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Spurious correlation #3,000 · 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 El Paso and the second variable is Arson in United States.  The chart goes from 1985 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

It turns out, the smog in El Paso was serving as a deterrent for potential arsonists. With the air cleared up, they could no longer sneak around unnoticed in the cover of smoky air. Who knew that clean air would also mean less fire flair! Remember, only you can prevent forest fires, not El Paso's smog levels!

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: An image generation prompt that would likely create an interesting visual using DALLE-3, with a [ Realistic ] style, depicting the scene described would be: "Generate an image of a person standing in an open field, with a clear, blue sky overhead. The sunlight illuminates the surroundings, casting long shadows. A figure in the distance is grasping a match, but their intentions are evident due to the absence of smog, making them clearly visible. The scene conveys a sense of clarity and visibility after the smog has cleared from the skyline of El Paso." 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 El Paso and Arson in United States. Given these, which of the following image style descriptions seems most appropriate? Pick the one that seems to be related to one of the variables at hand. Please respond with only one of the following potential descriptions: A comic-book-style illustration with muted colors and a dotted halftone pattern from the 1960s a funny image macro Psychedelic Realistic Magic realism
ChatGPT: Realistic

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 El Paso and Arson in United States, in the following situation: Because a decrease in air pollution in El Paso led to clearer skies, it became much easier for people to see potential arsonists attempting to start fires, thereby deterring them from committing the crime. With the reduced smog in the air, arsonists were finally unable to "cover their tracks" and were forced to abandon their fiery pursuits.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In El Paso, the once hazy skyline is now clear, allowing the sun to shine through unobstructed. Standing in the open air, people are able to see farther than ever before. Nearby, a figure holding a match stealthily approaches some brush, but they are clearly visible against the now pristine, blue sky. The absence of smog has made it impossible for them to hide their intentions, leading them to swiftly abandon their plan for arson.

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: [ Realistic ] and depicting this scene: In El Paso, the once hazy skyline is now clear, allowing the sun to shine through unobstructed. Standing in the open air, people are able to see farther than ever before. Nearby, a figure holding a match stealthily approaches some brush, but they are clearly visible against the now pristine, blue sky. The absence of smog has made it impossible for them to hide their intentions, leading them to swiftly abandon their plan for arson. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: An image generation prompt that would likely create an interesting visual using DALLE-3, with a [ Realistic ] style, depicting the scene described would be: "Generate an image of a person standing in an open field, with a clear, blue sky overhead. The sunlight illuminates the surroundings, casting long shadows. A figure in the distance is grasping a match, but their intentions are evident due to the absence of smog, making them clearly visible. The scene conveys a sense of clarity and visibility after the smog has cleared from the skyline of El Paso."

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

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

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how a decrease in Air pollution in El Paso caused Arson in United States to decrease. Add a funny one-liner at the end.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
The Sooty Scoop: Air Pollution's Impact on Arson in the United States

The Journal of Environmental Criminology and Atmospheric Chemistry Research

Jan 2024

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




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

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in El Paso and Arson in United States. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Rhyme words in the title.

Your research team used data from Environmental Protection Agency and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.6503491 and p < 0.01 for 1985 to 2022.

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

[[TITLE]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit

[[ABSTRACT]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit



ChatGPT:
[[TITLE]]
The Sooty Scoop: Air Pollution's Impact on Arson in the United States

[[ABSTRACT]]
Air pollution has long been a topic of concern for its potential health and environmental impacts. In this study, we delve into the murky depths of the relationship between air pollution in El Paso and incidents of arson across the United States. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services, we aimed to shed light on this burning question.

Our investigation unearthed an intriguing correlation, with a correlation coefficient of 0.6503491 and a strikingly significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1985 to 2022. This discovery sparks fiery curiosity about the potential influence of air quality on incendiary behaviors. While at first glance, one might not see the connection between sooty skies and suspicious fires, our findings ignite the discussion on the potential interplay between these seemingly unrelated phenomena.

Our research may kindle further interest in understanding the impact of air pollution on human behaviors, as well as ignite preventative measures to quench the flames of arson across the nation. With an inferno of possibilities, this study sets ablaze the need for further investigation into the untapped ember of air pollution's influence on criminal activities.


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

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in El Paso and Arson in United States. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Sooty Scoop: Air Pollution's Impact on Arson in the United States

[[ABSTRACT]]
Air pollution has long been a topic of concern for its potential health and environmental impacts. In this study, we delve into the murky depths of the relationship between air pollution in El Paso and incidents of arson across the United States. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services, we aimed to shed light on this burning question.

Our investigation unearthed an intriguing correlation, with a correlation coefficient of 0.6503491 and a strikingly significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1985 to 2022. This discovery sparks fiery curiosity about the potential influence of air quality on incendiary behaviors. While at first glance, one might not see the connection between sooty skies and suspicious fires, our findings ignite the discussion on the potential interplay between these seemingly unrelated phenomena.

Our research may kindle further interest in understanding the impact of air pollution on human behaviors, as well as ignite preventative measures to quench the flames of arson across the nation. With an inferno of possibilities, this study sets ablaze the need for further investigation into the untapped ember of air pollution's influence on criminal activities.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
INTRODUCTION

The relationship between air pollution and its various societal impacts has been the subject of extensive scrutiny and debate. While the well-documented adverse effects of air pollution on human health and the environment are widely recognized, the connection between air quality and criminal behaviors has remained relatively unexplored. In this fiery foray into the sooty realm of air pollution and arson, we aim to illuminate the potential association between these incendiary phenomena.

Air pollution, characterized by the presence of particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and other noxious elements, has been a hot topic in environmental research. The sweltering heat of this discussion has often centered around its detrimental effects on respiratory health, climate change, and atmospheric degradation. However, much like a smoldering spark waiting to be fanned into flame, the potential influence of air pollution on criminal activities has been smoldering beneath the surface of scientific inquiry.

Our investigation delved into the enigmatic relationship between air pollution in El Paso, a city known for its distinctive atmospheric profile, and incidents of arson across the United States. With statistical rigor akin to a forensic investigator meticulously examining evidence, we scoured data from the Environmental Protection Agency and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services to sleuth out any link between these seemingly disparate variables.

Our findings kindled an unexpected revelation, as we uncovered a significant correlation between air pollution levels in El Paso and arson incidents nationwide. Indeed, our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient that blazed at 0.6503491, a value that stoked excitement within the research community. The inferno of statistical significance blazed bright with a p-value of less than 0.01, igniting a fervor of academic curiosity and speculative sparks.

The conflagration of evidence emerged across a timeframe spanning from 1985 to 2022, a period during which the flickering dance of air pollution and the scorching intensity of arson appeared to move in smoldering synchrony. This unexpected unity of sooty skies and suspicious fires prompts us to ignite the discourse on the potential interplay between environmental conditions and criminal behaviors.

As we embark on this scorching exploration of the hidden embers of societal influence, our research sparks a flame of fascination that extends beyond the immediate findings. We aspire to stoke the flames of academic interest and incite a burning desire for further investigation into the untapped potential of air pollution's impact on criminal activities. With the tinder of this study now alight, we invite our scientific brethren to join us in fanning the flames of understanding and fueling the inferno of knowledge in this uncharted territory. Let us harness the conflagration of possibilities and illuminate the path toward a smog-free horizon, where the link between air pollution and arson is no longer shrouded in shadow.


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

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in El Paso and Arson in United States. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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

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

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

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Sooty Scoop: Air Pollution's Impact on Arson in the United States

[[ABSTRACT]]
Air pollution has long been a topic of concern for its potential health and environmental impacts. In this study, we delve into the murky depths of the relationship between air pollution in El Paso and incidents of arson across the United States. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services, we aimed to shed light on this burning question.

Our investigation unearthed an intriguing correlation, with a correlation coefficient of 0.6503491 and a strikingly significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1985 to 2022. This discovery sparks fiery curiosity about the potential influence of air quality on incendiary behaviors. While at first glance, one might not see the connection between sooty skies and suspicious fires, our findings ignite the discussion on the potential interplay between these seemingly unrelated phenomena.

Our research may kindle further interest in understanding the impact of air pollution on human behaviors, as well as ignite preventative measures to quench the flames of arson across the nation. With an inferno of possibilities, this study sets ablaze the need for further investigation into the untapped ember of air pollution's influence on criminal activities.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
INTRODUCTION
The relationship between air pollution and its various societal impacts has been the subject of extensive scrutiny and debate. While the well-documented adverse effects of air pollution on human health and the environment are widely recognized, the connection between air quality and criminal behaviors has remained relatively unexplored. In this fiery foray into the sooty realm of air pollution and arson, we aim to illuminate the potential association between these incendiary phenomena.
Air pollution, characterized by the presence of particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and other noxious elements, has been a hot topic in environmental research. The sweltering heat of this discussion has often centered around its detrimental effects on respiratory health, climate change, and atmospheric degradation. However, much like a smoldering spark waiting to be fanned into flame, the potential influence of air pollution on criminal activities has been smoldering beneath the surface of scientific inquiry.
Our investigation delved into the enigmatic relationship between air pollution in El Paso, a city known for its distinctive atmospheric profile, and incidents of arson across the United States. With statistical rigor akin to a forensic investigator meticulously examining evidence, we scoured data from the Environmental Protection Agency and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services to sleuth out any link between these seemingly disparate variables.
Our findings kindled an unexpected revelation, as we uncovered a significant correlation between air pollution levels in El Paso and arson incidents nationwide. Indeed, our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient that blazed at 0.6503491, a value that stoked excitement within the research community. The inferno of statistical significance blazed bright with a p-value of less than 0.01, igniting a fervor of academic curiosity and speculative sparks.
The conflagration of evidence emerged across a timeframe spanning from 1985 to 2022, a period during which the flickering dance of air pollution and the scorching intensity of arson appeared to move in smoldering synchrony. This unexpected unity of sooty skies and suspicious fires prompts us to ignite the discourse on the potential interplay between environmental conditions and criminal behaviors.
As we embark on this scorching exploration of the hidden embers of societal influence, our research sparks a flame of fascination that extends beyond the immediate findings. We aspire to stoke the flames of academic interest and incite a burning desire for further investigation into the untapped potential of air pollution's impact on criminal activities. With the tinder of this study now alight, we invite our scientific brethren to join us in fanning the flames of understanding and fueling the inferno of knowledge in this uncharted territory. Let us harness the conflagration of possibilities and illuminate the path toward a smog-free horizon, where the link between air pollution and arson is no longer shrouded in shadow.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

In "Pollution and Crime: The Case for a Smokey Alliance," Smith and Doe (2015) uncovered an intriguing association between air pollution and criminal behaviors. The authors found that areas with higher levels of air pollution exhibited an uptick in various criminal activities, including vandalism, theft, and assault. However, their study did not delve specifically into the relationship between air pollution and arson, leaving a smoky gap in the literature.

Jones (2018) further delved into the murky depths of environmental influences on criminal behaviors in "Toxic Fumes and Criminal Tendencies." Their investigation illuminated the potential impact of polluted air on impulsive behaviors, suggesting that noxious air may indeed stoke the fires of criminal instincts. Yet, the connection to arson specifically was left largely unexplored, leaving the research landscape eerily dim.

Turning to non-fiction literature, "Breathless: The Deadly Consequences of Air Pollution" by Smith (2020) offers a sobering account of the health ramifications of air pollution, but fails to shed light on its potential incendiary influence. "The Smoke Jumper's Handbook" by Doe (2017) provides valuable insights into the tactics of combating wildfires, but offers no guidance on the arsonist's tendency to strike under certain atmospheric conditions.

In the realm of fiction, the classic novel "The Arsonist's Ambition" by Firestarter (1967) presents a hair-raising tale of a pyromaniac's daring exploits, but regrettably provides no empirical data on the atmospheric conditions under which their fiery escapades unfold. Similarly, "The Smog Striker: A Tale of Environmental Vigilante" by Puff (1992) captivates readers with its portrayal of a vigilante fighting against air pollution, yet falls short of illuminating the nexus between polluted air and criminal impulses.

Our exploration extended beyond traditional academic research, as we turned to cartoons and children's shows for subtle insights. Observing the frenzied activity of the Powerpuff Girls during hazy, polluted days shed some light on the potential impact of smoggy skies on mischief and mayhem. Additionally, the mischievous antics of the Looney Tunes characters during episodes set against smoky backdrops hinted at a correlation between air quality and impulsive behaviors, albeit in a comically exaggerated fashion.

While our journey through the literature presented a mixed bag of serious inquiry and whimsical diversion, it unearthed the need for further investigation into the enigmatic relationship between air pollution and arson. With an inferno of possibilities awaiting exploration, our study ignites the path toward a clearer understanding of the smoky alliance between air pollution and incendiary behaviors.


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

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in El Paso and Arson in United States. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Environmental Protection Agency and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services . You used data from 1985 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]]
The Sooty Scoop: Air Pollution's Impact on Arson in the United States

[[ABSTRACT]]
Air pollution has long been a topic of concern for its potential health and environmental impacts. In this study, we delve into the murky depths of the relationship between air pollution in El Paso and incidents of arson across the United States. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services, we aimed to shed light on this burning question.

Our investigation unearthed an intriguing correlation, with a correlation coefficient of 0.6503491 and a strikingly significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1985 to 2022. This discovery sparks fiery curiosity about the potential influence of air quality on incendiary behaviors. While at first glance, one might not see the connection between sooty skies and suspicious fires, our findings ignite the discussion on the potential interplay between these seemingly unrelated phenomena.

Our research may kindle further interest in understanding the impact of air pollution on human behaviors, as well as ignite preventative measures to quench the flames of arson across the nation. With an inferno of possibilities, this study sets ablaze the need for further investigation into the untapped ember of air pollution's influence on criminal activities.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
INTRODUCTION
The relationship between air pollution and its various societal impacts has been the subject of extensive scrutiny and debate. While the well-documented adverse effects of air pollution on human health and the environment are widely recognized, the connection between air quality and criminal behaviors has remained relatively unexplored. In this fiery foray into the sooty realm of air pollution and arson, we aim to illuminate the potential association between these incendiary phenomena.
Air pollution, characterized by the presence of particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and other noxious elements, has been a hot topic in environmental research. The sweltering heat of this discussion has often centered around its detrimental effects on respiratory health, climate change, and atmospheric degradation. However, much like a smoldering spark waiting to be fanned into flame, the potential influence of air pollution on criminal activities has been smoldering beneath the surface of scientific inquiry.
Our investigation delved into the enigmatic relationship between air pollution in El Paso, a city known for its distinctive atmospheric profile, and incidents of arson across the United States. With statistical rigor akin to a forensic investigator meticulously examining evidence, we scoured data from the Environmental Protection Agency and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services to sleuth out any link between these seemingly disparate variables.
Our findings kindled an unexpected revelation, as we uncovered a significant correlation between air pollution levels in El Paso and arson incidents nationwide. Indeed, our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient that blazed at 0.6503491, a value that stoked excitement within the research community. The inferno of statistical significance blazed bright with a p-value of less than 0.01, igniting a fervor of academic curiosity and speculative sparks.
The conflagration of evidence emerged across a timeframe spanning from 1985 to 2022, a period during which the flickering dance of air pollution and the scorching intensity of arson appeared to move in smoldering synchrony. This unexpected unity of sooty skies and suspicious fires prompts us to ignite the discourse on the potential interplay between environmental conditions and criminal behaviors.
As we embark on this scorching exploration of the hidden embers of societal influence, our research sparks a flame of fascination that extends beyond the immediate findings. We aspire to stoke the flames of academic interest and incite a burning desire for further investigation into the untapped potential of air pollution's impact on criminal activities. With the tinder of this study now alight, we invite our scientific brethren to join us in fanning the flames of understanding and fueling the inferno of knowledge in this uncharted territory. Let us harness the conflagration of possibilities and illuminate the path toward a smog-free horizon, where the link between air pollution and arson is no longer shrouded in shadow.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

Data Acquisition:
Our research team embarked on a journey through the labyrinthine expanse of the internet, navigating the treacherous seas of cyberspace to procure the requisite data for our investigation. While the siren calls of social media and the alluring distraction of viral cat videos proved tempting, we remained steadfast in our quest, primarily sourcing our data from the Environmental Protection Agency and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services. Like intrepid digital archaeologists, we excavated data spanning the years 1985 to 2022 to construct a robust foundation for our analysis.

Air Pollution Measurement:
The quantification of air pollution levels in El Paso, a city renowned for its unique atmospheric character, required a delicate balance of precision and perseverance. Employing scientific instrumentation and statistical acumen, we harnessed the power of air quality monitors and satellite imagery data to capture the nuanced interplay of particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and other atmospheric constituents. These data served as the building blocks in our attempt to unravel the intricate tapestry of air pollution phenomena.

Arson Incidents Compilation:
The compilation of arson incidents across the United States demanded a judicious approach to data gathering, as we sought to corral the capricious nature of criminal activities. Drawing from the robust repository of the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services, we meticulously curated a comprehensive dataset encapsulating the enigmatic realm of incendiary behaviors. Our meticulous aggregation of this data provided a foundational framework for our analysis, offering a panoramic view of the incendiary landscape stretching over nearly four decades.

Statistical Analysis:
With data in hand, our investigative journey transitioned to the fiery crucible of statistical analysis. Armed with an arsenal of mathematical tools and theoretical frameworks, we subjected the data to rigorous scrutiny. Employing correlation analyses, regression models, and temporal trend assessments, we sought to distill the essence of the relationship between air pollution in El Paso and the occurrence of arson nationwide. Our statistical sleuthing, akin to a forensic audit of numbers, unearthed the mesmerizing correlation coefficient of 0.6503491, eliciting a collective gasp from the statistical pundits and sparking fervent discourse across the academic landscape.

Control Variables:
The meticulous control of confounding variables permeated every aspect of our investigation, akin to the vigilant stewardship of an inferno in a controlled burn. We meticulously accounted for potential extraneous influences such as socioeconomic factors, weather patterns, and population dynamics, ensuring that our analysis remained steadfast in its quest to unearth the genuine nexus between air pollution and arson. This unyielding vigilance in controlling for potential lurking variables fortified the integrity of our findings, illuminating the path toward a clearer understanding of the tantalizing relationship under investigation.

Limitations and Considerations:
As with any scientific endeavor, our research was not immune to the pervasive constraints imposed by the boundaries of empirical inquiry. The retrospective nature of our observational study and the inherent complexities of ecological data limited the realm of causal inference, compelling us to tread cautiously amidst the potential pitfalls of spurious associations. Furthermore, the multifaceted nature of air pollution and arson incidents presented a kaleidoscope of potential intricacies, necessitating cautious interpretation and an acknowledgment of the inherent uncertainties woven into the fabric of complex societal phenomena.

Ethical Considerations:
Ethics, much like the undulating plumes of smoke wafting from a controlled fire, permeated every facet of our research endeavor. Our commitment to the ethical principles of scientific inquiry, including the responsible handling of sensitive data and the equitable representation of research findings, guided our journey like a moral compass through the haze of empirical exploration. We upheld the fundamental tenets of research integrity, ensuring that our findings stood as beacons of veracity and objectivity amidst the tempestuous sea of academic discourse.

In summary, our methodology forged a path through the luminous labyrinth of scientific inquiry, weaving together disparate threads of data acquisition, statistical analysis, and ethical considerations. As with any scientific quest, our odyssey was marked by the interplay of persistence, precision, and the occasional serendipitous revelation. With the embers of our methodological approach now extinguished, we stand ready to unveil the fervent insights gleaned from this scorching scientific journey.


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

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in El Paso and Arson in United States. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Environmental Protection Agency and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services .

For the time period 1985 to 2022, you found a correlation 0.6503491, r-squared of 0.4229539, and p < 0.01.

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

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Sooty Scoop: Air Pollution's Impact on Arson in the United States

[[ABSTRACT]]
Air pollution has long been a topic of concern for its potential health and environmental impacts. In this study, we delve into the murky depths of the relationship between air pollution in El Paso and incidents of arson across the United States. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services, we aimed to shed light on this burning question.

Our investigation unearthed an intriguing correlation, with a correlation coefficient of 0.6503491 and a strikingly significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1985 to 2022. This discovery sparks fiery curiosity about the potential influence of air quality on incendiary behaviors. While at first glance, one might not see the connection between sooty skies and suspicious fires, our findings ignite the discussion on the potential interplay between these seemingly unrelated phenomena.

Our research may kindle further interest in understanding the impact of air pollution on human behaviors, as well as ignite preventative measures to quench the flames of arson across the nation. With an inferno of possibilities, this study sets ablaze the need for further investigation into the untapped ember of air pollution's influence on criminal activities.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
INTRODUCTION
The relationship between air pollution and its various societal impacts has been the subject of extensive scrutiny and debate. While the well-documented adverse effects of air pollution on human health and the environment are widely recognized, the connection between air quality and criminal behaviors has remained relatively unexplored. In this fiery foray into the sooty realm of air pollution and arson, we aim to illuminate the potential association between these incendiary phenomena.
Air pollution, characterized by the presence of particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and other noxious elements, has been a hot topic in environmental research. The sweltering heat of this discussion has often centered around its detrimental effects on respiratory health, climate change, and atmospheric degradation. However, much like a smoldering spark waiting to be fanned into flame, the potential influence of air pollution on criminal activities has been smoldering beneath the surface of scientific inquiry.
Our investigation delved into the enigmatic relationship between air pollution in El Paso, a city known for its distinctive atmospheric profile, and incidents of arson across the United States. With statistical rigor akin to a forensic investigator meticulously examining evidence, we scoured data from the Environmental Protection Agency and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services to sleuth out any link between these seemingly disparate variables.
Our findings kindled an unexpected revelation, as we uncovered a significant correlation between air pollution levels in El Paso and arson incidents nationwide. Indeed, our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient that blazed at 0.6503491, a value that stoked excitement within the research community. The inferno of statistical significance blazed bright with a p-value of less than 0.01, igniting a fervor of academic curiosity and speculative sparks.
The conflagration of evidence emerged across a timeframe spanning from 1985 to 2022, a period during which the flickering dance of air pollution and the scorching intensity of arson appeared to move in smoldering synchrony. This unexpected unity of sooty skies and suspicious fires prompts us to ignite the discourse on the potential interplay between environmental conditions and criminal behaviors.
As we embark on this scorching exploration of the hidden embers of societal influence, our research sparks a flame of fascination that extends beyond the immediate findings. We aspire to stoke the flames of academic interest and incite a burning desire for further investigation into the untapped potential of air pollution's impact on criminal activities. With the tinder of this study now alight, we invite our scientific brethren to join us in fanning the flames of understanding and fueling the inferno of knowledge in this uncharted territory. Let us harness the conflagration of possibilities and illuminate the path toward a smog-free horizon, where the link between air pollution and arson is no longer shrouded in shadow.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The scorching analysis of the data from the Environmental Protection Agency and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services illuminated a significant correlation between air pollution levels in El Paso and arson incidents across the United States. Our statistical sleuthing revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.6503491, denoting a substantial relationship between the sooty skies of El Paso and the suspicious fires that ignited nationwide. The r-squared value of 0.4229539 further underlined the robustness of this connection, with approximately 42.3% of the variability in arson incidents being explained by variations in air pollution levels. Moreover, the p-value of less than 0.01 served as a flaming endorsement of the statistical significance of this relationship, kindling excitement within the research community.

Further visual inspection of the data in the form of a scatterplot (Fig. 1) provided a compelling visual representation of the strong correlation observed between air pollution in El Paso and arson incidents nationwide. The scatterplot ignited an appreciation for the marked association between these seemingly unrelated variables, fueling the flames of curiosity and sparking a deeper contemplation of the potential interplay between environmental conditions and criminal behaviors.

The inferno of evidence uncovered in our study sheds light on the previously unrecognized influence of air pollution on incendiary behaviors, igniting an imperative to delve further into this unexplored realm. Our findings stoke the flames of academic interest, inviting further investigation into the untapped potential of air pollution's impact on criminal activities. With the tinder of this study now alight, we invite our scientific brethren to stoke the flames of understanding and fuel the conflagration of knowledge in this fiery territory. Let us harness the inferno of possibilities and illuminate the path toward a clearer understanding of the link between air pollution and arson, setting ablaze the need for continued exploration in this fiery domain.


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

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in El Paso and Arson in United States. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Limit your response to 500 tokens.

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

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

[[TITLE]]
The Sooty Scoop: Air Pollution's Impact on Arson in the United States

[[ABSTRACT]]
Air pollution has long been a topic of concern for its potential health and environmental impacts. In this study, we delve into the murky depths of the relationship between air pollution in El Paso and incidents of arson across the United States. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services, we aimed to shed light on this burning question.

Our investigation unearthed an intriguing correlation, with a correlation coefficient of 0.6503491 and a strikingly significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1985 to 2022. This discovery sparks fiery curiosity about the potential influence of air quality on incendiary behaviors. While at first glance, one might not see the connection between sooty skies and suspicious fires, our findings ignite the discussion on the potential interplay between these seemingly unrelated phenomena.

Our research may kindle further interest in understanding the impact of air pollution on human behaviors, as well as ignite preventative measures to quench the flames of arson across the nation. With an inferno of possibilities, this study sets ablaze the need for further investigation into the untapped ember of air pollution's influence on criminal activities.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
In "Pollution and Crime: The Case for a Smokey Alliance," Smith and Doe (2015) uncovered an intriguing association between air pollution and criminal behaviors. The authors found that areas with higher levels of air pollution exhibited an uptick in various criminal activities, including vandalism, theft, and assault. However, their study did not delve specifically into the relationship between air pollution and arson, leaving a smoky gap in the literature.
Jones (2018) further delved into the murky depths of environmental influences on criminal behaviors in "Toxic Fumes and Criminal Tendencies." Their investigation illuminated the potential impact of polluted air on impulsive behaviors, suggesting that noxious air may indeed stoke the fires of criminal instincts. Yet, the connection to arson specifically was left largely unexplored, leaving the research landscape eerily dim.
Turning to non-fiction literature, "Breathless: The Deadly Consequences of Air Pollution" by Smith (2020) offers a sobering account of the health ramifications of air pollution, but fails to shed light on its potential incendiary influence. "The Smoke Jumper's Handbook" by Doe (2017) provides valuable insights into the tactics of combating wildfires, but offers no guidance on the arsonist's tendency to strike under certain atmospheric conditions.
In the realm of fiction, the classic novel "The Arsonist's Ambition" by Firestarter (1967) presents a hair-raising tale of a pyromaniac's daring exploits, but regrettably provides no empirical data on the atmospheric conditions under which their fiery escapades unfold. Similarly, "The Smog Striker: A Tale of Environmental Vigilante" by Puff (1992) captivates readers with its portrayal of a vigilante fighting against air pollution, yet falls short of illuminating the nexus between polluted air and criminal impulses.
Our exploration extended beyond traditional academic research, as we turned to cartoons and children's shows for subtle insights. Observing the frenzied activity of the Powerpuff Girls during hazy, polluted days shed some light on the potential impact of smoggy skies on mischief and mayhem. Additionally, the mischievous antics of the Looney Tunes characters during episodes set against smoky backdrops hinted at a correlation between air quality and impulsive behaviors, albeit in a comically exaggerated fashion.
While our journey through the literature presented a mixed bag of serious inquiry and whimsical diversion, it unearthed the need for further investigation into the enigmatic relationship between air pollution and arson. With an inferno of possibilities awaiting exploration, our study ignites the path toward a clearer understanding of the smoky alliance between air pollution and incendiary behaviors.

[[RESULTS]]
The scorching analysis of the data from the Environmental Protection Agency and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services illuminated a significant correlation between air pollution levels in El Paso and arson incidents across the United States. Our statistical sleuthing revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.6503491, denoting a substantial relationship between the sooty skies of El Paso and the suspicious fires that ignited nationwide. The r-squared value of 0.4229539 further underlined the robustness of this connection, with approximately 42.3% of the variability in arson incidents being explained by variations in air pollution levels. Moreover, the p-value of less than 0.01 served as a flaming endorsement of the statistical significance of this relationship, kindling excitement within the research community.
Further visual inspection of the data in the form of a scatterplot (Fig. 1) provided a compelling visual representation of the strong correlation observed between air pollution in El Paso and arson incidents nationwide. The scatterplot ignited an appreciation for the marked association between these seemingly unrelated variables, fueling the flames of curiosity and sparking a deeper contemplation of the potential interplay between environmental conditions and criminal behaviors.
The inferno of evidence uncovered in our study sheds light on the previously unrecognized influence of air pollution on incendiary behaviors, igniting an imperative to delve further into this unexplored realm. Our findings stoke the flames of academic interest, inviting further investigation into the untapped potential of air pollution's impact on criminal activities. With the tinder of this study now alight, we invite our scientific brethren to stoke the flames of understanding and fuel the conflagration of knowledge in this fiery territory. Let us harness the inferno of possibilities and illuminate the path toward a clearer understanding of the link between air pollution and arson, setting ablaze the need for continued exploration in this fiery domain.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

Our scorching investigation has revealed an illuminating nexus between air pollution in El Paso and arson incidents across the United States, providing a tantalizing spark for further inquiry into the smoky alliance between environmental conditions and criminal behaviors. The smoldering correlation coefficient of 0.6503491 and the blazingly significant p-value of less than 0.01 bode well for the validity of our findings and fan the flames of curiosity surrounding this unexpected relationship.

The sizzling results of our study align with previous research that hinted at the potential influence of noxious air on impulsive behaviors. The work of Smith and Doe (2015), which ignited interest in the connection between air pollution and criminal activities, laid the foundation for our fiery exploration. Furthermore, the enigmatic tales of pyromaniacs in literary works like "The Arsonist's Ambition" by Firestarter (1967) and the antics of characters in hazy backdrops in classic cartoons provide subtle, albeit whimsical, support for the potential impact of polluted air on incendiary impulses.

The conflagration of evidence unearthed in our study ignites a pressing need for further investigation into the untapped potential of air pollution's influence on criminal activities, fueling an inferno of possibilities for future research. By shedding light on this previously obscured relationship, our findings fan the flames of understanding and beckon the scholarly community to stoke the fires of inquiry in this fiery domain.

In conclusion, our study sets ablaze the imperative for continued exploration of the link between air pollution and arson, fueling the inferno of interest in this incendiary territory and urging scholars to fan the flames of knowledge. With the tinder of our findings now alight, we invite our peers to join our quest to illuminate the path toward a clearer understanding of this fiery alliance.


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

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in El Paso and Arson in United States. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

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

Here are the title, abstract, introduction, and results sections.
[[TITLE]]
The Sooty Scoop: Air Pollution's Impact on Arson in the United States

[[ABSTRACT]]
Air pollution has long been a topic of concern for its potential health and environmental impacts. In this study, we delve into the murky depths of the relationship between air pollution in El Paso and incidents of arson across the United States. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services, we aimed to shed light on this burning question.

Our investigation unearthed an intriguing correlation, with a correlation coefficient of 0.6503491 and a strikingly significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1985 to 2022. This discovery sparks fiery curiosity about the potential influence of air quality on incendiary behaviors. While at first glance, one might not see the connection between sooty skies and suspicious fires, our findings ignite the discussion on the potential interplay between these seemingly unrelated phenomena.

Our research may kindle further interest in understanding the impact of air pollution on human behaviors, as well as ignite preventative measures to quench the flames of arson across the nation. With an inferno of possibilities, this study sets ablaze the need for further investigation into the untapped ember of air pollution's influence on criminal activities.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
INTRODUCTION
The relationship between air pollution and its various societal impacts has been the subject of extensive scrutiny and debate. While the well-documented adverse effects of air pollution on human health and the environment are widely recognized, the connection between air quality and criminal behaviors has remained relatively unexplored. In this fiery foray into the sooty realm of air pollution and arson, we aim to illuminate the potential association between these incendiary phenomena.
Air pollution, characterized by the presence of particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and other noxious elements, has been a hot topic in environmental research. The sweltering heat of this discussion has often centered around its detrimental effects on respiratory health, climate change, and atmospheric degradation. However, much like a smoldering spark waiting to be fanned into flame, the potential influence of air pollution on criminal activities has been smoldering beneath the surface of scientific inquiry.
Our investigation delved into the enigmatic relationship between air pollution in El Paso, a city known for its distinctive atmospheric profile, and incidents of arson across the United States. With statistical rigor akin to a forensic investigator meticulously examining evidence, we scoured data from the Environmental Protection Agency and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services to sleuth out any link between these seemingly disparate variables.
Our findings kindled an unexpected revelation, as we uncovered a significant correlation between air pollution levels in El Paso and arson incidents nationwide. Indeed, our analysis revealed a correlation coefficient that blazed at 0.6503491, a value that stoked excitement within the research community. The inferno of statistical significance blazed bright with a p-value of less than 0.01, igniting a fervor of academic curiosity and speculative sparks.
The conflagration of evidence emerged across a timeframe spanning from 1985 to 2022, a period during which the flickering dance of air pollution and the scorching intensity of arson appeared to move in smoldering synchrony. This unexpected unity of sooty skies and suspicious fires prompts us to ignite the discourse on the potential interplay between environmental conditions and criminal behaviors.
As we embark on this scorching exploration of the hidden embers of societal influence, our research sparks a flame of fascination that extends beyond the immediate findings. We aspire to stoke the flames of academic interest and incite a burning desire for further investigation into the untapped potential of air pollution's impact on criminal activities. With the tinder of this study now alight, we invite our scientific brethren to join us in fanning the flames of understanding and fueling the inferno of knowledge in this uncharted territory. Let us harness the conflagration of possibilities and illuminate the path toward a smog-free horizon, where the link between air pollution and arson is no longer shrouded in shadow.

[[RESULTS]]
The scorching analysis of the data from the Environmental Protection Agency and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services illuminated a significant correlation between air pollution levels in El Paso and arson incidents across the United States. Our statistical sleuthing revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.6503491, denoting a substantial relationship between the sooty skies of El Paso and the suspicious fires that ignited nationwide. The r-squared value of 0.4229539 further underlined the robustness of this connection, with approximately 42.3% of the variability in arson incidents being explained by variations in air pollution levels. Moreover, the p-value of less than 0.01 served as a flaming endorsement of the statistical significance of this relationship, kindling excitement within the research community.
Further visual inspection of the data in the form of a scatterplot (Fig. 1) provided a compelling visual representation of the strong correlation observed between air pollution in El Paso and arson incidents nationwide. The scatterplot ignited an appreciation for the marked association between these seemingly unrelated variables, fueling the flames of curiosity and sparking a deeper contemplation of the potential interplay between environmental conditions and criminal behaviors.
The inferno of evidence uncovered in our study sheds light on the previously unrecognized influence of air pollution on incendiary behaviors, igniting an imperative to delve further into this unexplored realm. Our findings stoke the flames of academic interest, inviting further investigation into the untapped potential of air pollution's impact on criminal activities. With the tinder of this study now alight, we invite our scientific brethren to stoke the flames of understanding and fuel the conflagration of knowledge in this fiery territory. Let us harness the inferno of possibilities and illuminate the path toward a clearer understanding of the link between air pollution and arson, setting ablaze the need for continued exploration in this fiery domain.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our study has shed light on the fiery connection between air pollution in El Paso and incidents of arson across the United States. We have sparked an inferno of academic curiosity, igniting the discussion on the potential influence of air quality on criminal behaviors. The significant correlation coefficient of 0.6503491 and a strikingly p-value of less than 0.01 have sparked excitement within the research community, demonstrating the robustness and statistical significance of this relationship. Our findings have provided a scorching revelation and kindled a fervor for further investigation into the untapped potential of air pollution's impact on criminal activities.

As we eagerly gaze upon the smoky horizon of our results, it is clear that our research has set the stage for a blaze of future inquiries into this incendiary relationship. With an inferno of possibilities, we have fanned the flames of academic interest, stoking a burning desire for continued exploration in this uncharted fiery domain.

But fear not, dear readers and fellow researchers, for it seems that this conflagration of knowledge stands as a singular beacon in this field. With our findings ablaze with significance, it appears that no further inquiry is needed to prove that air pollution is fueling the fires of arson across the nation. The embers of this investigation shall smolder in the annals of academia, leaving us with the smoky satisfaction of having probed the scorching depths of this peculiar relationship.

In the wise words of Pythagoras, "There is geometry in the humming of the strings, there is music in the spacing of the spheres." Perhaps there is also a certain melody in the interplay between sooty skies and sly arson. As the dust settles on this investigation, we are left to marvel at the unexpected harmony between these seemingly unrelated variables.

Thus, we extinguish the need for further inquiry into this matter, confident that our findings have set the scientific community on fire with a newfound understanding of the enigmatic interplay between air pollution and arson. Let us bid adieu to this smoldering inquiry, the sooty scoop of this inferno of investigation, and instead direct our attention to new frontiers of research.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of academic journals. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding research, scientific, or academic journal that would publish a paper entited The Sooty Scoop: Air Pollution's Impact on Arson in the United States. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Environmental Criminology and Atmospheric Chemistry Research


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of nonprofit research organizations and associations. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding nonprofit, academic, or scientific association or organization that would sponsor research that resulted in a paper entited The Sooty Scoop: Air Pollution's Impact on Arson in the United States. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

Society for Environmental Criminology and Atmospheric Science


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide potential search keywords separated by commas. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide potential search keywords for a paper titled The Sooty Scoop: Air Pollution's Impact on Arson in the United States with an abstract of Air pollution has long been a topic of concern for its potential health and environmental impacts. In this study, we delve into the murky depths of the relationship between air pollution in El Paso and incidents of arson across the United States. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services, we aimed to shed light on this burning question.
Our investigation unearthed an intriguing correlation, with a correlation coefficient of 0.6503491 and a strikingly significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 1985 to 2022. This discovery sparks fiery curiosity about the potential influence of air quality on incendiary behaviors. While at first glance, one might not see the connection between sooty skies and suspicious fires, our findings ignite the discussion on the potential interplay between these seemingly unrelated phenomena.
Our research may kindle further interest in understanding the impact of air pollution on human behaviors, as well as ignite preventative measures to quench the flames of arson across the nation. With an inferno of possibilities, this study sets ablaze the need for further investigation into the untapped ember of air pollution's influence on criminal activities.

ChatGPT:

air pollution, arson, United States, environmental impact, EPA data, FBI criminal justice data, correlation coefficient, p-value, air quality, incendiary behaviors, human behaviors, preventative measures, criminal activities

*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 El Paso
Detailed data title: Percentage of days with air quality at 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' or worse in El Paso, TX
Source: Environmental Protection Agency
See what else correlates with Air pollution in El Paso

Arson in United States
Detailed data title: The arson rate per 100,000 residents in United States
Source: FBI Criminal Justice Information Services
See what else correlates with Arson in United States

Correlation r = 0.6503491 (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 = 0.4229539 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 42.3% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Arson in United States) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Air pollution in El Paso) over the 38 years from 1985 through 2022.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 9.9E-6. 0.0000098847573140430060000000
The p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme. More specifically the p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme if we had only tested one pair of variables one time.

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

Who is going to stop me? p-value reporting doesn't require me to report how many calculations I had to go through in order to find a low p-value!
On average, you will find a correaltion as strong as 0.65 in 0.00099% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 101,166 random variables You don't actually need 101 thousand variables to find a correlation like this one. I don't have that many variables in my database. You can also correlate variables that are not independent. I do this a lot.

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

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

Just to be clear: I'm being completely transparent about the calculations. There is no math trickery. This is just how statistics shakes out when you calculate hundreds of millions of random correlations.
with the same 37 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 37 because we have two variables measured over a period of 38 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.

[ 0.42, 0.8 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
The confidence interval is an estimate the range of the value of the correlation coefficient, using the correlation itself as an input. The values are meant to be the low and high end of the correlation coefficient with 95% confidence.

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


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

Still, sometimes one of the variables has more years of data available than the other. This page only shows the overlapping years. To see all the years, click on "See what else correlates with..." link above.
19851986198719881989199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022
Air pollution in El Paso (Bad air quality days)17.534213.972615.342513.934414.794510.95896.301378.469946.3013710.95896.3013710.9297.3972612.32884.9315111.475411.780813.698613.42479.5628411.506816.438412.32889.562843.01374.383565.479456.557383.835622.465751.917811.639346.301374.657533.561645.191265.205485.47945
Arson in United States (Arson rate)43.646.342.54141.441.74140.837.339.636.734.632.629.728.824.727.726.82523.623.124.422.621.619.518.117.517.614.914.513.714.113.2121113.98.911.6




Why this works

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




Try it yourself

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

    return correlation, r_squared, p_value

# These are the arrays for the variables shown on this page, but you can modify them to be any two sets of numbers
array_1 = np.array([17.5342,13.9726,15.3425,13.9344,14.7945,10.9589,6.30137,8.46994,6.30137,10.9589,6.30137,10.929,7.39726,12.3288,4.93151,11.4754,11.7808,13.6986,13.4247,9.56284,11.5068,16.4384,12.3288,9.56284,3.0137,4.38356,5.47945,6.55738,3.83562,2.46575,1.91781,1.63934,6.30137,4.65753,3.56164,5.19126,5.20548,5.47945,])
array_2 = np.array([43.6,46.3,42.5,41,41.4,41.7,41,40.8,37.3,39.6,36.7,34.6,32.6,29.7,28.8,24.7,27.7,26.8,25,23.6,23.1,24.4,22.6,21.6,19.5,18.1,17.5,17.6,14.9,14.5,13.7,14.1,13.2,12,11,13.9,8.9,11.6,])
array_1_name = "Air pollution in El Paso"
array_2_name = "Arson in United States"

# 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)



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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."

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Correlation ID: 3000 · Black Variable ID: 20586 · Red Variable ID: 20038
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