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Spurious correlation #3,769 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is US Bottled Water Consumption per Person and the second variable is McDonald's stock price (MCD).  The chart goes from 2002 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

As bottled water consumption per person in the US increases, people's desire for healthier beverage options also rises. This leads to a slight increase in foot traffic at McDonald's as individuals convince themselves that adding a side salad to their meal balances out the fast food indulgence. This small uptick in customers boosts McDonald's sales, subsequently contributing to the increase in their stock price. It's like the bottled water is creating a trickle-down effect, but with fries.

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: "Generate an image in the style of cutesy art illustration that depicts a person joyfully drinking bottled water while seated at a McDonald's restaurant. The individual should appear refreshed and content. In the background, include the stock ticker for McDonald's, displaying the company's stock price rising. Keep the scene simple with a focus on the person, the water, and the stock ticker. Omit any text, speech bubbles, or intricate details." 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: US Bottled Water Consumption per Person and McDonald's stock price (MCD). 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: Sci-fi fantacy Glitch art Magic realism Cutsy art illustration Cutsy art illustration
ChatGPT: Cutsy art illustration

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 US Bottled Water Consumption per Person and McDonald's stock price (MCD), in the following situation: Because as people drink more bottled water, they become more health-conscious. This makes them feel better about grabbing some fries with their burger, leading to higher demand for McDonald's food and thus increasing the company's stock price.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In the scene, a person is shown drinking bottled water while sitting at a McDonald's restaurant. They have a smile on their face, feeling refreshed from the water. In the background, the stock ticker for McDonald's is displayed, showing the upward movement of the company's stock price.

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: [ Cutsy art illustration ] and depicting this scene: In the scene, a person is shown drinking bottled water while sitting at a McDonald's restaurant. They have a smile on their face, feeling refreshed from the water. In the background, the stock ticker for McDonald's is displayed, showing the upward movement of the company's stock price. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: "Generate an image in the style of cutesy art illustration that depicts a person joyfully drinking bottled water while seated at a McDonald's restaurant. The individual should appear refreshed and content. In the background, include the stock ticker for McDonald's, displaying the company's stock price rising. Keep the scene simple with a focus on the person, the water, and the stock ticker. Omit any text, speech bubbles, or intricate details."

*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 an increase in US Bottled Water Consumption per Person caused McDonald's stock price (MCD) to increase.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
McDonald's Munching Moola: Mapping the Marriage of Bottled Water and Burger Stocks

The Journal of Fast Food Finance

Jan 2024

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




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

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between US Bottled Water Consumption per Person and McDonald's stock price (MCD). Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Make the title an alliteration.

Your research team used data from Statista and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.9426199 and p < 0.01 for 2002 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]]
McDonald's Munching Moola: Mapping the Marriage of Bottled Water and Burger Stocks

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research paper aims to quench the thirst for understanding the unexpected relationship between per capita bottled water consumption in the United States and the stock prices of McDonald's Corporation (MCD). Through extensive data analysis from 2002 to 2022, utilizing resources such as Statista and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), our team stumbled upon a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.9426199 with a statistically significant p-value less than 0.01. It seems that as Americans hydrate with bottled water, the golden arches flourish financially.

The study digs deep into the peculiar correlation with a light-hearted touch, exploring potential witty explanations for this unexpected relationship. Could it be that the more people sip on water, the more they crave a Big Mac? Or perhaps, as bottled water consumption rises, it symbolizes a broader trend towards health-conscious choices, leading to people choosing to grab a meal at McDonald's instead of the drive-through strugglers?

In a world where unexpected connections constantly emerge, this research provides a refreshing perspective, highlighting the whimsical interplay between seemingly unrelated economic indicators. So, grab a bottle of water and a bag of fries, and join us in this amusing exploration of the quirky economic realm.


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

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between US Bottled Water Consumption per Person and McDonald's stock price (MCD). Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
McDonald's Munching Moola: Mapping the Marriage of Bottled Water and Burger Stocks

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research paper aims to quench the thirst for understanding the unexpected relationship between per capita bottled water consumption in the United States and the stock prices of McDonald's Corporation (MCD). Through extensive data analysis from 2002 to 2022, utilizing resources such as Statista and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), our team stumbled upon a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.9426199 with a statistically significant p-value less than 0.01. It seems that as Americans hydrate with bottled water, the golden arches flourish financially.

The study digs deep into the peculiar correlation with a light-hearted touch, exploring potential witty explanations for this unexpected relationship. Could it be that the more people sip on water, the more they crave a Big Mac? Or perhaps, as bottled water consumption rises, it symbolizes a broader trend towards health-conscious choices, leading to people choosing to grab a meal at McDonald's instead of the drive-through strugglers?

In a world where unexpected connections constantly emerge, this research provides a refreshing perspective, highlighting the whimsical interplay between seemingly unrelated economic indicators. So, grab a bottle of water and a bag of fries, and join us in this amusing exploration of the quirky economic realm.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

Ah, the wacky world of economics never ceases to amaze. Imagine our surprise when, in the midst of analyzing economic indicators, we stumbled upon a correlation as unexpected as finding a pickle in your soda cup. Yes, folks, we are talking about the undeniable link between per capita US bottled water consumption and the stock prices of none other than the king of fast food – McDonald's Corporation (MCD).

So, grab some popcorn – or should I say nuggets? – as we take a whimsical journey through the intersection of hydration and hamburgers. In this paper, we delve into the peculiar correlation, uncovering the quirky dynamics that underpin this unlikely relationship.

Picture this: data analysis from 2002 to 2022 has uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.9426199, with a statistically significant p-value less than 0.01. That's right – it seems that as Americans reach for their bottled water, the stock prices of those iconic golden arches ascend to the sky. Who would have thought that the sound of popping bottle caps could orchestrate such financial success?

But hold your fries, there's more to this story. We approach this peculiar correlation with an unorthodox lens, seeking to unravel the delightful, yet puzzling reasons behind it. Could it be that as individuals hydrate, they find themselves enticed by the sizzle of the grill, yearning for a savory burger and crispy fries? Or perhaps, the surge in bottled water consumption reflects a broader societal shift towards healthier choices – leading more folks to indulge in a McFlurry after a satisfying gulp of H2O.

In a world where unexpected connections constantly emerge, our research seeks to offer a refreshing perspective, shedding light on the whimsical interplay between seemingly unrelated economic indicators. So, sit back, raise your bottle of water (or soda, for the rebels among us), and join us in this amusing exploration of the quirky economic realm. Who knows, we might even uncover the secret sauce behind this enchanting correlation.


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

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between US Bottled Water Consumption per Person and McDonald's stock price (MCD). Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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

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

Start by naming serious-sounding studies by authors like Smith, Doe, and Jones - but then quickly devolve. Name some real non-fiction books that would be related to the topic. Then name some real fiction books that sound like they could be related. Then cite some social media posts you read that seem to be related.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
McDonald's Munching Moola: Mapping the Marriage of Bottled Water and Burger Stocks

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research paper aims to quench the thirst for understanding the unexpected relationship between per capita bottled water consumption in the United States and the stock prices of McDonald's Corporation (MCD). Through extensive data analysis from 2002 to 2022, utilizing resources such as Statista and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), our team stumbled upon a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.9426199 with a statistically significant p-value less than 0.01. It seems that as Americans hydrate with bottled water, the golden arches flourish financially.

The study digs deep into the peculiar correlation with a light-hearted touch, exploring potential witty explanations for this unexpected relationship. Could it be that the more people sip on water, the more they crave a Big Mac? Or perhaps, as bottled water consumption rises, it symbolizes a broader trend towards health-conscious choices, leading to people choosing to grab a meal at McDonald's instead of the drive-through strugglers?

In a world where unexpected connections constantly emerge, this research provides a refreshing perspective, highlighting the whimsical interplay between seemingly unrelated economic indicators. So, grab a bottle of water and a bag of fries, and join us in this amusing exploration of the quirky economic realm.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
Ah, the wacky world of economics never ceases to amaze. Imagine our surprise when, in the midst of analyzing economic indicators, we stumbled upon a correlation as unexpected as finding a pickle in your soda cup. Yes, folks, we are talking about the undeniable link between per capita US bottled water consumption and the stock prices of none other than the king of fast food – McDonald's Corporation (MCD).
So, grab some popcorn – or should I say nuggets? – as we take a whimsical journey through the intersection of hydration and hamburgers. In this paper, we delve into the peculiar correlation, uncovering the quirky dynamics that underpin this unlikely relationship.
Picture this: data analysis from 2002 to 2022 has uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.9426199, with a statistically significant p-value less than 0.01. That's right – it seems that as Americans reach for their bottled water, the stock prices of those iconic golden arches ascend to the sky. Who would have thought that the sound of popping bottle caps could orchestrate such financial success?
But hold your fries, there's more to this story. We approach this peculiar correlation with an unorthodox lens, seeking to unravel the delightful, yet puzzling reasons behind it. Could it be that as individuals hydrate, they find themselves enticed by the sizzle of the grill, yearning for a savory burger and crispy fries? Or perhaps, the surge in bottled water consumption reflects a broader societal shift towards healthier choices – leading more folks to indulge in a McFlurry after a satisfying gulp of H2O.
In a world where unexpected connections constantly emerge, our research seeks to offer a refreshing perspective, shedding light on the whimsical interplay between seemingly unrelated economic indicators. So, sit back, raise your bottle of water (or soda, for the rebels among us), and join us in this amusing exploration of the quirky economic realm. Who knows, we might even uncover the secret sauce behind this enchanting correlation.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

In their study, Smith et al. (2015) delved into the consumption patterns of bottled water in the United States, exploring the factors influencing this upward trend. Their findings shed light on the growing preference for bottled water over traditional beverages, signaling a shift in consumer choices towards healthier hydration options. Similarly, Doe and Jones (2018) examined the financial dynamics of the fast-food industry, uncovering intriguing patterns in stock prices and consumer behavior.

Transitioning from the serious to the surreal, let us consider the enlightening words of "Bottled Up: How Water Became America's Drink" by Elsa Hahne (2013). Hahne takes readers on a philosophical journey through the cultural significance of bottled water, contemplating its far-reaching impacts on societal norms and individual habits. This ethereal exploration leads us to ponder the metaphysical question – does the act of unscrewing a water bottle cap unleash a ripple effect that resonates in the stock market?

Adding a whimsical twist to our literary journey, let's not overlook the fictional forays into the world of fast food and finance. Consider "The Burger King" by James J. Cozad (2016), a tantalizing tale of culinary conquests and corporate clashes. While not a direct commentary on bottled water, the narrative intertwines the realm of fast food with the complexities of financial prowess, inviting us to ponder the unseen forces shaping the stock market.

In the digital realm, social media posts have also contributed to the discourse surrounding our obscure correlation. One post by @TraderTina2020 on Twitter humorously mused, "Is the rise in bottled water sales secretly fueling McDonald's stock gains? Maybe the real 'liquid gold' lies in H2O after all!" This insightful quip prompts us to consider the enigmatic powers of hydration in shaping the ever-volatile landscape of stock prices.

As we navigate this eclectic assortment of literature and online musings, one thing becomes clear – the seemingly disparate worlds of bottled water consumption and McDonald's stock prices have collided in a delightfully befuddling manner. With each turn of the page, the plot thickens, and the absurdity of our correlation continues to tickle our intellectual taste buds.


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

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between US Bottled Water Consumption per Person and McDonald's stock price (MCD). Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Statista and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) . You used data from 2002 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]]
McDonald's Munching Moola: Mapping the Marriage of Bottled Water and Burger Stocks

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research paper aims to quench the thirst for understanding the unexpected relationship between per capita bottled water consumption in the United States and the stock prices of McDonald's Corporation (MCD). Through extensive data analysis from 2002 to 2022, utilizing resources such as Statista and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), our team stumbled upon a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.9426199 with a statistically significant p-value less than 0.01. It seems that as Americans hydrate with bottled water, the golden arches flourish financially.

The study digs deep into the peculiar correlation with a light-hearted touch, exploring potential witty explanations for this unexpected relationship. Could it be that the more people sip on water, the more they crave a Big Mac? Or perhaps, as bottled water consumption rises, it symbolizes a broader trend towards health-conscious choices, leading to people choosing to grab a meal at McDonald's instead of the drive-through strugglers?

In a world where unexpected connections constantly emerge, this research provides a refreshing perspective, highlighting the whimsical interplay between seemingly unrelated economic indicators. So, grab a bottle of water and a bag of fries, and join us in this amusing exploration of the quirky economic realm.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
Ah, the wacky world of economics never ceases to amaze. Imagine our surprise when, in the midst of analyzing economic indicators, we stumbled upon a correlation as unexpected as finding a pickle in your soda cup. Yes, folks, we are talking about the undeniable link between per capita US bottled water consumption and the stock prices of none other than the king of fast food – McDonald's Corporation (MCD).
So, grab some popcorn – or should I say nuggets? – as we take a whimsical journey through the intersection of hydration and hamburgers. In this paper, we delve into the peculiar correlation, uncovering the quirky dynamics that underpin this unlikely relationship.
Picture this: data analysis from 2002 to 2022 has uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.9426199, with a statistically significant p-value less than 0.01. That's right – it seems that as Americans reach for their bottled water, the stock prices of those iconic golden arches ascend to the sky. Who would have thought that the sound of popping bottle caps could orchestrate such financial success?
But hold your fries, there's more to this story. We approach this peculiar correlation with an unorthodox lens, seeking to unravel the delightful, yet puzzling reasons behind it. Could it be that as individuals hydrate, they find themselves enticed by the sizzle of the grill, yearning for a savory burger and crispy fries? Or perhaps, the surge in bottled water consumption reflects a broader societal shift towards healthier choices – leading more folks to indulge in a McFlurry after a satisfying gulp of H2O.
In a world where unexpected connections constantly emerge, our research seeks to offer a refreshing perspective, shedding light on the whimsical interplay between seemingly unrelated economic indicators. So, sit back, raise your bottle of water (or soda, for the rebels among us), and join us in this amusing exploration of the quirky economic realm. Who knows, we might even uncover the secret sauce behind this enchanting correlation.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To peel back the layers of this zesty relationship, our team embarked on a quest for data that would make even the most seasoned researchers raise an eyebrow. We scoured the digital lettuce patch of the internet, plucking statistical nuggets from sources such as Statista and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) to concoct a delightful dataset spanning the years 2002 to 2022.

With our trusty laptops and an arsenal of caffeinated beverages, we dived into the statistical soup, cooking up a robust analysis that would leave even the most discerning economists licking their lips. Our adjustable spanner in this grand instrument orchestra was none other than the correlation coefficient, a mathematical maestro that measures the strength and direction of the relationship between bottled water consumption and McDonald's stock prices.

To spice things up, we also threw in a pinch of multivariate regression analysis, ensuring that we weren't just serving up a one-dimensional economic omelette. This allowed us to control for other potential factors that could muddy the waters (pun intended!) and ensure that our findings weren't just a fluke. After all, nobody wants to discover that the rise of Evian sales is merely a consequence of an uptick in ketchup usage.

Furthermore, we conducted a thorough fish tank cleaning for any lurking statistical biases, utilizing robustness checks and sensitivity analyses to ensure that our findings weren’t just a mirage in the desert of economic research. We wanted to be absolutely certain that the relationship between bottled water consumption and McDonald's stock prices wasn't just a statistical fluke similar to finding a chicken nugget in your French fries.

In a nutshell, armed with an arsenal of statistical methods, an unstoppable thirst for knowledge, and a dash of wit, we pieced together a methodology that aimed to quench the thirst for understanding the delightful but enigmatic connection between hydration and fast food riches. And now, with pots and pans clanging, let's unveil the findings that are hotter than a freshly grilled Quarter Pounder!



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

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between US Bottled Water Consumption per Person and McDonald's stock price (MCD). Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Statista and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) .

For the time period 2002 to 2022, you found a correlation 0.9426199, r-squared of 0.8885322, 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]]
McDonald's Munching Moola: Mapping the Marriage of Bottled Water and Burger Stocks

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research paper aims to quench the thirst for understanding the unexpected relationship between per capita bottled water consumption in the United States and the stock prices of McDonald's Corporation (MCD). Through extensive data analysis from 2002 to 2022, utilizing resources such as Statista and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), our team stumbled upon a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.9426199 with a statistically significant p-value less than 0.01. It seems that as Americans hydrate with bottled water, the golden arches flourish financially.

The study digs deep into the peculiar correlation with a light-hearted touch, exploring potential witty explanations for this unexpected relationship. Could it be that the more people sip on water, the more they crave a Big Mac? Or perhaps, as bottled water consumption rises, it symbolizes a broader trend towards health-conscious choices, leading to people choosing to grab a meal at McDonald's instead of the drive-through strugglers?

In a world where unexpected connections constantly emerge, this research provides a refreshing perspective, highlighting the whimsical interplay between seemingly unrelated economic indicators. So, grab a bottle of water and a bag of fries, and join us in this amusing exploration of the quirky economic realm.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
Ah, the wacky world of economics never ceases to amaze. Imagine our surprise when, in the midst of analyzing economic indicators, we stumbled upon a correlation as unexpected as finding a pickle in your soda cup. Yes, folks, we are talking about the undeniable link between per capita US bottled water consumption and the stock prices of none other than the king of fast food – McDonald's Corporation (MCD).
So, grab some popcorn – or should I say nuggets? – as we take a whimsical journey through the intersection of hydration and hamburgers. In this paper, we delve into the peculiar correlation, uncovering the quirky dynamics that underpin this unlikely relationship.
Picture this: data analysis from 2002 to 2022 has uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.9426199, with a statistically significant p-value less than 0.01. That's right – it seems that as Americans reach for their bottled water, the stock prices of those iconic golden arches ascend to the sky. Who would have thought that the sound of popping bottle caps could orchestrate such financial success?
But hold your fries, there's more to this story. We approach this peculiar correlation with an unorthodox lens, seeking to unravel the delightful, yet puzzling reasons behind it. Could it be that as individuals hydrate, they find themselves enticed by the sizzle of the grill, yearning for a savory burger and crispy fries? Or perhaps, the surge in bottled water consumption reflects a broader societal shift towards healthier choices – leading more folks to indulge in a McFlurry after a satisfying gulp of H2O.
In a world where unexpected connections constantly emerge, our research seeks to offer a refreshing perspective, shedding light on the whimsical interplay between seemingly unrelated economic indicators. So, sit back, raise your bottle of water (or soda, for the rebels among us), and join us in this amusing exploration of the quirky economic realm. Who knows, we might even uncover the secret sauce behind this enchanting correlation.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The analysis of the relationship between per capita bottled water consumption in the United States and the stock prices of McDonald's Corporation (MCD) from 2002 to 2022 revealed a staggering correlation coefficient of 0.9426199. This finding suggests a remarkably strong positive relationship between these two seemingly disparate variables. The r-squared value of 0.8885322 further bolsters the robustness of this connection, indicating that approximately 88.85% of the variability in McDonald's stock price can be explained by changes in bottled water consumption. With a p-value of less than 0.01, the statistical significance of this correlation is as clear as a bottle of Evian.

Fig. 1 showcases the amusingly tight correlation, with each data point resembling a cheerful toast between the American proclivity for hydration and the financial success of the fast-food titan. One could almost envision each sip of water translating into a surge in stock prices, or maybe it's just the aroma of fries doing the trick. Either way, the correlation is as unmistakable as the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning.

This unexpected revelation has us pondering the whimsical dance between economic forces that at first glance seem as unrelated as a salad and a milkshake. Perhaps it's time to coin the term "the aqua-economics effect" – where the mere act of hydrating leads to a cascading effect on the stock market. Or maybe there's an untapped market for bottled water with Happy Meal collectible labels, or better yet, a water bottle with a commemorative image of Ronald McDonald.

Our findings invite speculation about the underlying reasons for this intriguing association. Does a rise in bottled water consumption signal a shift in consumer behavior, with health-conscious individuals increasingly choosing to satisfy their hunger pangs at McDonald's? Or is there a more subliminal connection, where the sound of unscrewing a water bottle cap triggers cravings for a classic Quarter Pounder? Whatever the reason, the correlation adds a splash of whimsy to the often serious world of economic analysis.

As we toss our academic hats into the ring of unanticipated correlations, we urge fellow researchers and economists to embrace the unexpected with open arms. After all, in the fountain of knowledge, there are some peculiar bubbles waiting to be popped.


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

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between US Bottled Water Consumption per Person and McDonald's stock price (MCD). Make lots of 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]]
McDonald's Munching Moola: Mapping the Marriage of Bottled Water and Burger Stocks

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research paper aims to quench the thirst for understanding the unexpected relationship between per capita bottled water consumption in the United States and the stock prices of McDonald's Corporation (MCD). Through extensive data analysis from 2002 to 2022, utilizing resources such as Statista and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), our team stumbled upon a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.9426199 with a statistically significant p-value less than 0.01. It seems that as Americans hydrate with bottled water, the golden arches flourish financially.

The study digs deep into the peculiar correlation with a light-hearted touch, exploring potential witty explanations for this unexpected relationship. Could it be that the more people sip on water, the more they crave a Big Mac? Or perhaps, as bottled water consumption rises, it symbolizes a broader trend towards health-conscious choices, leading to people choosing to grab a meal at McDonald's instead of the drive-through strugglers?

In a world where unexpected connections constantly emerge, this research provides a refreshing perspective, highlighting the whimsical interplay between seemingly unrelated economic indicators. So, grab a bottle of water and a bag of fries, and join us in this amusing exploration of the quirky economic realm.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
In their study, Smith et al. (2015) delved into the consumption patterns of bottled water in the United States, exploring the factors influencing this upward trend. Their findings shed light on the growing preference for bottled water over traditional beverages, signaling a shift in consumer choices towards healthier hydration options. Similarly, Doe and Jones (2018) examined the financial dynamics of the fast-food industry, uncovering intriguing patterns in stock prices and consumer behavior.
Transitioning from the serious to the surreal, let us consider the enlightening words of "Bottled Up: How Water Became America's Drink" by Elsa Hahne (2013). Hahne takes readers on a philosophical journey through the cultural significance of bottled water, contemplating its far-reaching impacts on societal norms and individual habits. This ethereal exploration leads us to ponder the metaphysical question – does the act of unscrewing a water bottle cap unleash a ripple effect that resonates in the stock market?
Adding a whimsical twist to our literary journey, let's not overlook the fictional forays into the world of fast food and finance. Consider "The Burger King" by James J. Cozad (2016), a tantalizing tale of culinary conquests and corporate clashes. While not a direct commentary on bottled water, the narrative intertwines the realm of fast food with the complexities of financial prowess, inviting us to ponder the unseen forces shaping the stock market.
In the digital realm, social media posts have also contributed to the discourse surrounding our obscure correlation. One post by @TraderTina2020 on Twitter humorously mused, "Is the rise in bottled water sales secretly fueling McDonald's stock gains? Maybe the real 'liquid gold' lies in H2O after all!" This insightful quip prompts us to consider the enigmatic powers of hydration in shaping the ever-volatile landscape of stock prices.
As we navigate this eclectic assortment of literature and online musings, one thing becomes clear – the seemingly disparate worlds of bottled water consumption and McDonald's stock prices have collided in a delightfully befuddling manner. With each turn of the page, the plot thickens, and the absurdity of our correlation continues to tickle our intellectual taste buds.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the relationship between per capita bottled water consumption in the United States and the stock prices of McDonald's Corporation (MCD) from 2002 to 2022 revealed a staggering correlation coefficient of 0.9426199. This finding suggests a remarkably strong positive relationship between these two seemingly disparate variables. The r-squared value of 0.8885322 further bolsters the robustness of this connection, indicating that approximately 88.85% of the variability in McDonald's stock price can be explained by changes in bottled water consumption. With a p-value of less than 0.01, the statistical significance of this correlation is as clear as a bottle of Evian.
Fig. 1 showcases the amusingly tight correlation, with each data point resembling a cheerful toast between the American proclivity for hydration and the financial success of the fast-food titan. One could almost envision each sip of water translating into a surge in stock prices, or maybe it's just the aroma of fries doing the trick. Either way, the correlation is as unmistakable as the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning.
This unexpected revelation has us pondering the whimsical dance between economic forces that at first glance seem as unrelated as a salad and a milkshake. Perhaps it's time to coin the term "the aqua-economics effect" – where the mere act of hydrating leads to a cascading effect on the stock market. Or maybe there's an untapped market for bottled water with Happy Meal collectible labels, or better yet, a water bottle with a commemorative image of Ronald McDonald.
Our findings invite speculation about the underlying reasons for this intriguing association. Does a rise in bottled water consumption signal a shift in consumer behavior, with health-conscious individuals increasingly choosing to satisfy their hunger pangs at McDonald's? Or is there a more subliminal connection, where the sound of unscrewing a water bottle cap triggers cravings for a classic Quarter Pounder? Whatever the reason, the correlation adds a splash of whimsy to the often serious world of economic analysis.
As we toss our academic hats into the ring of unanticipated correlations, we urge fellow researchers and economists to embrace the unexpected with open arms. After all, in the fountain of knowledge, there are some peculiar bubbles waiting to be popped.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

Our findings have left us marveling at the peculiar nature of economic relationships, sparking both amusement and contemplation. The remarkably strong positive correlation between per capita bottled water consumption and McDonald's stock prices aligns with the previous research in unexpected ways. Just as Smith et al. (2015) identified a growing preference for bottled water as a healthier hydration option, our results suggest that this trend could indeed be linked to the financial fortunes of the golden arches.

In a delightful coincidence, our "aqua-economics effect" brings to mind the whimsical exploration of the cultural significance of bottled water by Elsa Hahne (2013). As Hahne philosophically pondered the broader impact of bottled water on societal norms, our findings hint at a more tangible impact – the surprising surge in McDonald's stock prices. It seems that the simple act of unscrewing a water bottle cap may indeed have a ripple effect that transcends individual consumption habits and resonates in the stock market.

The fictional world of fast food and finance, as showcased in "The Burger King" by James J. Cozad (2016), might not have directly addressed bottled water, but the interplay between culinary conquests and financial prowess is not so far removed from our unexpected correlation. Who would have thought that the financial machinations in the fictional narrative could find a parallel in the real-world relationship between bottled water consumption and McDonald's stock prices?

Moreover, the tongue-in-cheek musings of @TraderTina2020 on Twitter take on a new light as we contemplate the true power of "liquid gold." Could it be that the rise in bottled water sales is indeed fuelling McDonald's stock gains, just as TraderTina humorously suggested? Our findings give credence to the comical notion that there may be an enigmatic power in hydration that shapes the ever-volatile landscape of stock prices.

In conclusion, our research adds a refreshing perspective to economic analysis, reminding us that in the realm of correlations, there are whimsical bubbles waiting to be popped. As we sip on the intriguing relationship between bottled water consumption and McDonald's stock prices, let's raise a glass to the quirky interplay of economic indicators and the amusing mysteries they reveal.


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

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between US Bottled Water Consumption per Person and McDonald's stock price (MCD). Make lots of 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]]
McDonald's Munching Moola: Mapping the Marriage of Bottled Water and Burger Stocks

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research paper aims to quench the thirst for understanding the unexpected relationship between per capita bottled water consumption in the United States and the stock prices of McDonald's Corporation (MCD). Through extensive data analysis from 2002 to 2022, utilizing resources such as Statista and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), our team stumbled upon a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.9426199 with a statistically significant p-value less than 0.01. It seems that as Americans hydrate with bottled water, the golden arches flourish financially.

The study digs deep into the peculiar correlation with a light-hearted touch, exploring potential witty explanations for this unexpected relationship. Could it be that the more people sip on water, the more they crave a Big Mac? Or perhaps, as bottled water consumption rises, it symbolizes a broader trend towards health-conscious choices, leading to people choosing to grab a meal at McDonald's instead of the drive-through strugglers?

In a world where unexpected connections constantly emerge, this research provides a refreshing perspective, highlighting the whimsical interplay between seemingly unrelated economic indicators. So, grab a bottle of water and a bag of fries, and join us in this amusing exploration of the quirky economic realm.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
Ah, the wacky world of economics never ceases to amaze. Imagine our surprise when, in the midst of analyzing economic indicators, we stumbled upon a correlation as unexpected as finding a pickle in your soda cup. Yes, folks, we are talking about the undeniable link between per capita US bottled water consumption and the stock prices of none other than the king of fast food – McDonald's Corporation (MCD).
So, grab some popcorn – or should I say nuggets? – as we take a whimsical journey through the intersection of hydration and hamburgers. In this paper, we delve into the peculiar correlation, uncovering the quirky dynamics that underpin this unlikely relationship.
Picture this: data analysis from 2002 to 2022 has uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.9426199, with a statistically significant p-value less than 0.01. That's right – it seems that as Americans reach for their bottled water, the stock prices of those iconic golden arches ascend to the sky. Who would have thought that the sound of popping bottle caps could orchestrate such financial success?
But hold your fries, there's more to this story. We approach this peculiar correlation with an unorthodox lens, seeking to unravel the delightful, yet puzzling reasons behind it. Could it be that as individuals hydrate, they find themselves enticed by the sizzle of the grill, yearning for a savory burger and crispy fries? Or perhaps, the surge in bottled water consumption reflects a broader societal shift towards healthier choices – leading more folks to indulge in a McFlurry after a satisfying gulp of H2O.
In a world where unexpected connections constantly emerge, our research seeks to offer a refreshing perspective, shedding light on the whimsical interplay between seemingly unrelated economic indicators. So, sit back, raise your bottle of water (or soda, for the rebels among us), and join us in this amusing exploration of the quirky economic realm. Who knows, we might even uncover the secret sauce behind this enchanting correlation.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the relationship between per capita bottled water consumption in the United States and the stock prices of McDonald's Corporation (MCD) from 2002 to 2022 revealed a staggering correlation coefficient of 0.9426199. This finding suggests a remarkably strong positive relationship between these two seemingly disparate variables. The r-squared value of 0.8885322 further bolsters the robustness of this connection, indicating that approximately 88.85% of the variability in McDonald's stock price can be explained by changes in bottled water consumption. With a p-value of less than 0.01, the statistical significance of this correlation is as clear as a bottle of Evian.
Fig. 1 showcases the amusingly tight correlation, with each data point resembling a cheerful toast between the American proclivity for hydration and the financial success of the fast-food titan. One could almost envision each sip of water translating into a surge in stock prices, or maybe it's just the aroma of fries doing the trick. Either way, the correlation is as unmistakable as the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning.
This unexpected revelation has us pondering the whimsical dance between economic forces that at first glance seem as unrelated as a salad and a milkshake. Perhaps it's time to coin the term "the aqua-economics effect" – where the mere act of hydrating leads to a cascading effect on the stock market. Or maybe there's an untapped market for bottled water with Happy Meal collectible labels, or better yet, a water bottle with a commemorative image of Ronald McDonald.
Our findings invite speculation about the underlying reasons for this intriguing association. Does a rise in bottled water consumption signal a shift in consumer behavior, with health-conscious individuals increasingly choosing to satisfy their hunger pangs at McDonald's? Or is there a more subliminal connection, where the sound of unscrewing a water bottle cap triggers cravings for a classic Quarter Pounder? Whatever the reason, the correlation adds a splash of whimsy to the often serious world of economic analysis.
As we toss our academic hats into the ring of unanticipated correlations, we urge fellow researchers and economists to embrace the unexpected with open arms. After all, in the fountain of knowledge, there are some peculiar bubbles waiting to be popped.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our research has delved into the unexpectedly delightful connection between the consumption of bottled water in the United States and the stock prices of McDonald's Corporation. The correlation coefficient of 0.9426199 has left us as incredulous as finding an onion ring in the French fries – who would have thought that bottled water and the sizzle of the grill share such a robust relationship?

The statistical significance of this correlation, with a p-value lower than a limbo stick at a beach party, has us contemplating the idea of launching a new stock index – the "Aqua-Burger Index," where the ebb and flow of bottled water consumption serve as a forecast for the financial fortunes of fast-food chains.

As we wrap up this paper with a comedic bow, we are left with one resounding thought: the world of economics is indeed a whimsical carnival, where even the most unexpected links can bring a twinkle of joy to the stern faces of economic analysts. So, let's raise a toast – or a bottle of water – to the quirkiness of economic relationships and the merry dance of bottled water and burger stocks.

With that said, it's time to crack open a can of laughter and close the door on further research in this area. After all, when it comes to the marriage of bottled water and burger stocks, there's no need to squeeze out more data. Sometimes, even in the serious world of academia, a little sprinkle of lighthearted absurdity can be the secret sauce for a refreshing research journey. Cheers!


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 McDonald's Munching Moola: Mapping the Marriage of Bottled Water and Burger Stocks. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Fast Food Finance


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 McDonald's Munching Moola: Mapping the Marriage of Bottled Water and Burger Stocks. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Institute for Gastronomic Economics and Market Research


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 McDonald's Munching Moola: Mapping the Marriage of Bottled Water and Burger Stocks with an abstract of This research paper aims to quench the thirst for understanding the unexpected relationship between per capita bottled water consumption in the United States and the stock prices of McDonald's Corporation (MCD). Through extensive data analysis from 2002 to 2022, utilizing resources such as Statista and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), our team stumbled upon a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.9426199 with a statistically significant p-value less than 0.01. It seems that as Americans hydrate with bottled water, the golden arches flourish financially.
The study digs deep into the peculiar correlation with a light-hearted touch, exploring potential witty explanations for this unexpected relationship. Could it be that the more people sip on water, the more they crave a Big Mac? Or perhaps, as bottled water consumption rises, it symbolizes a broader trend towards health-conscious choices, leading to people choosing to grab a meal at McDonald's instead of the drive-through strugglers?
In a world where unexpected connections constantly emerge, this research provides a refreshing perspective, highlighting the whimsical interplay between seemingly unrelated economic indicators. So, grab a bottle of water and a bag of fries, and join us in this amusing exploration of the quirky economic realm.

ChatGPT:

McDonald's, bottled water consumption, stock prices, correlation coefficient, data analysis, United States, Statista, LSEG Analytics, Refinitiv, burger stocks, per capita, relationship, Big Mac, health-conscious choices, drive-through, economic indicators, whimsical, quirky, trend, fluctuations, trends

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



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Data details

US Bottled Water Consumption per Person
Source: Statista
See what else correlates with US Bottled Water Consumption per Person

McDonald's stock price (MCD)
Detailed data title: Opening price of McDonald's (MCD) on the first trading day of the year
Source: LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv)
Additional Info: Via Microsoft Excel Stockhistory function

See what else correlates with McDonald's stock price (MCD)

Correlation r = 0.9426199 (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 = 0.8885322 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 88.9% of the change in the one variable (i.e., McDonald's stock price (MCD)) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., US Bottled Water Consumption per Person) over the 21 years from 2002 through 2022.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 1.7E-10. 0.0000000001689944244093841200
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 0.94 in 1.7E-8% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 5,917,354,987 random variables You don't actually need 5 billion variables to find a correlation like this one. I don't have that many variables in my database. You can also correlate variables that are not independent. I do this a lot.

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

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

Just to be clear: I'm being completely transparent about the calculations. There is no math trickery. This is just how statistics shakes out when you calculate hundreds of millions of random correlations.
with the same 20 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 20 because we have two variables measured over a period of 21 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.

[ 0.86, 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.
200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022
US Bottled Water Consumption per Person (Gallons)20.121.623.225.427.62928.527.628.329.230.83234.136.5394242.34445.24746.5
McDonald's stock price (MCD) (Stock price)26.4716.1724.9531.634.2943.6559.4862.3862.6377.1101.3389.496.8194.13117.25121.86173.73175.41198214.49269.49




Why this works

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




Try it yourself

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

    return correlation, r_squared, p_value

# These are the arrays for the variables shown on this page, but you can modify them to be any two sets of numbers
array_1 = np.array([20.1,21.6,23.2,25.4,27.6,29,28.5,27.6,28.3,29.2,30.8,32,34.1,36.5,39,42,42.3,44,45.2,47,46.5,])
array_2 = np.array([26.47,16.17,24.95,31.6,34.29,43.65,59.48,62.38,62.63,77.1,101.33,89.4,96.81,94.13,117.25,121.86,173.73,175.41,198,214.49,269.49,])
array_1_name = "US Bottled Water Consumption per Person"
array_2_name = "McDonald's stock price (MCD)"

# 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: 3769 · Black Variable ID: 32 · Red Variable ID: 1576
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