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Spurious correlation #3,118 · 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 Elizabethtown, Kentucky and the second variable is The marriage rate in Kentucky.  The chart goes from 1999 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

People just didn't have the same spark anymore without all that smog in the air. With cleaner skies, it seems the Kentucky love was no longer in the air.

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image set in a small town in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. The scene depicts a bright, clear sky with rolling hills and blooming flowers in the distance. Couples are taking leisurely walks and chatting openly, enjoying the beauty around them. Meanwhile, a quaint chapel with a decreasing number of wedding ceremonies symbolizes the decrease in the marriage rate in Kentucky. The style should resemble a comic-book-style illustration with muted colors and a dotted halftone pattern from the 1960s. 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 Elizabethtown, Kentucky and The marriage rate in Kentucky. 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 Concept art Art nouveau Low poly Parallax art
ChatGPT: A comic-book-style illustration with muted colors and a dotted halftone pattern from the 1960s

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 Elizabethtown, Kentucky and The marriage rate in Kentucky, in the following situation: Because with the decrease in air pollution, people in Elizabethtown, Kentucky are finally able to see things clearly, including their potential partners. As a result, they're realizing they have less in "common" and are holding off on tying the knot, leading to a decrease in the marriage rate in Kentucky!. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a small town in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, the air is clear and the sky is bright. People can finally see the distant rolling hills and blooming flowers without the haze of air pollution clouding their view. As couples take leisurely walks, they chat openly, noticing the beauty around them. Meanwhile, in a nearby quaint chapel, the number of wedding ceremonies has decreased, with fewer couples saying their vows, symbolizing the decrease in the marriage rate in Kentucky.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You write and improve image generation prompts for DALLE-3. You maintain the same subjects, but enhance the visuals.
User prompt: Please respond with an image generation prompt that would be likely to create an interesting visual using DALLE-3, using the following style: [ A comic-book-style illustration with muted colors and a dotted halftone pattern from the 1960s ] and depicting this scene: In a small town in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, the air is clear and the sky is bright. People can finally see the distant rolling hills and blooming flowers without the haze of air pollution clouding their view. As couples take leisurely walks, they chat openly, noticing the beauty around them. Meanwhile, in a nearby quaint chapel, the number of wedding ceremonies has decreased, with fewer couples saying their vows, symbolizing the decrease in the marriage rate in Kentucky. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image set in a small town in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. The scene depicts a bright, clear sky with rolling hills and blooming flowers in the distance. Couples are taking leisurely walks and chatting openly, enjoying the beauty around them. Meanwhile, a quaint chapel with a decreasing number of wedding ceremonies symbolizes the decrease in the marriage rate in Kentucky. The style should resemble a comic-book-style illustration with muted colors and a dotted halftone pattern from the 1960s.

*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 Elizabethtown, Kentucky caused The marriage rate in Kentucky to decrease. Include one good pun.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Hazy Hitch: Unveiling the Air Pollution Marital-Aid Puzzle in Elizabethtown, Kentucky

The Journal of Environmental Quirks and Quandaries

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 witty academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a statistics journal.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 Elizabethtown, Kentucky and The marriage rate in Kentucky. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Make the title punny if you can come up with clever pun. If not, just make it sound clever.

Your research team used data from Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.7730093 and p < 0.01 for 1999 to 2021.

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

[[TITLE]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit

[[ABSTRACT]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit



ChatGPT:
[[TITLE]]
Hazy Hitch: Unveiling the Air Pollution Marital-Aid Puzzle in Elizabethtown, Kentucky

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper conducts an empirical analysis to unravel the surprising link between air pollution levels in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and the marriage rate in the state. The study utilizes data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics to scrutinize this unexpected association. Our findings reveal a striking correlation coefficient of 0.7730093 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, spanning the years from 1999 to 2021. The results suggest that as air pollution levels rise, so does the marriage rate in Kentucky, fueling speculation as to whether love truly is in the smoggy air. Our analysis unravels this curious connection, offering fresh, albeit breezy, insights into the interplay between environmental factors and romantic pursuits.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a witty academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a statistics journal.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 Elizabethtown, Kentucky and The marriage rate in Kentucky. Make lots of 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]]
Hazy Hitch: Unveiling the Air Pollution Marital-Aid Puzzle in Elizabethtown, Kentucky

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper conducts an empirical analysis to unravel the surprising link between air pollution levels in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and the marriage rate in the state. The study utilizes data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics to scrutinize this unexpected association. Our findings reveal a striking correlation coefficient of 0.7730093 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, spanning the years from 1999 to 2021. The results suggest that as air pollution levels rise, so does the marriage rate in Kentucky, fueling speculation as to whether love truly is in the smoggy air. Our analysis unravels this curious connection, offering fresh, albeit breezy, insights into the interplay between environmental factors and romantic pursuits.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

With the realm of relationship dynamics continually evolving, one cannot help but wonder if there are hidden influencers at play, beyond the classic mix of romance, compatibility, and shared Netflix preferences. In a surprising twist that might leave you breathless (or maybe just a little short of air), our research unravels the curious connection between air pollution in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and the marriage rate in the state. It's a match made in statistical heaven – or perhaps a statistical anomaly that leaves us scratching our heads.

The air pollution-marriage rate puzzle has captivated researchers and statisticians alike, prompting us to delve into this hazy hitch with the urgency of an unsolved love mystery – or rather, a statistical puzzle with a high correlation coefficient. Picture our team of intrepid researchers navigating through a landscape of data, armed with nothing but our wits, spreadsheets, and an arsenal of puns to lighten the statistical mood.

As we embark on this whimsical journey, we'd be remiss not to acknowledge the illustrious tradition of unexpected statistical correlations that have graced the annals of research. From the well-known association between ice cream consumption and drowning accidents to the eyebrow-raising relationship between the number of Nicolas Cage movies released and swimming pool drownings, the world of statistical associations is rife with delightful surprises.

But what distinguishes our investigation is the poignant backdrop of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, a place where the hills are alive with the sound of "I do's" and the air carries the subtle scent of industrial emissions. It is within this setting that we uncover a correlation coefficient so robust, it might just sweep you off your feet – or at least encourage a light, statistically significant tap dance.

Through the lens of rigorous statistical analysis and a healthy dose of whimsy, our research endeavors to shed light on the interplay between environmental factors and amorous pursuits. As we embark on this exploration, fasten your seatbelts, for we are about to journey through the brambles of science, statistics, and the unexpected twists and turns that keep the world of research nothing short of a romance novel. So, buckle up, and get ready to be swept off your feet – by the power of statistical curiosity.


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

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Elizabethtown, Kentucky and The marriage rate in Kentucky. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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

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

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

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Hazy Hitch: Unveiling the Air Pollution Marital-Aid Puzzle in Elizabethtown, Kentucky

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper conducts an empirical analysis to unravel the surprising link between air pollution levels in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and the marriage rate in the state. The study utilizes data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics to scrutinize this unexpected association. Our findings reveal a striking correlation coefficient of 0.7730093 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, spanning the years from 1999 to 2021. The results suggest that as air pollution levels rise, so does the marriage rate in Kentucky, fueling speculation as to whether love truly is in the smoggy air. Our analysis unravels this curious connection, offering fresh, albeit breezy, insights into the interplay between environmental factors and romantic pursuits.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
With the realm of relationship dynamics continually evolving, one cannot help but wonder if there are hidden influencers at play, beyond the classic mix of romance, compatibility, and shared Netflix preferences. In a surprising twist that might leave you breathless (or maybe just a little short of air), our research unravels the curious connection between air pollution in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and the marriage rate in the state. It's a match made in statistical heaven – or perhaps a statistical anomaly that leaves us scratching our heads.
The air pollution-marriage rate puzzle has captivated researchers and statisticians alike, prompting us to delve into this hazy hitch with the urgency of an unsolved love mystery – or rather, a statistical puzzle with a high correlation coefficient. Picture our team of intrepid researchers navigating through a landscape of data, armed with nothing but our wits, spreadsheets, and an arsenal of puns to lighten the statistical mood.
As we embark on this whimsical journey, we'd be remiss not to acknowledge the illustrious tradition of unexpected statistical correlations that have graced the annals of research. From the well-known association between ice cream consumption and drowning accidents to the eyebrow-raising relationship between the number of Nicolas Cage movies released and swimming pool drownings, the world of statistical associations is rife with delightful surprises.
But what distinguishes our investigation is the poignant backdrop of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, a place where the hills are alive with the sound of "I do's" and the air carries the subtle scent of industrial emissions. It is within this setting that we uncover a correlation coefficient so robust, it might just sweep you off your feet – or at least encourage a light, statistically significant tap dance.
Through the lens of rigorous statistical analysis and a healthy dose of whimsy, our research endeavors to shed light on the interplay between environmental factors and amorous pursuits. As we embark on this exploration, fasten your seatbelts, for we are about to journey through the brambles of science, statistics, and the unexpected twists and turns that keep the world of research nothing short of a romance novel. So, buckle up, and get ready to be swept off your feet – by the power of statistical curiosity.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

Turning to the seminal works in the realm of environmental economics and social demography, we encounter a web of studies that set the stage for our investigation into the enigmatic link between air pollution and marriage rates. In "Air Pollution and Socioeconomic Factors in Environmental Justice: Elizabethtown, Kentucky Case Study," Smith et al. (2010) commence this journey by examining the intricate web of pollution patterns in Elizabethtown and its socio-economic implications. The authors find that air pollution levels in the region have far-reaching consequences for communities, but they could not have anticipated the romantic associations we will unveil.

Doe and Jones (2015), in their landmark study "Marriage and Society: From Bonds to Bongs," delve into the cultural and societal factors shaping marriage trends. While their focus is on broad societal shifts, our analysis extends their work to unearth a coalescence of love and air pollutants that might leave even the most steadfast marriage skeptic spellbound.

In a departure from the traditional literature, we draw inspiration from non-fiction sources such as "The Age of Sustainable Development" by Jeffrey D. Sachs, and "Elizabethtown, Kentucky: 200 Years of Change" by John Hardin. These works lay the groundwork for understanding the environmental and societal fabric within which our statistical investigation unfolds.

Taking an unorthodox turn, we turn our attention to the realm of fiction, where we find unexpected companions in "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" by Caitlin Doughty and "Love in the Time of Cholera" by Gabriel García Márquez. While these literary works may seem unrelated, they offer a whimsical perspective on the intersection of air pollution, love, and the peculiarities of human behavior. "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green and "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë, too, hint at the underlying complexities that underpin romantic entanglements and, as we will reveal, their surprising connection to pollution levels in Elizabethtown.

Venturing into unexpected realms, we draw inspiration from popular culture offerings such as "SpongeBob SquarePants" and "Paw Patrol." Within these animated worlds, we discern a peculiar relevance to the interplay between environmental factors and social dynamics, infusing our research with an offbeat charm that mirrors the unexpected correlation we are poised to uncover.

As we wade through this eclectic mix of literature, it becomes evident that our investigation into the confluence of air pollution and marriage rates in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, is not merely an academic pursuit. It is an endeavor that melds statistical rigor with a touch of whimsy, inviting us to witness the humbling dance of statistical associations – a dance that, as we will soon reveal, might just be accompanied by the tune of smog-laden romance.


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

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Elizabethtown, Kentucky and The marriage rate in Kentucky. Make lots of 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 CDC National Vital Statistics . You used data from 1999 to 2021

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

Here is the title, abstract, and introduction of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Hazy Hitch: Unveiling the Air Pollution Marital-Aid Puzzle in Elizabethtown, Kentucky

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper conducts an empirical analysis to unravel the surprising link between air pollution levels in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and the marriage rate in the state. The study utilizes data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics to scrutinize this unexpected association. Our findings reveal a striking correlation coefficient of 0.7730093 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, spanning the years from 1999 to 2021. The results suggest that as air pollution levels rise, so does the marriage rate in Kentucky, fueling speculation as to whether love truly is in the smoggy air. Our analysis unravels this curious connection, offering fresh, albeit breezy, insights into the interplay between environmental factors and romantic pursuits.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
With the realm of relationship dynamics continually evolving, one cannot help but wonder if there are hidden influencers at play, beyond the classic mix of romance, compatibility, and shared Netflix preferences. In a surprising twist that might leave you breathless (or maybe just a little short of air), our research unravels the curious connection between air pollution in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and the marriage rate in the state. It's a match made in statistical heaven – or perhaps a statistical anomaly that leaves us scratching our heads.
The air pollution-marriage rate puzzle has captivated researchers and statisticians alike, prompting us to delve into this hazy hitch with the urgency of an unsolved love mystery – or rather, a statistical puzzle with a high correlation coefficient. Picture our team of intrepid researchers navigating through a landscape of data, armed with nothing but our wits, spreadsheets, and an arsenal of puns to lighten the statistical mood.
As we embark on this whimsical journey, we'd be remiss not to acknowledge the illustrious tradition of unexpected statistical correlations that have graced the annals of research. From the well-known association between ice cream consumption and drowning accidents to the eyebrow-raising relationship between the number of Nicolas Cage movies released and swimming pool drownings, the world of statistical associations is rife with delightful surprises.
But what distinguishes our investigation is the poignant backdrop of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, a place where the hills are alive with the sound of "I do's" and the air carries the subtle scent of industrial emissions. It is within this setting that we uncover a correlation coefficient so robust, it might just sweep you off your feet – or at least encourage a light, statistically significant tap dance.
Through the lens of rigorous statistical analysis and a healthy dose of whimsy, our research endeavors to shed light on the interplay between environmental factors and amorous pursuits. As we embark on this exploration, fasten your seatbelts, for we are about to journey through the brambles of science, statistics, and the unexpected twists and turns that keep the world of research nothing short of a romance novel. So, buckle up, and get ready to be swept off your feet – by the power of statistical curiosity.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To untangle the hazy hitch between air pollution and the marriage rate in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, our research team employed a mix of traditional statistical methods and a sprinkle of statistical whimsy. The data collection process began with a deep dive into the treasure troves of the Environmental Protection Agency and the CDC National Vital Statistics, where we unearthed a wealth of information spanning the years from 1999 to 2021. Armed with spreadsheets, coffee, and an unyielding spirit of scientific inquiry, our intrepid researchers traversed the digital landscape, collecting and verifying data with a diligence reminiscent of a rom-com protagonist pursuing their one true love.

With our datasets in hand, we set out to analyze the relationship between air pollution levels and the marriage rate in Kentucky. In a nod to the complex nature of human relations and statistical analysis, we employed a multivariate regression model that danced through the variables like a couple waltzing on a statistical ballroom floor, accounting for various demographic, economic, and environmental factors. This model not only captured the essence of the data but also wove a tale of intrigue and romance in the form of statistical coefficients and interaction effects.

In addition to our quantitative analysis, we supplemented our investigation with a qualitative exploration of the local context in Elizabethtown. This immersive phase of the research involved engaging with the community, speaking with residents, and inhaling the very air that has sparked our statistical curiosity. Armed with scientific instruments and the wisdom of the locals, we gained a holistic understanding of the environmental landscape, injecting a breath of fresh air into our empirical pursuits.

Furthermore, we conducted a series of sensitivity analyses to ensure the robustness of our findings, subjecting the data to rigorous stress tests that would make even the most stalwart of relationships quiver. These analyses provided insights into the stability of the statistical relationship, affirming the resilience of our results in the face of potential confounding variables or statistical turbulence.

In a striking departure from conventional methodologies, we also incorporated a whimsical approach to data visualization, utilizing infographics and quirky charts to breathe life into our findings. This artistic flair not only added a dash of charm to our research but also invited readers to engage with the data in a manner reminiscent of a lighthearted romantic comedy – with statistical significance as the leading protagonist.

In summary, our methodology bore the hallmarks of rigorous quantitative analysis intertwined with the playful spirit of scientific inquiry. Through a fusion of traditional statistical methods and a touch of statistical whimsy, our research blossomed into an odyssey that unraveled the enigmatic connection between air pollution and the marriage rate in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, offering a narrative that is both compelling and statistically significant.


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

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Elizabethtown, Kentucky and The marriage rate in Kentucky. Make lots of 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 CDC National Vital Statistics .

For the time period 1999 to 2021, you found a correlation 0.7730093, r-squared of 0.5975433, 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]]
Hazy Hitch: Unveiling the Air Pollution Marital-Aid Puzzle in Elizabethtown, Kentucky

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper conducts an empirical analysis to unravel the surprising link between air pollution levels in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and the marriage rate in the state. The study utilizes data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics to scrutinize this unexpected association. Our findings reveal a striking correlation coefficient of 0.7730093 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, spanning the years from 1999 to 2021. The results suggest that as air pollution levels rise, so does the marriage rate in Kentucky, fueling speculation as to whether love truly is in the smoggy air. Our analysis unravels this curious connection, offering fresh, albeit breezy, insights into the interplay between environmental factors and romantic pursuits.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
With the realm of relationship dynamics continually evolving, one cannot help but wonder if there are hidden influencers at play, beyond the classic mix of romance, compatibility, and shared Netflix preferences. In a surprising twist that might leave you breathless (or maybe just a little short of air), our research unravels the curious connection between air pollution in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and the marriage rate in the state. It's a match made in statistical heaven – or perhaps a statistical anomaly that leaves us scratching our heads.
The air pollution-marriage rate puzzle has captivated researchers and statisticians alike, prompting us to delve into this hazy hitch with the urgency of an unsolved love mystery – or rather, a statistical puzzle with a high correlation coefficient. Picture our team of intrepid researchers navigating through a landscape of data, armed with nothing but our wits, spreadsheets, and an arsenal of puns to lighten the statistical mood.
As we embark on this whimsical journey, we'd be remiss not to acknowledge the illustrious tradition of unexpected statistical correlations that have graced the annals of research. From the well-known association between ice cream consumption and drowning accidents to the eyebrow-raising relationship between the number of Nicolas Cage movies released and swimming pool drownings, the world of statistical associations is rife with delightful surprises.
But what distinguishes our investigation is the poignant backdrop of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, a place where the hills are alive with the sound of "I do's" and the air carries the subtle scent of industrial emissions. It is within this setting that we uncover a correlation coefficient so robust, it might just sweep you off your feet – or at least encourage a light, statistically significant tap dance.
Through the lens of rigorous statistical analysis and a healthy dose of whimsy, our research endeavors to shed light on the interplay between environmental factors and amorous pursuits. As we embark on this exploration, fasten your seatbelts, for we are about to journey through the brambles of science, statistics, and the unexpected twists and turns that keep the world of research nothing short of a romance novel. So, buckle up, and get ready to be swept off your feet – by the power of statistical curiosity.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The results of our investigation into the intriguing relationship between air pollution levels in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and the marriage rate in the state have left us both delighted and slightly befuddled – much like stumbling upon a surprise bouquet of statistical roses. Our analysis uncovered a remarkably strong correlation coefficient of 0.7730093, indicating a robust positive relationship between these seemingly unrelated variables. It's as if statistical cupid had taken aim at the unsuspecting realms of pollution and matrimony, yielding a connection that might just be more than a statistical fling.

The r-squared value of 0.5975433 further substantiates the intensity of the association, suggesting that a significant portion of the variability in the marriage rate in Kentucky can be explained by fluctuations in air pollution levels. Imagine statistics as a romantic ballroom dance, where air pollution leads the waltz, and the marriage rate follows in perfect statistical sync, twirling across the dance floor of correlation.

To add an extra sprinkle of intrigue to our findings, the p-value of less than 0.01 lends compelling support to the notion that this correlation is not merely a statistical accident. It's as though the statistical stars aligned to draw our attention to this unlikely love affair between pollution and marriage, teasing our analytical sensibilities with the allure of a statistically significant romance.

For an aesthetically pleasing visual representation of this captivating connection, we present Figure 1, a scatterplot that encapsulates the unmistakable bond between air pollution levels and the marriage rate in Kentucky. As you gaze upon the scatterplot, ponder the sight of data points dancing in harmonious tandem, painting a picture of statistical romance that defies conventional expectations. Much like a romantic sunset, it's a sight to behold – albeit one that unfolds in the enchanting realm of statistics.

Our results cast a whimsical light on the intricate interplay between environmental factors and human endeavors, reminding us that statistical surprises can emerge in the unlikeliest of places – even amidst the haze of air pollution. The puzzle of this quirky correlation invites a renewed appreciation for the delightful, often perplexing, twists and turns that punctuate the landscape of statistical exploration. So, let us raise a toast to the statistical mysteries that infuse our pursuit of knowledge with an unexpected dash of romance and intrigue. Cheers to the uncharted territories of statistical love!


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

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Elizabethtown, Kentucky and The marriage rate in Kentucky. Make lots of 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]]
Hazy Hitch: Unveiling the Air Pollution Marital-Aid Puzzle in Elizabethtown, Kentucky

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper conducts an empirical analysis to unravel the surprising link between air pollution levels in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and the marriage rate in the state. The study utilizes data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics to scrutinize this unexpected association. Our findings reveal a striking correlation coefficient of 0.7730093 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, spanning the years from 1999 to 2021. The results suggest that as air pollution levels rise, so does the marriage rate in Kentucky, fueling speculation as to whether love truly is in the smoggy air. Our analysis unravels this curious connection, offering fresh, albeit breezy, insights into the interplay between environmental factors and romantic pursuits.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
Turning to the seminal works in the realm of environmental economics and social demography, we encounter a web of studies that set the stage for our investigation into the enigmatic link between air pollution and marriage rates. In "Air Pollution and Socioeconomic Factors in Environmental Justice: Elizabethtown, Kentucky Case Study," Smith et al. (2010) commence this journey by examining the intricate web of pollution patterns in Elizabethtown and its socio-economic implications. The authors find that air pollution levels in the region have far-reaching consequences for communities, but they could not have anticipated the romantic associations we will unveil.
Doe and Jones (2015), in their landmark study "Marriage and Society: From Bonds to Bongs," delve into the cultural and societal factors shaping marriage trends. While their focus is on broad societal shifts, our analysis extends their work to unearth a coalescence of love and air pollutants that might leave even the most steadfast marriage skeptic spellbound.
In a departure from the traditional literature, we draw inspiration from non-fiction sources such as "The Age of Sustainable Development" by Jeffrey D. Sachs, and "Elizabethtown, Kentucky: 200 Years of Change" by John Hardin. These works lay the groundwork for understanding the environmental and societal fabric within which our statistical investigation unfolds.
Taking an unorthodox turn, we turn our attention to the realm of fiction, where we find unexpected companions in "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" by Caitlin Doughty and "Love in the Time of Cholera" by Gabriel García Márquez. While these literary works may seem unrelated, they offer a whimsical perspective on the intersection of air pollution, love, and the peculiarities of human behavior. "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green and "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë, too, hint at the underlying complexities that underpin romantic entanglements and, as we will reveal, their surprising connection to pollution levels in Elizabethtown.
Venturing into unexpected realms, we draw inspiration from popular culture offerings such as "SpongeBob SquarePants" and "Paw Patrol." Within these animated worlds, we discern a peculiar relevance to the interplay between environmental factors and social dynamics, infusing our research with an offbeat charm that mirrors the unexpected correlation we are poised to uncover.
As we wade through this eclectic mix of literature, it becomes evident that our investigation into the confluence of air pollution and marriage rates in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, is not merely an academic pursuit. It is an endeavor that melds statistical rigor with a touch of whimsy, inviting us to witness the humbling dance of statistical associations – a dance that, as we will soon reveal, might just be accompanied by the tune of smog-laden romance.

[[RESULTS]]
The results of our investigation into the intriguing relationship between air pollution levels in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and the marriage rate in the state have left us both delighted and slightly befuddled – much like stumbling upon a surprise bouquet of statistical roses. Our analysis uncovered a remarkably strong correlation coefficient of 0.7730093, indicating a robust positive relationship between these seemingly unrelated variables. It's as if statistical cupid had taken aim at the unsuspecting realms of pollution and matrimony, yielding a connection that might just be more than a statistical fling.
The r-squared value of 0.5975433 further substantiates the intensity of the association, suggesting that a significant portion of the variability in the marriage rate in Kentucky can be explained by fluctuations in air pollution levels. Imagine statistics as a romantic ballroom dance, where air pollution leads the waltz, and the marriage rate follows in perfect statistical sync, twirling across the dance floor of correlation.
To add an extra sprinkle of intrigue to our findings, the p-value of less than 0.01 lends compelling support to the notion that this correlation is not merely a statistical accident. It's as though the statistical stars aligned to draw our attention to this unlikely love affair between pollution and marriage, teasing our analytical sensibilities with the allure of a statistically significant romance.
For an aesthetically pleasing visual representation of this captivating connection, we present Figure 1, a scatterplot that encapsulates the unmistakable bond between air pollution levels and the marriage rate in Kentucky. As you gaze upon the scatterplot, ponder the sight of data points dancing in harmonious tandem, painting a picture of statistical romance that defies conventional expectations. Much like a romantic sunset, it's a sight to behold – albeit one that unfolds in the enchanting realm of statistics.
Our results cast a whimsical light on the intricate interplay between environmental factors and human endeavors, reminding us that statistical surprises can emerge in the unlikeliest of places – even amidst the haze of air pollution. The puzzle of this quirky correlation invites a renewed appreciation for the delightful, often perplexing, twists and turns that punctuate the landscape of statistical exploration. So, let us raise a toast to the statistical mysteries that infuse our pursuit of knowledge with an unexpected dash of romance and intrigue. Cheers to the uncharted territories of statistical love!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

In the heartwarming aftermath of our statistical romance saga unfolds the spellbinding discussion of our findings, where love, statistics, and air pollution meld in an unanticipated waltz of correlation. As we gaze at the data points swaying merrily in the scatterplot, it becomes clear that our results have shed a radiant light on the captivating link between air pollution levels in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and the marriage rate in the state. The correlation coefficient of 0.7730093, akin to a mathematical serenade, aligns seamlessly with prior research, affirming the robustness of this unusual statistical dalliance.

Our unorthodox foray into the literature review, where we whimsically wove together the threads of socioeconomic implications, societal factors, and even a touch of fiction and animation, has emerged as a prescient overture to our current findings. As if lifted from the pages of a scientific comedy, the unexpected companions from diverse literary realms have seemingly conspired to illuminate the path to this remarkable correlation, coalescing in a harmonious chorus of statistical intrigue and romantic whimsy.

In a nod to statistical tradition and the pervasive allure of p-values, our results, with a p-value of less than 0.01, reaffirm the substantiality of this statistical liaison, inviting us to revel in the delight of a relationship that defies the mundane expectations of conventional statistical wisdom. It's as if Cupid himself had picked up a statistical calculator to craft this genuine statistical affaire de cœur, leaving us entranced by the enchanting nuances of a love story told through the lens of empirical inquiry.

The r-squared value of 0.5975433, akin to a statistical sonnet, echoes the intensity of the association we have uncovered, underscoring the significant portion of the variability in the marriage rate in Kentucky that can be ascribed to the fluctuations in air pollution levels. Much like a dazzling statistical tango, this value twirls and swirls with such vigor that it beckons us to truly appreciate the profound depth of this unexpected connection, birthing a newfound Romanticism within the hallowed halls of academic research.

As we bask in the glow of our findings, illuminated by the quirky brilliance of this statistical love affair, we are reminded that amidst the haze of air pollution lie the uncharted territories of statistical love – fertile ground where empirical insight and romantic whimsy coalesce in an exhilarating dance of correlation and causation. Let us revel in the delightful perplexities that abound in the landscape of statistical exploration, where even the most seemingly incongruous variables may entwine in a charming statistical pas de deux. The puzzle of this quirky correlation beckons us to embrace the enigmatic nature of statistics, infusing our pursuit of knowledge with an unforeseen dash of romance and intrigue. Cheers to the merry waltz of correlation, where even the most unlikely statistical partners can find a harmonious union in the dance of empirical inquiry.


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

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Elizabethtown, Kentucky and The marriage rate in Kentucky. Make lots of 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]]
Hazy Hitch: Unveiling the Air Pollution Marital-Aid Puzzle in Elizabethtown, Kentucky

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper conducts an empirical analysis to unravel the surprising link between air pollution levels in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and the marriage rate in the state. The study utilizes data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics to scrutinize this unexpected association. Our findings reveal a striking correlation coefficient of 0.7730093 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, spanning the years from 1999 to 2021. The results suggest that as air pollution levels rise, so does the marriage rate in Kentucky, fueling speculation as to whether love truly is in the smoggy air. Our analysis unravels this curious connection, offering fresh, albeit breezy, insights into the interplay between environmental factors and romantic pursuits.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
With the realm of relationship dynamics continually evolving, one cannot help but wonder if there are hidden influencers at play, beyond the classic mix of romance, compatibility, and shared Netflix preferences. In a surprising twist that might leave you breathless (or maybe just a little short of air), our research unravels the curious connection between air pollution in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and the marriage rate in the state. It's a match made in statistical heaven – or perhaps a statistical anomaly that leaves us scratching our heads.
The air pollution-marriage rate puzzle has captivated researchers and statisticians alike, prompting us to delve into this hazy hitch with the urgency of an unsolved love mystery – or rather, a statistical puzzle with a high correlation coefficient. Picture our team of intrepid researchers navigating through a landscape of data, armed with nothing but our wits, spreadsheets, and an arsenal of puns to lighten the statistical mood.
As we embark on this whimsical journey, we'd be remiss not to acknowledge the illustrious tradition of unexpected statistical correlations that have graced the annals of research. From the well-known association between ice cream consumption and drowning accidents to the eyebrow-raising relationship between the number of Nicolas Cage movies released and swimming pool drownings, the world of statistical associations is rife with delightful surprises.
But what distinguishes our investigation is the poignant backdrop of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, a place where the hills are alive with the sound of "I do's" and the air carries the subtle scent of industrial emissions. It is within this setting that we uncover a correlation coefficient so robust, it might just sweep you off your feet – or at least encourage a light, statistically significant tap dance.
Through the lens of rigorous statistical analysis and a healthy dose of whimsy, our research endeavors to shed light on the interplay between environmental factors and amorous pursuits. As we embark on this exploration, fasten your seatbelts, for we are about to journey through the brambles of science, statistics, and the unexpected twists and turns that keep the world of research nothing short of a romance novel. So, buckle up, and get ready to be swept off your feet – by the power of statistical curiosity.

[[RESULTS]]
The results of our investigation into the intriguing relationship between air pollution levels in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and the marriage rate in the state have left us both delighted and slightly befuddled – much like stumbling upon a surprise bouquet of statistical roses. Our analysis uncovered a remarkably strong correlation coefficient of 0.7730093, indicating a robust positive relationship between these seemingly unrelated variables. It's as if statistical cupid had taken aim at the unsuspecting realms of pollution and matrimony, yielding a connection that might just be more than a statistical fling.
The r-squared value of 0.5975433 further substantiates the intensity of the association, suggesting that a significant portion of the variability in the marriage rate in Kentucky can be explained by fluctuations in air pollution levels. Imagine statistics as a romantic ballroom dance, where air pollution leads the waltz, and the marriage rate follows in perfect statistical sync, twirling across the dance floor of correlation.
To add an extra sprinkle of intrigue to our findings, the p-value of less than 0.01 lends compelling support to the notion that this correlation is not merely a statistical accident. It's as though the statistical stars aligned to draw our attention to this unlikely love affair between pollution and marriage, teasing our analytical sensibilities with the allure of a statistically significant romance.
For an aesthetically pleasing visual representation of this captivating connection, we present Figure 1, a scatterplot that encapsulates the unmistakable bond between air pollution levels and the marriage rate in Kentucky. As you gaze upon the scatterplot, ponder the sight of data points dancing in harmonious tandem, painting a picture of statistical romance that defies conventional expectations. Much like a romantic sunset, it's a sight to behold – albeit one that unfolds in the enchanting realm of statistics.
Our results cast a whimsical light on the intricate interplay between environmental factors and human endeavors, reminding us that statistical surprises can emerge in the unlikeliest of places – even amidst the haze of air pollution. The puzzle of this quirky correlation invites a renewed appreciation for the delightful, often perplexing, twists and turns that punctuate the landscape of statistical exploration. So, let us raise a toast to the statistical mysteries that infuse our pursuit of knowledge with an unexpected dash of romance and intrigue. Cheers to the uncharted territories of statistical love!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In the illustrious tradition of unexpected statistical correlations, our research has unveiled a captivating connection between air pollution levels in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and the marriage rate in the state. It seems that love truly is in the (polluted) air! Our findings, with a correlation coefficient so robust it could sweep you off your feet, highlight the whimsical nature of statistical surprises. It's as if statistical cupid had taken aim at the unsuspecting realms of pollution and matrimony, yielding a connection that might just be more than a statistical fling.

The robust positive relationship we've unearthed, akin to a romantic ballroom dance of statistical sync, twirls across the dance floor of correlation, leaving us both delighted and slightly befuddled—much like stumbling upon a surprise bouquet of statistical roses. As we add an extra sprinkle of intrigue to our findings, the p-value of less than 0.01 lends compelling support to the notion that this correlation is not merely a statistical accident. Oh, the statistical stars have aligned for this unlikely love affair between pollution and marriage.

However, as tempting as it may be to delve even deeper into this statistical romance, we assert with unequivocal confidence that no further research is needed in this area. The statistical mysteries that infuse our pursuit of knowledge with an unexpected dash of romance and intrigue have truly been brought to light. After all, how much data can we really pollute with our statistical love stories?

In the words of the great philosopher Plato, "At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet". And as researchers, we find ourselves inexplicably drawn to the poetic allure of statistical romance. So, here's to the hazy hitch of Elizabethtown – a testament to the enchanting, yet befuddling, dance of statistics and love. Cheers to the uncharted territories of statistical love!


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 Hazy Hitch: Unveiling the Air Pollution Marital-Aid Puzzle in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Environmental Quirks and Quandaries


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 Hazy Hitch: Unveiling the Air Pollution Marital-Aid Puzzle in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Center for Atmospheric Insights and Solutions


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 Hazy Hitch: Unveiling the Air Pollution Marital-Aid Puzzle in Elizabethtown, Kentucky with an abstract of This paper conducts an empirical analysis to unravel the surprising link between air pollution levels in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and the marriage rate in the state. The study utilizes data from the Environmental Protection Agency and CDC National Vital Statistics to scrutinize this unexpected association. Our findings reveal a striking correlation coefficient of 0.7730093 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, spanning the years from 1999 to 2021. The results suggest that as air pollution levels rise, so does the marriage rate in Kentucky, fueling speculation as to whether love truly is in the smoggy air. Our analysis unravels this curious connection, offering fresh, albeit breezy, insights into the interplay between environmental factors and romantic pursuits.

ChatGPT:

Elizabethtown Kentucky, air pollution, marriage rate, Environmental Protection Agency, CDC National Vital Statistics, correlation coefficient, p-value, love, smoggy air, environmental factors, romantic pursuits

*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 Elizabethtown, Kentucky
Detailed data title: Percentage of days with air quality at 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' or worse in Elizabethtown-Fort Knox, KY
Source: Environmental Protection Agency
See what else correlates with Air pollution in Elizabethtown, Kentucky

The marriage rate in Kentucky
Source: CDC National Vital Statistics
See what else correlates with The marriage rate in Kentucky

Correlation r = 0.7730093 (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 = 0.5975433 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 59.8% of the change in the one variable (i.e., The marriage rate in Kentucky) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Air pollution in Elizabethtown, Kentucky) over the 23 years from 1999 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 1.5E-5. 0.0000153131540548625700000000
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 0.77 in 0.0015% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 65,303 random variables You don't actually need 65 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 22 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 22 because we have two variables measured over a period of 23 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.

[ 0.53, 0.9 ] 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.
19992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021
Air pollution in Elizabethtown, Kentucky (Bad air quality days)204.961838.510648.928573.191491.052639.122814.181186.790121.111110.2777781.457730.2949852.28013000.2739730.27472500000.274725
The marriage rate in Kentucky (Marriage rate)10.99.8999.18.88.78.47.87.97.67.47.57.27.278696.941727.172517.379357.174156.774236.265454.90776.29841




Why this works

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




Try it yourself

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

    return correlation, r_squared, p_value

# These are the arrays for the variables shown on this page, but you can modify them to be any two sets of numbers
array_1 = np.array([20,4.96183,8.51064,8.92857,3.19149,1.05263,9.12281,4.18118,6.79012,1.11111,0.277778,1.45773,0.294985,2.28013,0,0,0.273973,0.274725,0,0,0,0,0.274725,])
array_2 = np.array([10.9,9.8,9,9,9.1,8.8,8.7,8.4,7.8,7.9,7.6,7.4,7.5,7.2,7.27869,6.94172,7.17251,7.37935,7.17415,6.77423,6.26545,4.9077,6.29841,])
array_1_name = "Air pollution in Elizabethtown, Kentucky"
array_2_name = "The marriage rate in Kentucky"

# 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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Correlation ID: 3118 · Black Variable ID: 20591 · Red Variable ID: 19754
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