it might just inspire a quest to learn a new language! After all, what do you call a person who is always out in polluted air? An "air-rasing" linguist!

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The connection between environmental factors and human behavior has long been of interest to researchers across various disciplines. Smith and colleagues (2010) explored the impact of air pollution on cognitive function, while Doe and Smith (2015) investigated the psychological responses to environmental stressors. Building upon this foundation, our study ventures into uncharted territory, examining the peculiar tie between air pollution in Cape Coral, Florida, and Google searches for "learn Spanish." It's almost as if the residents are saying, "When life gives you polluted air, ¡Aprende español!"
In "Book," the authors find that exposure to air pollution can lead to a decrease in cognitive function, while, in contrast, increased cognitive stimulation, such as language learning, may serve as a protective factor against the adverse effects of pollution. These findings underscore the potential importance of linguistic endeavors in mitigating the impact of poor air quality. "Grandma's Guide to Clean Air" talks about "Air-rasing" pollution? Well, it's time to kick away the dust and embrace the fresh air of learning a new language.
In an unrelated but inspiring twist, we are compelled to consider the valuable lessons from the fictional realm. In "The Wind in the Willows," the characters find solace in nature, reminding us that amidst environmental challenges, there are opportunities for personal growth and new discoveries. And speaking of air quality, anyone who has read "Gone with the Wind" can attest to the power of environmental conditions in shaping human experiences – though perhaps the residents of Cape Coral are seeking a linguistic escape rather than a dramatic plantation saga.
Turning our attention to television, the research team found themselves binge-watching shows such as "Breaking Bad" and "Narcos," leading to an unexpected realization - perhaps the residents of Cape Coral are not only seeking to "break bad" air quality but also endeavoring to "narc" on the haze by embracing a new language. After all, who wouldn't want a linguistic escape from the pollution of everyday life?
As we navigate through the literature, it becomes clear that our investigation uncovers a fascinating interplay between environmental conditions and the human pursuit of linguistic knowledge. It's a reminder that amidst the haze of environmental challenges, there are unexpected paths to be taken, and sometimes, they lead to a quest for "mucho español." And there you have it, folks – the pursuit of knowledge and linguistic proficiency can truly be a breath of fresh air!

[[RESULTS]]
The correlation analysis conducted for the time period of 2004 to 2023 revealed a strong positive correlation between air pollution levels in Cape Coral, Florida and Google searches for "learn Spanish," with a correlation coefficient of 0.8642177 and an r-squared of 0.7468722. The p-value was found to be less than 0.01, indicating a statistically significant relationship between the two variables. This result left our research team feeling a breath of fresh air, albeit a polluted one!
The scatterplot (Fig. 1) illustrates the pronounced correlation, as levels of air pollution increase, there is a noticeable uptick in Google searches for "learn Spanish." It is almost as if the residents of Cape Coral are saying, "When life gives you polluted air, ¡Aprende español!"
The statistical findings provide compelling evidence of the unexpected connection between deteriorating air quality and the desire to pursue Spanish language proficiency. The correlation coefficient reflected the degree to which these two variables moved in tandem, but it also left us pondering the real question – are the residents of Cape Coral simply seeking refuge in linguistic pursuits to escape the hazy atmosphere? Regardless, one thing is clear: the pursuit of Spanish language appears to be an unforeseen consequence of air pollution in this Floridian city.
In the face of these results, we couldn't help but wonder, what do you call a person who enjoys learning Spanish amidst air pollution? A "smoglinguist"!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The results of our study confirm the findings of previous research that have explored the intricate relationship between environmental factors and human behavior. The positive correlation we observed between air pollution in Cape Coral, Florida and Google searches for "learn Spanish" aligns with the notion that individuals may seek cognitive stimulation and new pursuits in response to adverse environmental conditions. It seems that when the air quality is less than ideal, the residents of Cape Coral are not only looking for cleaner air, but they are also showing a keen interest in broadening their linguistic skills, particularly in Spanish. One could say they are truly "airing" out their language capabilities amidst the haze, illustrating the unexpected pathways human behavior can take in response to environmental challenges.

These results echo the sentiment put forth by Smith and colleagues (2010) that increased cognitive stimulation may serve as a protective factor against the adverse effects of pollution. In this case, the pursuit of language learning, particularly Spanish proficiency, appears to parallel this notion, providing a source of mental stimulation and cognitive growth amid less-than-ideal air quality. Our findings suggest that language acquisition may serve as a breath of fresh air amidst environmental challenges, as individuals seek cognitive resilience in the face of pollution. It's almost as if they are saying, "When life gives you polluted air, ¡Aprende español!"

Furthermore, our results beg the question of whether, in the midst of smoggy atmospheres, the pursuit of linguistic endeavors serves as a form of escapism for the residents of Cape Coral. Could it be that language learning provides an avenue for mental respite from the haze? This unexpected connection between air pollution and the pursuit of Spanish language proficiency highlights the dynamic and adaptive nature of human behavior in response to environmental stressors. It's almost like the residents are seeking a linguistic escape from the pollution of everyday life, embodying the concept of "mucho español, menos smog."

Our study also underscores the importance of considering the profound impact of environmental conditions on human behavior and the potential avenues individuals may take to cope with challenging circumstances. It elevates the pursuit of linguistic knowledge as a form of cognitive resilience and adaptive response to environmental stressors, reminding us that amidst the haze of environmental challenges, there are unexpected paths to be taken, and sometimes, they lead to a quest for "mucho español." It's truly a breath of fresh air to see these unexpected connections between air pollution and the pursuit of linguistic enlightenment, leaving us contemplating the unexpected ways in which individuals navigate through environmental challenges. And there you have it, folks – the pursuit of knowledge and linguistic proficiency can truly be a breath of fresh air!

In conclusion, the results of this study offer valuable insights into the curious interplay between environmental factors and the human pursuit of linguistic knowledge. Our findings underscore the dynamic and adaptative nature of human behavior in response to environmental stressors and highlight the unexpected pathways individuals may take amidst environmental challenges. The pursuit of Spanish language proficiency in the face of deteriorating air quality in Cape Coral, Florida serves as an intriguing example of cognitive resilience and the pursuit of mental stimulation amidst environmental adversity. It's almost as if the residents are saying, "When life gives you polluted air, ¡Aprende español!"

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 Cape Coral, Florida and Google searches for 'learn spanish'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

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

Here are the title, abstract, introduction, and results sections.
[[TITLE]]
"¡Aire Terrible! The Smoggy Side of Spanish: A Correlational Study on Air Pollution in Cape Coral, Florida and Google Searches for 'Learn Spanish'"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delved into the hazy realm of air pollution in Cape Coral, Florida, and its unforeseen connection to the pursuit of linguistic enlightenment, specifically through Google searches for "learn Spanish." With the use of data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, our research team unpacked the curious correlation between these seemingly disparate variables. Our findings revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.8642177 and p < 0.01 from 2004 to 2023, shedding light on the unexpected relationship between air quality and the quest for linguistic proficiency.

As we navigated through the data, the results pointed to a striking association between increased levels of air pollution and heightened Google searches for "learn Spanish," a correlation that left us wheezing for breath. It appears that when faced with less-than-ideal air quality, the residents of Cape Coral are not only seeking cleaner atmospheres but also embracing the opportunity to broaden their linguistic horizons, with Spanish being a popular choice. One could say they are truly "airing" out their language skills amidst the haze.

Our investigation into this unanticipated interplay underscores the dynamic nature of human behavior in response to environmental factors, as well as the curious paths that lead to linguistic pursuits. So, the next time you find yourself choking on pollution, remember that it might just inspire a quest to learn a new language! After all, what do you call a person who is always out in polluted air? An "air-rasing" linguist!

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The pursuit of knowledge and understanding often leads us down unexpected paths, and our research embarked on one such intriguing journey. While the link between air pollution and public health has been extensively studied, the connection between air quality and language learning is a novel frontier that invited our exploration. As we dive into the smoggy side of Spanish, let's not take this investigation too lightly. After all, we wouldn't want to be accused of producing "pollutionary" research!
In recent years, the city of Cape Coral, Florida has grappled with air pollution concerns, and as researchers, we couldn't help but ponder the ripple effects of this environmental challenge. Little did we know that our pursuit of a connection between air quality and linguistic endeavors would lead us to the intersection of haze and "hola." It's almost as if the residents of Cape Coral are saying, "¿Aire malo? ¡Vamos a aprender español!" (Bad air? Let's learn Spanish!)
The correlation between air pollution and the desire to learn Spanish came as a breath of fresh air in the realm of research – or perhaps a breath of not-so-fresh air, given the subject matter. But it's a reminder that even in the face of environmental challenges, people are drawn to the idea of stepping into a new linguistic world. It's as if they're saying, "When life gives you polluted air, ¡aprende español!"
As we embarked on this investigation, the data began to reveal a surprising narrative – one that left us gasping, both from the statistical significance and from the unavoidable puns that we just can't help but "exhale." We were faced with a clear association between increased air pollution levels and a spike in Google searches for "learn Spanish," painting a picture of linguistic aspirations amidst the haze. It's almost like the residents are saying, "¡Vamos español, purifica el aire!"
Amidst the haze of challenge and the smog of linguistic curiosity, our research sought to shed light on the unexpected correlation between environmental conditions and the pursuit of Spanish proficiency. After all, as the saying goes, when life gives you polluted air, ¡Aprende español!

[[RESULTS]]
The correlation analysis conducted for the time period of 2004 to 2023 revealed a strong positive correlation between air pollution levels in Cape Coral, Florida and Google searches for "learn Spanish," with a correlation coefficient of 0.8642177 and an r-squared of 0.7468722. The p-value was found to be less than 0.01, indicating a statistically significant relationship between the two variables. This result left our research team feeling a breath of fresh air, albeit a polluted one!
The scatterplot (Fig. 1) illustrates the pronounced correlation, as levels of air pollution increase, there is a noticeable uptick in Google searches for "learn Spanish." It is almost as if the residents of Cape Coral are saying, "When life gives you polluted air, ¡Aprende español!"
The statistical findings provide compelling evidence of the unexpected connection between deteriorating air quality and the desire to pursue Spanish language proficiency. The correlation coefficient reflected the degree to which these two variables moved in tandem, but it also left us pondering the real question – are the residents of Cape Coral simply seeking refuge in linguistic pursuits to escape the hazy atmosphere? Regardless, one thing is clear: the pursuit of Spanish language appears to be an unforeseen consequence of air pollution in this Floridian city.
In the face of these results, we couldn't help but wonder, what do you call a person who enjoys learning Spanish amidst air pollution? A "smoglinguist"!

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Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our research has illuminated a surprising relationship between air pollution in Cape Coral, Florida and Google searches for "learn Spanish." The statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.8642177 and p < 0.01 over the period from 2004 to 2023 has left us pleasantly breathless, or perhaps that's just the lingering effects of the air pollution we've been researching.

The connections we uncovered demonstrate the fascinating ways in which environmental factors can influence not only our physical health but also our linguistic pursuits. It seems the residents of Cape Coral are not only seeking cleaner air, but also embracing the opportunity to ¡aprender español! Perhaps it's their way of combating the smog with some linguistic "fresh air."

One might even say that this correlation is "air-resistible." But in all seriousness, this unexpected finding highlights the dynamic interplay between environmental conditions and human behavior, as well as the diverse motivations that drive language learning. It's as if the residents are exclaiming, "Que sera, sera - if the air is smoggy, then vamos a aprender español!"

Given the compelling evidence we've uncovered, it's tempting to dive deeper into this hazy saga of air pollution and Spanish linguistic quests. However, much like the clean air sought by the residents of Cape Coral, we believe that this study provides a breath of fresh insight into the uncharted territory of environmental impacts on language learning. It's time to take a deep breath and declare that further research in this area is simply not required. After all, when it comes to the link between air pollution and the pursuit of Spanish proficiency, the findings of our study speak for themselves. No need to smog up the research pipeline any further!

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 ¡Aire Terrible! The Smoggy Side of Spanish: A Correlational Study on Air Pollution in Cape Coral, Florida and Google Searches for 'Learn Spanish'. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Linguistic Ecologies

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 ¡Aire Terrible! The Smoggy Side of Spanish: A Correlational Study on Air Pollution in Cape Coral, Florida and Google Searches for 'Learn Spanish'. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Center for Environmental Linguistics and Cultural Studies

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide potential search keywords separated by commas. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide potential search keywords for a paper titled ¡Aire Terrible! The Smoggy Side of Spanish: A Correlational Study on Air Pollution in Cape Coral, Florida and Google Searches for 'Learn Spanish' with an abstract of In this study, we delved into the hazy realm of air pollution in Cape Coral, Florida, and its unforeseen connection to the pursuit of linguistic enlightenment, specifically through Google searches for "learn Spanish." With the use of data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, our research team unpacked the curious correlation between these seemingly disparate variables. Our findings revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.8642177 and p < 0.01 from 2004 to 2023, shedding light on the unexpected relationship between air quality and the quest for linguistic proficiency.
As we navigated through the data, the results pointed to a striking association between increased levels of air pollution and heightened Google searches for "learn Spanish," a correlation that left us wheezing for breath. It appears that when faced with less-than-ideal air quality, the residents of Cape Coral are not only seeking cleaner atmospheres but also embracing the opportunity to broaden their linguistic horizons, with Spanish being a popular choice. One could say they are truly "airing" out their language skills amidst the haze.
Our investigation into this unanticipated interplay underscores the dynamic nature of human behavior in response to environmental factors, as well as the curious paths that lead to linguistic pursuits. So, the next time you find yourself choking on pollution, remember that it might just inspire a quest to learn a new language! After all, what do you call a person who is always out in polluted air? An "air-rasing" linguist!

ChatGPT:

air pollution, Cape Coral, Florida, Google searches, learn Spanish, correlation study, linguistic proficiency, Environmental Protection Agency, Google Trends, air quality, human behavior, environmental factors, language learning

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

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Data details

Air pollution in Cape Coral, Florida
Detailed data title: Percentage of days with air quality at 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' or worse in Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL
Source: Environmental Protection Agency
See what else correlates with Air pollution in Cape Coral, Florida

Google searches for 'learn spanish'
Detailed data title: Relative volume of Google searches for 'learn spanish' (Worldwide, without quotes)
Source: Google Trends
Additional Info: ^{See full details} Relative search volume (not absolute numbers)

See what else correlates with Google searches for 'learn spanish'

Correlation r = 0.8642177 (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 = 0.7468722 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 74.7% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Google searches for 'learn spanish') is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Air pollution in Cape Coral, Florida) over the 20 years from 2004 through 2023.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 9.008E-7.^Show 0.0000009007661658738780000000
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 0.86 in 9.008E-5% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 1,110,166 random variables^Note You don't actually need 1 million variables to find a correlation like this one. I don't have that many variables in my database. You can also correlate variables that are not independent. I do this a lot.

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

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

Just to be clear: I'm being completely transparent about the calculations. There is no math trickery. This is just how statistics shakes out when you calculate hundreds of millions of random correlations.
with the same 19 degrees of freedom, ^Note Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 19 because we have two variables measured over a period of 20 years. It's just the number of years minus ( the number of variables minus one ), which in this case simplifies to the number of years minus one.
you would randomly expect to find a correlation as strong as this one.

[ 0.68, 0.95 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
^{Read more about the confidence interval} The confidence interval is an estimate the range of the value of the correlation coefficient, using the correlation itself as an input. The values are meant to be the low and high end of the correlation coefficient with 95% confidence.

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

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

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

	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Air pollution in Cape Coral, Florida (Bad air quality days)	1.93906	1.0989	1.91781	0.547945	0.819672	0	0.273973	0	0	0	0	0	0.273224	0	0.273973	0.273973	0	0	0	0.552486
Google searches for 'learn spanish' (Rel. search volume)	85.25	79.8333	73.5833	60.0833	52.5833	45.25	38.1667	33.6667	29.4167	26.1667	25	24.75	23.9167	26.1667	25	22.5	24.5	17.9167	21.0833	22.4

Why this works

Data dredging: I have 25,153 variables in my database. I compare all these variables against each other to find ones that randomly match up. That's 632,673,409 correlation calculations! This is called “data dredging.” Instead of starting with a hypothesis and testing it, I instead abused the data to see what correlations shake out. It’s a dangerous way to go about analysis, because any sufficiently large dataset will yield strong correlations completely at random.
Lack of causal connection: There is probably^Note Because these pages are automatically generated, it's possible that the two variables you are viewing are in fact causually related. I take steps to prevent the obvious ones from showing on the site (I don't let data about the weather in one city correlate with the weather in a neighboring city, for example), but sometimes they still pop up. If they are related, cool! You found a loophole.
no direct connection between these variables, despite what the AI says above. This is exacerbated by the fact that I used "Years" as the base variable. Lots of things happen in a year that are not related to each other! Most studies would use something like "one person" in stead of "one year" to be the "thing" studied.
Observations not independent: For many variables, sequential years are not independent of each other. If a population of people is continuously doing something every day, there is no reason to think they would suddenly change how they are doing that thing on January 1. A simple^Note Personally I don't find any p-value calculation to be 'simple,' but you know what I mean.
p-value calculation does not take this into account, so mathematically it appears less probable than it really is.

Try it yourself

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    return correlation, r_squared, p_value

# These are the arrays for the variables shown on this page, but you can modify them to be any two sets of numbers
array_1 = np.array([1.93906,1.0989,1.91781,0.547945,0.819672,0,0.273973,0,0,0,0,0,0.273224,0,0.273973,0.273973,0,0,0,0.552486,])
array_2 = np.array([85.25,79.8333,73.5833,60.0833,52.5833,45.25,38.1667,33.6667,29.4167,26.1667,25,24.75,23.9167,26.1667,25,22.5,24.5,17.9167,21.0833,22.4,])
array_1_name = "Air pollution in Cape Coral, Florida"
array_2_name = "Google searches for 'learn spanish'"

# 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 Cape Coral, Florida
Line chart for only Google searches for 'learn spanish'
AI-generated correlation image
The spurious research paper: ¡Aire Terrible! The Smoggy Side of Spanish: A Correlational Study on Air Pollution in Cape Coral, Florida and Google Searches for 'Learn Spanish'

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Correlation ID: 2895 · Black Variable ID: 20411 · Red Variable ID: 1407


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