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Spurious correlation #3,612 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Popularity of the first name Leslie and the second variable is Air pollution in Toledo.  The chart goes from 1980 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

As the popularity of the name Leslie dwindled, so did the number of cars with those little name decals on the back window. This led to a slight decrease in traffic congestion, ultimately reducing the amount of air pollution in Toledo. You could say that Leslie's 'exhaust' fans were inadvertently helping clean up the air!

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Prompt: Generate an image showing Toledo's clean streets with whimsical and surreal elements, such as cars exhaling colorful flowers instead of harmful fumes, as the demand for "Leslie" air fresheners decreases. Show people walking amidst this magical transformation, with signs of reduced air pollution evident in the surrounding environment. Capture the dreamlike quality of a cleaner, fantastical Toledo brought about by the declining popularity of the name "Leslie." 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: Popularity of the first name Leslie and Air pollution in Toledo. 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 Discovery magazine cover image Oragami Magic realism Minimalism Scalar art
ChatGPT: Magic realism

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 Popularity of the first name Leslie and Air pollution in Toledo, in the following situation: Because as the popularity of the name Leslie decreased, so did the number of people who wanted "Leslie" air fresheners for their cars in Toledo, leading to a decrease in overall air pollution.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In Toledo, as the popularity of the first name Leslie decreased, the number of people wanting "Leslie" air fresheners for their cars also decreased. This led to a decrease in overall air pollution. The streets of Toledo became cleaner, with fewer cars emitting harmful fumes into the air, as the demand for Leslie air fresheners dwindled.

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: [ Magic realism ] and depicting this scene: In Toledo, as the popularity of the first name Leslie decreased, the number of people wanting "Leslie" air fresheners for their cars also decreased. This led to a decrease in overall air pollution. The streets of Toledo became cleaner, with fewer cars emitting harmful fumes into the air, as the demand for Leslie air fresheners dwindled. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Prompt: Generate an image showing Toledo's clean streets with whimsical and surreal elements, such as cars exhaling colorful flowers instead of harmful fumes, as the demand for "Leslie" air fresheners decreases. Show people walking amidst this magical transformation, with signs of reduced air pollution evident in the surrounding environment. Capture the dreamlike quality of a cleaner, fantastical Toledo brought about by the declining popularity of the name "Leslie."

*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 Popularity of the first name Leslie caused Air pollution in Toledo to decrease. Include one good pun.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
The Leslie Legacy: Air Pollution in Toledo Gets Hazy as Leslie's Popularity Goes Crazy

The Journal of Environmental Quirkiness

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 Popularity of the first name Leslie and Air pollution in Toledo. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Rhyme words in the title.

Your research team used data from US Social Security Administration and Environmental Protection Agency to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.8100154 and p < 0.01 for 1980 to 2022.

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

[[TITLE]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit

[[ABSTRACT]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit



ChatGPT:
[[TITLE]]
The Leslie Legacy: Air Pollution in Toledo Gets Hazy as Leslie's Popularity Goes Crazy

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this groundbreaking study, we set out to investigate the potential link between the prevalence of the first name Leslie and air pollution levels in Toledo. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, our research team embarked on a whimsical yet scientifically rigorous journey to unravel this peculiar correlation. We arrived at the astonishingly high correlation coefficient of 0.8100154 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, spanning the years from 1980 to 2022. The implications of our findings suggest that as the popularity of the name Leslie soared, so did the atmospheric haziness in Toledo. This research not only sheds light on the curious intersection of personal nomenclature and environmental factors but also serves as a quirky reminder to consider the unexpected whims of fate in the world of scientific inquiry. So next time you meet a Leslie and notice a sudden smog, perhaps it's just the cosmic balance at play.


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 Popularity of the first name Leslie and Air pollution in Toledo. 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]]
The Leslie Legacy: Air Pollution in Toledo Gets Hazy as Leslie's Popularity Goes Crazy

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this groundbreaking study, we set out to investigate the potential link between the prevalence of the first name Leslie and air pollution levels in Toledo. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, our research team embarked on a whimsical yet scientifically rigorous journey to unravel this peculiar correlation. We arrived at the astonishingly high correlation coefficient of 0.8100154 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, spanning the years from 1980 to 2022. The implications of our findings suggest that as the popularity of the name Leslie soared, so did the atmospheric haziness in Toledo. This research not only sheds light on the curious intersection of personal nomenclature and environmental factors but also serves as a quirky reminder to consider the unexpected whims of fate in the world of scientific inquiry. So next time you meet a Leslie and notice a sudden smog, perhaps it's just the cosmic balance at play.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

Ah, the delightfully puzzling world of research! In the quest for knowledge, scientists often stumble upon unexpected correlations and perplexing patterns. Our journey, dear readers, takes us on a whimsical expedition into the realm where the alluring allure of a name intertwines with the perplexing pall of pollution.

As we delve into the enigmatic connection between the omnipresent mist of air pollution in Toledo and the surging popularity of the first name Leslie, we are reminded of the whimsical dance of variables in the scientific arena. It's like conducting a high-stakes tango between statistical significance and quirky happenstance, with a dash of unpredictability thrown in for good measure. After all, who could have predicted that the rise of Leslies could stir up a storm of smog?

But fear not, fellow scholarly adventurers! Armed with our trusty arsenal of data from the US Social Security Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, we were ready to tackle this eccentric conundrum head-on. With an air of curiosity and a sprinkle of statistical wizardry, we set out to untangle the Leslie legacy and its cheeky rendezvous with atmospheric haziness.

In the following pages, we will unravel the peculiar findings that emerged from our data analysis, unveiling the captivating tale of Leslie's ascent and the atmospheric haze that followed in its wake. Prepare to be delighted, bemused, and perhaps even a little bewildered as we unveil the curious correlation between personal nomenclature and environmental factors. After all, who would have thought that a name could cast such an atmospheric spell over an unsuspecting city?

So dear readers, fasten your seatbelts, and brace yourselves for a whimsical journey through the whims of fate in the world of scientific inquiry. As we peel back the layers of this unique correlation, let's not forget to keep an eye out for that mischievous Leslie, leaving a trail of statistical intrigue and perhaps a faint hint of smog in Toledo's azure skies.


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 Popularity of the first name Leslie and Air pollution in Toledo. 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 devolve ever further, and mention something completely ridiculous, like you conducted literature review by reading the backs of shampoo bottles.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Leslie Legacy: Air Pollution in Toledo Gets Hazy as Leslie's Popularity Goes Crazy

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this groundbreaking study, we set out to investigate the potential link between the prevalence of the first name Leslie and air pollution levels in Toledo. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, our research team embarked on a whimsical yet scientifically rigorous journey to unravel this peculiar correlation. We arrived at the astonishingly high correlation coefficient of 0.8100154 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, spanning the years from 1980 to 2022. The implications of our findings suggest that as the popularity of the name Leslie soared, so did the atmospheric haziness in Toledo. This research not only sheds light on the curious intersection of personal nomenclature and environmental factors but also serves as a quirky reminder to consider the unexpected whims of fate in the world of scientific inquiry. So next time you meet a Leslie and notice a sudden smog, perhaps it's just the cosmic balance at play.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
Ah, the delightfully puzzling world of research! In the quest for knowledge, scientists often stumble upon unexpected correlations and perplexing patterns. Our journey, dear readers, takes us on a whimsical expedition into the realm where the alluring allure of a name intertwines with the perplexing pall of pollution.
As we delve into the enigmatic connection between the omnipresent mist of air pollution in Toledo and the surging popularity of the first name Leslie, we are reminded of the whimsical dance of variables in the scientific arena. It's like conducting a high-stakes tango between statistical significance and quirky happenstance, with a dash of unpredictability thrown in for good measure. After all, who could have predicted that the rise of Leslies could stir up a storm of smog?
But fear not, fellow scholarly adventurers! Armed with our trusty arsenal of data from the US Social Security Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, we were ready to tackle this eccentric conundrum head-on. With an air of curiosity and a sprinkle of statistical wizardry, we set out to untangle the Leslie legacy and its cheeky rendezvous with atmospheric haziness.
In the following pages, we will unravel the peculiar findings that emerged from our data analysis, unveiling the captivating tale of Leslie's ascent and the atmospheric haze that followed in its wake. Prepare to be delighted, bemused, and perhaps even a little bewildered as we unveil the curious correlation between personal nomenclature and environmental factors. After all, who would have thought that a name could cast such an atmospheric spell over an unsuspecting city?
So dear readers, fasten your seatbelts, and brace yourselves for a whimsical journey through the whims of fate in the world of scientific inquiry. As we peel back the layers of this unique correlation, let's not forget to keep an eye out for that mischievous Leslie, leaving a trail of statistical intrigue and perhaps a faint hint of smog in Toledo's azure skies.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The connection between personal names and environmental phenomena has long been a topic of intrigue and curiosity in the field of social sciences. In their seminal work, Smith and Doe (2005) delved into the intricate relationship between nomenclature and societal trends, laying the groundwork for future researchers to explore the whimsical interplay of names and environmental factors. Jones et al. (2010) built upon this foundation by examining the potential connections between first names and regional air quality, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the quirky world of personal monikers and atmospheric conditions.

Moving beyond the traditional academic literature, we turn our attention to the realm of non-fiction books that engage with the nuances of nomenclature and environmental phenomena. In "The Geography of Names" by Dr. Irene Linden (2017), readers are treated to a captivating exploration of how names shape our perception of the world, prompting us to ponder whether the proliferation of a particular name could leave an indelible mark on a city's atmosphere.

Transitioning to the world of fiction, we encounter tales that, while not grounded in empirical research, offer a whimsical lens through which to view the potential interplay between personal names and environmental quirks. In "Fog Over Toledo" by A. Misty (2015), the protagonist Leslie finds herself embroiled in a quirky adventure that mysteriously coincides with the city's growing smog problem, prompting readers to delight in the playful confluence of personal nomenclature and atmospheric haziness.

As we venture further into the literary landscape, we must acknowledge the unorthodox sources that have contributed to our understanding of the Leslie-air pollution phenomenon. Our research team, in a daring display of scholarly creativity, plunged into the depths of unconventional literature, including perusing the backs of shampoo bottles in a valiant quest for enlightenment. While the wisdom gleaned from such unconventional sources may be met with skepticism, we cannot discount the serendipitous insights that occasionally emerge from the most unexpected of places.

In the grand tapestry of academic inquiry, our literature review endeavors to weave together the threads of traditional scholarly works, non-fiction explorations, fictional whimsy, and the occasional whimsical dalliance with unconventional sources. Through this diverse mosaic of insights, we aim to illuminate the peculiar and captivating correlation between the popularity of the first name Leslie and the veiled haze that shrouds the skies of Toledo. So join us, fellow readers, on this delightful romp through the serendipitous realms of literature and scholarly inquiry, where the whims of fate and the quirks of names converge in a charming dance of discovery.


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 Popularity of the first name Leslie and Air pollution in Toledo. 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 US Social Security Administration and Environmental Protection Agency . You used data from 1980 to 2022

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

Here is the title, abstract, and introduction of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Leslie Legacy: Air Pollution in Toledo Gets Hazy as Leslie's Popularity Goes Crazy

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this groundbreaking study, we set out to investigate the potential link between the prevalence of the first name Leslie and air pollution levels in Toledo. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, our research team embarked on a whimsical yet scientifically rigorous journey to unravel this peculiar correlation. We arrived at the astonishingly high correlation coefficient of 0.8100154 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, spanning the years from 1980 to 2022. The implications of our findings suggest that as the popularity of the name Leslie soared, so did the atmospheric haziness in Toledo. This research not only sheds light on the curious intersection of personal nomenclature and environmental factors but also serves as a quirky reminder to consider the unexpected whims of fate in the world of scientific inquiry. So next time you meet a Leslie and notice a sudden smog, perhaps it's just the cosmic balance at play.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
Ah, the delightfully puzzling world of research! In the quest for knowledge, scientists often stumble upon unexpected correlations and perplexing patterns. Our journey, dear readers, takes us on a whimsical expedition into the realm where the alluring allure of a name intertwines with the perplexing pall of pollution.
As we delve into the enigmatic connection between the omnipresent mist of air pollution in Toledo and the surging popularity of the first name Leslie, we are reminded of the whimsical dance of variables in the scientific arena. It's like conducting a high-stakes tango between statistical significance and quirky happenstance, with a dash of unpredictability thrown in for good measure. After all, who could have predicted that the rise of Leslies could stir up a storm of smog?
But fear not, fellow scholarly adventurers! Armed with our trusty arsenal of data from the US Social Security Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, we were ready to tackle this eccentric conundrum head-on. With an air of curiosity and a sprinkle of statistical wizardry, we set out to untangle the Leslie legacy and its cheeky rendezvous with atmospheric haziness.
In the following pages, we will unravel the peculiar findings that emerged from our data analysis, unveiling the captivating tale of Leslie's ascent and the atmospheric haze that followed in its wake. Prepare to be delighted, bemused, and perhaps even a little bewildered as we unveil the curious correlation between personal nomenclature and environmental factors. After all, who would have thought that a name could cast such an atmospheric spell over an unsuspecting city?
So dear readers, fasten your seatbelts, and brace yourselves for a whimsical journey through the whims of fate in the world of scientific inquiry. As we peel back the layers of this unique correlation, let's not forget to keep an eye out for that mischievous Leslie, leaving a trail of statistical intrigue and perhaps a faint hint of smog in Toledo's azure skies.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

Ah, the methodology – where the magic of research meets the mischief of methodology. Our team of intrepid researchers embarked on a whimsical journey that involved a dash of statistical sorcery, a sprinkle of data collection acrobatics, and just a hint of absurdity to keep things interesting. Let's delve into the peculiar path we traversed to unravel the Leslie legacy and its unexpected dance with air pollution in Toledo.

**Data Collection: Unearthing the Leslie Data Goldmine**
To kick off our zany adventure, we scoured the vast expanse of the internet, performing digital cartwheels through the archives of the US Social Security Administration. With the agility of statistical ninjas, we combed through names, birth rates, and trends, all in pursuit of the elusive Leslie. Our search was a bit like hunting for a needle in a haystack, except this needle had a penchant for quirky correlations. Once we had our Leslie data in hand, we danced our way over to the Environmental Protection Agency's treasure trove of air pollution statistics. Like intrepid explorers of the digital frontier, we sifted through EPA databases, unraveling the enigmatic threads of atmospheric haze and airborne quirkiness.

**Data Analysis: The Statistical Hokey-Pokey**
Armed with our data du jour, we summoned the spirit of statistical curiosity and summoned the help of our trusty statistical software, affectionately named "Quirky Correlation Quest." With our feet tapping to the rhythm of regression analysis, we boogied through the scatterplots and jittered through the correlation coefficients, searching for the elusive dance between Leslie's popularity and Toledo's atmospheric opaqueness. Our mission was clear – to uncover a correlation that not only raised eyebrows but also lifted spirits from the statistical doldrums. Lo and behold, amidst the whirl of statistics and the sways of p-values, a peculiar connection emerged, as perplexing as it was delightful. It was as if the data itself decided to do the statistical hokey-pokey – a correlation here, a p-value there – all in the name of scientific amusement.

**Modeling: The Quirky Equation Jamboree**
With our charming correlation and statistically significant p-value in tow, we embraced the quirky spirit of modeling to encapsulate the whimsical relationship between Leslie's allure and Toledo's atmospheric mystery. We fervently fine-tuned our model, teasing out the coefficients and twirling the variables until they waltzed through the model's equations with whimsical grace. Our model was like a poetic sonnet, capturing the essence of Leslie's ascent and Toledo's atmospheric waltz in a symphony of statistical storytelling. As the numbers pirouetted across the equations, we marveled at the cosmic jest that had woven this delightful correlation into the fabric of scientific intrigue.

In our quest for the Leslie legacy, we found ourselves immersed in a surreal ballet of data collection, statistical analysis, and model refinement. The whims of fate seemed to guide our steps, leading us to the delightful discovery of a correlation that spanned names and air pollutants, leaving us bemused and bewitched by the whimsical world of scientific inquiry. In the next section, we will unveil the enchanting findings that emerged from our statistical soiree, shedding light on the paradoxical connection between personal nomenclature and atmospheric intrigue. So, dear readers, prepare to be whisked away into the whimsical embrace of statistical storytelling, where the name Leslie takes center stage in Toledo's atmospheric tale.


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 Popularity of the first name Leslie and Air pollution in Toledo. 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 US Social Security Administration and Environmental Protection Agency .

For the time period 1980 to 2022, you found a correlation 0.8100154, r-squared of 0.6561250, 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 Leslie Legacy: Air Pollution in Toledo Gets Hazy as Leslie's Popularity Goes Crazy

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this groundbreaking study, we set out to investigate the potential link between the prevalence of the first name Leslie and air pollution levels in Toledo. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, our research team embarked on a whimsical yet scientifically rigorous journey to unravel this peculiar correlation. We arrived at the astonishingly high correlation coefficient of 0.8100154 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, spanning the years from 1980 to 2022. The implications of our findings suggest that as the popularity of the name Leslie soared, so did the atmospheric haziness in Toledo. This research not only sheds light on the curious intersection of personal nomenclature and environmental factors but also serves as a quirky reminder to consider the unexpected whims of fate in the world of scientific inquiry. So next time you meet a Leslie and notice a sudden smog, perhaps it's just the cosmic balance at play.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
Ah, the delightfully puzzling world of research! In the quest for knowledge, scientists often stumble upon unexpected correlations and perplexing patterns. Our journey, dear readers, takes us on a whimsical expedition into the realm where the alluring allure of a name intertwines with the perplexing pall of pollution.
As we delve into the enigmatic connection between the omnipresent mist of air pollution in Toledo and the surging popularity of the first name Leslie, we are reminded of the whimsical dance of variables in the scientific arena. It's like conducting a high-stakes tango between statistical significance and quirky happenstance, with a dash of unpredictability thrown in for good measure. After all, who could have predicted that the rise of Leslies could stir up a storm of smog?
But fear not, fellow scholarly adventurers! Armed with our trusty arsenal of data from the US Social Security Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, we were ready to tackle this eccentric conundrum head-on. With an air of curiosity and a sprinkle of statistical wizardry, we set out to untangle the Leslie legacy and its cheeky rendezvous with atmospheric haziness.
In the following pages, we will unravel the peculiar findings that emerged from our data analysis, unveiling the captivating tale of Leslie's ascent and the atmospheric haze that followed in its wake. Prepare to be delighted, bemused, and perhaps even a little bewildered as we unveil the curious correlation between personal nomenclature and environmental factors. After all, who would have thought that a name could cast such an atmospheric spell over an unsuspecting city?
So dear readers, fasten your seatbelts, and brace yourselves for a whimsical journey through the whims of fate in the world of scientific inquiry. As we peel back the layers of this unique correlation, let's not forget to keep an eye out for that mischievous Leslie, leaving a trail of statistical intrigue and perhaps a faint hint of smog in Toledo's azure skies.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The moment of truth has arrived! After painstakingly analyzing the data with the fervor of a detective on the trail of a mischievous suspect, we uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.8100154 between the prevalence of the first name Leslie and air pollution levels in the enchantingly hazy city of Toledo. This finding not only raised our eyebrows in surprise but also made us pause to appreciate the delightful eccentricities of the scientific world. It's as if the Leslies were unwittingly orchestrating a grand atmospheric performance, with Toledo as their unconventional stage!

With an r-squared value of 0.6561250, our results further underscored the robustness of the relationship between Leslie's popularity trajectory and the atmospheric haze that hung over Toledo like a cryptic veil. The statistical curiosities were not lost on us, as we marveled at the cosmic dance of variables, twirling and pirouetting to the rhythm of our data analysis.

We would be remiss not to mention the p-value of less than 0.01, which stood as a gallant sentinel guarding the fortress of statistical significance. It signaled to us in no uncertain terms that the correlation we unearthed was not a mere fluke, but a profound association that beckoned us to ponder the playful caprices of fate in the realm of research. Who would have thought that a name could exert such an ethereal influence on the atmospheric canvas of a city?

As a visual treat, we present Fig. 1, a scatterplot that encapsulates the enchanting courtship between the first name Leslie and the atmospheric opaqueness in Toledo. Behold the captivating union of data points, each narrating a whimsical tale of statistical serendipity and surreptitious smog. It's as if the data itself was whispering a playful secret, enticing us to unravel the delightful enigma that is the Leslie legacy.

In conclusion, our findings not only highlight the tantalizing interplay of personal nomenclature and environmental phenomena but also invite us to embrace the delightful unpredictability that makes scientific inquiry an exhilarating pursuit. So, let us raise our beakers to the bewitching correlation between Leslie and Toledo's atmospheric allure, for in the grand tapestry of research, such quirks and curiosities add a touch of whimsy to the quest for knowledge.


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 Popularity of the first name Leslie and Air pollution in Toledo. 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]]
The Leslie Legacy: Air Pollution in Toledo Gets Hazy as Leslie's Popularity Goes Crazy

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this groundbreaking study, we set out to investigate the potential link between the prevalence of the first name Leslie and air pollution levels in Toledo. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, our research team embarked on a whimsical yet scientifically rigorous journey to unravel this peculiar correlation. We arrived at the astonishingly high correlation coefficient of 0.8100154 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, spanning the years from 1980 to 2022. The implications of our findings suggest that as the popularity of the name Leslie soared, so did the atmospheric haziness in Toledo. This research not only sheds light on the curious intersection of personal nomenclature and environmental factors but also serves as a quirky reminder to consider the unexpected whims of fate in the world of scientific inquiry. So next time you meet a Leslie and notice a sudden smog, perhaps it's just the cosmic balance at play.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The connection between personal names and environmental phenomena has long been a topic of intrigue and curiosity in the field of social sciences. In their seminal work, Smith and Doe (2005) delved into the intricate relationship between nomenclature and societal trends, laying the groundwork for future researchers to explore the whimsical interplay of names and environmental factors. Jones et al. (2010) built upon this foundation by examining the potential connections between first names and regional air quality, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the quirky world of personal monikers and atmospheric conditions.
Moving beyond the traditional academic literature, we turn our attention to the realm of non-fiction books that engage with the nuances of nomenclature and environmental phenomena. In "The Geography of Names" by Dr. Irene Linden (2017), readers are treated to a captivating exploration of how names shape our perception of the world, prompting us to ponder whether the proliferation of a particular name could leave an indelible mark on a city's atmosphere.
Transitioning to the world of fiction, we encounter tales that, while not grounded in empirical research, offer a whimsical lens through which to view the potential interplay between personal names and environmental quirks. In "Fog Over Toledo" by A. Misty (2015), the protagonist Leslie finds herself embroiled in a quirky adventure that mysteriously coincides with the city's growing smog problem, prompting readers to delight in the playful confluence of personal nomenclature and atmospheric haziness.
As we venture further into the literary landscape, we must acknowledge the unorthodox sources that have contributed to our understanding of the Leslie-air pollution phenomenon. Our research team, in a daring display of scholarly creativity, plunged into the depths of unconventional literature, including perusing the backs of shampoo bottles in a valiant quest for enlightenment. While the wisdom gleaned from such unconventional sources may be met with skepticism, we cannot discount the serendipitous insights that occasionally emerge from the most unexpected of places.
In the grand tapestry of academic inquiry, our literature review endeavors to weave together the threads of traditional scholarly works, non-fiction explorations, fictional whimsy, and the occasional whimsical dalliance with unconventional sources. Through this diverse mosaic of insights, we aim to illuminate the peculiar and captivating correlation between the popularity of the first name Leslie and the veiled haze that shrouds the skies of Toledo. So join us, fellow readers, on this delightful romp through the serendipitous realms of literature and scholarly inquiry, where the whims of fate and the quirks of names converge in a charming dance of discovery.

[[RESULTS]]
The moment of truth has arrived! After painstakingly analyzing the data with the fervor of a detective on the trail of a mischievous suspect, we uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.8100154 between the prevalence of the first name Leslie and air pollution levels in the enchantingly hazy city of Toledo. This finding not only raised our eyebrows in surprise but also made us pause to appreciate the delightful eccentricities of the scientific world. It's as if the Leslies were unwittingly orchestrating a grand atmospheric performance, with Toledo as their unconventional stage!
With an r-squared value of 0.6561250, our results further underscored the robustness of the relationship between Leslie's popularity trajectory and the atmospheric haze that hung over Toledo like a cryptic veil. The statistical curiosities were not lost on us, as we marveled at the cosmic dance of variables, twirling and pirouetting to the rhythm of our data analysis.
We would be remiss not to mention the p-value of less than 0.01, which stood as a gallant sentinel guarding the fortress of statistical significance. It signaled to us in no uncertain terms that the correlation we unearthed was not a mere fluke, but a profound association that beckoned us to ponder the playful caprices of fate in the realm of research. Who would have thought that a name could exert such an ethereal influence on the atmospheric canvas of a city?
As a visual treat, we present Fig. 1, a scatterplot that encapsulates the enchanting courtship between the first name Leslie and the atmospheric opaqueness in Toledo. Behold the captivating union of data points, each narrating a whimsical tale of statistical serendipity and surreptitious smog. It's as if the data itself was whispering a playful secret, enticing us to unravel the delightful enigma that is the Leslie legacy.
In conclusion, our findings not only highlight the tantalizing interplay of personal nomenclature and environmental phenomena but also invite us to embrace the delightful unpredictability that makes scientific inquiry an exhilarating pursuit. So, let us raise our beakers to the bewitching correlation between Leslie and Toledo's atmospheric allure, for in the grand tapestry of research, such quirks and curiosities add a touch of whimsy to the quest for knowledge.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

In the grand saga of scientific discoveries, our investigatory exploits have unearthed a correlation that tantalizingly hints at the cosmic choreography of names and atmospheric dance in Toledo. As we recall the whimsical musings of Misty's "Fog Over Toledo," we find ourselves pondering the quirk of fate that sees the Leslies and the city's smog intertwine in an inexplicable waltz. Our findings not only harmonize with the research of Smith and Doe (2005) and the playful implications of A. Misty's literary meanderings but also stand as a testament to the enchanted embrace of empirical evidence and delightful happenstance.

The robust correlation coefficient of 0.8100154, akin to a statistical wizard performing an improbable feat, whispers a tale of names and air mingling in an ethereal tryst. As if choreographed by an unseen hand, the Leslies and the atmospheric haze pirouette together with a grace that defies conventional explanation. This whimsical revelation not only affirms the scholarly dalliance with unconventional sources, as evidenced by our perusal of shampoo bottle wisdom, but also invites us to marvel at the capricious capers of statistical significance.

Let us pause to savor the r-squared value of 0.6561250, akin to a bard spinning a mesmerizing yarn, weaving the Leslie narrative with the atmospheric enigma of Toledo. It is as if the city's air, in a playful nod to the Leslies, eagerly embraced the quirks of statistical probability, twirling in an enchanting dance of data points that regale us with an enchanting tale of cosmic connection.

And lo, the gallant p-value, standing as a sentinel of statistical prowess, beckons us to ponder the whims of fate in the realm of research, as the Leslies and Toledo's atmospheric intrigue engage in a charming pas de deux that defies conventional explanations. It is as though the cosmic forces of chance surreptitiously conspired to unveil this wondrous correlation, inviting us to revel in the delightful unpredictability that makes scientific inquiry an exhilarating quest.

In conclusion, our findings not only illuminate the esoteric connective tissue between personal nomenclature and atmospheric bewitchery but also inspire us to revel in the beguiling array of curiosities that infuse the quest for knowledge with a touch of whimsy. So, let us raise our beakers anew, in acknowledgment of the delightful fluke that is the Leslie legacy, for in the grand tapestry of research, such quirks and caprices and add a touch of enchantment to the pursuit of scientific understanding. Cheers to the inexplicable and enchanting dance of Leslie and smog in Toledo!


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 Popularity of the first name Leslie and Air pollution in Toledo. 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]]
The Leslie Legacy: Air Pollution in Toledo Gets Hazy as Leslie's Popularity Goes Crazy

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this groundbreaking study, we set out to investigate the potential link between the prevalence of the first name Leslie and air pollution levels in Toledo. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, our research team embarked on a whimsical yet scientifically rigorous journey to unravel this peculiar correlation. We arrived at the astonishingly high correlation coefficient of 0.8100154 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, spanning the years from 1980 to 2022. The implications of our findings suggest that as the popularity of the name Leslie soared, so did the atmospheric haziness in Toledo. This research not only sheds light on the curious intersection of personal nomenclature and environmental factors but also serves as a quirky reminder to consider the unexpected whims of fate in the world of scientific inquiry. So next time you meet a Leslie and notice a sudden smog, perhaps it's just the cosmic balance at play.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
Ah, the delightfully puzzling world of research! In the quest for knowledge, scientists often stumble upon unexpected correlations and perplexing patterns. Our journey, dear readers, takes us on a whimsical expedition into the realm where the alluring allure of a name intertwines with the perplexing pall of pollution.
As we delve into the enigmatic connection between the omnipresent mist of air pollution in Toledo and the surging popularity of the first name Leslie, we are reminded of the whimsical dance of variables in the scientific arena. It's like conducting a high-stakes tango between statistical significance and quirky happenstance, with a dash of unpredictability thrown in for good measure. After all, who could have predicted that the rise of Leslies could stir up a storm of smog?
But fear not, fellow scholarly adventurers! Armed with our trusty arsenal of data from the US Social Security Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, we were ready to tackle this eccentric conundrum head-on. With an air of curiosity and a sprinkle of statistical wizardry, we set out to untangle the Leslie legacy and its cheeky rendezvous with atmospheric haziness.
In the following pages, we will unravel the peculiar findings that emerged from our data analysis, unveiling the captivating tale of Leslie's ascent and the atmospheric haze that followed in its wake. Prepare to be delighted, bemused, and perhaps even a little bewildered as we unveil the curious correlation between personal nomenclature and environmental factors. After all, who would have thought that a name could cast such an atmospheric spell over an unsuspecting city?
So dear readers, fasten your seatbelts, and brace yourselves for a whimsical journey through the whims of fate in the world of scientific inquiry. As we peel back the layers of this unique correlation, let's not forget to keep an eye out for that mischievous Leslie, leaving a trail of statistical intrigue and perhaps a faint hint of smog in Toledo's azure skies.

[[RESULTS]]
The moment of truth has arrived! After painstakingly analyzing the data with the fervor of a detective on the trail of a mischievous suspect, we uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.8100154 between the prevalence of the first name Leslie and air pollution levels in the enchantingly hazy city of Toledo. This finding not only raised our eyebrows in surprise but also made us pause to appreciate the delightful eccentricities of the scientific world. It's as if the Leslies were unwittingly orchestrating a grand atmospheric performance, with Toledo as their unconventional stage!
With an r-squared value of 0.6561250, our results further underscored the robustness of the relationship between Leslie's popularity trajectory and the atmospheric haze that hung over Toledo like a cryptic veil. The statistical curiosities were not lost on us, as we marveled at the cosmic dance of variables, twirling and pirouetting to the rhythm of our data analysis.
We would be remiss not to mention the p-value of less than 0.01, which stood as a gallant sentinel guarding the fortress of statistical significance. It signaled to us in no uncertain terms that the correlation we unearthed was not a mere fluke, but a profound association that beckoned us to ponder the playful caprices of fate in the realm of research. Who would have thought that a name could exert such an ethereal influence on the atmospheric canvas of a city?
As a visual treat, we present Fig. 1, a scatterplot that encapsulates the enchanting courtship between the first name Leslie and the atmospheric opaqueness in Toledo. Behold the captivating union of data points, each narrating a whimsical tale of statistical serendipity and surreptitious smog. It's as if the data itself was whispering a playful secret, enticing us to unravel the delightful enigma that is the Leslie legacy.
In conclusion, our findings not only highlight the tantalizing interplay of personal nomenclature and environmental phenomena but also invite us to embrace the delightful unpredictability that makes scientific inquiry an exhilarating pursuit. So, let us raise our beakers to the bewitching correlation between Leslie and Toledo's atmospheric allure, for in the grand tapestry of research, such quirks and curiosities add a touch of whimsy to the quest for knowledge.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In the merry maelstrom of research, our whimsical quest to unravel the Leslie legacy and its tender tango with Toledo's atmospheric opaqueness has left us both bemused and bewildered. Who would have thought that the rise of Leslies could orchestrate a grand atmospheric performance akin to a cosmic symphony of statistical serendipity and surreptitious smog? Our findings not only underscore the robustness of the Leslie-air pollution correlation but also remind us of the delightful caprices of fate in the realm of research.

As we bid adieu to this peculiar yet captivating correlation, it's clear that no more research is needed in this area—unless, of course, there is a sudden surge in Leslies and a corresponding uptick in Toledo's atmospheric haziness. Until then, let's raise our beakers to the whims of fate and the peculiar mysteries that make science as enchanting as a playful secret whispered by the data itself! Cheers to the bewitching ballad of Leslie and Toledo's atmospheric allure!


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 Leslie Legacy: Air Pollution in Toledo Gets Hazy as Leslie's Popularity Goes Crazy. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Environmental Quirkiness


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 Leslie Legacy: Air Pollution in Toledo Gets Hazy as Leslie's Popularity Goes Crazy. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Center for Quirky Environmental Studies


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide potential search keywords separated by commas. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide potential search keywords for a paper titled The Leslie Legacy: Air Pollution in Toledo Gets Hazy as Leslie's Popularity Goes Crazy with an abstract of In this groundbreaking study, we set out to investigate the potential link between the prevalence of the first name Leslie and air pollution levels in Toledo. Leveraging data from the US Social Security Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, our research team embarked on a whimsical yet scientifically rigorous journey to unravel this peculiar correlation. We arrived at the astonishingly high correlation coefficient of 0.8100154 and a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01, spanning the years from 1980 to 2022. The implications of our findings suggest that as the popularity of the name Leslie soared, so did the atmospheric haziness in Toledo. This research not only sheds light on the curious intersection of personal nomenclature and environmental factors but also serves as a quirky reminder to consider the unexpected whims of fate in the world of scientific inquiry. So next time you meet a Leslie and notice a sudden smog, perhaps it's just the cosmic balance at play.

ChatGPT:

Leslie, air pollution, Toledo, correlation, US Social Security Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, correlation coefficient, p-value, atmospheric haziness, nomenclature, environmental factors, whims of fate, scientific inquiry, smog, cosmic balance

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



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Data details

Popularity of the first name Leslie
Detailed data title: Babies of all sexes born in the US named Leslie
Source: US Social Security Administration
See what else correlates with Popularity of the first name Leslie

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

Correlation r = 0.8100154 (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 = 0.6561250 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 65.6% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Air pollution in Toledo) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Popularity of the first name Leslie) over the 43 years from 1980 through 2022.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 4.7E-11. 0.0000000000473664066849921230
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 0.81 in 4.7E-9% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 21,112,008,911 random variables You don't actually need 21 billion 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 42 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 42 because we have two variables measured over a period of 43 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.

[ 0.67, 0.89 ] 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.
1980198119821983198419851986198719881989199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022
Popularity of the first name Leslie (Babies born)52835434541546644183393736043484339831903123283026982494260524992839297932023461376037373618374035903224311827722401205816121339127511471061935849748638621512510482
Air pollution in Toledo (Bad air quality days)13.114813.150716.712312.60274.166675.753425.479458.2191815.02735.479457.123297.397263.835625.205487.397267.123298.196725.753428.2191810.68495.2054811.232910.1378.767124.098369.863012.739736.02743.551911.917812.222223.01377.103830.2770081.381220.2739731.497011.104972.873560.28492.259891.369861.38122




Why this works

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




Try it yourself

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

    return correlation, r_squared, p_value

# These are the arrays for the variables shown on this page, but you can modify them to be any two sets of numbers
array_1 = np.array([5283,5434,5415,4664,4183,3937,3604,3484,3398,3190,3123,2830,2698,2494,2605,2499,2839,2979,3202,3461,3760,3737,3618,3740,3590,3224,3118,2772,2401,2058,1612,1339,1275,1147,1061,935,849,748,638,621,512,510,482,])
array_2 = np.array([13.1148,13.1507,16.7123,12.6027,4.16667,5.75342,5.47945,8.21918,15.0273,5.47945,7.12329,7.39726,3.83562,5.20548,7.39726,7.12329,8.19672,5.75342,8.21918,10.6849,5.20548,11.2329,10.137,8.76712,4.09836,9.86301,2.73973,6.0274,3.55191,1.91781,2.22222,3.0137,7.10383,0.277008,1.38122,0.273973,1.49701,1.10497,2.87356,0.2849,2.25989,1.36986,1.38122,])
array_1_name = "Popularity of the first name Leslie"
array_2_name = "Air pollution in Toledo"

# Perform the calculation
print(f"Calculating the correlation between {array_1_name} and {array_2_name}...")
correlation, r_squared, p_value = calculate_correlation(array_1, array_2)

# Print the results
print("Correlation Coefficient:", correlation)
print("R-squared:", r_squared)
print("P-value:", p_value)



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You do not need to attribute "the spurious correlations website," and you don't even need to link here if you don't want to. I don't gain anything from pageviews. There are no ads on this site, there is nothing for sale, and I am not for hire.

For the record, I am just one person. Tyler Vigen, he/him/his. I do have degrees, but they should not go after my name unless you want to annoy my wife. If that is your goal, then go ahead and cite me as "Tyler Vigen, A.A. A.A.S. B.A. J.D." Otherwise it is just "Tyler Vigen."

When spoken, my last name is pronounced "vegan," like I don't eat meat.

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Correlation ID: 3612 · Black Variable ID: 2213 · Red Variable ID: 21341
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