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Spurious correlation #3,882 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Air pollution in Tallahassee and the second variable is Google searches for 'learn spanish'.  The chart goes from 2004 to 2023, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

As the air became cleaner, it carried fewer language particles, leading to a reduced influx of Spanish knowledge. It seems like smog was the only thing thickening the language barrier in Tallahassee!

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image of a serene park in Tallahassee, with clear blue skies and lush greenery. There are people enjoying the fresh air, engaging in various activities such as walking, cycling, and picnicking. In the center of the scene, a group of individuals can be seen chatting animatedly in Spanish, their expressions joyful and relaxed. The atmosphere exudes harmony and a sense of community as people connect with each other in a language they have become proficient in, grateful for the improved air quality. The depiction should include only scenes, people, and objects, it should not include text or speech bubbles.
This image generation prompt was also generated by AI, using the following sequence:

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You select one of a few potential scene descriptors that seems to go along with the variables described. You respond only with the scene descriptions provided and say nothing else.
User prompt: Here are two variables: Air pollution in Tallahassee and Google searches for 'learn spanish'. 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: inspired by bauhaus An image that looks like it is a scene from 'Star Wars' Psychedelic Futuristic Data cyber art
ChatGPT: Air pollution in Tallahassee

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both Air pollution in Tallahassee and Google searches for 'learn spanish', in the following situation: As air pollution decreased in Tallahassee, people were no longer confined to their homes and could go outside. With the fresh air, they found it more appealing to practice their Spanish-speaking skills in the park rather than searching for online resources.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a park in Tallahassee, the air is clean and fresh after a decrease in air pollution. People are out enjoying the clear skies and green surroundings. Among them, a group of individuals can be seen happily conversing in Spanish, practicing their language skills with each other, no longer needing to search for 'learn Spanish' on Google.

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: [ Air pollution in Tallahassee ] and depicting this scene: In a park in Tallahassee, the air is clean and fresh after a decrease in air pollution. People are out enjoying the clear skies and green surroundings. Among them, a group of individuals can be seen happily conversing in Spanish, practicing their language skills with each other, no longer needing to search for 'learn Spanish' on Google. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image of a serene park in Tallahassee, with clear blue skies and lush greenery. There are people enjoying the fresh air, engaging in various activities such as walking, cycling, and picnicking. In the center of the scene, a group of individuals can be seen chatting animatedly in Spanish, their expressions joyful and relaxed. The atmosphere exudes harmony and a sense of community as people connect with each other in a language they have become proficient in, grateful for the improved air quality.

*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 Air pollution in Tallahassee caused learn spanish (Google searches for 'learn spanish') to decrease.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Smoggin' Spanish: Unraveling the Relationship between Air Pollution in Tallahassee and Google Searches for 'Learn Spanish'

The Journal of Environmental Linguistics

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

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Tallahassee and Google searches for 'learn spanish'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Make the title a clever pun.

Your research team used data from Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.9320178 and p < 0.01 for 2004 to 2023.

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]]
Smoggin' Spanish: Unraveling the Relationship between Air Pollution in Tallahassee and Google Searches for 'Learn Spanish'

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this whimsical yet informative research study, we delved into the unique correlation between air pollution in Tallahassee and the frequency of Google searches for 'learn Spanish'. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, our team scrutinized this seemingly unrelated duo. Much like trying to teach a giraffe how to speak Spanish, the idea of a connection between air pollution and language learning puzzled us at first, but we carried on with the investigation.

Surprisingly, our analysis unearthed a noteworthy correlation coefficient of 0.9320178 and p < 0.01 for the time frame spanning from 2004 to 2023. It appears that the level of air pollution is not the only thing on the rise in Tallahassee—interest in learning Spanish has also been climbing! Just like how air pollution can fog up the skies, it seems to have sparked a desire in Tallahassee residents to clear the air and embark on a linguistic journey. It's safe to say that the citizens of Tallahassee are eager to ¡hola! to a new language despite the smog.

This paper provides an unorthodox yet intriguing glimpse into the intersection of environmental conditions and cultural curiosity. Our findings prompt further investigation into the elusive connections between seemingly unrelated phenomena, offering a breath of fresh air to both the fields of environmental science and linguistics.


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

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Tallahassee and Google searches for 'learn spanish'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Smoggin' Spanish: Unraveling the Relationship between Air Pollution in Tallahassee and Google Searches for 'Learn Spanish'

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this whimsical yet informative research study, we delved into the unique correlation between air pollution in Tallahassee and the frequency of Google searches for 'learn Spanish'. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, our team scrutinized this seemingly unrelated duo. Much like trying to teach a giraffe how to speak Spanish, the idea of a connection between air pollution and language learning puzzled us at first, but we carried on with the investigation.

Surprisingly, our analysis unearthed a noteworthy correlation coefficient of 0.9320178 and p < 0.01 for the time frame spanning from 2004 to 2023. It appears that the level of air pollution is not the only thing on the rise in Tallahassee—interest in learning Spanish has also been climbing! Just like how air pollution can fog up the skies, it seems to have sparked a desire in Tallahassee residents to clear the air and embark on a linguistic journey. It's safe to say that the citizens of Tallahassee are eager to ¡hola! to a new language despite the smog.

This paper provides an unorthodox yet intriguing glimpse into the intersection of environmental conditions and cultural curiosity. Our findings prompt further investigation into the elusive connections between seemingly unrelated phenomena, offering a breath of fresh air to both the fields of environmental science and linguistics.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

As the old adage goes, "the proof is in the pollution," and in the case of our study, it seems that the air in Tallahassee may have more to teach us than meets the eye. Air pollution is a pervasive environmental concern, eliciting serious discussions and even inspiring the occasional gasp for clean air. However, it appears that the impact of this smog-choked reality may extend beyond just our respiratory systems and into the realm of language acquisition. It's as if the particles in the air are whispering in our ears, "¿Hablas español?"

Let's face it: discussing air pollution doesn't usually incite the same level of enthusiasm as, say, debating the latest Netflix series. But when we stumbled upon the potential link between this atmospheric lament and the sudden spike in searches for 'learn Spanish' on Google, it piqued our interest like a curiosity-steeped frothy cup of café con leche. It was a revelation akin to realizing that the invisible gases lingering in the air might be weaving their way into the fabric of linguistic yearning, a conundrum as perplexing as trying to decode the elusive humor behind a dad joke.

With statistical rigor and a healthy dose of skepticism, we embarked on this inquiry, bearing in mind the wise words of Confucius: "The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life." Armed with this sentiment and a hint of desperation - not unlike desperately trying to pronounce "hola" as "hole-uh" - we delved into the depths of interdisciplinarity, with the aim of unearthing whether the paradoxical connection between polluted air and linguistic aspirations could withstand empirical scrutiny.

Our investigation led us to tinker with various statistical tools, manipulating data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends like a linguist crafting their vocabulary flashcards. The results, much like a punchline to a well-crafted joke, left us pleasantly surprised and eager to share our findings with the world. So buckle up and prepare for a journey through the murky haze of air pollution, and perhaps, just perhaps, you may be inspired to ¡Vamos a aprender español!


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

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Tallahassee and Google searches for 'learn spanish'. 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 devolve ever further, and mention something completely ridiculous, like you conducted literature review by reading the backs of shampoo bottles.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Smoggin' Spanish: Unraveling the Relationship between Air Pollution in Tallahassee and Google Searches for 'Learn Spanish'

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this whimsical yet informative research study, we delved into the unique correlation between air pollution in Tallahassee and the frequency of Google searches for 'learn Spanish'. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, our team scrutinized this seemingly unrelated duo. Much like trying to teach a giraffe how to speak Spanish, the idea of a connection between air pollution and language learning puzzled us at first, but we carried on with the investigation.

Surprisingly, our analysis unearthed a noteworthy correlation coefficient of 0.9320178 and p < 0.01 for the time frame spanning from 2004 to 2023. It appears that the level of air pollution is not the only thing on the rise in Tallahassee—interest in learning Spanish has also been climbing! Just like how air pollution can fog up the skies, it seems to have sparked a desire in Tallahassee residents to clear the air and embark on a linguistic journey. It's safe to say that the citizens of Tallahassee are eager to ¡hola! to a new language despite the smog.

This paper provides an unorthodox yet intriguing glimpse into the intersection of environmental conditions and cultural curiosity. Our findings prompt further investigation into the elusive connections between seemingly unrelated phenomena, offering a breath of fresh air to both the fields of environmental science and linguistics.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
As the old adage goes, "the proof is in the pollution," and in the case of our study, it seems that the air in Tallahassee may have more to teach us than meets the eye. Air pollution is a pervasive environmental concern, eliciting serious discussions and even inspiring the occasional gasp for clean air. However, it appears that the impact of this smog-choked reality may extend beyond just our respiratory systems and into the realm of language acquisition. It's as if the particles in the air are whispering in our ears, "¿Hablas español?"
Let's face it: discussing air pollution doesn't usually incite the same level of enthusiasm as, say, debating the latest Netflix series. But when we stumbled upon the potential link between this atmospheric lament and the sudden spike in searches for 'learn Spanish' on Google, it piqued our interest like a curiosity-steeped frothy cup of café con leche. It was a revelation akin to realizing that the invisible gases lingering in the air might be weaving their way into the fabric of linguistic yearning, a conundrum as perplexing as trying to decode the elusive humor behind a dad joke.
With statistical rigor and a healthy dose of skepticism, we embarked on this inquiry, bearing in mind the wise words of Confucius: "The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life." Armed with this sentiment and a hint of desperation - not unlike desperately trying to pronounce "hola" as "hole-uh" - we delved into the depths of interdisciplinarity, with the aim of unearthing whether the paradoxical connection between polluted air and linguistic aspirations could withstand empirical scrutiny.
Our investigation led us to tinker with various statistical tools, manipulating data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends like a linguist crafting their vocabulary flashcards. The results, much like a punchline to a well-crafted joke, left us pleasantly surprised and eager to share our findings with the world. So buckle up and prepare for a journey through the murky haze of air pollution, and perhaps, just perhaps, you may be inspired to ¡Vamos a aprender español!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

In studies on air pollution, Smith et al. (2010) and Doe (2015) have extensively delved into the detrimental effects of environmental pollutants on human health and well-being. These studies have elucidated the various pollutants and their far-reaching consequences, illuminating the gravity of the air pollution predicament. The pervasive nature of air pollution is undeniably a cause for concern, much like a dad searching for the perfect dad joke—always up in the air, wondering if it will land well.

Expanding beyond the realm of environmental sciences, the connection between linguistic aspirations and environmental factors has also been explored in the literature. Jones (2018) conducted a study on the cultural influences on language learning, shedding light on the multifaceted reasons behind individuals' desires to learn a new language. It is evident that language acquisition is not a matter of black and white, but rather a colorful tapestry woven with cultural threads and environmental influences. Just like air pollution can cast a gray cloud on a sunny day, it seems to have a hand in coloring the linguistic landscape in unexpected ways.

Turning to non-fiction works, "The Geography of Thought" by Richard E. Nisbett and "The Language Instinct" by Steven Pinker offer valuable insights into the intricate relationship between language, culture, and environmental factors. While their focus may not explicitly be on the specific connection between air pollution in Tallahassee and Google searches for 'learn Spanish', their work provides a theoretical foundation for exploring the interplay of environmental conditions and language acquisition. It's as if the very air we breathe has a say in the words we choose to articulate—akin to whispering a language lesson amidst the rustling leaves.

When delving into the realm of fiction, the works of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, particularly "Love in the Time of Cholera," present a tangential yet evocative exploration of the atmosphere's influence on human expression and relationships. Similarly, Lemony Snicket's "A Series of Unfortunate Events" casts a metaphorical fog of misfortune over the characters, akin to the way air pollution looms over the linguistic curiosity of Tallahassee residents. It's almost as if the very pages of these books are infused with the ethereal presence of the air we breathe, influencing the trajectory of the stories they tell.

As we wade into unconventional research approaches, it is worth noting that in the pursuit of understanding the peculiar connection between air pollution in Tallahassee and Google searches for 'learn Spanish', the authors took a creative turn. In the spirit of thorough investigation, alternative sources of information were consulted, including the backs of shampoo bottles with their multilingual product descriptions. While these sources may not hold the same academic rigor as peer-reviewed literature, they provide an offbeat perspective on the intermingling of language and environmental stimuli, encapsulating the unexpected twists and turns that characterize this endeavor. After all, sometimes the answers we seek are hidden in the most unlikely of places, much like finding a pun in a shampoo bottle.



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

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Tallahassee and Google searches for 'learn spanish'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends . You used data from 2004 to 2023

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]]
Smoggin' Spanish: Unraveling the Relationship between Air Pollution in Tallahassee and Google Searches for 'Learn Spanish'

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this whimsical yet informative research study, we delved into the unique correlation between air pollution in Tallahassee and the frequency of Google searches for 'learn Spanish'. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, our team scrutinized this seemingly unrelated duo. Much like trying to teach a giraffe how to speak Spanish, the idea of a connection between air pollution and language learning puzzled us at first, but we carried on with the investigation.

Surprisingly, our analysis unearthed a noteworthy correlation coefficient of 0.9320178 and p < 0.01 for the time frame spanning from 2004 to 2023. It appears that the level of air pollution is not the only thing on the rise in Tallahassee—interest in learning Spanish has also been climbing! Just like how air pollution can fog up the skies, it seems to have sparked a desire in Tallahassee residents to clear the air and embark on a linguistic journey. It's safe to say that the citizens of Tallahassee are eager to ¡hola! to a new language despite the smog.

This paper provides an unorthodox yet intriguing glimpse into the intersection of environmental conditions and cultural curiosity. Our findings prompt further investigation into the elusive connections between seemingly unrelated phenomena, offering a breath of fresh air to both the fields of environmental science and linguistics.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
As the old adage goes, "the proof is in the pollution," and in the case of our study, it seems that the air in Tallahassee may have more to teach us than meets the eye. Air pollution is a pervasive environmental concern, eliciting serious discussions and even inspiring the occasional gasp for clean air. However, it appears that the impact of this smog-choked reality may extend beyond just our respiratory systems and into the realm of language acquisition. It's as if the particles in the air are whispering in our ears, "¿Hablas español?"
Let's face it: discussing air pollution doesn't usually incite the same level of enthusiasm as, say, debating the latest Netflix series. But when we stumbled upon the potential link between this atmospheric lament and the sudden spike in searches for 'learn Spanish' on Google, it piqued our interest like a curiosity-steeped frothy cup of café con leche. It was a revelation akin to realizing that the invisible gases lingering in the air might be weaving their way into the fabric of linguistic yearning, a conundrum as perplexing as trying to decode the elusive humor behind a dad joke.
With statistical rigor and a healthy dose of skepticism, we embarked on this inquiry, bearing in mind the wise words of Confucius: "The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life." Armed with this sentiment and a hint of desperation - not unlike desperately trying to pronounce "hola" as "hole-uh" - we delved into the depths of interdisciplinarity, with the aim of unearthing whether the paradoxical connection between polluted air and linguistic aspirations could withstand empirical scrutiny.
Our investigation led us to tinker with various statistical tools, manipulating data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends like a linguist crafting their vocabulary flashcards. The results, much like a punchline to a well-crafted joke, left us pleasantly surprised and eager to share our findings with the world. So buckle up and prepare for a journey through the murky haze of air pollution, and perhaps, just perhaps, you may be inspired to ¡Vamos a aprender español!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

In order to unravel the enigmatic relationship between air pollution in the illustrious city of Tallahassee and the frequency of Google searches for 'learn Spanish', we employed a multi-faceted methodology that could rival the complexities of conjugating irregular verbs. Our research team harnessed data from the Environmental Protection Agency to gauge the levels of air pollutants, while also tapping into the treasure trove of information provided by Google Trends to quantify the interest in Spanish language acquisition. It was a bit like attempting to solve a riddle in Spanish, but with the added twist of interpreting statistical patterns.

Our team employed a novel approach to data analysis that involved a curious fusion of air quality indices and linguistic curiosity scores. We meticulously curated air quality data over the period from 2004 to 2023, encompassing a substantial timeframe that resembled the slow and steady progress of mastering a foreign language. We then utilized advanced statistical techniques, including a time series analysis and regression modeling, to tease out the potential association between spikes in air pollution levels and an uptick in Google searches for 'learn Spanish'. It was akin to navigating the labyrinth of language intricacies, with the added challenge of deciphering the complex relationship between environmental factors and intellectual pursuits.

To ensure the robustness and validity of our findings, we meticulously controlled for relevant confounding variables such as demographic shifts, major cultural events, and fluctuations in internet usage patterns. This meticulous process necessitated a level of attention to detail on par with scrutinizing the nuanced accents of a native Spanish speaker. Furthermore, we employed a sophisticated lag analysis to explore the temporal dynamics between changes in air pollution levels and subsequent shifts in online interest in Spanish language learning. It's as though we were charting the temporal evolution of language fascination against the backdrop of an ever-changing atmospheric composition, a veritable dance between environmental influence and human curiosity.

In a somewhat unconventional twist, we supplemented our quantitative analysis with qualitative insights gathered through interviews with a select cohort of Tallahassee residents. This allowed us to weave a narrative thread through our findings and shed light on the human dimension behind the statistical relationships. It was akin to adding a dash of spice to an already flavorful statistical dish, offering a glimpse into the lived experiences of individuals navigating the linguistic landscape amidst the swirling currents of air pollution. The amalgamation of quantitative and qualitative methodologies provided a holistic understanding that transcended the boundaries of traditional statistical analysis, much like the fusion of diverse language elements in the pursuit of linguistic proficiency.

Overall, our methodology encapsulated a spirited blend of statistical rigor and interdisciplinary curiosity, much like the tapestry of language and environmental influence that we sought to unravel. As we meticulously traversed the intricacies of our analytical techniques, it was evident that our research journey paralleled the exhilarating ebbs and flows of embarking on a linguistic quest—an exploration that culminated in a rich tapestry of insights that will undoubtedly spark further contemplation and inquiry into the intersection of environmental conditions and language acquisition. And with that, we've cracked the code to the statistical mystery! But don't worry, we're not keeping it under lock and key—our findings are as open as a Spanish-speaking classroom.


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

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Tallahassee and Google searches for 'learn spanish'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

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

For the time period 2004 to 2023, you found a correlation 0.9320178, r-squared of 0.8686572, 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]]
Smoggin' Spanish: Unraveling the Relationship between Air Pollution in Tallahassee and Google Searches for 'Learn Spanish'

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this whimsical yet informative research study, we delved into the unique correlation between air pollution in Tallahassee and the frequency of Google searches for 'learn Spanish'. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, our team scrutinized this seemingly unrelated duo. Much like trying to teach a giraffe how to speak Spanish, the idea of a connection between air pollution and language learning puzzled us at first, but we carried on with the investigation.

Surprisingly, our analysis unearthed a noteworthy correlation coefficient of 0.9320178 and p < 0.01 for the time frame spanning from 2004 to 2023. It appears that the level of air pollution is not the only thing on the rise in Tallahassee—interest in learning Spanish has also been climbing! Just like how air pollution can fog up the skies, it seems to have sparked a desire in Tallahassee residents to clear the air and embark on a linguistic journey. It's safe to say that the citizens of Tallahassee are eager to ¡hola! to a new language despite the smog.

This paper provides an unorthodox yet intriguing glimpse into the intersection of environmental conditions and cultural curiosity. Our findings prompt further investigation into the elusive connections between seemingly unrelated phenomena, offering a breath of fresh air to both the fields of environmental science and linguistics.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
As the old adage goes, "the proof is in the pollution," and in the case of our study, it seems that the air in Tallahassee may have more to teach us than meets the eye. Air pollution is a pervasive environmental concern, eliciting serious discussions and even inspiring the occasional gasp for clean air. However, it appears that the impact of this smog-choked reality may extend beyond just our respiratory systems and into the realm of language acquisition. It's as if the particles in the air are whispering in our ears, "¿Hablas español?"
Let's face it: discussing air pollution doesn't usually incite the same level of enthusiasm as, say, debating the latest Netflix series. But when we stumbled upon the potential link between this atmospheric lament and the sudden spike in searches for 'learn Spanish' on Google, it piqued our interest like a curiosity-steeped frothy cup of café con leche. It was a revelation akin to realizing that the invisible gases lingering in the air might be weaving their way into the fabric of linguistic yearning, a conundrum as perplexing as trying to decode the elusive humor behind a dad joke.
With statistical rigor and a healthy dose of skepticism, we embarked on this inquiry, bearing in mind the wise words of Confucius: "The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life." Armed with this sentiment and a hint of desperation - not unlike desperately trying to pronounce "hola" as "hole-uh" - we delved into the depths of interdisciplinarity, with the aim of unearthing whether the paradoxical connection between polluted air and linguistic aspirations could withstand empirical scrutiny.
Our investigation led us to tinker with various statistical tools, manipulating data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends like a linguist crafting their vocabulary flashcards. The results, much like a punchline to a well-crafted joke, left us pleasantly surprised and eager to share our findings with the world. So buckle up and prepare for a journey through the murky haze of air pollution, and perhaps, just perhaps, you may be inspired to ¡Vamos a aprender español!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The correlation analysis between air pollution in Tallahassee and the frequency of Google searches for 'learn Spanish' produced a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9320178 and an r-squared value of 0.8686572 for the time period from 2004 to 2023. The p-value was less than 0.01, indicating that this correlation is highly statistically significant.

It seems that the residents of Tallahassee are not just inhaling pollutants, but also an insatiable desire to take on the challenge of learning a new language. Like a good pun, the connection between air pollution and an interest in learning Spanish is unexpected yet undeniable.

The scatterplot (Fig. 1, not shown) visually demonstrates the robust positive relationship between air pollution levels and Google searches for 'learn Spanish'. Just as a well-timed pun can lighten the mood, our findings shed light on the unexpected ways in which environmental factors can influence cultural and linguistic interests.

These results hint at the possibility that air pollution may be inspiring Tallahassee residents to break down language barriers, much like how an unexpected punchline can break the tension in a room. This unorthodox relationship between air pollution and language learning is a reminder that even in the most unusual places, valuable insights and connections can be found.

In conclusion, our study unravels a peculiar yet compelling link between the environmental condition of air pollution in Tallahassee and the linguistic curiosity embodied in Google searches for 'learn Spanish'. It's as if the residents of Tallahassee are saying, "The air may be hazy, but our determination to learn Spanish is clear as day!"


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

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Tallahassee and Google searches for 'learn spanish'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Limit your response to 500 tokens.

Here are the title, abstract, literature review, and results sections. Please harken back to 1-2 of the goofy items in the literature review, but pretend to take them completely seriously. Discuss how your results supported the prior research.

Do not write a conclusion. I will add a conclusion after this.

[[TITLE]]
Smoggin' Spanish: Unraveling the Relationship between Air Pollution in Tallahassee and Google Searches for 'Learn Spanish'

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this whimsical yet informative research study, we delved into the unique correlation between air pollution in Tallahassee and the frequency of Google searches for 'learn Spanish'. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, our team scrutinized this seemingly unrelated duo. Much like trying to teach a giraffe how to speak Spanish, the idea of a connection between air pollution and language learning puzzled us at first, but we carried on with the investigation.

Surprisingly, our analysis unearthed a noteworthy correlation coefficient of 0.9320178 and p < 0.01 for the time frame spanning from 2004 to 2023. It appears that the level of air pollution is not the only thing on the rise in Tallahassee—interest in learning Spanish has also been climbing! Just like how air pollution can fog up the skies, it seems to have sparked a desire in Tallahassee residents to clear the air and embark on a linguistic journey. It's safe to say that the citizens of Tallahassee are eager to ¡hola! to a new language despite the smog.

This paper provides an unorthodox yet intriguing glimpse into the intersection of environmental conditions and cultural curiosity. Our findings prompt further investigation into the elusive connections between seemingly unrelated phenomena, offering a breath of fresh air to both the fields of environmental science and linguistics.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
In studies on air pollution, Smith et al. (2010) and Doe (2015) have extensively delved into the detrimental effects of environmental pollutants on human health and well-being. These studies have elucidated the various pollutants and their far-reaching consequences, illuminating the gravity of the air pollution predicament. The pervasive nature of air pollution is undeniably a cause for concern, much like a dad searching for the perfect dad joke—always up in the air, wondering if it will land well.
Expanding beyond the realm of environmental sciences, the connection between linguistic aspirations and environmental factors has also been explored in the literature. Jones (2018) conducted a study on the cultural influences on language learning, shedding light on the multifaceted reasons behind individuals' desires to learn a new language. It is evident that language acquisition is not a matter of black and white, but rather a colorful tapestry woven with cultural threads and environmental influences. Just like air pollution can cast a gray cloud on a sunny day, it seems to have a hand in coloring the linguistic landscape in unexpected ways.
Turning to non-fiction works, "The Geography of Thought" by Richard E. Nisbett and "The Language Instinct" by Steven Pinker offer valuable insights into the intricate relationship between language, culture, and environmental factors. While their focus may not explicitly be on the specific connection between air pollution in Tallahassee and Google searches for 'learn Spanish', their work provides a theoretical foundation for exploring the interplay of environmental conditions and language acquisition. It's as if the very air we breathe has a say in the words we choose to articulate—akin to whispering a language lesson amidst the rustling leaves.
When delving into the realm of fiction, the works of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, particularly "Love in the Time of Cholera," present a tangential yet evocative exploration of the atmosphere's influence on human expression and relationships. Similarly, Lemony Snicket's "A Series of Unfortunate Events" casts a metaphorical fog of misfortune over the characters, akin to the way air pollution looms over the linguistic curiosity of Tallahassee residents. It's almost as if the very pages of these books are infused with the ethereal presence of the air we breathe, influencing the trajectory of the stories they tell.
As we wade into unconventional research approaches, it is worth noting that in the pursuit of understanding the peculiar connection between air pollution in Tallahassee and Google searches for 'learn Spanish', the authors took a creative turn. In the spirit of thorough investigation, alternative sources of information were consulted, including the backs of shampoo bottles with their multilingual product descriptions. While these sources may not hold the same academic rigor as peer-reviewed literature, they provide an offbeat perspective on the intermingling of language and environmental stimuli, encapsulating the unexpected twists and turns that characterize this endeavor. After all, sometimes the answers we seek are hidden in the most unlikely of places, much like finding a pun in a shampoo bottle.


[[RESULTS]]
The correlation analysis between air pollution in Tallahassee and the frequency of Google searches for 'learn Spanish' produced a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9320178 and an r-squared value of 0.8686572 for the time period from 2004 to 2023. The p-value was less than 0.01, indicating that this correlation is highly statistically significant.
It seems that the residents of Tallahassee are not just inhaling pollutants, but also an insatiable desire to take on the challenge of learning a new language. Like a good pun, the connection between air pollution and an interest in learning Spanish is unexpected yet undeniable.
The scatterplot (Fig. 1, not shown) visually demonstrates the robust positive relationship between air pollution levels and Google searches for 'learn Spanish'. Just as a well-timed pun can lighten the mood, our findings shed light on the unexpected ways in which environmental factors can influence cultural and linguistic interests.
These results hint at the possibility that air pollution may be inspiring Tallahassee residents to break down language barriers, much like how an unexpected punchline can break the tension in a room. This unorthodox relationship between air pollution and language learning is a reminder that even in the most unusual places, valuable insights and connections can be found.
In conclusion, our study unravels a peculiar yet compelling link between the environmental condition of air pollution in Tallahassee and the linguistic curiosity embodied in Google searches for 'learn Spanish'. It's as if the residents of Tallahassee are saying, "The air may be hazy, but our determination to learn Spanish is clear as day!"

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The results of our study reveal a surprisingly strong and statistically significant positive correlation between air pollution levels in Tallahassee and the frequency of Google searches for 'learn Spanish'. This outcome not only reinforces the importance of scrutinizing the interplay of seemingly disparate phenomena but also elicits a chuckle akin to encountering an unexpected pun in a serious conversation.

Our findings align with previous research by Smith et al. (2010) and Doe (2015), emphasizing the pervasive nature of air pollution and its influence on human behavior. It seems that just as a dad joke can provoke a collective eye roll, air pollution has the power to catalyze a shift in linguistic aspirations. Furthermore, Jones (2018) illustrated how cultural influences, much like air pollution, can tint the lens through which individuals view language acquisition. Our results echo this sentiment, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of human behavior in response to environmental factors.

As we navigate this unorthodox intersection, it is important to acknowledge that our study heeds the unconventional call articulated by Nisbett, Pinker, and even authors like Garcia Marquez and Lemony Snicket, whose works, though not directly aligned with our specific investigation, allude to the atmospheric influence on human expression. It's as if the air pollution in Tallahassee has unassumingly orchestrated a whimsical storyline of linguistic exploration, much like the unexpected punchlines from the pages of a well-crafted novel.

The robust positive relationship unveiled in our results prompts a reevaluation of the conventional boundary between environmental conditions and linguistic pursuits. Much like a well-timed pun, our findings cast a light-hearted yet profound spotlight on the unexpected ways in which environmental factors can shape cultural and linguistic interests. It's as though the air pollution in Tallahassee has infused the residents with a determination to clear the linguistic haze and embark on a journey of learning Spanish, much like how a good dad joke clears the tension and evokes genuine laughter.

In essence, our study bridges the gap between environmental science and language learning, offering a refreshing perspective on the intricate connections that underpin human behavior. It serves as a reminder that even the most unassuming elements, be it air pollution or a quirky dad joke, can catalyze profound and unexpected transformations, challenging the conventional boundaries of scholarly inquiry.


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

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Tallahassee and Google searches for 'learn spanish'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Limit your response to 300 tokens. At the very end, assert that no more research is needed in this area.

Here are the title, abstract, introduction, and results sections.
[[TITLE]]
Smoggin' Spanish: Unraveling the Relationship between Air Pollution in Tallahassee and Google Searches for 'Learn Spanish'

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this whimsical yet informative research study, we delved into the unique correlation between air pollution in Tallahassee and the frequency of Google searches for 'learn Spanish'. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, our team scrutinized this seemingly unrelated duo. Much like trying to teach a giraffe how to speak Spanish, the idea of a connection between air pollution and language learning puzzled us at first, but we carried on with the investigation.

Surprisingly, our analysis unearthed a noteworthy correlation coefficient of 0.9320178 and p < 0.01 for the time frame spanning from 2004 to 2023. It appears that the level of air pollution is not the only thing on the rise in Tallahassee—interest in learning Spanish has also been climbing! Just like how air pollution can fog up the skies, it seems to have sparked a desire in Tallahassee residents to clear the air and embark on a linguistic journey. It's safe to say that the citizens of Tallahassee are eager to ¡hola! to a new language despite the smog.

This paper provides an unorthodox yet intriguing glimpse into the intersection of environmental conditions and cultural curiosity. Our findings prompt further investigation into the elusive connections between seemingly unrelated phenomena, offering a breath of fresh air to both the fields of environmental science and linguistics.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
As the old adage goes, "the proof is in the pollution," and in the case of our study, it seems that the air in Tallahassee may have more to teach us than meets the eye. Air pollution is a pervasive environmental concern, eliciting serious discussions and even inspiring the occasional gasp for clean air. However, it appears that the impact of this smog-choked reality may extend beyond just our respiratory systems and into the realm of language acquisition. It's as if the particles in the air are whispering in our ears, "¿Hablas español?"
Let's face it: discussing air pollution doesn't usually incite the same level of enthusiasm as, say, debating the latest Netflix series. But when we stumbled upon the potential link between this atmospheric lament and the sudden spike in searches for 'learn Spanish' on Google, it piqued our interest like a curiosity-steeped frothy cup of café con leche. It was a revelation akin to realizing that the invisible gases lingering in the air might be weaving their way into the fabric of linguistic yearning, a conundrum as perplexing as trying to decode the elusive humor behind a dad joke.
With statistical rigor and a healthy dose of skepticism, we embarked on this inquiry, bearing in mind the wise words of Confucius: "The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life." Armed with this sentiment and a hint of desperation - not unlike desperately trying to pronounce "hola" as "hole-uh" - we delved into the depths of interdisciplinarity, with the aim of unearthing whether the paradoxical connection between polluted air and linguistic aspirations could withstand empirical scrutiny.
Our investigation led us to tinker with various statistical tools, manipulating data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends like a linguist crafting their vocabulary flashcards. The results, much like a punchline to a well-crafted joke, left us pleasantly surprised and eager to share our findings with the world. So buckle up and prepare for a journey through the murky haze of air pollution, and perhaps, just perhaps, you may be inspired to ¡Vamos a aprender español!

[[RESULTS]]
The correlation analysis between air pollution in Tallahassee and the frequency of Google searches for 'learn Spanish' produced a striking correlation coefficient of 0.9320178 and an r-squared value of 0.8686572 for the time period from 2004 to 2023. The p-value was less than 0.01, indicating that this correlation is highly statistically significant.
It seems that the residents of Tallahassee are not just inhaling pollutants, but also an insatiable desire to take on the challenge of learning a new language. Like a good pun, the connection between air pollution and an interest in learning Spanish is unexpected yet undeniable.
The scatterplot (Fig. 1, not shown) visually demonstrates the robust positive relationship between air pollution levels and Google searches for 'learn Spanish'. Just as a well-timed pun can lighten the mood, our findings shed light on the unexpected ways in which environmental factors can influence cultural and linguistic interests.
These results hint at the possibility that air pollution may be inspiring Tallahassee residents to break down language barriers, much like how an unexpected punchline can break the tension in a room. This unorthodox relationship between air pollution and language learning is a reminder that even in the most unusual places, valuable insights and connections can be found.
In conclusion, our study unravels a peculiar yet compelling link between the environmental condition of air pollution in Tallahassee and the linguistic curiosity embodied in Google searches for 'learn Spanish'. It's as if the residents of Tallahassee are saying, "The air may be hazy, but our determination to learn Spanish is clear as day!"

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In summary, our investigation into the enigmatic relationship between air pollution in Tallahassee and the surge in Google searches for 'learn Spanish' has produced some intriguing findings, much like stumbling upon a hidden treasure chest in the midst of a foggy day. The robust correlation coefficient of 0.9320178 and the statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 have illuminated a connection as clear as the pronunciation of "Hola" for language learners. It seems the citizens of Tallahassee are not just yearning for fresh air but also for fresh linguistic adventures, akin to embarking on a journey to find the perfect dad joke.

The striking positive relationship depicted in the scatterplot (Fig. 1, not shown) visually encapsulates the strong link between heightened air pollution levels and the fervent interest in learning Spanish. Just like a well-timed punchline can turn a frown upside down, our results have shed light on the unexpected ways in which environmental factors can influence cultural and linguistic pursuits, leaving us in awe of the serendipity of human behavior.

Our study highlights the need to broaden our understanding of the multifaceted impacts of environmental conditions on societal interests, much like an unexpected twist in a riveting plot. This peculiar yet compelling connection between air pollution and language curiosity has broader implications, perhaps inspiring future studies to unravel other surprising links between seemingly unrelated phenomena. It's as if the air in Tallahassee is whispering, "Si, se puede hablar español!"

In light of these findings, we assert that no further research is needed in this area. It's safe to say that the air pollution in Tallahassee has sparked a desire in its residents to clear the smog and embark on a linguistic journey, much like hearing a dad joke that finally hits the mark.


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 Smoggin' Spanish: Unraveling the Relationship between Air Pollution in Tallahassee and Google Searches for 'Learn Spanish'. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Environmental Linguistics


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 Smoggin' Spanish: Unraveling the Relationship between Air Pollution in Tallahassee and Google Searches for 'Learn Spanish'. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Center for Environmental Linguistics and Cognitive Studies


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide potential search keywords separated by commas. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide potential search keywords for a paper titled Smoggin' Spanish: Unraveling the Relationship between Air Pollution in Tallahassee and Google Searches for 'Learn Spanish' with an abstract of In this whimsical yet informative research study, we delved into the unique correlation between air pollution in Tallahassee and the frequency of Google searches for 'learn Spanish'. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, our team scrutinized this seemingly unrelated duo. Much like trying to teach a giraffe how to speak Spanish, the idea of a connection between air pollution and language learning puzzled us at first, but we carried on with the investigation.
Surprisingly, our analysis unearthed a noteworthy correlation coefficient of 0.9320178 and p < 0.01 for the time frame spanning from 2004 to 2023. It appears that the level of air pollution is not the only thing on the rise in Tallahassee—interest in learning Spanish has also been climbing! Just like how air pollution can fog up the skies, it seems to have sparked a desire in Tallahassee residents to clear the air and embark on a linguistic journey. It's safe to say that the citizens of Tallahassee are eager to ¡hola! to a new language despite the smog.
This paper provides an unorthodox yet intriguing glimpse into the intersection of environmental conditions and cultural curiosity. Our findings prompt further investigation into the elusive connections between seemingly unrelated phenomena, offering a breath of fresh air to both the fields of environmental science and linguistics.

ChatGPT:

Tallahassee air pollution, Google searches for 'learn Spanish', correlation between air pollution and language learning, Environmental Protection Agency data, Google Trends data, air pollution in Tallahassee, language learning trends, correlation coefficient, linguistic journey, cultural curiosity, environmental conditions, connection between environmental science and linguistics

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



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Data details

Air pollution in Tallahassee
Detailed data title: Percentage of days with moderate or worse air quality in Tallahassee, FL
Source: Environmental Protection Agency
See what else correlates with Air pollution in Tallahassee

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

See what else correlates with Google searches for 'learn spanish'

Correlation r = 0.9320178 (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 = 0.8686572 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 86.9% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Google searches for 'learn spanish') is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Air pollution in Tallahassee) over the 20 years from 2004 through 2023.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 2.3E-9. 0.0000000022976155550075773000
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 0.93 in 2.3E-7% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 435,233,822 random variables You don't actually need 435 million 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 19 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 19 because we have two variables measured over a period of 20 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.

[ 0.83, 0.97 ] 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.
20042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Air pollution in Tallahassee (Bad air quality days)59.289661.095964.383659.452153.551941.095943.561641.917826.77618.904132.602726.849322.404428.925624.022325.479524.316920.821921.643833.1492
Google searches for 'learn spanish' (Rel. search volume)85.2579.833373.583360.083352.583345.2538.166733.666729.416726.16672524.7523.916726.16672522.524.517.916721.083322.4




Why this works

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




Try it yourself

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

    return correlation, r_squared, p_value

# These are the arrays for the variables shown on this page, but you can modify them to be any two sets of numbers
array_1 = np.array([59.2896,61.0959,64.3836,59.4521,53.5519,41.0959,43.5616,41.9178,26.776,18.9041,32.6027,26.8493,22.4044,28.9256,24.0223,25.4795,24.3169,20.8219,21.6438,33.1492,])
array_2 = np.array([85.25,79.8333,73.5833,60.0833,52.5833,45.25,38.1667,33.6667,29.4167,26.1667,25,24.75,23.9167,26.1667,25,22.5,24.5,17.9167,21.0833,22.4,])
array_1_name = "Air pollution in Tallahassee"
array_2_name = "Google searches for 'learn spanish'"

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

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Correlation ID: 3882 · Black Variable ID: 21325 · Red Variable ID: 1407
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