Spurious correlation #4,027 · View random
A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Robberies in Maine and the second variable is The number of library technicians in Maine. The chart goes from 2003 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Robberies in Maine and the second variable is The number of library technicians in Maine. The chart goes from 2003 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

Download png, svg

AI explanation

As the saying goes, the pen is mightier than the sword - and apparently, it's also mightier than the ski mask! With fewer robberies, there was a reduced demand for stealthy, quick-handed individuals, thus leading to a decline in library technician numbers. It seems like those skilled in the art of the heist decided to turn over a new leaf and check out careers that were a better fit for their bookish talents. Looks like they traded in their fingerprints for ink prints!

^{Show image generation prompt} Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Prompt: Generate a photo-realistic image depicting a small town library in Maine. Show a group of librarians and library technicians in the background looking surprised and confused, surrounded by stacks of untouched books and empty spaces where stolen books used to be. Show burglars transforming into bookworms, indicating their newfound love for reading. Keep the visual depiction simple without including any words or speech bubbles. 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: Robberies in Maine and The number of library technicians in Maine. Given these, which of the following image style descriptions seems most appropriate? Pick the one that seems to be related to one of the variables at hand. Please respond with only one of the following potential descriptions: A photo-realistic image Voxel art a funny image you would see on reddit Photorealism a funny image you would see on reddit
ChatGPT: a photo-realistic image

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both Robberies in Maine and The number of library technicians in Maine, in the following situation: As robberies decreased in Maine, the demand for library technicians plummeted because the burglars realized they could just borrow books for free instead of stealing them, leaving the library technicians with nothing to do.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a small town in Maine, the number of library technicians sat idly by as burglars turned into bookworms. With the decrease in robberies, the librarians found themselves surrounded by stacks of untouched books and empty spaces where the stolen ones used to be. The library technicians, once busy with security measures and inventory, now found themselves twiddling their thumbs as the demand for their services plummeted.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You write and improve image generation prompts for DALLE-3. You maintain the same subjects, but enhance the visuals.
User prompt: Please respond with an image generation prompt that would be likely to create an interesting visual using DALLE-3, using the following style: [ a photo-realistic image ] and depicting this scene: In a small town in Maine, the number of library technicians sat idly by as burglars turned into bookworms. With the decrease in robberies, the librarians found themselves surrounded by stacks of untouched books and empty spaces where the stolen ones used to be. The library technicians, once busy with security measures and inventory, now found themselves twiddling their thumbs as the demand for their services plummeted. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Prompt: Generate a photo-realistic image depicting a small town library in Maine. Show a group of librarians and library technicians in the background looking surprised and confused, surrounded by stacks of untouched books and empty spaces where stolen books used to be. Show burglars transforming into bookworms, indicating their newfound love for reading. Keep the visual depiction simple without including any words or speech bubbles.

*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.
^{Show prompt for explanation} 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 Robberies in Maine caused The number of library technicians in Maine to decrease. Include one good pun.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)

The Unlikely Connection Between Book 'Em, Danno! and Bookshelves: A Study of the Relationship Between Robberies in Maine and the Number of Library Technicians

The Journal of Crime, Culture, and Collection Management

Jan 2024

Reminder: This paper is AI-generated. Not real!

^{Show prompt used to generate this paper} 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 goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.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 Robberies in Maine and The number of library technicians in Maine. 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 name some movies that you watched that are tangentially related to the topic.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Unlikely Connection Between "Book 'Em, Danno!" and Bookshelves: A Study of the Relationship Between Robberies in Maine and the Number of Library Technicians

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we delve into the unexplored realm of criminology and library science to investigate the unexpected relationship between robberies in Maine and the number of library technicians in the state. By examining data from the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services and the Bureau of Labor Statistics spanning from 2003 to 2022, our research team discovered a statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.9256215 and p < 0.01. We found that as the number of library technicians in Maine increased, the number of robberies also showed a corresponding increase. We discuss potential implications and offer lighthearted hypotheses for this perplexing correlation, inviting readers to ponder whether criminals are simply seeking some "bookish" inspiration or attempting to escape the clutches of law enforcement with a thrilling read.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
Introduction
In the annals of academic research, certain connections have always seemed as improbable as finding a two-headed sea serpent. Yet, just like stumbling upon a unicorn in a petting zoo, our study has unearthed a correlation so unexpected it might just rewrite the textbooks on criminology and library science. The relationship between robberies in Maine and the number of library technicians may sound as outlandish as a pirate donning a cardigan, but our findings reveal a statistical link that demands further investigation.
As our research team delved into this peculiar pairing, we couldn't help but marvel at the sheer absurdity of it all. We found ourselves pondering questions like: Are thieves scoping out their next heist while browsing through the Dewey Decimal System? Do library technicians possess an irresistible allure that compels criminals to put down their crowbars and pick up a copy of "War and Peace"? Or perhaps, in a daring escape from the long arm of the law, are fugitives seeking sanctuary amidst the stacks of "Crime and Punishment"?
Despite the eyebrow-raising nature of our subject matter, our analysis of data from the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services and the Bureau of Labor Statistics has revealed a connection that can't simply be brushed off as mere coincidence. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9256215 and a p-value dancing beneath the coveted threshold of 0.01, it's clear that we are not merely grasping at straws here – though we might also be reaching for a good detective novel.
In this paper, we'll not only present our findings but also offer a whimsical exploration of potential explanations for this confounding correlation. Prepare to journey through a landscape where bibliophiles and bandits intersect, and where the scent of fresh ink mingles with the scent of suspicion. So, fasten your seatbelts, dust off your Sherlock Holmes cap, and get ready to unravel the mystery behind the unlikely connection between "Book 'Em, Danno!" and bookshelves.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

In "Smith et al.'s Examination of Crime Trends in Maine," the authors find that the rate of robberies in Maine has exhibited a gradual increase over the past decade. Meanwhile, in "Doe and Jones' Labor Force Statistics in Maine," the authors report a growing number of library technicians entering the workforce during the same period. These serious studies paint a sobering picture of rising crime rates and an expanding cadre of book-loving professionals, setting the stage for our investigation into the bizarre correlation between these seemingly unrelated phenomena.

Expanding upon this foundation, we turn to "The Art of Burglary: A Comprehensive Guide" by A. Stealth, an illuminating non-fiction work that explores the psychology of burglars and delves into their thought processes. Similarly, "The Library Technician's Guide to Bookshelf Maintenance" by S. Dewey offers invaluable insights into the world of library technicians and their crucial role in preserving the order and organization of the literary realm.

Taking a quirky turn, "The Great Book Heist" by R. Robber is a fictional novel that whimsically imagines a world where criminals plan heists inspired by their interactions with library technicians. On the other hand, "The Mystery of the Mischievous Librarian" by A. Sleuth transports readers to a fictional realm where library technicians moonlight as detectives, unraveling mysteries amidst the stacks of books.

Venturing into cinematic territory, "Ocean's 11" and "The Italian Job" provide cinematic depictions of high-stakes heists, offering a parallel to the daring escapades of potential real-life robbers in Maine. Meanwhile, "The Pagemaster" and "The Name of the Rose" take viewers on literary adventures, capturing the enchanting world of books and libraries, albeit in a less felonious light.

With this diverse array of sources as our backdrop, we embark on a rollicking journey to explore the enigmatic connection between robberies in Maine and the number of library technicians. Let's peel back the pages of this curious conundrum and uncover the unexpected specter of correlation lurking amidst the shelves and shadows.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.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 Robberies in Maine and The number of library technicians in Maine. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from FBI Criminal Justice Information Services and Bureau of Larbor Statistics . You used data from 2003 to 2022

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

Here is the title, abstract, and introduction of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Unlikely Connection Between "Book 'Em, Danno!" and Bookshelves: A Study of the Relationship Between Robberies in Maine and the Number of Library Technicians

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we delve into the unexplored realm of criminology and library science to investigate the unexpected relationship between robberies in Maine and the number of library technicians in the state. By examining data from the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services and the Bureau of Labor Statistics spanning from 2003 to 2022, our research team discovered a statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.9256215 and p < 0.01. We found that as the number of library technicians in Maine increased, the number of robberies also showed a corresponding increase. We discuss potential implications and offer lighthearted hypotheses for this perplexing correlation, inviting readers to ponder whether criminals are simply seeking some "bookish" inspiration or attempting to escape the clutches of law enforcement with a thrilling read.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
Introduction
In the annals of academic research, certain connections have always seemed as improbable as finding a two-headed sea serpent. Yet, just like stumbling upon a unicorn in a petting zoo, our study has unearthed a correlation so unexpected it might just rewrite the textbooks on criminology and library science. The relationship between robberies in Maine and the number of library technicians may sound as outlandish as a pirate donning a cardigan, but our findings reveal a statistical link that demands further investigation.
As our research team delved into this peculiar pairing, we couldn't help but marvel at the sheer absurdity of it all. We found ourselves pondering questions like: Are thieves scoping out their next heist while browsing through the Dewey Decimal System? Do library technicians possess an irresistible allure that compels criminals to put down their crowbars and pick up a copy of "War and Peace"? Or perhaps, in a daring escape from the long arm of the law, are fugitives seeking sanctuary amidst the stacks of "Crime and Punishment"?
Despite the eyebrow-raising nature of our subject matter, our analysis of data from the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services and the Bureau of Labor Statistics has revealed a connection that can't simply be brushed off as mere coincidence. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9256215 and a p-value dancing beneath the coveted threshold of 0.01, it's clear that we are not merely grasping at straws here – though we might also be reaching for a good detective novel.
In this paper, we'll not only present our findings but also offer a whimsical exploration of potential explanations for this confounding correlation. Prepare to journey through a landscape where bibliophiles and bandits intersect, and where the scent of fresh ink mingles with the scent of suspicion. So, fasten your seatbelts, dust off your Sherlock Holmes cap, and get ready to unravel the mystery behind the unlikely connection between "Book 'Em, Danno!" and bookshelves.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

Our research sought to unravel the complex web of connections between robberies in Maine and the number of library technicians through a meticulous and occasionally whimsical approach. We gathered data from the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which provided us with a wealth of information spanning from 2003 to 2022.

To kick things off, we donned our metaphorical investigator hats and engaged in a rigorous game of data sleuthing. With steely determination (and perhaps a few cups of coffee), we scoured the depths of the internet, wielding spreadsheets like mighty swords and databases like trusty shields. Our quest for relevant data resembled a treasure hunt, though the treasures we sought were more likely to be statistical anomalies than ancient gold doubloons.

As any respectable team of researchers would, we navigated the labyrinth of spreadsheets and datasets with the focus and precision of a detective following a trail of breadcrumbs. Our days were spent deciphering cryptic codes and unraveling the enigmatic mysteries of statistical software, all in the pursuit of unearthing the elusive relationship between crime and the literary arts.

Once we amassed our data trove, we subjected it to the unforgiving gaze of statistical analysis. We called upon the venerable tools of correlation coefficients, regression models, and p-values to reveal the patterns lurking within our numbers. Our evenings were filled with the melodious click-clack of keyboards as we summoned R, Python, and other statistical sorcery to conjure insights from our data deluge.

With each line of code and each test of significance, we delved deeper into the curious correlation between robberies and library technicians, determined to leave no statistical stone unturned. Our methods may have been zany at times, but behind the facade of whimsy lay the steely resolve of researchers committed to uncovering the truth, no matter how surprising or bizarre it might be.

In the end, our methodology was a concoction of equal parts tenacity, creativity, and a dash of academic irreverence, all poured into the crucible of rigorous statistical analysis. We crackled with the energy of discovery, fueled by the intriguing possibilities that lay just beyond the next regression model. Our methods may have been unconventional, but as they say, when the going gets tough, the tough get statistical.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.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 Robberies in Maine and The number of library technicians in Maine. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from FBI Criminal Justice Information Services and Bureau of Larbor Statistics .

For the time period 2003 to 2022, you found a correlation 0.9256215, r-squared of 0.8567751, and p < 0.01.

One figure will be included. The figure (Fig. 1) is a scatterplot showing the strong correlation between the two variables. You don't need to specify where; I will add the figure.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Unlikely Connection Between "Book 'Em, Danno!" and Bookshelves: A Study of the Relationship Between Robberies in Maine and the Number of Library Technicians

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we delve into the unexplored realm of criminology and library science to investigate the unexpected relationship between robberies in Maine and the number of library technicians in the state. By examining data from the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services and the Bureau of Labor Statistics spanning from 2003 to 2022, our research team discovered a statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.9256215 and p < 0.01. We found that as the number of library technicians in Maine increased, the number of robberies also showed a corresponding increase. We discuss potential implications and offer lighthearted hypotheses for this perplexing correlation, inviting readers to ponder whether criminals are simply seeking some "bookish" inspiration or attempting to escape the clutches of law enforcement with a thrilling read.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
Introduction
In the annals of academic research, certain connections have always seemed as improbable as finding a two-headed sea serpent. Yet, just like stumbling upon a unicorn in a petting zoo, our study has unearthed a correlation so unexpected it might just rewrite the textbooks on criminology and library science. The relationship between robberies in Maine and the number of library technicians may sound as outlandish as a pirate donning a cardigan, but our findings reveal a statistical link that demands further investigation.
As our research team delved into this peculiar pairing, we couldn't help but marvel at the sheer absurdity of it all. We found ourselves pondering questions like: Are thieves scoping out their next heist while browsing through the Dewey Decimal System? Do library technicians possess an irresistible allure that compels criminals to put down their crowbars and pick up a copy of "War and Peace"? Or perhaps, in a daring escape from the long arm of the law, are fugitives seeking sanctuary amidst the stacks of "Crime and Punishment"?
Despite the eyebrow-raising nature of our subject matter, our analysis of data from the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services and the Bureau of Labor Statistics has revealed a connection that can't simply be brushed off as mere coincidence. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9256215 and a p-value dancing beneath the coveted threshold of 0.01, it's clear that we are not merely grasping at straws here – though we might also be reaching for a good detective novel.
In this paper, we'll not only present our findings but also offer a whimsical exploration of potential explanations for this confounding correlation. Prepare to journey through a landscape where bibliophiles and bandits intersect, and where the scent of fresh ink mingles with the scent of suspicion. So, fasten your seatbelts, dust off your Sherlock Holmes cap, and get ready to unravel the mystery behind the unlikely connection between "Book 'Em, Danno!" and bookshelves.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]

ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

Our analysis of the relationship between robberies in Maine and the number of library technicians from 2003 to 2022 yielded some truly unexpected results - and no, it's not an uptick in stolen library books or criminals fleeing the scene with overdue fines!

The correlation coefficient of 0.9256215 leaves no room for doubt: there's a strong positive association between the two variables. As the number of library technicians in Maine increased, so did the number of robberies. It's as if the criminals couldn't resist the siren call of the Library of Congress classification system!

The r-squared value of 0.8567751 further solidifies the strength of this relationship, suggesting that a whopping 85.68% of the variation in robbery rates can be explained by changes in the number of library technicians. Consider us flabbergasted – and considerate of the possibility that thieves have developed a sudden interest in literary classics.

And let's not forget the p-value, which delivered a knockout blow below the vaunted 0.01 threshold. We'd like to think that even the most hardened criminals would put down their loot for a finding this significant.

Now, to visually showcase this correlation, we present the much-anticipated Fig. 1, a scatterplot that speaks volumes about the connection between robberies and library technicians. Just imagine the data points traipsing through the stacks of a library, searching for the perfect alibi!

In conclusion, our findings not only highlight a surprising link between criminal activity and the world of library science, but they also give us pause to appreciate the quirky and unexpected patterns that can emerge from statistical analysis. It seems that in the world of research, truth can indeed be stranger than fiction – or at the very least, more closely intertwined with the Dewey Decimal System than we ever thought possible.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.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 Robberies in Maine and The number of library technicians in Maine. 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]]
The Unlikely Connection Between "Book 'Em, Danno!" and Bookshelves: A Study of the Relationship Between Robberies in Maine and the Number of Library Technicians

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we delve into the unexplored realm of criminology and library science to investigate the unexpected relationship between robberies in Maine and the number of library technicians in the state. By examining data from the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services and the Bureau of Labor Statistics spanning from 2003 to 2022, our research team discovered a statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.9256215 and p < 0.01. We found that as the number of library technicians in Maine increased, the number of robberies also showed a corresponding increase. We discuss potential implications and offer lighthearted hypotheses for this perplexing correlation, inviting readers to ponder whether criminals are simply seeking some "bookish" inspiration or attempting to escape the clutches of law enforcement with a thrilling read.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
In "Smith et al.'s Examination of Crime Trends in Maine," the authors find that the rate of robberies in Maine has exhibited a gradual increase over the past decade. Meanwhile, in "Doe and Jones' Labor Force Statistics in Maine," the authors report a growing number of library technicians entering the workforce during the same period. These serious studies paint a sobering picture of rising crime rates and an expanding cadre of book-loving professionals, setting the stage for our investigation into the bizarre correlation between these seemingly unrelated phenomena.
Expanding upon this foundation, we turn to "The Art of Burglary: A Comprehensive Guide" by A. Stealth, an illuminating non-fiction work that explores the psychology of burglars and delves into their thought processes. Similarly, "The Library Technician's Guide to Bookshelf Maintenance" by S. Dewey offers invaluable insights into the world of library technicians and their crucial role in preserving the order and organization of the literary realm.
Taking a quirky turn, "The Great Book Heist" by R. Robber is a fictional novel that whimsically imagines a world where criminals plan heists inspired by their interactions with library technicians. On the other hand, "The Mystery of the Mischievous Librarian" by A. Sleuth transports readers to a fictional realm where library technicians moonlight as detectives, unraveling mysteries amidst the stacks of books.
Venturing into cinematic territory, "Ocean's 11" and "The Italian Job" provide cinematic depictions of high-stakes heists, offering a parallel to the daring escapades of potential real-life robbers in Maine. Meanwhile, "The Pagemaster" and "The Name of the Rose" take viewers on literary adventures, capturing the enchanting world of books and libraries, albeit in a less felonious light.
With this diverse array of sources as our backdrop, we embark on a rollicking journey to explore the enigmatic connection between robberies in Maine and the number of library technicians. Let's peel back the pages of this curious conundrum and uncover the unexpected specter of correlation lurking amidst the shelves and shadows.

[[RESULTS]]
Our analysis of the relationship between robberies in Maine and the number of library technicians from 2003 to 2022 yielded some truly unexpected results - and no, it's not an uptick in stolen library books or criminals fleeing the scene with overdue fines!
The correlation coefficient of 0.9256215 leaves no room for doubt: there's a strong positive association between the two variables. As the number of library technicians in Maine increased, so did the number of robberies. It's as if the criminals couldn't resist the siren call of the Library of Congress classification system!
The r-squared value of 0.8567751 further solidifies the strength of this relationship, suggesting that a whopping 85.68% of the variation in robbery rates can be explained by changes in the number of library technicians. Consider us flabbergasted – and considerate of the possibility that thieves have developed a sudden interest in literary classics.
And let's not forget the p-value, which delivered a knockout blow below the vaunted 0.01 threshold. We'd like to think that even the most hardened criminals would put down their loot for a finding this significant.
Now, to visually showcase this correlation, we present the much-anticipated Fig. 1, a scatterplot that speaks volumes about the connection between robberies and library technicians. Just imagine the data points traipsing through the stacks of a library, searching for the perfect alibi!
In conclusion, our findings not only highlight a surprising link between criminal activity and the world of library science, but they also give us pause to appreciate the quirky and unexpected patterns that can emerge from statistical analysis. It seems that in the world of research, truth can indeed be stranger than fiction – or at the very least, more closely intertwined with the Dewey Decimal System than we ever thought possible.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

Our investigation has illuminated a rather peculiar relationship between robberies in Maine and the number of library technicians in the state. The results of our study provide compelling support for prior research, aligning with the findings of Smith et al. and Doe and Jones, who have both highlighted the escalating trend in robberies and the burgeoning workforce of library technicians. These serious analyses set the stage for our study, and it's safe to say that we've added a new chapter to this intriguing narrative.

One whimsical aspect of our investigation was rooted in the comical reference to A. Stealth's "The Art of Burglary." While the title might evoke images of mustachioed burglars tiptoeing through shadowy alleys, the underlying theme of criminal psychology and tactics may not be as far-fetched as it sounds. As it turns out, our findings lend credence to the notion that criminals may indeed be influenced by the growing presence of library technicians, perhaps finding inspiration in their encounters with these custodians of knowledge.

Similarly, the lighthearted escapades depicted in "The Great Book Heist" and "The Mystery of the Mischievous Librarian" take on a new dimension of relevance in light of our results. These fictional works, while certainly entertaining, may harbor a grain of truth, as our data suggest a tangible correlation between the activities of robbers and the number of individuals dedicated to the world of books and information.

Our findings evoke a sense of irony and curiosity by indicating a positive association between the number of library technicians and robberies in Maine. It's as if the criminals, in their pursuit of ill-gotten gains, have developed an inadvertent appreciation for the efforts of those immersed in the world of library science. The allure of the Dewey Decimal System, it seems, extends beyond the boundaries of organized shelves and into the realm of criminal behavior.

The statistical robustness of our results, underscored by the commendable correlation coefficient of 0.9256215 and a compelling r-squared value of 0.8567751, stands as a testament to the veracity of this curious connection. It's as though the scatterplot in Fig. 1 serves as a visual reminder of the unexpected but undeniable intertwining of library technicians and criminal activities.

In closing, our study beckons us to marvel at the capricious nature of correlation and the often unforeseen associations that can emerge from rigorous analysis. As we contemplate the relationship between robberies and the guardians of knowledge, we're left to ponder whether the criminals' desire for a thrilling read or their attempts to evade capture may indeed be inextricably linked to the presence of library technicians. It seems that the truth, like a well-worn novel, holds surprises at every turn.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.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 Robberies in Maine and The number of library technicians in Maine. 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]]
The Unlikely Connection Between "Book 'Em, Danno!" and Bookshelves: A Study of the Relationship Between Robberies in Maine and the Number of Library Technicians

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we delve into the unexplored realm of criminology and library science to investigate the unexpected relationship between robberies in Maine and the number of library technicians in the state. By examining data from the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services and the Bureau of Labor Statistics spanning from 2003 to 2022, our research team discovered a statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.9256215 and p < 0.01. We found that as the number of library technicians in Maine increased, the number of robberies also showed a corresponding increase. We discuss potential implications and offer lighthearted hypotheses for this perplexing correlation, inviting readers to ponder whether criminals are simply seeking some "bookish" inspiration or attempting to escape the clutches of law enforcement with a thrilling read.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
Introduction
In the annals of academic research, certain connections have always seemed as improbable as finding a two-headed sea serpent. Yet, just like stumbling upon a unicorn in a petting zoo, our study has unearthed a correlation so unexpected it might just rewrite the textbooks on criminology and library science. The relationship between robberies in Maine and the number of library technicians may sound as outlandish as a pirate donning a cardigan, but our findings reveal a statistical link that demands further investigation.
As our research team delved into this peculiar pairing, we couldn't help but marvel at the sheer absurdity of it all. We found ourselves pondering questions like: Are thieves scoping out their next heist while browsing through the Dewey Decimal System? Do library technicians possess an irresistible allure that compels criminals to put down their crowbars and pick up a copy of "War and Peace"? Or perhaps, in a daring escape from the long arm of the law, are fugitives seeking sanctuary amidst the stacks of "Crime and Punishment"?
Despite the eyebrow-raising nature of our subject matter, our analysis of data from the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services and the Bureau of Labor Statistics has revealed a connection that can't simply be brushed off as mere coincidence. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9256215 and a p-value dancing beneath the coveted threshold of 0.01, it's clear that we are not merely grasping at straws here – though we might also be reaching for a good detective novel.
In this paper, we'll not only present our findings but also offer a whimsical exploration of potential explanations for this confounding correlation. Prepare to journey through a landscape where bibliophiles and bandits intersect, and where the scent of fresh ink mingles with the scent of suspicion. So, fasten your seatbelts, dust off your Sherlock Holmes cap, and get ready to unravel the mystery behind the unlikely connection between "Book 'Em, Danno!" and bookshelves.

[[RESULTS]]
Our analysis of the relationship between robberies in Maine and the number of library technicians from 2003 to 2022 yielded some truly unexpected results - and no, it's not an uptick in stolen library books or criminals fleeing the scene with overdue fines!
The correlation coefficient of 0.9256215 leaves no room for doubt: there's a strong positive association between the two variables. As the number of library technicians in Maine increased, so did the number of robberies. It's as if the criminals couldn't resist the siren call of the Library of Congress classification system!
The r-squared value of 0.8567751 further solidifies the strength of this relationship, suggesting that a whopping 85.68% of the variation in robbery rates can be explained by changes in the number of library technicians. Consider us flabbergasted – and considerate of the possibility that thieves have developed a sudden interest in literary classics.
And let's not forget the p-value, which delivered a knockout blow below the vaunted 0.01 threshold. We'd like to think that even the most hardened criminals would put down their loot for a finding this significant.
Now, to visually showcase this correlation, we present the much-anticipated Fig. 1, a scatterplot that speaks volumes about the connection between robberies and library technicians. Just imagine the data points traipsing through the stacks of a library, searching for the perfect alibi!
In conclusion, our findings not only highlight a surprising link between criminal activity and the world of library science, but they also give us pause to appreciate the quirky and unexpected patterns that can emerge from statistical analysis. It seems that in the world of research, truth can indeed be stranger than fiction – or at the very least, more closely intertwined with the Dewey Decimal System than we ever thought possible.

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Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In wrapping up our investigation into the perplexing link between robberies in Maine and the number of library technicians, it seems we've stumbled upon a real page-turner of a correlation! It's clear that as the number of library technicians in Maine increased, so did the number of robberies, leaving us with more questions than answers. Are criminals turning over a new leaf by flipping through library books? Or perhaps they're just trying to make a clean break by getting lost in the labyrinthine aisles of literature!

Our findings not only shed light on this unexpected relationship but also serve as a reminder that in the world of statistics, truth can be stranger than fiction. It's like peering into the plot twists of a mystery novel, except this time, the clues are hidden in the data points. As we ponder the implications of our discoveries, we can't help but wonder if the perpetrators of these crimes are simply in search of a good "crime and punishment" read or if they're borrowing a leaf out of the "Oceans Eleven" playbook.

And let's not forget the role of library technicians in this curious saga. Perhaps their sheer bibliophilic magnetism is drawing would-be thieves like moths to a flame, or perhaps they're unwittingly influencing the criminal underworld with their encyclopedic knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System. One thing's for sure – this connection is no mere footnote in the annals of research. It's a headline-grabbing, front-page, tabloid-worthy tale that demands attention – and perhaps a little tongue-in-cheek speculation.

So, as we draw the curtain on this unexpected correlation, we are firmly convinced that no further research is needed in this area. It's best to leave this quirky connection between criminal activity and library science to the realm of statistical oddities and whimsical ponderings. After all, sometimes the most perplexing mysteries are best left unsolved – just like that missing sock from the laundry.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of academic journals. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding research, scientific, or academic journal that would publish a paper entited The Unlikely Connection Between Book 'Em, Danno! and Bookshelves: A Study of the Relationship Between Robberies in Maine and the Number of Library Technicians. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Crime, Culture, and Collection Management

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of nonprofit research organizations and associations. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding nonprofit, academic, or scientific association or organization that would sponsor research that resulted in a paper entited The Unlikely Connection Between Book 'Em, Danno! and Bookshelves: A Study of the Relationship Between Robberies in Maine and the Number of Library Technicians. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Association for Quirky Sociological 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 The Unlikely Connection Between Book 'Em, Danno! and Bookshelves: A Study of the Relationship Between Robberies in Maine and the Number of Library Technicians with an abstract of In this paper, we delve into the unexplored realm of criminology and library science to investigate the unexpected relationship between robberies in Maine and the number of library technicians in the state. By examining data from the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services and the Bureau of Labor Statistics spanning from 2003 to 2022, our research team discovered a statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.9256215 and p < 0.01. We found that as the number of library technicians in Maine increased, the number of robberies also showed a corresponding increase. We discuss potential implications and offer lighthearted hypotheses for this perplexing correlation, inviting readers to ponder whether criminals are simply seeking some "bookish" inspiration or attempting to escape the clutches of law enforcement with a thrilling read.

ChatGPT:

"robberies in Maine", "library technicians Maine", "FBI Criminal Justice Information Services", "Bureau of Labor Statistics", "criminology", "library science", "correlation coefficient", "Maine crime statistics", "relationship between robberies and library technicians", "criminal motivation for theft", "law enforcement and reading habits"

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

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Data details

Robberies in Maine
Detailed data title: The robbery rate per 100,000 residents in Maine
Source: FBI Criminal Justice Information Services
See what else correlates with Robberies in Maine

The number of library technicians in Maine
Detailed data title: BLS estimate of library technicians in Maine
Source: Bureau of Larbor Statistics
See what else correlates with The number of library technicians in Maine

Correlation r = 0.9256215 (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 = 0.8567751 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 85.7% of the change in the one variable (i.e., The number of library technicians in Maine) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Robberies in Maine) over the 20 years from 2003 through 2022.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 5.04E-9.^Show 0.0000000050401560446064045000
The p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme.^Note 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 5.04E-7% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 198,406,556 random variables^Note You don't actually need 198 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, ^Note 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.

[ 0.82, 0.97 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
^{Read more about the confidence interval} 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: ^Note 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.

	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
Robberies in Maine (Robbery rate)	22.1	22	24.5	29	26.5	25.3	30.3	31	27.9	31.6	25.2	22.9	23.4	20.1	18.7	17	14.3	12.6	11.7	10
The number of library technicians in Maine (Library Technicians)	880	900	900	1000	1200	1140	1040	1090	1070	1070	1000	960	880	870	770	780	700	610	560	560

Why this works

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.
Lack of causal connection: There is probably^Note 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.
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^Note 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. ^{Show the steps to do this.} 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([22.1,22,24.5,29,26.5,25.3,30.3,31,27.9,31.6,25.2,22.9,23.4,20.1,18.7,17,14.3,12.6,11.7,10,])
array_2 = np.array([880,900,900,1000,1200,1140,1040,1090,1070,1070,1000,960,880,870,770,780,700,610,560,560,])
array_1_name = "Robberies in Maine"
array_2_name = "The number of library technicians in Maine"

# 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)

Reuseable content

You may re-use the images on this page for any purpose, even commercial purposes, without asking for permission. The only requirement is that you attribute Tyler Vigen. ^Note Attribution can take many different forms. If you leave the "tylervigen.com" link in the image, that satisfies it just fine. If you remove it and move it to a footnote, that's fine too. You can also just write "Charts courtesy of Tyler Vigen" at the bottom of an article.

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.

Full license details.
For more on re-use permissions, or to get a signed release form, see tylervigen.com/permission.

Download images for these variables:

High resolution line chart ^Note The image linked here is a Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG). It is the highest resolution that is possible to achieve. It scales up beyond the size of the observable universe without pixelating. You do not need to email me asking if I have a higher resolution image. I do not. The physical limitations of our universe prevent me from providing you with an image that is any higher resolution than this one.

If you insert it into a PowerPoint presentation (a tool well-known for managing things that are the scale of the universe), you can right-click > "Ungroup" or "Create Shape" and then edit the lines and text directly. You can also change the colors this way.

Alternatively you can use a tool like Inkscape.
High resolution line chart, optimized for mobile
Alternative high resolution line chart
Scatterplot
Portable line chart (png)
Portable line chart (png), optimized for mobile
Line chart for only Robberies in Maine
Line chart for only The number of library technicians in Maine
AI-generated correlation image
The spurious research paper: The Unlikely Connection Between Book 'Em, Danno! and Bookshelves: A Study of the Relationship Between Robberies in Maine and the Number of Library Technicians

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Correlation ID: 4027 · Black Variable ID: 20192 · Red Variable ID: 8909


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