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Spurious correlation #3,748 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Milk consumption and the second variable is Burglaries in Utah.  The chart goes from 1990 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

Fewer late-night cereal cravings meant fewer trips to the kitchen, leading to fewer creaky floorboard encounters. Got Milk? Apparently, the burglars didn't!

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image of a quiet Utah neighborhood where a family sits around a breakfast table with bowls of cereal and milk. The family looks content as they enjoy their meal, with a jug of milk prominently placed on the table. At the same time, a group of burglars walks past their house, appearing disappointed and holding their stomachs. The burglars shake their heads in reaction to the lack of milk, clearly dissuaded from carrying out any illegal activities, as indicated by a decrease in burglaries sticker displayed on the front door of the family's house. 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: Milk consumption and Burglaries in Utah. 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: Whimsical illustration Surrealism Art nouveau Voxel art Psychedelic
ChatGPT: Surrealism

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 Milk consumption and Burglaries in Utah, in the following situation: Because as milk consumption decreased, people were less likely to have milk in their refrigerators. Since burglars are notorious for their lactose intolerance, they were repelled by the lack of dairy products in Utah households. This led to a decrease in burglaries as the burglars sought out homes with a greater supply of milk to satisfy their calcium cravings elsewhere.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a quiet Utah neighborhood, a family is seen enjoying a hearty breakfast of cereal and milk, with a jug of milk sitting on the table. Their front door has a sticker showing a decrease in burglaries in the area. Meanwhile, a group of burglars walk past the house, holding their stomachs and shaking their heads in disappointment, as the absence of milk in the household deters their intentions to break in.

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: [ Surrealism ] and depicting this scene: In a quiet Utah neighborhood, a family is seen enjoying a hearty breakfast of cereal and milk, with a jug of milk sitting on the table. Their front door has a sticker showing a decrease in burglaries in the area. Meanwhile, a group of burglars walk past the house, holding their stomachs and shaking their heads in disappointment, as the absence of milk in the household deters their intentions to break in. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image of a quiet Utah neighborhood where a family sits around a breakfast table with bowls of cereal and milk. The family looks content as they enjoy their meal, with a jug of milk prominently placed on the table. At the same time, a group of burglars walks past their house, appearing disappointed and holding their stomachs. The burglars shake their heads in reaction to the lack of milk, clearly dissuaded from carrying out any illegal activities, as indicated by a decrease in burglaries sticker displayed on the front door of the family's house.

*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 Milk consumption caused Burglaries in Utah to decrease. Add a funny one-liner at the end.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
The Milky Robbery: Exploring the Link Between Milk Consumption and Burglaries in Utah

Journal of Dairy Criminology

Jan 2024

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




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

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Milk consumption and Burglaries in Utah. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

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

Your research team used data from USDA and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.9687105 and p < 0.01 for 1990 to 2021.

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

[[TITLE]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit

[[ABSTRACT]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit



ChatGPT:
[[TITLE]]
The Milky Robbery: Exploring the Link Between Milk Consumption and Burglaries in Utah

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the fascinating correlation between milk consumption and burglaries in the state of Utah. Drawing from the USDA consumption data and the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services records from the years 1990 to 2021, our research team aimed to shed light on this unusual association. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9687105 and a p-value of less than 0.01, the findings demonstrate a striking relationship between the purchase and consumption of milk and the occurrence of burglaries. It seems that when it comes to crime, milk does not always do a body good. * Got milk? Better lock up your valuables! *

This paper not only examines the statistical significance of this relationship but also provides theoretical interpretations and practical implications for the public. By bringing attention to this quirky connection, our research aims to encourage further exploration into the underlying mechanisms and social factors that may explain the unusual correlation between dairy intake and criminal activity. The findings of this study may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the societal influences on criminal behavior, and offer perspective on how to approach crime prevention with a dairy twist. * When the milkman delivers, the burglars may too!*


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

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Milk consumption and Burglaries in Utah. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. 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 Milky Robbery: Exploring the Link Between Milk Consumption and Burglaries in Utah

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the fascinating correlation between milk consumption and burglaries in the state of Utah. Drawing from the USDA consumption data and the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services records from the years 1990 to 2021, our research team aimed to shed light on this unusual association. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9687105 and a p-value of less than 0.01, the findings demonstrate a striking relationship between the purchase and consumption of milk and the occurrence of burglaries. It seems that when it comes to crime, milk does not always do a body good. * Got milk? Better lock up your valuables! *

This paper not only examines the statistical significance of this relationship but also provides theoretical interpretations and practical implications for the public. By bringing attention to this quirky connection, our research aims to encourage further exploration into the underlying mechanisms and social factors that may explain the unusual correlation between dairy intake and criminal activity. The findings of this study may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the societal influences on criminal behavior, and offer perspective on how to approach crime prevention with a dairy twist. * When the milkman delivers, the burglars may too!*

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

Gouda afternoon, esteemed colleagues and distinguished readers. As we embark on this research journey, I hope to butter you up with some thought-provoking findings on an utterly captivating topic. We are about to navigate through the uncharted territory where milk consumption and criminal behavior intersect, so grab your lab coats and a glass of milk - and make sure your doors are locked, of course!

The surprising connection between milk consumption and burglaries has stirred up udderly delightful conversations within the scientific community. It's not every day we get to milk such bewilderment from seemingly unrelated variables, but as they say, the proof is in the pudding - or perhaps, in this case, the milk. With a correlation coefficient higher than the top shelf at your local dairy and a p-value that makes researchers lactose intolerant, the statistical evidence unveils a captivating narrative that's not to be skimmed over. * The only thing skimmed here is the milk! *

We recognize that at first glance, the notion of milk and crime may seem utterly cheesy, but our research endeavors to curdle any doubts and churn out the truth. Not to be melo-dramatic, but we simply can't milk around the issue any longer. The data speaks for itself, and it's time to dissect the findings with scientific rigor and a touch of humor - just to keep things moooo-ving along! *Let's not cry over spilled milk, but we may shed some light on surprising associations!*

But wait, we must remember that correlation does not always equal causation. Are we suggesting that milk itself leads to an increased likelihood of burglaries? Not quite. There may be underlying factors that muddle the milk-burglary relationship, and our job is to decipher this puzzling phenomenon like a lactose-intolerant Sherlock Holmes. So, grab a magnifying glass and a carton of milk - let's get a closer look at this intriguing discovery that's milking the headlines. *It's time to skim through the evidence and not cry over crimed milk!*

In the following sections, we will dissect our findings, unpack the theoretical implications, and even suggest some practical steps for the public to cheddar their properties from would-be burglars. So, buckle up, dear readers, the Milky Robbery research adventure is about to commence. *To dairy or not to dairy, that is the question!*


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

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Milk consumption and Burglaries in Utah. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

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

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

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

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Milky Robbery: Exploring the Link Between Milk Consumption and Burglaries in Utah

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the fascinating correlation between milk consumption and burglaries in the state of Utah. Drawing from the USDA consumption data and the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services records from the years 1990 to 2021, our research team aimed to shed light on this unusual association. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9687105 and a p-value of less than 0.01, the findings demonstrate a striking relationship between the purchase and consumption of milk and the occurrence of burglaries. It seems that when it comes to crime, milk does not always do a body good. * Got milk? Better lock up your valuables! *

This paper not only examines the statistical significance of this relationship but also provides theoretical interpretations and practical implications for the public. By bringing attention to this quirky connection, our research aims to encourage further exploration into the underlying mechanisms and social factors that may explain the unusual correlation between dairy intake and criminal activity. The findings of this study may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the societal influences on criminal behavior, and offer perspective on how to approach crime prevention with a dairy twist. * When the milkman delivers, the burglars may too!*

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
Gouda afternoon, esteemed colleagues and distinguished readers. As we embark on this research journey, I hope to butter you up with some thought-provoking findings on an utterly captivating topic. We are about to navigate through the uncharted territory where milk consumption and criminal behavior intersect, so grab your lab coats and a glass of milk - and make sure your doors are locked, of course!
The surprising connection between milk consumption and burglaries has stirred up udderly delightful conversations within the scientific community. It's not every day we get to milk such bewilderment from seemingly unrelated variables, but as they say, the proof is in the pudding - or perhaps, in this case, the milk. With a correlation coefficient higher than the top shelf at your local dairy and a p-value that makes researchers lactose intolerant, the statistical evidence unveils a captivating narrative that's not to be skimmed over. * The only thing skimmed here is the milk! *
We recognize that at first glance, the notion of milk and crime may seem utterly cheesy, but our research endeavors to curdle any doubts and churn out the truth. Not to be melo-dramatic, but we simply can't milk around the issue any longer. The data speaks for itself, and it's time to dissect the findings with scientific rigor and a touch of humor - just to keep things moooo-ving along! *Let's not cry over spilled milk, but we may shed some light on surprising associations!*
But wait, we must remember that correlation does not always equal causation. Are we suggesting that milk itself leads to an increased likelihood of burglaries? Not quite. There may be underlying factors that muddle the milk-burglary relationship, and our job is to decipher this puzzling phenomenon like a lactose-intolerant Sherlock Holmes. So, grab a magnifying glass and a carton of milk - let's get a closer look at this intriguing discovery that's milking the headlines. *It's time to skim through the evidence and not cry over crimed milk!*
In the following sections, we will dissect our findings, unpack the theoretical implications, and even suggest some practical steps for the public to cheddar their properties from would-be burglars. So, buckle up, dear readers, the Milky Robbery research adventure is about to commence. *To dairy or not to dairy, that is the question!*

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

As the gray area between dairy and delinquency is often overlooked in academic literature, our study embarks on a quest to unravel the connection between milk consumption and burglaries in Utah. With the staggering correlation coefficient established in our own research, we find ourselves standing on the shoulders of previous studies that have laid the groundwork for exploring unexpected relationships. Smith (2015) delves into the societal impact of food consumption on criminal behavior, providing a comprehensive analysis of various dietary patterns and their potential influence on crime rates. Doe (2018) further examines the psychological effects of calcium intake on decision-making processes, shedding light on the potential cognitive mechanisms at play.

Now, let's milk this topic for all it's worth! Speaking of which, did you hear about the cheese factory that exploded? There was nothing left but de-brie! Moving on to more serious matters, as our research unfolds, it is crucial to consider how milk consumption fits within the broader context of criminological theories and dietary influences on behavior. In "Criminal Appetites" by Jones (2017), the author explores the link between hunger and criminal tendencies, offering a compelling perspective on how nutritional habits may intersect with criminal motivations.

However, our literary adventures don't stop there! In "Milk and Mischiefs: An Unlikely Duo" by Lorem and Ipsum (2020), the authors delve into the historical connections between milk trade and illicit activities, unearthing tales of dairy-related capers that could rival any Sherlock Holmes mystery. And speaking of Holmes, did you know he once investigated a milk-stealing case? It was elementary, my dear Watson - the culprit left a white mustache at the crime scene!

Now, let's turn the page to a different genre. Fictional works such as "The Case of the Missing Milkshake" by Agatha Creamy (2005) and "The Curious Incident of the Cows in the Night-Time" by Mark Haddon (2003) offer whimsical yet insightful narratives that prompt us to ponder the intersections between dairy, mischief, and the human psyche.

Steering towards less conventional sources, we must not overlook the impact of childhood cartoons on our perspective. Shows such as "Dairy Detectives" and "Milkman Mysteries" have long captivated young audiences with their tales of milk-related mayhem and cow-conspired capers. Who knew that a glass of milk could hold the key to unlocking a dairy-filled adventure?

In integrating these diverse sources, our literature review aims to blend scholarly rigor with a sprinkle of levity, recognizing that even the most nuanced topics can benefit from a splash of unexpected humor. *Knock, knock. Who’s there? Milk. Milk who? Milk the crime scene for all it's worth!* With this eclectic blend of literature and an appreciation for the dairy-fueled mysteries of life, we forge ahead into the uncharted territory of milk-induced mischief and its implications for crime prevention strategies.


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

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Milk consumption and Burglaries in Utah. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. 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 USDA and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services . You used data from 1990 to 2021

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

Here is the title, abstract, and introduction of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Milky Robbery: Exploring the Link Between Milk Consumption and Burglaries in Utah

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the fascinating correlation between milk consumption and burglaries in the state of Utah. Drawing from the USDA consumption data and the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services records from the years 1990 to 2021, our research team aimed to shed light on this unusual association. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9687105 and a p-value of less than 0.01, the findings demonstrate a striking relationship between the purchase and consumption of milk and the occurrence of burglaries. It seems that when it comes to crime, milk does not always do a body good. * Got milk? Better lock up your valuables! *

This paper not only examines the statistical significance of this relationship but also provides theoretical interpretations and practical implications for the public. By bringing attention to this quirky connection, our research aims to encourage further exploration into the underlying mechanisms and social factors that may explain the unusual correlation between dairy intake and criminal activity. The findings of this study may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the societal influences on criminal behavior, and offer perspective on how to approach crime prevention with a dairy twist. * When the milkman delivers, the burglars may too!*

[[INTRODUCTION]]
Gouda afternoon, esteemed colleagues and distinguished readers. As we embark on this research journey, I hope to butter you up with some thought-provoking findings on an utterly captivating topic. We are about to navigate through the uncharted territory where milk consumption and criminal behavior intersect, so grab your lab coats and a glass of milk - and make sure your doors are locked, of course!
The surprising connection between milk consumption and burglaries has stirred up udderly delightful conversations within the scientific community. It's not every day we get to milk such bewilderment from seemingly unrelated variables, but as they say, the proof is in the pudding - or perhaps, in this case, the milk. With a correlation coefficient higher than the top shelf at your local dairy and a p-value that makes researchers lactose intolerant, the statistical evidence unveils a captivating narrative that's not to be skimmed over. * The only thing skimmed here is the milk! *
We recognize that at first glance, the notion of milk and crime may seem utterly cheesy, but our research endeavors to curdle any doubts and churn out the truth. Not to be melo-dramatic, but we simply can't milk around the issue any longer. The data speaks for itself, and it's time to dissect the findings with scientific rigor and a touch of humor - just to keep things moooo-ving along! *Let's not cry over spilled milk, but we may shed some light on surprising associations!*
But wait, we must remember that correlation does not always equal causation. Are we suggesting that milk itself leads to an increased likelihood of burglaries? Not quite. There may be underlying factors that muddle the milk-burglary relationship, and our job is to decipher this puzzling phenomenon like a lactose-intolerant Sherlock Holmes. So, grab a magnifying glass and a carton of milk - let's get a closer look at this intriguing discovery that's milking the headlines. *It's time to skim through the evidence and not cry over crimed milk!*
In the following sections, we will dissect our findings, unpack the theoretical implications, and even suggest some practical steps for the public to cheddar their properties from would-be burglars. So, buckle up, dear readers, the Milky Robbery research adventure is about to commence. *To dairy or not to dairy, that is the question!*

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

Now that we've tantalized your scientific taste buds with our dairy-themed approach, let's milk the most out of our methodological udder-ings. Our research design involved gathering data from two distinct sources: the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service and the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, accessible via the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division. We felt that these databases provided a gouda mix of information on milk consumption and burglary rates in Utah from 1990 to 2021. *With one database churning out milk stats and the other tracking crime, we've got a real whodunit on our hands!*

To wrangle the data, we embarked on a curiously complex journey. Armed with nothing but our wits and a spreadsheet, we adeptly wrangled and homogenized the numbers like a group of frenzied dairy farmers. We diligently compiled the monthly milk consumption figures (in gallons) for Utah, marveling at how the state's dairy consumption at times seemed as unpredictable as a lactose-intolerant cow at a cheese festival. *We carefully milked the data, udderly determined to separate curds from whey!*

Next, we delved into the FBI's crime records for Utah, extracting the monthly counts of burglaries with the meticulousness of a detective dusting for fingerprints. The variance in burglary rates, much like the assortment of cheeses in a fromagerie, intrigued us as we sought to unravel the enigmatic relationship between crime and dairy. *It was like we were navigating a labyrinth of crime statistics, but with more milk spills and fewer criminal masterminds!*

With the dairy and crime data simmering on the stove, we set about conducting a rigorous statistical analysis. Utilizing the joys of correlation analysis, we scrutinized the relationship between monthly milk consumption and burglary rates, the numbers dancing together like a pair of capering dairy cows in a sunlit pasture. As the numbers solidified into statistical patterns, it became startlingly apparent that the connection between milk and burglaries was not mere happenstance. *As the statistical findings fermented, the link between milk and crime curdled into something truly distressing!*

To ensure that our findings didn't whey-le the research world onto a misleading path, we also performed multivariate regression analysis, controlling for factors that could churn up confounding results. We wanted to be as thorough as a dairy enthusiast checking every nook and cranny for hidden cheese treasures. Through this meticulous process, we sought to strain out any possible extraneous variables that might overshadow the intriguing cheese... I mean, milk-burglary relationship. *We weren't about to let any rogue variables spoil our findings like a wedge of forgotten gouda!*


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

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Milk consumption and Burglaries in Utah. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. 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 USDA and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services .

For the time period 1990 to 2021, you found a correlation 0.9687105, r-squared of 0.9384000, 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 Milky Robbery: Exploring the Link Between Milk Consumption and Burglaries in Utah

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the fascinating correlation between milk consumption and burglaries in the state of Utah. Drawing from the USDA consumption data and the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services records from the years 1990 to 2021, our research team aimed to shed light on this unusual association. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9687105 and a p-value of less than 0.01, the findings demonstrate a striking relationship between the purchase and consumption of milk and the occurrence of burglaries. It seems that when it comes to crime, milk does not always do a body good. * Got milk? Better lock up your valuables! *

This paper not only examines the statistical significance of this relationship but also provides theoretical interpretations and practical implications for the public. By bringing attention to this quirky connection, our research aims to encourage further exploration into the underlying mechanisms and social factors that may explain the unusual correlation between dairy intake and criminal activity. The findings of this study may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the societal influences on criminal behavior, and offer perspective on how to approach crime prevention with a dairy twist. * When the milkman delivers, the burglars may too!*

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
Gouda afternoon, esteemed colleagues and distinguished readers. As we embark on this research journey, I hope to butter you up with some thought-provoking findings on an utterly captivating topic. We are about to navigate through the uncharted territory where milk consumption and criminal behavior intersect, so grab your lab coats and a glass of milk - and make sure your doors are locked, of course!
The surprising connection between milk consumption and burglaries has stirred up udderly delightful conversations within the scientific community. It's not every day we get to milk such bewilderment from seemingly unrelated variables, but as they say, the proof is in the pudding - or perhaps, in this case, the milk. With a correlation coefficient higher than the top shelf at your local dairy and a p-value that makes researchers lactose intolerant, the statistical evidence unveils a captivating narrative that's not to be skimmed over. * The only thing skimmed here is the milk! *
We recognize that at first glance, the notion of milk and crime may seem utterly cheesy, but our research endeavors to curdle any doubts and churn out the truth. Not to be melo-dramatic, but we simply can't milk around the issue any longer. The data speaks for itself, and it's time to dissect the findings with scientific rigor and a touch of humor - just to keep things moooo-ving along! *Let's not cry over spilled milk, but we may shed some light on surprising associations!*
But wait, we must remember that correlation does not always equal causation. Are we suggesting that milk itself leads to an increased likelihood of burglaries? Not quite. There may be underlying factors that muddle the milk-burglary relationship, and our job is to decipher this puzzling phenomenon like a lactose-intolerant Sherlock Holmes. So, grab a magnifying glass and a carton of milk - let's get a closer look at this intriguing discovery that's milking the headlines. *It's time to skim through the evidence and not cry over crimed milk!*
In the following sections, we will dissect our findings, unpack the theoretical implications, and even suggest some practical steps for the public to cheddar their properties from would-be burglars. So, buckle up, dear readers, the Milky Robbery research adventure is about to commence. *To dairy or not to dairy, that is the question!*

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The correlation analysis conducted on the data collected from 1990 to 2021 revealed a notable correlation coefficient of 0.9687105 between milk consumption and burglaries in the state of Utah. This coefficient suggests a very strong positive linear relationship between the two variables, indicating that as milk consumption increases, so do the burglary rates. It seems that the phrase "got milk?" may need to be complemented with "got a reliable home security system?"

Fig. 1 displays the scatterplot illustrating this robust correlation between milk consumption and burglaries. The data points form a nearly perfect straight line, reminiscent of a well-organized milk aisle at the grocery store. It's as if the burglars are following a milk trail to their next target! *Looks like these criminals have a strong affinity for dairy products - they must really "brie" in need of some late-night snacks!*

Additionally, the calculated r-squared value of 0.9384000 indicates that approximately 93.84% of the variability in burglary rates can be explained by the variability in milk consumption. It's as if the burglars can't resist the allure of a well-stocked fridge, making off with more than just the cheese! *When it comes to crime, they're not just after the "cheddar" - they're after the whole dairy aisle!*

Furthermore, the p-value of less than 0.01 provides strong evidence against the null hypothesis, indicating that the relationship between milk consumption and burglaries is statistically significant. This finding implies that the observed association is unlikely to have occurred merely by chance. It seems that when it comes to the connection between dairy intake and criminal activity, we can't just "mooove" on from the evidence! *Looks like there's more to this dairy industry than meets the "I"!*

In summary, the results of this study indicate a compelling and robust correlation between milk consumption and burglaries in Utah. The findings not only spark intrigue but also raise important questions about the societal influences on criminal behavior and the potential preventive measures to secure properties from these dairy-craving burglars. *Utah residents might want to consider adding "milk" to their home security checklist - it's not just for strong bones, but also for safe homes!*


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

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Milk consumption and Burglaries in Utah. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. 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 Milky Robbery: Exploring the Link Between Milk Consumption and Burglaries in Utah

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the fascinating correlation between milk consumption and burglaries in the state of Utah. Drawing from the USDA consumption data and the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services records from the years 1990 to 2021, our research team aimed to shed light on this unusual association. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9687105 and a p-value of less than 0.01, the findings demonstrate a striking relationship between the purchase and consumption of milk and the occurrence of burglaries. It seems that when it comes to crime, milk does not always do a body good. * Got milk? Better lock up your valuables! *

This paper not only examines the statistical significance of this relationship but also provides theoretical interpretations and practical implications for the public. By bringing attention to this quirky connection, our research aims to encourage further exploration into the underlying mechanisms and social factors that may explain the unusual correlation between dairy intake and criminal activity. The findings of this study may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the societal influences on criminal behavior, and offer perspective on how to approach crime prevention with a dairy twist. * When the milkman delivers, the burglars may too!*

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
As the gray area between dairy and delinquency is often overlooked in academic literature, our study embarks on a quest to unravel the connection between milk consumption and burglaries in Utah. With the staggering correlation coefficient established in our own research, we find ourselves standing on the shoulders of previous studies that have laid the groundwork for exploring unexpected relationships. Smith (2015) delves into the societal impact of food consumption on criminal behavior, providing a comprehensive analysis of various dietary patterns and their potential influence on crime rates. Doe (2018) further examines the psychological effects of calcium intake on decision-making processes, shedding light on the potential cognitive mechanisms at play.
Now, let's milk this topic for all it's worth! Speaking of which, did you hear about the cheese factory that exploded? There was nothing left but de-brie! Moving on to more serious matters, as our research unfolds, it is crucial to consider how milk consumption fits within the broader context of criminological theories and dietary influences on behavior. In "Criminal Appetites" by Jones (2017), the author explores the link between hunger and criminal tendencies, offering a compelling perspective on how nutritional habits may intersect with criminal motivations.
However, our literary adventures don't stop there! In "Milk and Mischiefs: An Unlikely Duo" by Lorem and Ipsum (2020), the authors delve into the historical connections between milk trade and illicit activities, unearthing tales of dairy-related capers that could rival any Sherlock Holmes mystery. And speaking of Holmes, did you know he once investigated a milk-stealing case? It was elementary, my dear Watson - the culprit left a white mustache at the crime scene!
Now, let's turn the page to a different genre. Fictional works such as "The Case of the Missing Milkshake" by Agatha Creamy (2005) and "The Curious Incident of the Cows in the Night-Time" by Mark Haddon (2003) offer whimsical yet insightful narratives that prompt us to ponder the intersections between dairy, mischief, and the human psyche.
Steering towards less conventional sources, we must not overlook the impact of childhood cartoons on our perspective. Shows such as "Dairy Detectives" and "Milkman Mysteries" have long captivated young audiences with their tales of milk-related mayhem and cow-conspired capers. Who knew that a glass of milk could hold the key to unlocking a dairy-filled adventure?
In integrating these diverse sources, our literature review aims to blend scholarly rigor with a sprinkle of levity, recognizing that even the most nuanced topics can benefit from a splash of unexpected humor. *Knock, knock. Who’s there? Milk. Milk who? Milk the crime scene for all it's worth!* With this eclectic blend of literature and an appreciation for the dairy-fueled mysteries of life, we forge ahead into the uncharted territory of milk-induced mischief and its implications for crime prevention strategies.

[[RESULTS]]
The correlation analysis conducted on the data collected from 1990 to 2021 revealed a notable correlation coefficient of 0.9687105 between milk consumption and burglaries in the state of Utah. This coefficient suggests a very strong positive linear relationship between the two variables, indicating that as milk consumption increases, so do the burglary rates. It seems that the phrase "got milk?" may need to be complemented with "got a reliable home security system?"
Fig. 1 displays the scatterplot illustrating this robust correlation between milk consumption and burglaries. The data points form a nearly perfect straight line, reminiscent of a well-organized milk aisle at the grocery store. It's as if the burglars are following a milk trail to their next target! *Looks like these criminals have a strong affinity for dairy products - they must really "brie" in need of some late-night snacks!*
Additionally, the calculated r-squared value of 0.9384000 indicates that approximately 93.84% of the variability in burglary rates can be explained by the variability in milk consumption. It's as if the burglars can't resist the allure of a well-stocked fridge, making off with more than just the cheese! *When it comes to crime, they're not just after the "cheddar" - they're after the whole dairy aisle!*
Furthermore, the p-value of less than 0.01 provides strong evidence against the null hypothesis, indicating that the relationship between milk consumption and burglaries is statistically significant. This finding implies that the observed association is unlikely to have occurred merely by chance. It seems that when it comes to the connection between dairy intake and criminal activity, we can't just "mooove" on from the evidence! *Looks like there's more to this dairy industry than meets the "I"!*
In summary, the results of this study indicate a compelling and robust correlation between milk consumption and burglaries in Utah. The findings not only spark intrigue but also raise important questions about the societal influences on criminal behavior and the potential preventive measures to secure properties from these dairy-craving burglars. *Utah residents might want to consider adding "milk" to their home security checklist - it's not just for strong bones, but also for safe homes!*

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The results of our study provide strong support for the unusual yet intriguing relationship between milk consumption and burglaries in Utah. Our findings align with previous literature that has explored the societal impact of food consumption on criminal behavior. The correlation coefficient of 0.9687105 and the p-value of less than 0.01 reinforce the significance of the link between dairy intake and criminal activity, unveiling a connection that is as unexpected as finding a cow in a supermarket. It seems that the burglars are not just after valuables; they're also on a quest for the perfect accompaniment to their late-night heists - milk! *Looks like milk is not just good for strong bones; it's also good for stirring up criminal activity!*

Our research echoes the sentiments of Smith (2015), who recognized the potential influence of dietary patterns on crime rates. Perhaps it's time to reconsider the old adage "milk and cookies" in a new light - it might not just be about a wholesome snack, but also a recipe for mischief. The robust correlation unveiled in our study is mirrored in the historical connections between milk trade and illicit activities, as discovered by Lorem and Ipsum (2020). Who would have thought that behind the innocent facade of a milk carton lies the potential for a dairy-fueled caper of grand proportions? *It's like the "Got Milk?" campaign took on a whole new meaning - "Got away with the loot!"*

Our findings serve as a reminder of the complexities of human behavior and the potential influence of dietary habits on decision-making processes. Just as the r-squared value of 0.9384000 points to the strong explanatory power of milk consumption in predicting burglary rates, it also invites us to ponder the hidden motivations behind these dairy-related escapades. It's as if the burglars are not just after material possessions; they're embarking on a calcium-fueled adventure, seeking to satisfy their dairy cravings one stolen gallon at a time. *Looks like these burglars are truly milking the situation for all it's worth!*

With the statistical significance of the relationship established in our study, it becomes evident that there's more to the dairy aisle than meets the eye. Our results prompt further inquiry into the underlying mechanisms and social factors that may explain this unexpectedly strong correlation. Perhaps it's time for law enforcement to consider a new approach to crime prevention - one that involves not just surveillance cameras but also a vigilant eye on the milk supply. After all, the next time the milkman delivers, the burglars may not be far behind. *When it comes to protecting your home, it's all about being "udderly" prepared!*

Overall, our research adds a unique dimension to the understanding of criminal behavior and the societal influences that may shape it. By shedding light on the connection between milk consumption and burglaries, this study invites a fresh perspective on crime prevention strategies and emphasizes the need to approach crime with a dairy twist. It's time to recognize that when it comes to crime and milk, there's more to this "whodairyt" than meets the "I"! So, the next time you pour a glass of milk, remember to keep one eye on the fridge and the other on the crime statistics. *Who knew that milk and crime could churn out such intriguing findings?*


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

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Milk consumption and Burglaries in Utah. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. 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 Milky Robbery: Exploring the Link Between Milk Consumption and Burglaries in Utah

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the fascinating correlation between milk consumption and burglaries in the state of Utah. Drawing from the USDA consumption data and the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services records from the years 1990 to 2021, our research team aimed to shed light on this unusual association. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9687105 and a p-value of less than 0.01, the findings demonstrate a striking relationship between the purchase and consumption of milk and the occurrence of burglaries. It seems that when it comes to crime, milk does not always do a body good. * Got milk? Better lock up your valuables! *

This paper not only examines the statistical significance of this relationship but also provides theoretical interpretations and practical implications for the public. By bringing attention to this quirky connection, our research aims to encourage further exploration into the underlying mechanisms and social factors that may explain the unusual correlation between dairy intake and criminal activity. The findings of this study may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the societal influences on criminal behavior, and offer perspective on how to approach crime prevention with a dairy twist. * When the milkman delivers, the burglars may too!*

[[INTRDUCTION]]
Gouda afternoon, esteemed colleagues and distinguished readers. As we embark on this research journey, I hope to butter you up with some thought-provoking findings on an utterly captivating topic. We are about to navigate through the uncharted territory where milk consumption and criminal behavior intersect, so grab your lab coats and a glass of milk - and make sure your doors are locked, of course!
The surprising connection between milk consumption and burglaries has stirred up udderly delightful conversations within the scientific community. It's not every day we get to milk such bewilderment from seemingly unrelated variables, but as they say, the proof is in the pudding - or perhaps, in this case, the milk. With a correlation coefficient higher than the top shelf at your local dairy and a p-value that makes researchers lactose intolerant, the statistical evidence unveils a captivating narrative that's not to be skimmed over. * The only thing skimmed here is the milk! *
We recognize that at first glance, the notion of milk and crime may seem utterly cheesy, but our research endeavors to curdle any doubts and churn out the truth. Not to be melo-dramatic, but we simply can't milk around the issue any longer. The data speaks for itself, and it's time to dissect the findings with scientific rigor and a touch of humor - just to keep things moooo-ving along! *Let's not cry over spilled milk, but we may shed some light on surprising associations!*
But wait, we must remember that correlation does not always equal causation. Are we suggesting that milk itself leads to an increased likelihood of burglaries? Not quite. There may be underlying factors that muddle the milk-burglary relationship, and our job is to decipher this puzzling phenomenon like a lactose-intolerant Sherlock Holmes. So, grab a magnifying glass and a carton of milk - let's get a closer look at this intriguing discovery that's milking the headlines. *It's time to skim through the evidence and not cry over crimed milk!*
In the following sections, we will dissect our findings, unpack the theoretical implications, and even suggest some practical steps for the public to cheddar their properties from would-be burglars. So, buckle up, dear readers, the Milky Robbery research adventure is about to commence. *To dairy or not to dairy, that is the question!*

[[RESULTS]]
The correlation analysis conducted on the data collected from 1990 to 2021 revealed a notable correlation coefficient of 0.9687105 between milk consumption and burglaries in the state of Utah. This coefficient suggests a very strong positive linear relationship between the two variables, indicating that as milk consumption increases, so do the burglary rates. It seems that the phrase "got milk?" may need to be complemented with "got a reliable home security system?"
Fig. 1 displays the scatterplot illustrating this robust correlation between milk consumption and burglaries. The data points form a nearly perfect straight line, reminiscent of a well-organized milk aisle at the grocery store. It's as if the burglars are following a milk trail to their next target! *Looks like these criminals have a strong affinity for dairy products - they must really "brie" in need of some late-night snacks!*
Additionally, the calculated r-squared value of 0.9384000 indicates that approximately 93.84% of the variability in burglary rates can be explained by the variability in milk consumption. It's as if the burglars can't resist the allure of a well-stocked fridge, making off with more than just the cheese! *When it comes to crime, they're not just after the "cheddar" - they're after the whole dairy aisle!*
Furthermore, the p-value of less than 0.01 provides strong evidence against the null hypothesis, indicating that the relationship between milk consumption and burglaries is statistically significant. This finding implies that the observed association is unlikely to have occurred merely by chance. It seems that when it comes to the connection between dairy intake and criminal activity, we can't just "mooove" on from the evidence! *Looks like there's more to this dairy industry than meets the "I"!*
In summary, the results of this study indicate a compelling and robust correlation between milk consumption and burglaries in Utah. The findings not only spark intrigue but also raise important questions about the societal influences on criminal behavior and the potential preventive measures to secure properties from these dairy-craving burglars. *Utah residents might want to consider adding "milk" to their home security checklist - it's not just for strong bones, but also for safe homes!*

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, the results of this study reveal an udderly captivating association between milk consumption and burglaries in Utah, highlighting a correlation coefficient that's more compelling than a dairy aficionado's love for creamy delights. It's clear as day that there's a strong link between the two variables, making us wonder if the burglars have a hankering for a nighttime glass of moo-juice alongside their thieving escapades. *Talk about "milking" a good correlation out of unexpected variables!*

However, it's important to remember that correlation does not imply causation, so we must approach these findings with the cautious skepticism of a lactose-intolerant cow. It's possible that other factors are at play here, complicating the "moo-tive" behind this curious relationship. Nonetheless, the statistically significant results provide a dairy-free alternative to the traditional crime prevention strategies. *Who knew that a carton of milk could be seen as a crime deterrent? It's "udderly" astounding!*

The implications of this research are as thought-provoking as they are surprising, reminding us that scientific inquiry can uncover unexpected connections that are not to be "moo-sed" over. However, it seems that further research in this area may not be the cream of the crop. There's no need for more studies to milk this topic dry - our findings may just be the beginning of a fascinating story about the dairy-craving criminals, and it's time to "whey" our options for preventing future burglaries with a dairy twist. *We've churned out the data, now it's time to use it to curdle crime!*

This study not only enriches our understanding of societal influences on criminal behavior but also provides a "gouda" foundation for potential crime prevention measures, emphasizing the importance of securing homes from both milk-loving residents and daring burglars alike. So, as we bid adieu to this unusual yet enlightening research journey, let's remember to "milk" every opportunity for scientific exploration, even if the findings may seem as unexpected as finding a cow in a corner store. *As the saying goes, "Don't cry over spilled milk - just make sure it doesn't attract burglars!"*

Therefore, we assert that no further research is needed in this specific area. It's time to "moo-ve" forward and apply our findings to safeguard homes from the milk-craving thieves. After all, it's better to be safe than sorry - and in this case, much "cheddar." *We've got the cream of the crop; it's time to "butter" up our home security!*


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 Milky Robbery: Exploring the Link Between Milk Consumption and Burglaries in Utah. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

Journal of Dairy Criminology


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 Milky Robbery: Exploring the Link Between Milk Consumption and Burglaries in Utah. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Ethereal Dairy Research Institute


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 Milky Robbery: Exploring the Link Between Milk Consumption and Burglaries in Utah with an abstract of This study delves into the fascinating correlation between milk consumption and burglaries in the state of Utah. Drawing from the USDA consumption data and the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services records from the years 1990 to 2021, our research team aimed to shed light on this unusual association. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9687105 and a p-value of less than 0.01, the findings demonstrate a striking relationship between the purchase and consumption of milk and the occurrence of burglaries. It seems that when it comes to crime, milk does not always do a body good. * Got milk? Better lock up your valuables! *
This paper not only examines the statistical significance of this relationship but also provides theoretical interpretations and practical implications for the public. By bringing attention to this quirky connection, our research aims to encourage further exploration into the underlying mechanisms and social factors that may explain the unusual correlation between dairy intake and criminal activity. The findings of this study may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the societal influences on criminal behavior, and offer perspective on how to approach crime prevention with a dairy twist. * When the milkman delivers, the burglars may too!*

ChatGPT:

milk consumption, burglaries, Utah, USDA consumption data, FBI Criminal Justice Information Services, correlation coefficient, p-value, statistical significance, theoretical interpretations, social factors, dairy intake, criminal activity, crime prevention, societal influences

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



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Data details

Milk consumption
Detailed data title: Per capita consumption of Fluid beverage milk in the US
Source: USDA
See what else correlates with Milk consumption

Burglaries in Utah
Detailed data title: The burglary rate per 100,000 residents in Utah
Source: FBI Criminal Justice Information Services
See what else correlates with Burglaries in Utah

Correlation r = 0.9687105 (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 = 0.9384000 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 93.8% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Burglaries in Utah) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Milk consumption) over the 32 years from 1990 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 1.04E-19. 0.0000000000000000001038467067
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 0.97 in 1.04E-17% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 9,629,578,363,894,327,296 random variables You don't actually need 9 quintillion 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 31 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 31 because we have two variables measured over a period of 32 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.

[ 0.94, 0.98 ] 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.
19901991199219931994199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021
Milk consumption (Pounds per person)220218215210208205205201198197196192191188185185185183181181177173169164158155153149145141141134
Burglaries in Utah (Burglary rate)880.6840.2885790.8790.8800.8848.3890.5812.9685.1642.5605.8652.2721.1628.9601.2577.3589.5539.6547.9543.9468458.7472.9395.9421.5425379.6319.6270.3290.6239.2




Why this works

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

    For the purposes of this project, I counted a point as an outlier if it the residual was two standard deviations from the mean.

    (This bullet point only shows up in the details page on charts that do, in fact, have outliers.)
    They stand out on the scatterplot above: notice the dots that are far away from any other dots. I intentionally mishandeled outliers, which makes the correlation look extra strong.




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([220,218,215,210,208,205,205,201,198,197,196,192,191,188,185,185,185,183,181,181,177,173,169,164,158,155,153,149,145,141,141,134,])
array_2 = np.array([880.6,840.2,885,790.8,790.8,800.8,848.3,890.5,812.9,685.1,642.5,605.8,652.2,721.1,628.9,601.2,577.3,589.5,539.6,547.9,543.9,468,458.7,472.9,395.9,421.5,425,379.6,319.6,270.3,290.6,239.2,])
array_1_name = "Milk consumption"
array_2_name = "Burglaries in Utah"

# 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: 3748 · Black Variable ID: 554 · Red Variable ID: 20123
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