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Spurious correlation #3,660 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is GMO use in cotton in Alabama and the second variable is Google searches for 'xkcd'.  The chart goes from 2007 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

As the non-GMO cotton industry boomed, it created a ripple effect. Farmers were suddenly too busy cultivating organic, heirloom cotton to keep up with the latest webcomics. You could say they were really spinning a yarn, and it led to a whole thread of events. Plus, without GMOs, they just couldn't crop-doodle like they used to.

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image that illustrates the scene on a Discovery magazine cover, showcasing a sun-drenched Alabama field. Within the field, rows of genetically modified cotton plants stretch into the distance. A farmer in denim overalls examines the healthy, vibrant GMO cotton bolls, reflecting the success of biotechnology in agriculture. Meanwhile, in nearby homes, screens glow as people eagerly type 'xkcd' into their search engines, seeking out clever and nerdy webcomics. The unexpected connection between the GMO cotton and the surge in xkcd searches is realized as the farmer and internet users share an unexpected link through biotechnology and internet humor. Capture the juxtaposition of the rural landscape and the digital world in a simple yet compelling manner for the cover of Discovery magazine. 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: GMO use in cotton in Alabama and Google searches for 'xkcd'. 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 photo-realistic image Brutalism Cute 2D animation A Discovery magazine cover image Scalar art
ChatGPT: A Discovery magazine cover image

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 GMO use in cotton in Alabama and Google searches for 'xkcd', in the following situation: As farmers switched to GMO cotton in Alabama, the increase in "Jean Genie" (GMO) led to a surge in xkcd searches. The genetically modified fibers caused people to crave more witty, nerdy comics, creating an unexpected connection between biotechnology and internet humor.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a sun-drenched Alabama field, rows of genetically modified cotton plants stretch into the distance. A farmer in denim overalls examines the healthy, vibrant GMO cotton bolls. Meanwhile, in nearby homes, screens glow as people eagerly type 'xkcd' into their search engines, seeking out clever and nerdy webcomics. The link between the GMO cotton and the surge in xkcd searches becomes apparent as the farmer and the internet users unexpectedly share a connection through biotechnology and internet humor.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You write and improve image generation prompts for DALLE-3. You maintain the same subjects, but enhance the visuals.
User prompt: Please respond with an image generation prompt that would be likely to create an interesting visual using DALLE-3, using the following style: [ A Discovery magazine cover image ] and depicting this scene: In a sun-drenched Alabama field, rows of genetically modified cotton plants stretch into the distance. A farmer in denim overalls examines the healthy, vibrant GMO cotton bolls. Meanwhile, in nearby homes, screens glow as people eagerly type 'xkcd' into their search engines, seeking out clever and nerdy webcomics. The link between the GMO cotton and the surge in xkcd searches becomes apparent as the farmer and the internet users unexpectedly share a connection through biotechnology and internet humor. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image that illustrates the scene on a Discovery magazine cover, showcasing a sun-drenched Alabama field. Within the field, rows of genetically modified cotton plants stretch into the distance. A farmer in denim overalls examines the healthy, vibrant GMO cotton bolls, reflecting the success of biotechnology in agriculture. Meanwhile, in nearby homes, screens glow as people eagerly type 'xkcd' into their search engines, seeking out clever and nerdy webcomics. The unexpected connection between the GMO cotton and the surge in xkcd searches is realized as the farmer and internet users share an unexpected link through biotechnology and internet humor. Capture the juxtaposition of the rural landscape and the digital world in a simple yet compelling manner for the cover of Discovery magazine.

*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 GMO use in cotton in Alabama caused xkcd (Google searches for 'xkcd') to decrease. Include one good pun.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
The GMOxkcd Connection: A Cotton-Candy of Correlation

The Journal of Silly Science

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 dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal.You write titles and abstracts of goofy academic research papers.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, and add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between GMO use in cotton in Alabama and Google searches for 'xkcd'. 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 USDA and Google Trends to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.8752613 and p < 0.01 for 2007 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 GMOxkcd Connection: A Cotton-Candy of Correlation"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This article explores the link between the adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in cotton cultivation in Alabama and the frequency of Google searches for the webcomic "xkcd." Utilizing data from the USDA and Google Trends, our research delves into the peculiar relationship between agricultural practices and internet browsing habits. The results reveal a correlation coefficient of 0.8752613, with a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 2007 to 2022. This study unravels an entangled web of factors, shedding light on the unexpected interplay between biotechnology in farming and online whimsy.


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

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between GMO use in cotton in Alabama and Google searches for 'xkcd'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"The GMOxkcd Connection: A Cotton-Candy of Correlation"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This article explores the link between the adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in cotton cultivation in Alabama and the frequency of Google searches for the webcomic "xkcd." Utilizing data from the USDA and Google Trends, our research delves into the peculiar relationship between agricultural practices and internet browsing habits. The results reveal a correlation coefficient of 0.8752613, with a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 2007 to 2022. This study unravels an entangled web of factors, shedding light on the unexpected interplay between biotechnology in farming and online whimsy.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

As humankind continues to manipulate the genetic makeup of crops, one can't help but wonder what kind of unintended consequences may be lurking within these seemingly innocuous alterations. The eyes of the scientific community have turned toward the cotton fields of Alabama, where genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have taken root, quite literally. Simultaneously, in the vast expanse of internet knowledge, the webcomic "xkcd" has been a source of intellectual entertainment and occasional existential pondering for many. One might question the intersection of these two seemingly disparate spheres. However, our inquisitive minds could not resist probing the potential relationship between the adoption of GMOs in cotton cultivation and the interest in "xkcd" as evidenced by Google searches.

Throughout this investigation, we faced the challenge of navigating through the tangled underbrush of speculation and skepticism. Yet, armed with data from the USDA and Google Trends, we embarked on a journey to unravel the enigmatic ties between agricultural practices and online diversions. The objective of this study is to present the results of our exploration into this unexpected and perhaps improbable correlation—a connection between biotechnology in farming and the online pursuit of witty and often delightfully nerdy webcomics.

By filling this gap in understanding, this research aims to contribute to the expanding body of knowledge on the intertwining of human activities in the digital age. Through rigorous statistical analysis, we have endeavored to shed light on the baffling linkage between GMOs and "xkcd." While the correlation coefficient may astonish some and prompt others to raise an eyebrow, it is our hope that this study will spark further curiosity and investigation into the curious interfaces between seemingly unrelated phenomena.


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

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between GMO use in cotton in Alabama and Google searches for 'xkcd'. 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 devolve ever further, and mention something completely ridiculous, like you conducted literature review by reading CVS receipts.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"The GMOxkcd Connection: A Cotton-Candy of Correlation"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This article explores the link between the adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in cotton cultivation in Alabama and the frequency of Google searches for the webcomic "xkcd." Utilizing data from the USDA and Google Trends, our research delves into the peculiar relationship between agricultural practices and internet browsing habits. The results reveal a correlation coefficient of 0.8752613, with a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 2007 to 2022. This study unravels an entangled web of factors, shedding light on the unexpected interplay between biotechnology in farming and online whimsy.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
As humankind continues to manipulate the genetic makeup of crops, one can't help but wonder what kind of unintended consequences may be lurking within these seemingly innocuous alterations. The eyes of the scientific community have turned toward the cotton fields of Alabama, where genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have taken root, quite literally. Simultaneously, in the vast expanse of internet knowledge, the webcomic "xkcd" has been a source of intellectual entertainment and occasional existential pondering for many. One might question the intersection of these two seemingly disparate spheres. However, our inquisitive minds could not resist probing the potential relationship between the adoption of GMOs in cotton cultivation and the interest in "xkcd" as evidenced by Google searches.
Throughout this investigation, we faced the challenge of navigating through the tangled underbrush of speculation and skepticism. Yet, armed with data from the USDA and Google Trends, we embarked on a journey to unravel the enigmatic ties between agricultural practices and online diversions. The objective of this study is to present the results of our exploration into this unexpected and perhaps improbable correlation—a connection between biotechnology in farming and the online pursuit of witty and often delightfully nerdy webcomics.
By filling this gap in understanding, this research aims to contribute to the expanding body of knowledge on the intertwining of human activities in the digital age. Through rigorous statistical analysis, we have endeavored to shed light on the baffling linkage between GMOs and "xkcd." While the correlation coefficient may astonish some and prompt others to raise an eyebrow, it is our hope that this study will spark further curiosity and investigation into the curious interfaces between seemingly unrelated phenomena.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

Smith et al. (2010) examined the impact of GMO adoption in cotton cultivation on agricultural productivity, finding a significant increase in yield and pest resistance. Doe et al. (2015) explored the environmental implications of GMO use in cotton, noting the reduction in pesticide application and associated environmental benefits. Jones et al. (2018) investigated the economic outcomes of GMO adoption in cotton farming, revealing positive effects on farmer income and production efficiency.

In "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan, the author delves into the complex web of food production and draws attention to the evolution of agricultural practices, including the adoption of genetically modified organisms. Similarly, "The Botany of Desire" by Michael Pollan presents an intriguing exploration of the intricate relationship between humans and plants, touching upon the evolution of genetically modified crops and their impact on agricultural systems.

As we venture further into the realm of literature pertinent to our research, we encounter "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd, a captivating novel set in the context of beekeeping and the natural world. While not directly related to cotton cultivation or GMOs, the intricate interconnectedness of the characters in the novel serves as a reminder of the unexpected relationships that may exist in seemingly disparate domains.

Amidst the plethora of resources consulted for this literature review, it is worth noting that a unique approach to information gathering was undertaken. In addition to scholarly articles and reputable publications, unconventional sources such as grocery store receipts, fortune cookies, and tea leaves were consulted, providing an alternative perspective on the interplay between agricultural biotechnology and internet browsing habits. While the reliability of these sources may raise some eyebrows, the insights captured from these unorthodox channels cannot be dismissed outright, albeit with a grain of salt or a pinch of skepticism.


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

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between GMO use in cotton in Alabama and Google searches for 'xkcd'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from USDA and Google Trends . You used data from 2007 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 GMOxkcd Connection: A Cotton-Candy of Correlation"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This article explores the link between the adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in cotton cultivation in Alabama and the frequency of Google searches for the webcomic "xkcd." Utilizing data from the USDA and Google Trends, our research delves into the peculiar relationship between agricultural practices and internet browsing habits. The results reveal a correlation coefficient of 0.8752613, with a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 2007 to 2022. This study unravels an entangled web of factors, shedding light on the unexpected interplay between biotechnology in farming and online whimsy.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
As humankind continues to manipulate the genetic makeup of crops, one can't help but wonder what kind of unintended consequences may be lurking within these seemingly innocuous alterations. The eyes of the scientific community have turned toward the cotton fields of Alabama, where genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have taken root, quite literally. Simultaneously, in the vast expanse of internet knowledge, the webcomic "xkcd" has been a source of intellectual entertainment and occasional existential pondering for many. One might question the intersection of these two seemingly disparate spheres. However, our inquisitive minds could not resist probing the potential relationship between the adoption of GMOs in cotton cultivation and the interest in "xkcd" as evidenced by Google searches.
Throughout this investigation, we faced the challenge of navigating through the tangled underbrush of speculation and skepticism. Yet, armed with data from the USDA and Google Trends, we embarked on a journey to unravel the enigmatic ties between agricultural practices and online diversions. The objective of this study is to present the results of our exploration into this unexpected and perhaps improbable correlation—a connection between biotechnology in farming and the online pursuit of witty and often delightfully nerdy webcomics.
By filling this gap in understanding, this research aims to contribute to the expanding body of knowledge on the intertwining of human activities in the digital age. Through rigorous statistical analysis, we have endeavored to shed light on the baffling linkage between GMOs and "xkcd." While the correlation coefficient may astonish some and prompt others to raise an eyebrow, it is our hope that this study will spark further curiosity and investigation into the curious interfaces between seemingly unrelated phenomena.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

The pursuit of untangling the enigmatic connection between GMO use in cotton cultivation in Alabama and Google searches for the webcomic "xkcd" required a multi-faceted and meticulous research approach. The first step was to gather data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), capturing the spread of GMO technology adoption in cotton farming across the state of Alabama from 2007 to 2022. The data encompassed the prevalence of GMO cotton, encompassing the gamut of herbicide-tolerant (HT) and insect-resistant (Bt) varieties, with an eye toward understanding the temporal and spatial diffusion of these genetically engineered seeds.

Concurrently, data corresponding to the frequency of Google searches for "xkcd" was harvested from Google Trends, providing a digital footprint of the public's interest in this popular webcomic over the same period. The periodicity and volume of searches were then analyzed to discern any patterns or fluctuations that might coincide with the progression of GMO adoption in cotton farming in Alabama.

To explicate the potential interplay between these two disparate domains, we employed a series of statistical analyses. First, time series analysis was utilized to elucidate the temporal patterns of GMO adoption and "xkcd" searches, subsequently enabling the identification of potential synchronous trends or deviations.

Furthermore, a correlation analysis was executed to quantitatively assess the relationship between the prevalence of GMO cotton cultivation and the volume of "xkcd" searches. The correlation coefficient was calculated, accompanied by the determination of the associated p-value to ascertain the statistical significance of any observed linkage. The robustness of the correlation was tested across various subsets of the data to ensure the stability of the relationship over time and space.

Additionally, a multivariate regression model was formulated to control for potential confounding variables such as population demographics, internet penetration rates, and broader cultural or technological trends within the state of Alabama. This served to winnow out the spurious associations and isolate the genuine connection between GMO adoption and "xkcd" interest.

Importantly, the exploration of causality was approached with cautious circumspection, as establishing direct causation between GMO use in cotton and "xkcd" searches necessitates prudence in interpretation.

While the research methodology endeavored to be as rigorous and comprehensive as possible, there remained inherent limitations and assumptions that warrant acknowledgment. Nonetheless, the concerted analysis of diverse datasets and methodologies yielded compelling insights into the curious correlation between agricultural biotechnology and the pursuit of internet-based witty diversions.


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

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between GMO use in cotton in Alabama and Google searches for 'xkcd'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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

For the time period 2007 to 2022, you found a correlation 0.8752613, r-squared of 0.7660823, 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 GMOxkcd Connection: A Cotton-Candy of Correlation"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This article explores the link between the adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in cotton cultivation in Alabama and the frequency of Google searches for the webcomic "xkcd." Utilizing data from the USDA and Google Trends, our research delves into the peculiar relationship between agricultural practices and internet browsing habits. The results reveal a correlation coefficient of 0.8752613, with a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 2007 to 2022. This study unravels an entangled web of factors, shedding light on the unexpected interplay between biotechnology in farming and online whimsy.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
As humankind continues to manipulate the genetic makeup of crops, one can't help but wonder what kind of unintended consequences may be lurking within these seemingly innocuous alterations. The eyes of the scientific community have turned toward the cotton fields of Alabama, where genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have taken root, quite literally. Simultaneously, in the vast expanse of internet knowledge, the webcomic "xkcd" has been a source of intellectual entertainment and occasional existential pondering for many. One might question the intersection of these two seemingly disparate spheres. However, our inquisitive minds could not resist probing the potential relationship between the adoption of GMOs in cotton cultivation and the interest in "xkcd" as evidenced by Google searches.
Throughout this investigation, we faced the challenge of navigating through the tangled underbrush of speculation and skepticism. Yet, armed with data from the USDA and Google Trends, we embarked on a journey to unravel the enigmatic ties between agricultural practices and online diversions. The objective of this study is to present the results of our exploration into this unexpected and perhaps improbable correlation—a connection between biotechnology in farming and the online pursuit of witty and often delightfully nerdy webcomics.
By filling this gap in understanding, this research aims to contribute to the expanding body of knowledge on the intertwining of human activities in the digital age. Through rigorous statistical analysis, we have endeavored to shed light on the baffling linkage between GMOs and "xkcd." While the correlation coefficient may astonish some and prompt others to raise an eyebrow, it is our hope that this study will spark further curiosity and investigation into the curious interfaces between seemingly unrelated phenomena.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The analysis of the data amassed from the USDA and Google Trends unveiled a striking relationship between the adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in cotton cultivation in Alabama and the frequency of Google searches for the webcomic "xkcd." The correlation coefficient of 0.8752613 indicated a robust positive association between these seemingly unrelated variables. This surprising connection points to the intricate dance of influences shaping human behavior in the digital era. The high r-squared value of 0.7660823 further underscored the substantial proportion of variance in "xkcd" searches that could be explained by the presence of GMO cotton in Alabama. Indeed, it appears that the cultivation of cotton has spun a web of influence that extends to the virtual realms of internet humor and intellectual musings.

The scatterplot (Fig. 1) depicts the unmistakably tight clustering of data points, affirming the strength of the correlation. The distinct pattern of the plot leaves little room for doubt regarding the alignment of GMO cotton and "xkcd" searches. While cause-and-effect conclusions are beyond the scope of this research, the findings prompt contemplation of the interconnectedness of human interests and agricultural advancements. The statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 solidified the credibility of the observed correlation, dispelling any lingering doubts about the reliability of the results.

In light of these results, it seems that the tendrils of biotechnological innovation have not only taken root in the fields of Alabama but have also woven themselves into the fabric of digital pursuits. This unforeseen fusion of agriculture and internet culture opens the door to an array of intriguing questions and whimsical speculations, inviting further inquiry into the interplay of seemingly incongruous domains.


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

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between GMO use in cotton in Alabama and Google searches for 'xkcd'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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 GMOxkcd Connection: A Cotton-Candy of Correlation"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This article explores the link between the adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in cotton cultivation in Alabama and the frequency of Google searches for the webcomic "xkcd." Utilizing data from the USDA and Google Trends, our research delves into the peculiar relationship between agricultural practices and internet browsing habits. The results reveal a correlation coefficient of 0.8752613, with a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 2007 to 2022. This study unravels an entangled web of factors, shedding light on the unexpected interplay between biotechnology in farming and online whimsy.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
Smith et al. (2010) examined the impact of GMO adoption in cotton cultivation on agricultural productivity, finding a significant increase in yield and pest resistance. Doe et al. (2015) explored the environmental implications of GMO use in cotton, noting the reduction in pesticide application and associated environmental benefits. Jones et al. (2018) investigated the economic outcomes of GMO adoption in cotton farming, revealing positive effects on farmer income and production efficiency.
In "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan, the author delves into the complex web of food production and draws attention to the evolution of agricultural practices, including the adoption of genetically modified organisms. Similarly, "The Botany of Desire" by Michael Pollan presents an intriguing exploration of the intricate relationship between humans and plants, touching upon the evolution of genetically modified crops and their impact on agricultural systems.
As we venture further into the realm of literature pertinent to our research, we encounter "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd, a captivating novel set in the context of beekeeping and the natural world. While not directly related to cotton cultivation or GMOs, the intricate interconnectedness of the characters in the novel serves as a reminder of the unexpected relationships that may exist in seemingly disparate domains.
Amidst the plethora of resources consulted for this literature review, it is worth noting that a unique approach to information gathering was undertaken. In addition to scholarly articles and reputable publications, unconventional sources such as grocery store receipts, fortune cookies, and tea leaves were consulted, providing an alternative perspective on the interplay between agricultural biotechnology and internet browsing habits. While the reliability of these sources may raise some eyebrows, the insights captured from these unorthodox channels cannot be dismissed outright, albeit with a grain of salt or a pinch of skepticism.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the data amassed from the USDA and Google Trends unveiled a striking relationship between the adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in cotton cultivation in Alabama and the frequency of Google searches for the webcomic "xkcd." The correlation coefficient of 0.8752613 indicated a robust positive association between these seemingly unrelated variables. This surprising connection points to the intricate dance of influences shaping human behavior in the digital era. The high r-squared value of 0.7660823 further underscored the substantial proportion of variance in "xkcd" searches that could be explained by the presence of GMO cotton in Alabama. Indeed, it appears that the cultivation of cotton has spun a web of influence that extends to the virtual realms of internet humor and intellectual musings.
The scatterplot (Fig. 1) depicts the unmistakably tight clustering of data points, affirming the strength of the correlation. The distinct pattern of the plot leaves little room for doubt regarding the alignment of GMO cotton and "xkcd" searches. While cause-and-effect conclusions are beyond the scope of this research, the findings prompt contemplation of the interconnectedness of human interests and agricultural advancements. The statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 solidified the credibility of the observed correlation, dispelling any lingering doubts about the reliability of the results.
In light of these results, it seems that the tendrils of biotechnological innovation have not only taken root in the fields of Alabama but have also woven themselves into the fabric of digital pursuits. This unforeseen fusion of agriculture and internet culture opens the door to an array of intriguing questions and whimsical speculations, inviting further inquiry into the interplay of seemingly incongruous domains.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The empirical evidence presented in this study depicts a compelling correspondence between the adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Alabama cotton farming and the frequency of Google searches for the webcomic "xkcd." Our findings concur with prior research assessing the impact of GMO adoption on agricultural productivity, as demonstrated by Smith et al. (2010). The significant increase in cotton yield and pest resistance linked to GMO cultivation aligns with the observed surge in "xkcd" searches, suggesting a fertile ground for humor in the cotton fields of Alabama.

Additionally, the reduced pesticide application and associated environmental benefits highlighted by Doe et al. (2015) resonate with the flourishing of "xkcd" queries, symbolizing a blossoming harmony between ecological well-being and online amusement. Perhaps the reduction in pesticide usage has liberated cotton farmers to explore the realms of internet humor, sowing the seeds for a flourishing digital presence.

Jones et al. (2018) provided insights into the economic ramifications of GMO adoption in cotton farming, revealing its positive effects on income and production efficiency. The alignment of these economic benefits with the surge in "xkcd" searches hints at a potential economic stimulus for the digital humor industry, as cotton cultivation lays the groundwork for a bumper crop of internet-based amusement.

The unorthodox sources consulted during the literature review have also borne fruit in shedding light on the unexpected correlations unearthed in this study. Drawing inspiration from grocery store receipts and fortune cookies, we are reminded of the unpredictable pathways that lead to meaningful connections, much like the intertwining threads of GMO cotton and "xkcd" searches. As Sue Monk Kidd's "The Secret Life of Bees" subtly suggests, the intricate interconnectedness of seemingly disparate entities serves as a testament to the serendipitous relationships we uncover in our quests for knowledge.

Our research serves as a reminder of the intricate dance of influences shaping human behavior, reminding us that even the most unassuming agricultural practices can have unforeseen ripple effects in the digital landscape. The unexpected convergence of biotechnological innovation and internet culture unveiled in this study paves the way for further exploration into the whimsical interplay of seemingly incongruous domains.


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

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between GMO use in cotton in Alabama and Google searches for 'xkcd'. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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 GMOxkcd Connection: A Cotton-Candy of Correlation"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This article explores the link between the adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in cotton cultivation in Alabama and the frequency of Google searches for the webcomic "xkcd." Utilizing data from the USDA and Google Trends, our research delves into the peculiar relationship between agricultural practices and internet browsing habits. The results reveal a correlation coefficient of 0.8752613, with a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 2007 to 2022. This study unravels an entangled web of factors, shedding light on the unexpected interplay between biotechnology in farming and online whimsy.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
As humankind continues to manipulate the genetic makeup of crops, one can't help but wonder what kind of unintended consequences may be lurking within these seemingly innocuous alterations. The eyes of the scientific community have turned toward the cotton fields of Alabama, where genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have taken root, quite literally. Simultaneously, in the vast expanse of internet knowledge, the webcomic "xkcd" has been a source of intellectual entertainment and occasional existential pondering for many. One might question the intersection of these two seemingly disparate spheres. However, our inquisitive minds could not resist probing the potential relationship between the adoption of GMOs in cotton cultivation and the interest in "xkcd" as evidenced by Google searches.
Throughout this investigation, we faced the challenge of navigating through the tangled underbrush of speculation and skepticism. Yet, armed with data from the USDA and Google Trends, we embarked on a journey to unravel the enigmatic ties between agricultural practices and online diversions. The objective of this study is to present the results of our exploration into this unexpected and perhaps improbable correlation—a connection between biotechnology in farming and the online pursuit of witty and often delightfully nerdy webcomics.
By filling this gap in understanding, this research aims to contribute to the expanding body of knowledge on the intertwining of human activities in the digital age. Through rigorous statistical analysis, we have endeavored to shed light on the baffling linkage between GMOs and "xkcd." While the correlation coefficient may astonish some and prompt others to raise an eyebrow, it is our hope that this study will spark further curiosity and investigation into the curious interfaces between seemingly unrelated phenomena.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the data amassed from the USDA and Google Trends unveiled a striking relationship between the adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in cotton cultivation in Alabama and the frequency of Google searches for the webcomic "xkcd." The correlation coefficient of 0.8752613 indicated a robust positive association between these seemingly unrelated variables. This surprising connection points to the intricate dance of influences shaping human behavior in the digital era. The high r-squared value of 0.7660823 further underscored the substantial proportion of variance in "xkcd" searches that could be explained by the presence of GMO cotton in Alabama. Indeed, it appears that the cultivation of cotton has spun a web of influence that extends to the virtual realms of internet humor and intellectual musings.
The scatterplot (Fig. 1) depicts the unmistakably tight clustering of data points, affirming the strength of the correlation. The distinct pattern of the plot leaves little room for doubt regarding the alignment of GMO cotton and "xkcd" searches. While cause-and-effect conclusions are beyond the scope of this research, the findings prompt contemplation of the interconnectedness of human interests and agricultural advancements. The statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 solidified the credibility of the observed correlation, dispelling any lingering doubts about the reliability of the results.
In light of these results, it seems that the tendrils of biotechnological innovation have not only taken root in the fields of Alabama but have also woven themselves into the fabric of digital pursuits. This unforeseen fusion of agriculture and internet culture opens the door to an array of intriguing questions and whimsical speculations, inviting further inquiry into the interplay of seemingly incongruous domains.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

The revelation of a substantial, positively correlated relationship between the adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in cotton cultivation in Alabama and the frequency of Google searches for the webcomic "xkcd" is, to say the least, unexpected. As we unraveled this peculiar association, one couldn't help but marvel at the twisty road of human behavior and influence.

The robust correlation coefficient of 0.8752613 and the high r-squared value of 0.7660823 left us slightly gobsmacked, but also inexplicably giddy at the prospect of uncovering such a curious connection. The tightening embrace of GMO cotton and "xkcd" searches paints a picture of surreptitious threads weaving through the fabric of modern society, tying together the growth of crops and the growth of internet gags.

The scatterplot, Fig. 1, laid bare the remarkable clustering of data points, leaving us with little doubt about the tangibility of this correlation. This unexpected entwinement prompts reflections on the whimsical ways in which human fascinations take root and flourish.

In light of these findings, it seems we find ourselves at a crossroads of agricultural innovation and digital diversions, where the fields of Alabama and the webcomic "xkcd" are inexplicably entwined. These results add a layer of intrigue to the already complex tapestry of human behavior, highlighting the enigmatic interconnections that permeate our modern existence.

In conclusion, the evidence speaks for itself, and it speaks in a bemusing dialect of GMO cotton and internet humor. It is our earnest recommendation that no further research is warranted in this particular area, as it is abundantly clear that the peculiar bond between GMOs and "xkcd" warrants no further unraveling.


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 GMOxkcd Connection: A Cotton-Candy of Correlation. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Silly Science


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 GMOxkcd Connection: A Cotton-Candy of Correlation. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Institute for Zany Agricultural 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 GMOxkcd Connection: A Cotton-Candy of Correlation with an abstract of This article explores the link between the adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in cotton cultivation in Alabama and the frequency of Google searches for the webcomic "xkcd." Utilizing data from the USDA and Google Trends, our research delves into the peculiar relationship between agricultural practices and internet browsing habits. The results reveal a correlation coefficient of 0.8752613, with a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the period spanning 2007 to 2022. This study unravels an entangled web of factors, shedding light on the unexpected interplay between biotechnology in farming and online whimsy.

ChatGPT:

GMO, genetically modified organisms, cotton cultivation, Alabama, Google searches, webcomic, xkcd, USDA, Google Trends, correlation coefficient, p-value, biotechnology, farming, online whimsy

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



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Data details

GMO use in cotton in Alabama
Detailed data title: Percent of cotton planted in Alabama that is genetically modified to be insect-resistant (Bt), but not herbicide-tolerant (HT)
Source: USDA
See what else correlates with GMO use in cotton in Alabama

Google searches for 'xkcd'
Detailed data title: Relative volume of Google searches for 'xkcd' (Worldwide, without quotes)
Source: Google Trends
Additional Info: Relative search volume (not absolute numbers)

See what else correlates with Google searches for 'xkcd'

Correlation r = 0.8752613 (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 = 0.7660823 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 76.6% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Google searches for 'xkcd') is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., GMO use in cotton in Alabama) over the 16 years from 2007 through 2022.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 9.005E-6. 0.0000090045629364414690000000
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 0.88 in 0.0009005% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 111,055 random variables You don't actually need 111 thousand variables to find a correlation like this one. I don't have that many variables in my database. You can also correlate variables that are not independent. I do this a lot.

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

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

Just to be clear: I'm being completely transparent about the calculations. There is no math trickery. This is just how statistics shakes out when you calculate hundreds of millions of random correlations.
with the same 15 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 15 because we have two variables measured over a period of 16 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, 0.96 ] 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.
2007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022
GMO use in cotton in Alabama (GMO cotton %)10181311181712946212413
Google searches for 'xkcd' (Rel. search volume)33.916760.416780.2584.416782.833372.833361.549.666741.833327.166722.416716.916714.666711.757.833339.25




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.




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([10,18,13,11,18,17,12,9,4,6,2,1,2,4,1,3,])
array_2 = np.array([33.9167,60.4167,80.25,84.4167,82.8333,72.8333,61.5,49.6667,41.8333,27.1667,22.4167,16.9167,14.6667,11.75,7.83333,9.25,])
array_1_name = "GMO use in cotton in Alabama"
array_2_name = "Google searches for 'xkcd'"

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

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



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

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

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Correlation ID: 3660 · Black Variable ID: 767 · Red Variable ID: 1450
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