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Spurious correlation #3,449 · 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 Huntington, Indiana and the second variable is Google searches for 'how to treat a snake bite'.  The chart goes from 2004 to 2016, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

The higher levels of pollution in the air caused an increase in the size of the local snakes. As a result, residents had to become more knowledgeable about treating snake bites, leading to an uptick in Google searches for 'how to treat a snake bite'.

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: "Generate an image of a serene forest clearing in Huntington, Indiana, with clear blue skies and lush greenery. People are seen strolling and taking in the fresh air. In the center, a group of hikers surround a snake. One of them is confidently using a first aid kit to treat the snake bite, while the others look on with reassurance. Meanwhile, in the background, a dropped phone displays a Google search for 'how to treat a snake bite', but it's no longer needed." 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 Huntington, Indiana and Google searches for 'how to treat a snake bite'. 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: Glitch art Macabre Art nouveau Vaporwave Vaporwave
ChatGPT: Vaporwave

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 Huntington, Indiana and Google searches for 'how to treat a snake bite', in the following situation: Because the decrease in air pollution in Huntington, Indiana led to an increase in oxygen levels, people's brains were able to function at full capacity, allowing them to remember the proper way to treat a snake bite instead of panicking and Googling random remedies involving crushed bananas and glitter.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In Huntington, Indiana, the air is clearer with fewer smoggy clouds lingering over the town. People are outside, taking deep breaths of fresh air. A group of hikers comes across a snake in the woods. One of them confidently uses a first aid kit to treat the snake bite, while the others look on with reassurance. In the background, someone's phone is on the ground, open to the Google search for 'how to treat a snake bite', but it's no longer needed.

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: [ Vaporwave ] and depicting this scene: In Huntington, Indiana, the air is clearer with fewer smoggy clouds lingering over the town. People are outside, taking deep breaths of fresh air. A group of hikers comes across a snake in the woods. One of them confidently uses a first aid kit to treat the snake bite, while the others look on with reassurance. In the background, someone's phone is on the ground, open to the Google search for 'how to treat a snake bite', but it's no longer needed. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: "Generate an image of a serene forest clearing in Huntington, Indiana, with clear blue skies and lush greenery. People are seen strolling and taking in the fresh air. In the center, a group of hikers surround a snake. One of them is confidently using a first aid kit to treat the snake bite, while the others look on with reassurance. Meanwhile, in the background, a dropped phone displays a Google search for 'how to treat a snake bite', but it's no longer needed."

*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 increases in Air pollution in Huntington, Indiana positively influenced how to treat a snake bite (Google searches for 'how to treat a snake bite').

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
The Toxic Tails: A Slithering Connection Between Air Pollution in Huntington, Indiana and Google Searches for 'How to Treat a Snake Bite'

The Journal of Environmental Psychology and Behavioral Ecology

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 silly 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 Huntington, Indiana and Google searches for 'how to treat a snake bite'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Include a pun in the title.

Your research team used data from Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.8389387 and p < 0.01 for 2004 to 2016.

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 "Toxic Tails": A Slithering Connection Between Air Pollution in Huntington, Indiana and Google Searches for 'How to Treat a Snake Bite'

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the surprising correlation between air pollution levels in Huntington, Indiana, and the frequency of Google searches related to snake bite treatment. Our research team collected and analyzed data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends spanning the years 2004 to 2016. The results revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8389387 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, indicating a strong association between these seemingly unrelated phenomena.

While initially perplexing, our findings highlight a potential behavioral response to environmental cues and an unconventional impact of air pollution on public health concerns. The correlation prompts speculation about the influence of environmental stressors on human behavior and the surprising ways in which individuals seek information when faced with unusual circumstances. This study not only sheds light on the whimsical connections that arise from big data analysis but also underscores the importance of addressing air pollution for both human and reptilian inhabitants of Huntington, Indiana. In conclusion, while our results may leave some scratching their heads, they undoubtedly lend credence to the old adage: "Where there's smog, there's a hiss-terious relationship with snake-related inquiries."


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a silly 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 Huntington, Indiana and Google searches for 'how to treat a snake bite'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The "Toxic Tails": A Slithering Connection Between Air Pollution in Huntington, Indiana and Google Searches for 'How to Treat a Snake Bite'

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the surprising correlation between air pollution levels in Huntington, Indiana, and the frequency of Google searches related to snake bite treatment. Our research team collected and analyzed data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends spanning the years 2004 to 2016. The results revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8389387 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, indicating a strong association between these seemingly unrelated phenomena.

While initially perplexing, our findings highlight a potential behavioral response to environmental cues and an unconventional impact of air pollution on public health concerns. The correlation prompts speculation about the influence of environmental stressors on human behavior and the surprising ways in which individuals seek information when faced with unusual circumstances. This study not only sheds light on the whimsical connections that arise from big data analysis but also underscores the importance of addressing air pollution for both human and reptilian inhabitants of Huntington, Indiana. In conclusion, while our results may leave some scratching their heads, they undoubtedly lend credence to the old adage: "Where there's smog, there's a hiss-terious relationship with snake-related inquiries."

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

Industrialization and urbanization have undeniably brought about numerous advances in technology and quality of life. However, the insidious taint of air pollution has weaved its way into the very fabric of modern society, leaving an indelible mark on public health and environmental quality. Despite extensive efforts to mitigate its effects, air pollution continues to present a vexing challenge, much like an elusive serpent slithering through the foliage of societal well-being. Our study delves into the perplexing interplay between air pollution in Huntington, Indiana, and the seemingly incongruous surge in Google searches for 'how to treat a snake bite'.

The "Toxic Tails" study embarks on a quest to unravel the enigmatic relationship between seemingly unrelated phenomena by employing a nuanced approach that blends environmental science with digital epidemiology. As the astute reader might note, this connection is as unexpected as discovering a snake in a haystack. However, our rigorous methodology, which involved extensive data collection and meticulous statistical analysis, revealed a compelling correlation that warrants further scrutiny and contemplation.

The genesis of this research stemmed from an innocuous observation–the observation that brought to light an unusual pattern quivering within the tangled web of data. As researchers, we are trained to maintain a keen eye for the unanticipated, an ability that sometimes leads us down serpentine paths of inquiry. Theorizing about the possible explanations for this surprising finding has been akin to traversing a labyrinth fraught with twists and turns, much like the elusive dance of a serpent in pursuit of its prey.

While our study may be perceived as unconventional or even whimsical by some, it represents a notable endeavor to peer into the murky undergrowth of environmental impact on human behavior. Our findings offer a compelling glimpse into the serpentine nature of human curiosity and the unexpected consequences of environmental stressors. For skeptics who may deride the significance of our findings, we caution them not to dismiss the remarkable trail of evidence too hastily, for as the ancient wisdom suggests, "Where there's smog, there's a hiss-terious relationship with snake-related inquiries."


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a silly 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 Huntington, Indiana and Google searches for 'how to treat a snake bite'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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

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

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

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The "Toxic Tails": A Slithering Connection Between Air Pollution in Huntington, Indiana and Google Searches for 'How to Treat a Snake Bite'

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the surprising correlation between air pollution levels in Huntington, Indiana, and the frequency of Google searches related to snake bite treatment. Our research team collected and analyzed data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends spanning the years 2004 to 2016. The results revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8389387 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, indicating a strong association between these seemingly unrelated phenomena.

While initially perplexing, our findings highlight a potential behavioral response to environmental cues and an unconventional impact of air pollution on public health concerns. The correlation prompts speculation about the influence of environmental stressors on human behavior and the surprising ways in which individuals seek information when faced with unusual circumstances. This study not only sheds light on the whimsical connections that arise from big data analysis but also underscores the importance of addressing air pollution for both human and reptilian inhabitants of Huntington, Indiana. In conclusion, while our results may leave some scratching their heads, they undoubtedly lend credence to the old adage: "Where there's smog, there's a hiss-terious relationship with snake-related inquiries."

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
Industrialization and urbanization have undeniably brought about numerous advances in technology and quality of life. However, the insidious taint of air pollution has weaved its way into the very fabric of modern society, leaving an indelible mark on public health and environmental quality. Despite extensive efforts to mitigate its effects, air pollution continues to present a vexing challenge, much like an elusive serpent slithering through the foliage of societal well-being. Our study delves into the perplexing interplay between air pollution in Huntington, Indiana, and the seemingly incongruous surge in Google searches for 'how to treat a snake bite'.
The "Toxic Tails" study embarks on a quest to unravel the enigmatic relationship between seemingly unrelated phenomena by employing a nuanced approach that blends environmental science with digital epidemiology. As the astute reader might note, this connection is as unexpected as discovering a snake in a haystack. However, our rigorous methodology, which involved extensive data collection and meticulous statistical analysis, revealed a compelling correlation that warrants further scrutiny and contemplation.
The genesis of this research stemmed from an innocuous observation–the observation that brought to light an unusual pattern quivering within the tangled web of data. As researchers, we are trained to maintain a keen eye for the unanticipated, an ability that sometimes leads us down serpentine paths of inquiry. Theorizing about the possible explanations for this surprising finding has been akin to traversing a labyrinth fraught with twists and turns, much like the elusive dance of a serpent in pursuit of its prey.
While our study may be perceived as unconventional or even whimsical by some, it represents a notable endeavor to peer into the murky undergrowth of environmental impact on human behavior. Our findings offer a compelling glimpse into the serpentine nature of human curiosity and the unexpected consequences of environmental stressors. For skeptics who may deride the significance of our findings, we caution them not to dismiss the remarkable trail of evidence too hastily, for as the ancient wisdom suggests, "Where there's smog, there's a hiss-terious relationship with snake-related inquiries."

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

Smith (2010) investigated the impact of air pollution on public health in urban areas, highlighting the detrimental effects of particulate matter and traffic-related emissions. Doe et al. (2015) similarly examined the correlation between air quality and respiratory illnesses, emphasizing the need for stringent pollution control measures. These seminal studies have laid the groundwork for understanding the pervasive influence of air pollution on human well-being, setting the stage for our exploration of a rather unexpected consequence of environmental contamination – the surge in Google searches for snake bite treatment.

Expanding beyond the realm of environmental science, "Air Pollution and Human Health" by Jones (2017) provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted repercussions of air pollution, ranging from cardiovascular diseases to neurological disorders. In a similar vein, "The Impacts of Environmental Stressors" by Garcia (2014) delves into the intricate interplay between environmental factors and human behavior, offering insightful perspectives on the nuanced ways in which individuals respond to their surroundings.

Shifting gears somewhat, "The Complete Guide to Surviving Snake Encounters" by Wilder (2019) and "Venomous Creatures of the Midwest" by Scales (2016) offer practical insights into handling snake-related emergencies, albeit with a tangential relation to the context of air pollution. Turning to fictional accounts, "Snakebitten: A Tale of Unexpected Encounters" by Hissman (2012) and "Toxic Tangles: A Serpentine Saga" by Slytherin (2008) present intriguing narratives that intertwine human curiosity with the enigmatic allure of snakes, albeit in a purely fictional context.

Furthermore, our research team took the liberty of perusing cinematic creations that might offer a whimsical parallel to our study. The movies "Snakes on a Plane" and "Anaconda" venture into the realm of serpentine encounters, albeit in a dramatically heightened setting that bears little relevance to the air pollution inquiries at hand. Nonetheless, these cinematic diversions add a touch of levity to our scholarly pursuits, reminding us that even the most serious of inquiries can benefit from a whimsical interlude.

In light of these diverse sources, our objective is to contextualize the peculiar correlation between air pollution and snake bite inquiries within the broader tapestry of environmental impact on human behavior. While the connections may at first seem far-fetched, our findings lend credence to the adage that truth is indeed stranger than fiction.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a silly 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 Huntington, Indiana and Google searches for 'how to treat a snake bite'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends . You used data from 2004 to 2016

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 "Toxic Tails": A Slithering Connection Between Air Pollution in Huntington, Indiana and Google Searches for 'How to Treat a Snake Bite'

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the surprising correlation between air pollution levels in Huntington, Indiana, and the frequency of Google searches related to snake bite treatment. Our research team collected and analyzed data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends spanning the years 2004 to 2016. The results revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8389387 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, indicating a strong association between these seemingly unrelated phenomena.

While initially perplexing, our findings highlight a potential behavioral response to environmental cues and an unconventional impact of air pollution on public health concerns. The correlation prompts speculation about the influence of environmental stressors on human behavior and the surprising ways in which individuals seek information when faced with unusual circumstances. This study not only sheds light on the whimsical connections that arise from big data analysis but also underscores the importance of addressing air pollution for both human and reptilian inhabitants of Huntington, Indiana. In conclusion, while our results may leave some scratching their heads, they undoubtedly lend credence to the old adage: "Where there's smog, there's a hiss-terious relationship with snake-related inquiries."

[[INTRODUCTION]]
Industrialization and urbanization have undeniably brought about numerous advances in technology and quality of life. However, the insidious taint of air pollution has weaved its way into the very fabric of modern society, leaving an indelible mark on public health and environmental quality. Despite extensive efforts to mitigate its effects, air pollution continues to present a vexing challenge, much like an elusive serpent slithering through the foliage of societal well-being. Our study delves into the perplexing interplay between air pollution in Huntington, Indiana, and the seemingly incongruous surge in Google searches for 'how to treat a snake bite'.
The "Toxic Tails" study embarks on a quest to unravel the enigmatic relationship between seemingly unrelated phenomena by employing a nuanced approach that blends environmental science with digital epidemiology. As the astute reader might note, this connection is as unexpected as discovering a snake in a haystack. However, our rigorous methodology, which involved extensive data collection and meticulous statistical analysis, revealed a compelling correlation that warrants further scrutiny and contemplation.
The genesis of this research stemmed from an innocuous observation–the observation that brought to light an unusual pattern quivering within the tangled web of data. As researchers, we are trained to maintain a keen eye for the unanticipated, an ability that sometimes leads us down serpentine paths of inquiry. Theorizing about the possible explanations for this surprising finding has been akin to traversing a labyrinth fraught with twists and turns, much like the elusive dance of a serpent in pursuit of its prey.
While our study may be perceived as unconventional or even whimsical by some, it represents a notable endeavor to peer into the murky undergrowth of environmental impact on human behavior. Our findings offer a compelling glimpse into the serpentine nature of human curiosity and the unexpected consequences of environmental stressors. For skeptics who may deride the significance of our findings, we caution them not to dismiss the remarkable trail of evidence too hastily, for as the ancient wisdom suggests, "Where there's smog, there's a hiss-terious relationship with snake-related inquiries."

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

In order to unravel the intertwining trajectories of air pollution and snake-related internet search behavior, our research team employed an eclectic blend of research methods, drawing from the fields of environmental science and digital epidemiology. The genesis of our methodology can be likened to untangling a coiled serpent, requiring patience, precision, and perhaps a dash of audacity.

Data Collection:
We cast a wide net across the digital landscape, harnessing the power of online repositories and search engines to capture the elusive markers of air pollution and snake-related probing. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) served as our primary source for air quality data, providing a wealth of information on pollutant concentrations, including particulate matter, ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Not to rattle any cages, but navigating the labyrinth of environmental data sources resembled a cautious dance with a venomous creature, requiring cunning and restraint to capture the essence of air quality in Huntington, Indiana.

Simultaneously, we delved into the cryptic world of internet searches, utilizing Google Trends as a window into the digital cravings of individuals seeking guidance on 'how to treat a snake bite'. The amalgamation of environmental data and online inquiry patterns may seem as incongruous as a mongoose at a tea party, but our intrepid research team ventured forth undaunted.

Data Analysis:
Assembling the disparate threads of air pollution and snake bite intrigue necessitated a methodological approach akin to decoding serpentine hieroglyphics. We wielded the sword of statistical analysis with precision, calculating correlation coefficients and performing time-series analyses to discern the ebb and flow of these seemingly disparate phenomena. The intertwining patterns of air pollution data and snake-related search queries unfurled before us with a mesmerizing, albeit unexpected, cadence.

Our statistical arsenal, including Pearson correlation coefficients and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models, became our steadfast companions in navigating this peculiar labyrinth of data. We diligently scrutinized the temporal rhythm of air pollution levels and the corresponding fluctuations in snake bite inquiries, seeking to unveil the latent synchrony lurking beneath the surface of these enigmatic trends.

The Unexpected Nature of Discovery:
As our research journey unfolded, we traversed uncharted terrain, encountering both dead ends and promising leads in equal measure. The inquisitive nature of our investigation conjured images of a mongoose darting through the underbrush in pursuit of an elusive quarry. We found ourselves entranced by the serendipity of our discoveries, much like finding an unexpected companion in the form of a slithery cohabitant within our data.

Inevitably, our methodology forged a bridge between environmental science and digital epidemiology, offering a fresh perspective on the serpentine undercurrents of human behavior in the face of environmental stressors. Our approach, while characterized by twists and turns akin to a snake's sinuous motion, brought forth a bountiful harvest of data-driven insights, proving that even the most unconventional research paths can lead to revelatory destinations.

In conclusion, our methodology, guided by equal parts fortitude and whimsy, illuminated the undulating relationship between air pollution and the curious pursuit of snake bite remedies, demonstrating that within the seemingly nonsensical lay the seeds of profound understanding.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a silly 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 Huntington, Indiana and Google searches for 'how to treat a snake bite'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

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

For the time period 2004 to 2016, you found a correlation 0.8389387, r-squared of 0.7038182, 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 "Toxic Tails": A Slithering Connection Between Air Pollution in Huntington, Indiana and Google Searches for 'How to Treat a Snake Bite'

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the surprising correlation between air pollution levels in Huntington, Indiana, and the frequency of Google searches related to snake bite treatment. Our research team collected and analyzed data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends spanning the years 2004 to 2016. The results revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8389387 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, indicating a strong association between these seemingly unrelated phenomena.

While initially perplexing, our findings highlight a potential behavioral response to environmental cues and an unconventional impact of air pollution on public health concerns. The correlation prompts speculation about the influence of environmental stressors on human behavior and the surprising ways in which individuals seek information when faced with unusual circumstances. This study not only sheds light on the whimsical connections that arise from big data analysis but also underscores the importance of addressing air pollution for both human and reptilian inhabitants of Huntington, Indiana. In conclusion, while our results may leave some scratching their heads, they undoubtedly lend credence to the old adage: "Where there's smog, there's a hiss-terious relationship with snake-related inquiries."

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
Industrialization and urbanization have undeniably brought about numerous advances in technology and quality of life. However, the insidious taint of air pollution has weaved its way into the very fabric of modern society, leaving an indelible mark on public health and environmental quality. Despite extensive efforts to mitigate its effects, air pollution continues to present a vexing challenge, much like an elusive serpent slithering through the foliage of societal well-being. Our study delves into the perplexing interplay between air pollution in Huntington, Indiana, and the seemingly incongruous surge in Google searches for 'how to treat a snake bite'.
The "Toxic Tails" study embarks on a quest to unravel the enigmatic relationship between seemingly unrelated phenomena by employing a nuanced approach that blends environmental science with digital epidemiology. As the astute reader might note, this connection is as unexpected as discovering a snake in a haystack. However, our rigorous methodology, which involved extensive data collection and meticulous statistical analysis, revealed a compelling correlation that warrants further scrutiny and contemplation.
The genesis of this research stemmed from an innocuous observation–the observation that brought to light an unusual pattern quivering within the tangled web of data. As researchers, we are trained to maintain a keen eye for the unanticipated, an ability that sometimes leads us down serpentine paths of inquiry. Theorizing about the possible explanations for this surprising finding has been akin to traversing a labyrinth fraught with twists and turns, much like the elusive dance of a serpent in pursuit of its prey.
While our study may be perceived as unconventional or even whimsical by some, it represents a notable endeavor to peer into the murky undergrowth of environmental impact on human behavior. Our findings offer a compelling glimpse into the serpentine nature of human curiosity and the unexpected consequences of environmental stressors. For skeptics who may deride the significance of our findings, we caution them not to dismiss the remarkable trail of evidence too hastily, for as the ancient wisdom suggests, "Where there's smog, there's a hiss-terious relationship with snake-related inquiries."

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The analysis of the data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends from the years 2004 to 2016 yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.8389387, with an r-squared value of 0.7038182 and a p-value of less than 0.01. This indicates a robust and statistically significant relationship between air pollution in Huntington, Indiana, and the frequency of Google searches for 'how to treat a snake bite'.

The scatterplot shown in Figure 1 exemplifies the strong positive association observed between the two variables. It reveals a trend that appears to slither through the data, highlighting the intriguing bond between air pollution and public interest in handling snake bites. It's almost as if the data itself is whispering, "ssss-something sssstrange is happening in Huntington."

The strength of this correlation should not be underestimated, much like the sinewy power of snakes in the ecosystem. The r-squared value indicates that approximately 70.3% of the variability in snake bite-related searches can be explained by variations in air pollution levels. This significant association raises interesting questions about the behavioral responses of the populace to environmental stressors, akin to the instinctive maneuvers of a snake navigating its habitat.

These findings prompt contemplation on the potential psychological and physiological effects of air pollution, and undoubtedly, inject a dose of humor into the field of environmental research. The unexpected linkage identified in this study serves as a stark reminder that the whims of data can often lead to serendipitous discoveries of truly hiss-terious connections - a testament to the uncanny surprises that await those who dare to delve into the depths of big data analysis.

In conclusion, the "Toxic Tails" study has unearthed a thought-provoking relationship between air pollution and public inquiries related to snake bites, showcasing the broader significance of addressing air quality for both human and reptilian welfare. However, the true extent of this connection and its potential implications remains a topic of further investigation. This study underscores the enduring truth of the old adage: "In the world of data analysis, one must always be prepared to hiss-torically stumble upon the unexpected."


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a silly 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 Huntington, Indiana and Google searches for 'how to treat a snake bite'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

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 "Toxic Tails": A Slithering Connection Between Air Pollution in Huntington, Indiana and Google Searches for 'How to Treat a Snake Bite'

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the surprising correlation between air pollution levels in Huntington, Indiana, and the frequency of Google searches related to snake bite treatment. Our research team collected and analyzed data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends spanning the years 2004 to 2016. The results revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8389387 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, indicating a strong association between these seemingly unrelated phenomena.

While initially perplexing, our findings highlight a potential behavioral response to environmental cues and an unconventional impact of air pollution on public health concerns. The correlation prompts speculation about the influence of environmental stressors on human behavior and the surprising ways in which individuals seek information when faced with unusual circumstances. This study not only sheds light on the whimsical connections that arise from big data analysis but also underscores the importance of addressing air pollution for both human and reptilian inhabitants of Huntington, Indiana. In conclusion, while our results may leave some scratching their heads, they undoubtedly lend credence to the old adage: "Where there's smog, there's a hiss-terious relationship with snake-related inquiries."

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
Smith (2010) investigated the impact of air pollution on public health in urban areas, highlighting the detrimental effects of particulate matter and traffic-related emissions. Doe et al. (2015) similarly examined the correlation between air quality and respiratory illnesses, emphasizing the need for stringent pollution control measures. These seminal studies have laid the groundwork for understanding the pervasive influence of air pollution on human well-being, setting the stage for our exploration of a rather unexpected consequence of environmental contamination – the surge in Google searches for snake bite treatment.
Expanding beyond the realm of environmental science, "Air Pollution and Human Health" by Jones (2017) provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted repercussions of air pollution, ranging from cardiovascular diseases to neurological disorders. In a similar vein, "The Impacts of Environmental Stressors" by Garcia (2014) delves into the intricate interplay between environmental factors and human behavior, offering insightful perspectives on the nuanced ways in which individuals respond to their surroundings.
Shifting gears somewhat, "The Complete Guide to Surviving Snake Encounters" by Wilder (2019) and "Venomous Creatures of the Midwest" by Scales (2016) offer practical insights into handling snake-related emergencies, albeit with a tangential relation to the context of air pollution. Turning to fictional accounts, "Snakebitten: A Tale of Unexpected Encounters" by Hissman (2012) and "Toxic Tangles: A Serpentine Saga" by Slytherin (2008) present intriguing narratives that intertwine human curiosity with the enigmatic allure of snakes, albeit in a purely fictional context.
Furthermore, our research team took the liberty of perusing cinematic creations that might offer a whimsical parallel to our study. The movies "Snakes on a Plane" and "Anaconda" venture into the realm of serpentine encounters, albeit in a dramatically heightened setting that bears little relevance to the air pollution inquiries at hand. Nonetheless, these cinematic diversions add a touch of levity to our scholarly pursuits, reminding us that even the most serious of inquiries can benefit from a whimsical interlude.
In light of these diverse sources, our objective is to contextualize the peculiar correlation between air pollution and snake bite inquiries within the broader tapestry of environmental impact on human behavior. While the connections may at first seem far-fetched, our findings lend credence to the adage that truth is indeed stranger than fiction.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends from the years 2004 to 2016 yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.8389387, with an r-squared value of 0.7038182 and a p-value of less than 0.01. This indicates a robust and statistically significant relationship between air pollution in Huntington, Indiana, and the frequency of Google searches for 'how to treat a snake bite'.
The scatterplot shown in Figure 1 exemplifies the strong positive association observed between the two variables. It reveals a trend that appears to slither through the data, highlighting the intriguing bond between air pollution and public interest in handling snake bites. It's almost as if the data itself is whispering, "ssss-something sssstrange is happening in Huntington."
The strength of this correlation should not be underestimated, much like the sinewy power of snakes in the ecosystem. The r-squared value indicates that approximately 70.3% of the variability in snake bite-related searches can be explained by variations in air pollution levels. This significant association raises interesting questions about the behavioral responses of the populace to environmental stressors, akin to the instinctive maneuvers of a snake navigating its habitat.
These findings prompt contemplation on the potential psychological and physiological effects of air pollution, and undoubtedly, inject a dose of humor into the field of environmental research. The unexpected linkage identified in this study serves as a stark reminder that the whims of data can often lead to serendipitous discoveries of truly hiss-terious connections - a testament to the uncanny surprises that await those who dare to delve into the depths of big data analysis.
In conclusion, the "Toxic Tails" study has unearthed a thought-provoking relationship between air pollution and public inquiries related to snake bites, showcasing the broader significance of addressing air quality for both human and reptilian welfare. However, the true extent of this connection and its potential implications remains a topic of further investigation. This study underscores the enduring truth of the old adage: "In the world of data analysis, one must always be prepared to hiss-torically stumble upon the unexpected."

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The unexpected correlation between air pollution levels in Huntington, Indiana, and the frequency of Google searches for 'how to treat a snake bite' has left us all in a state of bemusement. While snaking our way through the literature review, we encountered an array of diverse sources, ranging from scholarly journals to fictional accounts and cinematic diversions, each offering its own twist to the narrative of serpentine encounters. Seizing upon the tangentially relevant works, we find ourselves compelled to hiss-torically emphasize their subtle resonance in the backdrop of our seemingly quirky findings.

The parallel between our research and the fictional tales of unexpected snake encounters, such as "Snakebitten: A Tale of Unexpected Encounters" by Hissman and "Toxic Tangles: A Serpentine Saga" by Slytherin, imparts a touch of whimsy to our scholarly pursuits. These narratives, while purely fictitious, echo the unforeseen ways in which human curiosity intersects with the enigmatic allure of snakes. Similarly, the cinematic distractions of "Snakes on a Plane" and "Anaconda" may seem entirely unrelated to our study, but they serve as a playful reminder that even the most serpentine of inquiries can benefit from a lighthearted interlude. It is almost as if our research, like these fictional and cinematic creations, has slithered into a territory that elicits both amusement and contemplation.

Moreover, our findings, displayed in the robust correlation coefficient and statistically significant p-value, provide concrete support for the whimsically unexpected connection alluded to in these diverse sources. The strong association observed between air pollution and snake bite inquiries not only underscores the potential behavioral responses to environmental stressors but also injects a touch of humor into the field of environmental research. It's as if the data itself has embarked on a humorous sojourn, whispering that "ssss-something sssstrange is happening in Huntington."

Our study encourages us to ponder the psychological and physiological implications of air pollution, much like the instinctive maneuvers of a snake navigating its habitat. The unanticipated linkage identified here serves as a stark reminder that the whims of data can lead to unforeseen discoveries and hiss-terious connections – a testament to the serendipitous surprises that await those inclined to delve into the depths of big data analysis.

In essence, while our results may appear to be a curious artifact of data mining, they undoubtedly reinforce the age-old yet apt adage: "Where there's smog, there's a hiss-terious relationship with snake-related inquiries." Therefore, we are left with a lingering question - as we delve deeper into the depths of data analysis, are we prepared to handle the unexpected serpentine twists and turns that may slither our way?


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a silly 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 Huntington, Indiana and Google searches for 'how to treat a snake bite'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

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 "Toxic Tails": A Slithering Connection Between Air Pollution in Huntington, Indiana and Google Searches for 'How to Treat a Snake Bite'

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the surprising correlation between air pollution levels in Huntington, Indiana, and the frequency of Google searches related to snake bite treatment. Our research team collected and analyzed data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends spanning the years 2004 to 2016. The results revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8389387 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, indicating a strong association between these seemingly unrelated phenomena.

While initially perplexing, our findings highlight a potential behavioral response to environmental cues and an unconventional impact of air pollution on public health concerns. The correlation prompts speculation about the influence of environmental stressors on human behavior and the surprising ways in which individuals seek information when faced with unusual circumstances. This study not only sheds light on the whimsical connections that arise from big data analysis but also underscores the importance of addressing air pollution for both human and reptilian inhabitants of Huntington, Indiana. In conclusion, while our results may leave some scratching their heads, they undoubtedly lend credence to the old adage: "Where there's smog, there's a hiss-terious relationship with snake-related inquiries."

[[INTRDUCTION]]
Industrialization and urbanization have undeniably brought about numerous advances in technology and quality of life. However, the insidious taint of air pollution has weaved its way into the very fabric of modern society, leaving an indelible mark on public health and environmental quality. Despite extensive efforts to mitigate its effects, air pollution continues to present a vexing challenge, much like an elusive serpent slithering through the foliage of societal well-being. Our study delves into the perplexing interplay between air pollution in Huntington, Indiana, and the seemingly incongruous surge in Google searches for 'how to treat a snake bite'.
The "Toxic Tails" study embarks on a quest to unravel the enigmatic relationship between seemingly unrelated phenomena by employing a nuanced approach that blends environmental science with digital epidemiology. As the astute reader might note, this connection is as unexpected as discovering a snake in a haystack. However, our rigorous methodology, which involved extensive data collection and meticulous statistical analysis, revealed a compelling correlation that warrants further scrutiny and contemplation.
The genesis of this research stemmed from an innocuous observation–the observation that brought to light an unusual pattern quivering within the tangled web of data. As researchers, we are trained to maintain a keen eye for the unanticipated, an ability that sometimes leads us down serpentine paths of inquiry. Theorizing about the possible explanations for this surprising finding has been akin to traversing a labyrinth fraught with twists and turns, much like the elusive dance of a serpent in pursuit of its prey.
While our study may be perceived as unconventional or even whimsical by some, it represents a notable endeavor to peer into the murky undergrowth of environmental impact on human behavior. Our findings offer a compelling glimpse into the serpentine nature of human curiosity and the unexpected consequences of environmental stressors. For skeptics who may deride the significance of our findings, we caution them not to dismiss the remarkable trail of evidence too hastily, for as the ancient wisdom suggests, "Where there's smog, there's a hiss-terious relationship with snake-related inquiries."

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends from the years 2004 to 2016 yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.8389387, with an r-squared value of 0.7038182 and a p-value of less than 0.01. This indicates a robust and statistically significant relationship between air pollution in Huntington, Indiana, and the frequency of Google searches for 'how to treat a snake bite'.
The scatterplot shown in Figure 1 exemplifies the strong positive association observed between the two variables. It reveals a trend that appears to slither through the data, highlighting the intriguing bond between air pollution and public interest in handling snake bites. It's almost as if the data itself is whispering, "ssss-something sssstrange is happening in Huntington."
The strength of this correlation should not be underestimated, much like the sinewy power of snakes in the ecosystem. The r-squared value indicates that approximately 70.3% of the variability in snake bite-related searches can be explained by variations in air pollution levels. This significant association raises interesting questions about the behavioral responses of the populace to environmental stressors, akin to the instinctive maneuvers of a snake navigating its habitat.
These findings prompt contemplation on the potential psychological and physiological effects of air pollution, and undoubtedly, inject a dose of humor into the field of environmental research. The unexpected linkage identified in this study serves as a stark reminder that the whims of data can often lead to serendipitous discoveries of truly hiss-terious connections - a testament to the uncanny surprises that await those who dare to delve into the depths of big data analysis.
In conclusion, the "Toxic Tails" study has unearthed a thought-provoking relationship between air pollution and public inquiries related to snake bites, showcasing the broader significance of addressing air quality for both human and reptilian welfare. However, the true extent of this connection and its potential implications remains a topic of further investigation. This study underscores the enduring truth of the old adage: "In the world of data analysis, one must always be prepared to hiss-torically stumble upon the unexpected."

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In the wake of our thorough investigation, we are left to ponder the whimsical dance between air pollution and snake bite-related inquiries. Our findings not only support a correlation but also underline a peculiar intersection of environmental phenomena and public curiosity. One cannot help but admire the serpentine twists and turns that emerge in the pursuit of understanding this unexpected relationship. As we wrap up our expedition through this unexpected territory, we are reminded of the slithering surprises that await those intrepid enough to delve into the depths of data analysis.

While the allure of this unusual correlation may tempt further inquiry, we dare to assert that the curtain has fallen on this particular act. Future researchers would be hard-pressed to match the intrigue and amusement that this inquiry has brought. In the world of scholarly pursuits, we must recognize when a tale has reached its conclusion. As the final note in this strange symphony, we assert confidently that no more research is needed in this area. For, as the sage scholars have said, "When you've found the snake in the data, it's time to let the serpent slumber."


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 Toxic Tails: A Slithering Connection Between Air Pollution in Huntington, Indiana and Google Searches for 'How to Treat a Snake Bite'. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Environmental Psychology and Behavioral Ecology


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 Toxic Tails: A Slithering Connection Between Air Pollution in Huntington, Indiana and Google Searches for 'How to Treat a Snake Bite'. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Society for Environmental Health and Reptile Awareness


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 Toxic Tails: A Slithering Connection Between Air Pollution in Huntington, Indiana and Google Searches for 'How to Treat a Snake Bite' with an abstract of This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the surprising correlation between air pollution levels in Huntington, Indiana, and the frequency of Google searches related to snake bite treatment. Our research team collected and analyzed data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends spanning the years 2004 to 2016. The results revealed a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8389387 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, indicating a strong association between these seemingly unrelated phenomena.
While initially perplexing, our findings highlight a potential behavioral response to environmental cues and an unconventional impact of air pollution on public health concerns. The correlation prompts speculation about the influence of environmental stressors on human behavior and the surprising ways in which individuals seek information when faced with unusual circumstances. This study not only sheds light on the whimsical connections that arise from big data analysis but also underscores the importance of addressing air pollution for both human and reptilian inhabitants of Huntington, Indiana. In conclusion, while our results may leave some scratching their heads, they undoubtedly lend credence to the old adage: "Where there's smog, there's a hiss-terious relationship with snake-related inquiries.

ChatGPT:

air pollution, Huntington Indiana, Google searches, snake bite treatment, environmental cues, public health concerns, big data analysis, behavioral response, correlation coefficient, EPA data, Google Trends, human behavior, environmental stressors

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

Google searches for 'how to treat a snake bite'
Detailed data title: Relative volume of Google searches for 'how to treat a snake bite' (Worldwide, without quotes)
Source: Google Trends
Additional Info: Relative search volume (not absolute numbers)

See what else correlates with Google searches for 'how to treat a snake bite'

Correlation r = 0.8389387 (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 = 0.7038182 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 70.4% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Google searches for 'how to treat a snake bite') is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Air pollution in Huntington, Indiana) over the 13 years from 2004 through 2016.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 0.00034. 0.0003373079975874448500000000
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 0.84 in 0.034% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 2,965 random variables Which I absolutely did.
with the same 12 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 12 because we have two variables measured over a period of 13 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.

[ 0.54, 0.95 ] 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.
2004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016
Air pollution in Huntington, Indiana (Bad air quality days)0.01724140.09356730.03389830.06043960000.0109290.01111110000.00555556
Google searches for 'how to treat a snake bite' (Rel. search volume)14.2523.751419.751217.166715.66671414.91671312.916711.916710.25




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([0.0172414,0.0935673,0.0338983,0.0604396,0,0,0,0.010929,0.0111111,0,0,0,0.00555556,])
array_2 = np.array([14.25,23.75,14,19.75,12,17.1667,15.6667,14,14.9167,13,12.9167,11.9167,10.25,])
array_1_name = "Air pollution in Huntington, Indiana"
array_2_name = "Google searches for 'how to treat a snake bite'"

# 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: 3449 · Black Variable ID: 22191 · Red Variable ID: 1378
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