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A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is American cheese consumption and the second variable is IDEXX Laboratories' stock price (IDXX).  The chart goes from 2002 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

As American cheese consumption melted the hearts of dairy lovers everywhere, it created a ripple effect in the stock market. This led to the cheddar 'n' better mentality, causing investors to say, "I gouda get me some of that IDXX stock!" Cheesy as it may sound, the correlation is grate for those who brie-lieved in the power of dairy to churn out financial success.

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image with a minimalistic style depicting a group of investors standing around a large cheese platter, enjoying slices of American cheese. As they relish the creamy goodness, a stock ticker displays the IDXX stock price soaring upwards. The investors' expressions exude excitement, showcasing their belief in the financial success of dairy. The scene should capture the essence of the moment while keeping the visual depiction simple and clean. 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: American cheese consumption and IDEXX Laboratories' stock price (IDXX). 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: Scalar art Parallax art Whimsical illustration Cutsy graphics Minimalism
ChatGPT: Minimalism

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 American cheese consumption and IDEXX Laboratories' stock price (IDXX), in the following situation: As American cheese consumption melted the hearts of dairy lovers everywhere, it created a ripple effect in the stock market. This led to the cheddar 'n' better mentality, causing investors to say, "I gouda get me some of that IDXX stock!" Cheesy as it may sound, the correlation is grate for those who brie-lieved in the power of dairy to churn out financial success.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: A group of investors gather around a large cheese platter, indulging in slices of American cheese. As they savor the creamy goodness, a stock ticker displays the IDXX stock price soaring upwards. The investors exclaim, "I gouda get me some of that IDXX stock!" amidst the cheesy delight, showing their belief in the financial success of dairy.

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: [ Minimalism ] and depicting this scene: A group of investors gather around a large cheese platter, indulging in slices of American cheese. As they savor the creamy goodness, a stock ticker displays the IDXX stock price soaring upwards. The investors exclaim, "I gouda get me some of that IDXX stock!" amidst the cheesy delight, showing their belief in the financial success of dairy. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image with a minimalistic style depicting a group of investors standing around a large cheese platter, enjoying slices of American cheese. As they relish the creamy goodness, a stock ticker displays the IDXX stock price soaring upwards. The investors' expressions exude excitement, showcasing their belief in the financial success of dairy. The scene should capture the essence of the moment while keeping the visual depiction simple and clean.

*Variations in the User Prompts from chart to chart are just the result of random number generation in Python. I wrote a few arrays of various styles and methods to ask questions to change up the results. Every time this site writes an explanation or generates an image, the script picks from each at random.

I sequence the requests into multiple prompts because I find GPT 3.5 to perform much better with short, well-managed contexts. Thus, I track the context directly in Python and only ask ChatGPT targeted questions.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how an increase in American cheese consumption caused IDEXX Laboratories' stock price (IDXX) to increase.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
The Big Cheese: A Cheddar Mystery of Stock Market Returns

Journal of Dairy Economics and Financial Forecasting

Jan 2024

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




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

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between American cheese consumption and IDEXX Laboratories' stock price (IDXX). Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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

Your research team used data from USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.8606051 and p < 0.01 for 2002 to 2021.

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

[[TITLE]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit

[[ABSTRACT]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit



ChatGPT:
[[TITLE]]
The Big Cheese: A Cheddar Mystery of Stock Market Returns

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the fascinating and rather unexpected link between American cheese consumption and the stock price of IDEXX Laboratories (IDXX). Through meticulous data analysis using information from the USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) covering the period from 2002 to 2021, our research team uncovered a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8606051, with p < 0.01. Our findings suggest a statistically significant relationship between the consumption of American cheese and the fluctuations in IDEXX Laboratories' stock price, sparking questions about the role of cheese in the financial markets. This paper not only highlights the importance of being 'whey're of unexpected connections in financial analysis but also adds a delightful dash of humor to the otherwise serious world of economic research.


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

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between American cheese consumption and IDEXX Laboratories' stock price (IDXX). Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Big Cheese: A Cheddar Mystery of Stock Market Returns

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the fascinating and rather unexpected link between American cheese consumption and the stock price of IDEXX Laboratories (IDXX). Through meticulous data analysis using information from the USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) covering the period from 2002 to 2021, our research team uncovered a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8606051, with p < 0.01. Our findings suggest a statistically significant relationship between the consumption of American cheese and the fluctuations in IDEXX Laboratories' stock price, sparking questions about the role of cheese in the financial markets. This paper not only highlights the importance of being 'whey're of unexpected connections in financial analysis but also adds a delightful dash of humor to the otherwise serious world of economic research.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

As financial researchers, we often find ourselves immersed in the complex world of stock market analysis, searching for patterns and connections that explain the unpredictable nature of market dynamics. However, in the midst of our rigorous data crunching and statistical modeling, we stumbled upon an unexpected and rather cheesy discovery - the intriguing link between American cheese consumption and the stock price of IDEXX Laboratories.

It all started as a casual conversation over a fondue pot at a local wine and cheese tasting event. Amidst the brie and camembert, a colleague jokingly mused, "I wonder if there's any correlation between our love for American cheese and the stock market." Little did we know that this lighthearted remark would lead us down a rabbit hole of dairy-filled data analysis and bovine-infused brainstorming sessions.

Our research journey took us through the annals of economic history, exploring the peaks and valleys of stock prices alongside the ebb and flow of cheese consumption. We combed through troves of data, from the USDA's cheese production statistics to IDEXX Laboratories' daily stock movements, in pursuit of the elusive connection between dairy delights and market forces.

The sheer absurdity of our quest did not escape us. We found ourselves pondering questions like, "Is there a gouda reason for this correlation?" and "Could American cheese be the secret ingredient for stock market success?" Nonetheless, in the spirit of scientific inquiry, we pressed on, armed with our spreadsheets and a healthy dose of skepticism.

Our findings, as you will soon discover, left us feeling both gratified and perplexed. The statistical analysis yielded a correlation coefficient so pronounced that even our most seasoned researchers had to admit they were "provolone" wrong to doubt the veracity of our findings. With a p-value that practically shouted "hold the cheddar, this is significant!", we were left grappling with the bewildering notion that a seemingly unrelated entity could have such a tangible influence on the fluctuations of a company's stock price.

As we reveal the essence of our research in the following sections, we invite you to join us in this delightfully droll exploration of the economic enigma we've affectionately dubbed "The Big Cheese." So grab a slice of your favorite fromage, put on your thinking cap, and let's embark on a journey that proves that in the colorful tapestry of financial analysis, sometimes the most unexpected ingredients hold the key to understanding market movements. Say cheese!


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

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between American cheese consumption and IDEXX Laboratories' stock price (IDXX). 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 cartoons and childrens' shows that you watched that are related to the topic.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Big Cheese: A Cheddar Mystery of Stock Market Returns

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the fascinating and rather unexpected link between American cheese consumption and the stock price of IDEXX Laboratories (IDXX). Through meticulous data analysis using information from the USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) covering the period from 2002 to 2021, our research team uncovered a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8606051, with p < 0.01. Our findings suggest a statistically significant relationship between the consumption of American cheese and the fluctuations in IDEXX Laboratories' stock price, sparking questions about the role of cheese in the financial markets. This paper not only highlights the importance of being 'whey're of unexpected connections in financial analysis but also adds a delightful dash of humor to the otherwise serious world of economic research.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
As financial researchers, we often find ourselves immersed in the complex world of stock market analysis, searching for patterns and connections that explain the unpredictable nature of market dynamics. However, in the midst of our rigorous data crunching and statistical modeling, we stumbled upon an unexpected and rather cheesy discovery - the intriguing link between American cheese consumption and the stock price of IDEXX Laboratories.
It all started as a casual conversation over a fondue pot at a local wine and cheese tasting event. Amidst the brie and camembert, a colleague jokingly mused, "I wonder if there's any correlation between our love for American cheese and the stock market." Little did we know that this lighthearted remark would lead us down a rabbit hole of dairy-filled data analysis and bovine-infused brainstorming sessions.
Our research journey took us through the annals of economic history, exploring the peaks and valleys of stock prices alongside the ebb and flow of cheese consumption. We combed through troves of data, from the USDA's cheese production statistics to IDEXX Laboratories' daily stock movements, in pursuit of the elusive connection between dairy delights and market forces.
The sheer absurdity of our quest did not escape us. We found ourselves pondering questions like, "Is there a gouda reason for this correlation?" and "Could American cheese be the secret ingredient for stock market success?" Nonetheless, in the spirit of scientific inquiry, we pressed on, armed with our spreadsheets and a healthy dose of skepticism.
Our findings, as you will soon discover, left us feeling both gratified and perplexed. The statistical analysis yielded a correlation coefficient so pronounced that even our most seasoned researchers had to admit they were "provolone" wrong to doubt the veracity of our findings. With a p-value that practically shouted "hold the cheddar, this is significant!", we were left grappling with the bewildering notion that a seemingly unrelated entity could have such a tangible influence on the fluctuations of a company's stock price.
As we reveal the essence of our research in the following sections, we invite you to join us in this delightfully droll exploration of the economic enigma we've affectionately dubbed "The Big Cheese." So grab a slice of your favorite fromage, put on your thinking cap, and let's embark on a journey that proves that in the colorful tapestry of financial analysis, sometimes the most unexpected ingredients hold the key to understanding market movements. Say cheese!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The role of American cheese consumption in driving stock market movements may seem like a joke fit for a Wallace and Gromit movie, but our research has unveiled a delightful cheddar-melting truth that can't be brie-shed away. In "The Swiss Cheese Effect," Smith et al. delve into the unexplored world of dairy-based financial indicators, shedding light on the unexpected influence of cheese on market dynamics. While their work may seem cheesy at first glance, the correlations they uncover are nothing short of gouda.

Doe and Jones, in "Muenster Market Mysteries," take a more serious approach, analyzing the impact of dairy product consumption on stock prices. Their findings, while less buoyant than a float of mozzarella, provide valuable insights into the curd-ious patterns that underpin market behaviors. However, it is in "Cheddar Change: The Economics of Cheese" by Gruyère and Edam where we find our first tantalizing hints of the potential link between American cheese and IDEXX Laboratories' stock price. Their exploration of cheese-centric economic phenomena acts as a precursor to our own revelation.

On the fictional side, "The Gouda Code" by Dan Brown and "Cheese and Stock: A Love Story" by Nicholas Sparks are works of fiction that would seem totally unrelated to financial markets if not for their astonishing parallels to our own groundbreaking discovery. Who knew that the Da Vinci of cheese-related financial mysteries would be hiding in the pages of a novel? Even "The Brie-tish Invasion: A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens unexpectedly touches on the cheese-laden undercurrents of market speculation.

In our quest for understanding, we couldn't overlook the influence of childhood experiences on our research journey. Cartoons like "Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit" and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" may seem to be far removed from the world of economics, but their subtle hints at the nuanced relationship between cheese and unexpected consequences have clearly had an impact on our approach to this study. And let's not forget the timeless wisdom of "SpongeBob SquarePants," where SpongeBob's passion for Krabby Patties and Patrick's predilection for ice cream fuel an entire episode centered around the influence of food on decision-making – a lesson not lost on our intrepid team.

In the annals of financial literature, one might not expect to find a feta-complete exploration of cheese's impact on stock prices. Yet, as our research has shown, sometimes the most unexpected sources yield the richest findings. As we delve further into the implications of our discovery, be prepared for a grand fromage feast of insights that will both amuse and astonish. So, grab a slice of cheese, preferably American, and get ready for the gouda times to roll! This may be the most delightfully cheesy finance paper you've ever had the pleasure of reading.


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

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between American cheese consumption and IDEXX Laboratories' stock price (IDXX). Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) . You used data from 2002 to 2021

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

Here is the title, abstract, and introduction of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Big Cheese: A Cheddar Mystery of Stock Market Returns

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the fascinating and rather unexpected link between American cheese consumption and the stock price of IDEXX Laboratories (IDXX). Through meticulous data analysis using information from the USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) covering the period from 2002 to 2021, our research team uncovered a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8606051, with p < 0.01. Our findings suggest a statistically significant relationship between the consumption of American cheese and the fluctuations in IDEXX Laboratories' stock price, sparking questions about the role of cheese in the financial markets. This paper not only highlights the importance of being 'whey're of unexpected connections in financial analysis but also adds a delightful dash of humor to the otherwise serious world of economic research.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
As financial researchers, we often find ourselves immersed in the complex world of stock market analysis, searching for patterns and connections that explain the unpredictable nature of market dynamics. However, in the midst of our rigorous data crunching and statistical modeling, we stumbled upon an unexpected and rather cheesy discovery - the intriguing link between American cheese consumption and the stock price of IDEXX Laboratories.
It all started as a casual conversation over a fondue pot at a local wine and cheese tasting event. Amidst the brie and camembert, a colleague jokingly mused, "I wonder if there's any correlation between our love for American cheese and the stock market." Little did we know that this lighthearted remark would lead us down a rabbit hole of dairy-filled data analysis and bovine-infused brainstorming sessions.
Our research journey took us through the annals of economic history, exploring the peaks and valleys of stock prices alongside the ebb and flow of cheese consumption. We combed through troves of data, from the USDA's cheese production statistics to IDEXX Laboratories' daily stock movements, in pursuit of the elusive connection between dairy delights and market forces.
The sheer absurdity of our quest did not escape us. We found ourselves pondering questions like, "Is there a gouda reason for this correlation?" and "Could American cheese be the secret ingredient for stock market success?" Nonetheless, in the spirit of scientific inquiry, we pressed on, armed with our spreadsheets and a healthy dose of skepticism.
Our findings, as you will soon discover, left us feeling both gratified and perplexed. The statistical analysis yielded a correlation coefficient so pronounced that even our most seasoned researchers had to admit they were "provolone" wrong to doubt the veracity of our findings. With a p-value that practically shouted "hold the cheddar, this is significant!", we were left grappling with the bewildering notion that a seemingly unrelated entity could have such a tangible influence on the fluctuations of a company's stock price.
As we reveal the essence of our research in the following sections, we invite you to join us in this delightfully droll exploration of the economic enigma we've affectionately dubbed "The Big Cheese." So grab a slice of your favorite fromage, put on your thinking cap, and let's embark on a journey that proves that in the colorful tapestry of financial analysis, sometimes the most unexpected ingredients hold the key to understanding market movements. Say cheese!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

Our research methodology was as diverse as a charcuterie platter, incorporating a blend of statistical analysis, data mining, and a sprinkle of whimsy. To begin our quest for the 'grate' truth, we accrued an extensive dataset covering American cheese consumption and the stock price of IDEXX Laboratories (IDXX) from the years 2002 to 2021. Our data sources primarily included the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for cheese consumption figures and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) for IDEXX Laboratories' stock price data. We also perused blog posts, cheese forums, and social media platforms to capture the zeitgeist of American cheese aficionados and their potential impact on the financial markets.

In our analysis, we employed a suite of statistical techniques that would make even the most aged gouda proud. Firstly, we computed descriptive statistics to gain a 'brie'f understanding of the distribution and central tendencies of the data. Through this, we sought to uncover any 'grate' outliers that might skew our analysis - nobody likes a cheesy anomaly!

Moving on to the main course, we conducted a robust correlation analysis to assess the relationship between American cheese consumption and IDEXX Laboratories' stock price. We leveraged Pearson's correlation coefficient, the Spearman rank correlation, and even dabbled in a bit of cheesy goodness with the Kendall rank correlation. Our approach aimed to capture both linear and non-linear dependencies between cheese consumption and stock price movements, ensuring that no 'gouda' correlation was left unexplored.

Resisting the 'mozzarellativity' of conventional methods, we also introduced a novel approach - the Cheese Momentum Indicator (CMI) - to gauge the influence of cheese consumption trends on IDXX stock performance. By overlaying cheese consumption patterns with stock price momentum, we sought to uncover any 'whey'ward tendencies that might elude traditional statistical methods. Wait until you 'feta'll the results!

It's worth mentioning that our research team convened weekly over a 'cheddarware' of assorted dairy treats to discuss findings, debate methodological choices, and ponder the age-old question: "How much cheese is too much cheese?" The overarching goal was to infuse levity into our rigorous analytical process, a necessary ingredient for savoring the complexities of our research.

Finally, to ensure the robustness and 'roquefortness' of our findings, we subjected our results to a battery of sensitivity analyses, stress tests, and even enlisted the help of cheese connoisseurs to validate our qualitative insights. In this 'gruyere' tapestry of data and methodology, we sought to honor the whimsical spirit that led us on this cheesy, yet enlightening, research journey.

Our methodology, like a fine fromage, was aged to perfection, leaving no 'swiss'-takes unturned to unravel the mystery of this delightful linkage between American cheese consumption and stock market dynamics.


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

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between American cheese consumption and IDEXX Laboratories' stock price (IDXX). Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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

For the time period 2002 to 2021, you found a correlation 0.8606051, r-squared of 0.7406412, 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 Big Cheese: A Cheddar Mystery of Stock Market Returns

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the fascinating and rather unexpected link between American cheese consumption and the stock price of IDEXX Laboratories (IDXX). Through meticulous data analysis using information from the USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) covering the period from 2002 to 2021, our research team uncovered a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8606051, with p < 0.01. Our findings suggest a statistically significant relationship between the consumption of American cheese and the fluctuations in IDEXX Laboratories' stock price, sparking questions about the role of cheese in the financial markets. This paper not only highlights the importance of being 'whey're of unexpected connections in financial analysis but also adds a delightful dash of humor to the otherwise serious world of economic research.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
As financial researchers, we often find ourselves immersed in the complex world of stock market analysis, searching for patterns and connections that explain the unpredictable nature of market dynamics. However, in the midst of our rigorous data crunching and statistical modeling, we stumbled upon an unexpected and rather cheesy discovery - the intriguing link between American cheese consumption and the stock price of IDEXX Laboratories.
It all started as a casual conversation over a fondue pot at a local wine and cheese tasting event. Amidst the brie and camembert, a colleague jokingly mused, "I wonder if there's any correlation between our love for American cheese and the stock market." Little did we know that this lighthearted remark would lead us down a rabbit hole of dairy-filled data analysis and bovine-infused brainstorming sessions.
Our research journey took us through the annals of economic history, exploring the peaks and valleys of stock prices alongside the ebb and flow of cheese consumption. We combed through troves of data, from the USDA's cheese production statistics to IDEXX Laboratories' daily stock movements, in pursuit of the elusive connection between dairy delights and market forces.
The sheer absurdity of our quest did not escape us. We found ourselves pondering questions like, "Is there a gouda reason for this correlation?" and "Could American cheese be the secret ingredient for stock market success?" Nonetheless, in the spirit of scientific inquiry, we pressed on, armed with our spreadsheets and a healthy dose of skepticism.
Our findings, as you will soon discover, left us feeling both gratified and perplexed. The statistical analysis yielded a correlation coefficient so pronounced that even our most seasoned researchers had to admit they were "provolone" wrong to doubt the veracity of our findings. With a p-value that practically shouted "hold the cheddar, this is significant!", we were left grappling with the bewildering notion that a seemingly unrelated entity could have such a tangible influence on the fluctuations of a company's stock price.
As we reveal the essence of our research in the following sections, we invite you to join us in this delightfully droll exploration of the economic enigma we've affectionately dubbed "The Big Cheese." So grab a slice of your favorite fromage, put on your thinking cap, and let's embark on a journey that proves that in the colorful tapestry of financial analysis, sometimes the most unexpected ingredients hold the key to understanding market movements. Say cheese!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The data analysis unearthed a surprising level of correlation between American cheese consumption and IDEXX Laboratories' stock price movements. The calculated correlation coefficient of 0.8606051 indicates a strong positive relationship between these two seemingly incongruous variables. This suggests that as American cheese consumption rises, so does the stock price of IDEXX Laboratories. The r-squared value of 0.7406412 further emphasizes the robustness of this correlation, revealing that approximately 74% of the variations in IDEXX Laboratories' stock price can be explained by changes in American cheese consumption. It's a gouda day for cheese lovers and stock traders alike!

Our findings, with a p-value of less than 0.01, provide compelling evidence to support the notion that the consumption of American cheese is associated with movements in IDEXX Laboratories' stock price. This statistically significant result adds a layer of complexity to the financial forecast, leading us to ponder just how much influence the dairy aisle might have over the fluctuating tides of the stock market. It seems like our research has grated the attention of both cheese enthusiasts and stock analysts alike!

In our striking scatterplot (Fig. 1), the data points form a distinctive pattern that underscores the strong correlation between American cheese consumption and IDEXX Laboratories' stock price. The upward trend showcases a tantalizing dance between cheese consumption and stock market returns, leaving us both amused and awestruck at the curious concordance of these seemingly unrelated phenomena. It's as if the market is saying, "Swiss it up!" Indeed, our findings bring a whole new meaning to the phrase "cheesy investment strategies."

The statistical revelations from this analysis not only shed light on the intriguing interconnectedness of cheese consumption and stock price movements but also add a flavorful dimension to the conversation surrounding market influences. As we savor the richness of these findings, we can't help but appreciate the whimsical journey that led us to this dairy-driven discovery. This study opens the door to a world of financial analysis where cheddar becomes a symbol of stock market insight, and where the phrase "bringing home the bacon" might just be replaced with "bringing home the brie."

Stay tuned for further exploration in the discussion section, where we interpret the raison d'être behind this remarkable correlation and delve into the potential implications for both the financial and dairy industries. Get ready for some truly "grate" insights as we dissect the intriguing relationship between American cheese consumption and stock market dynamics.


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

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between American cheese consumption and IDEXX Laboratories' stock price (IDXX). 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 Big Cheese: A Cheddar Mystery of Stock Market Returns

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the fascinating and rather unexpected link between American cheese consumption and the stock price of IDEXX Laboratories (IDXX). Through meticulous data analysis using information from the USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) covering the period from 2002 to 2021, our research team uncovered a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8606051, with p < 0.01. Our findings suggest a statistically significant relationship between the consumption of American cheese and the fluctuations in IDEXX Laboratories' stock price, sparking questions about the role of cheese in the financial markets. This paper not only highlights the importance of being 'whey're of unexpected connections in financial analysis but also adds a delightful dash of humor to the otherwise serious world of economic research.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The role of American cheese consumption in driving stock market movements may seem like a joke fit for a Wallace and Gromit movie, but our research has unveiled a delightful cheddar-melting truth that can't be brie-shed away. In "The Swiss Cheese Effect," Smith et al. delve into the unexplored world of dairy-based financial indicators, shedding light on the unexpected influence of cheese on market dynamics. While their work may seem cheesy at first glance, the correlations they uncover are nothing short of gouda.
Doe and Jones, in "Muenster Market Mysteries," take a more serious approach, analyzing the impact of dairy product consumption on stock prices. Their findings, while less buoyant than a float of mozzarella, provide valuable insights into the curd-ious patterns that underpin market behaviors. However, it is in "Cheddar Change: The Economics of Cheese" by Gruyère and Edam where we find our first tantalizing hints of the potential link between American cheese and IDEXX Laboratories' stock price. Their exploration of cheese-centric economic phenomena acts as a precursor to our own revelation.
On the fictional side, "The Gouda Code" by Dan Brown and "Cheese and Stock: A Love Story" by Nicholas Sparks are works of fiction that would seem totally unrelated to financial markets if not for their astonishing parallels to our own groundbreaking discovery. Who knew that the Da Vinci of cheese-related financial mysteries would be hiding in the pages of a novel? Even "The Brie-tish Invasion: A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens unexpectedly touches on the cheese-laden undercurrents of market speculation.
In our quest for understanding, we couldn't overlook the influence of childhood experiences on our research journey. Cartoons like "Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit" and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" may seem to be far removed from the world of economics, but their subtle hints at the nuanced relationship between cheese and unexpected consequences have clearly had an impact on our approach to this study. And let's not forget the timeless wisdom of "SpongeBob SquarePants," where SpongeBob's passion for Krabby Patties and Patrick's predilection for ice cream fuel an entire episode centered around the influence of food on decision-making – a lesson not lost on our intrepid team.
In the annals of financial literature, one might not expect to find a feta-complete exploration of cheese's impact on stock prices. Yet, as our research has shown, sometimes the most unexpected sources yield the richest findings. As we delve further into the implications of our discovery, be prepared for a grand fromage feast of insights that will both amuse and astonish. So, grab a slice of cheese, preferably American, and get ready for the gouda times to roll! This may be the most delightfully cheesy finance paper you've ever had the pleasure of reading.

[[RESULTS]]
The data analysis unearthed a surprising level of correlation between American cheese consumption and IDEXX Laboratories' stock price movements. The calculated correlation coefficient of 0.8606051 indicates a strong positive relationship between these two seemingly incongruous variables. This suggests that as American cheese consumption rises, so does the stock price of IDEXX Laboratories. The r-squared value of 0.7406412 further emphasizes the robustness of this correlation, revealing that approximately 74% of the variations in IDEXX Laboratories' stock price can be explained by changes in American cheese consumption. It's a gouda day for cheese lovers and stock traders alike!
Our findings, with a p-value of less than 0.01, provide compelling evidence to support the notion that the consumption of American cheese is associated with movements in IDEXX Laboratories' stock price. This statistically significant result adds a layer of complexity to the financial forecast, leading us to ponder just how much influence the dairy aisle might have over the fluctuating tides of the stock market. It seems like our research has grated the attention of both cheese enthusiasts and stock analysts alike!
In our striking scatterplot (Fig. 1), the data points form a distinctive pattern that underscores the strong correlation between American cheese consumption and IDEXX Laboratories' stock price. The upward trend showcases a tantalizing dance between cheese consumption and stock market returns, leaving us both amused and awestruck at the curious concordance of these seemingly unrelated phenomena. It's as if the market is saying, "Swiss it up!" Indeed, our findings bring a whole new meaning to the phrase "cheesy investment strategies."
The statistical revelations from this analysis not only shed light on the intriguing interconnectedness of cheese consumption and stock price movements but also add a flavorful dimension to the conversation surrounding market influences. As we savor the richness of these findings, we can't help but appreciate the whimsical journey that led us to this dairy-driven discovery. This study opens the door to a world of financial analysis where cheddar becomes a symbol of stock market insight, and where the phrase "bringing home the bacon" might just be replaced with "bringing home the brie."
Stay tuned for further exploration in the discussion section, where we interpret the raison d'être behind this remarkable correlation and delve into the potential implications for both the financial and dairy industries. Get ready for some truly "grate" insights as we dissect the intriguing relationship between American cheese consumption and stock market dynamics.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

Our study has brought to light a udderly fascinating connection between American cheese consumption and the stock price of IDEXX Laboratories (IDXX). Our findings not only add a delightful dash of humor to the world of economic research but also hint at a whey-spread influence of cheese on financial market movements.

The cheddar-melting truth we've uncovered supports prior research that explored the dairy-based financial indicators. Just as "The Swiss Cheese Effect" and "Muenster Market Mysteries" hinted at the gouda potential for the influence of cheese on market dynamics, our results have feta-lly confirmed a statistically significant relationship. The correlation coefficient of 0.8606051, echoing the buoyant mozzarella insights of Doe and Jones, showcases a robust positive link between American cheese consumption and IDEXX Laboratories' stock price fluctuations.

Looking back at the whimsical hints from popular culture and literature, it's clear that the subtle influences of cheesy insights have not been lost on us. Perhaps Dan Brown's "The Gouda Code" was indeed onto an unconventional truth, and SpongeBob's lessons on food-fueled decision-making were more prophetic than we initially assumed. Who knew that Wallace and Gromit's love for Wensleydale would hold such weight in financial analysis?

Our results speak volumes, echoing the humor-laden notes of our literature review and adding a layer of complexity to the financial forecast. The scatterplot's distinctive pattern not only showcases a tantalizing dance between cheese consumption and stock market returns but also leaves us amused and awestruck at the curious concordance of these seemingly unrelated phenomena. It's as if the market is saying, "Swiss it up!"

As we transition from the sheer delight of these findings to the more serious contemplation of their implications, we find ourselves poised to unveil a gouda feast of insights that will both amuse and astonish. So, grab a slice of cheese, preferably American, and get ready for the gouda times to roll as we dissect the intriguing relationship between American cheese consumption and stock market dynamics.

Stay tuned for the finale as we crack open the Parmesan of implications and interpretations, adding a flavorful dimension to the conversation surrounding market influences. This study has truly brought home the brie, posing questions about the role of cheese in financial markets that are as sharp as aged cheddar.


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

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between American cheese consumption and IDEXX Laboratories' stock price (IDXX). 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 Big Cheese: A Cheddar Mystery of Stock Market Returns

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the fascinating and rather unexpected link between American cheese consumption and the stock price of IDEXX Laboratories (IDXX). Through meticulous data analysis using information from the USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) covering the period from 2002 to 2021, our research team uncovered a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8606051, with p < 0.01. Our findings suggest a statistically significant relationship between the consumption of American cheese and the fluctuations in IDEXX Laboratories' stock price, sparking questions about the role of cheese in the financial markets. This paper not only highlights the importance of being 'whey're of unexpected connections in financial analysis but also adds a delightful dash of humor to the otherwise serious world of economic research.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
As financial researchers, we often find ourselves immersed in the complex world of stock market analysis, searching for patterns and connections that explain the unpredictable nature of market dynamics. However, in the midst of our rigorous data crunching and statistical modeling, we stumbled upon an unexpected and rather cheesy discovery - the intriguing link between American cheese consumption and the stock price of IDEXX Laboratories.
It all started as a casual conversation over a fondue pot at a local wine and cheese tasting event. Amidst the brie and camembert, a colleague jokingly mused, "I wonder if there's any correlation between our love for American cheese and the stock market." Little did we know that this lighthearted remark would lead us down a rabbit hole of dairy-filled data analysis and bovine-infused brainstorming sessions.
Our research journey took us through the annals of economic history, exploring the peaks and valleys of stock prices alongside the ebb and flow of cheese consumption. We combed through troves of data, from the USDA's cheese production statistics to IDEXX Laboratories' daily stock movements, in pursuit of the elusive connection between dairy delights and market forces.
The sheer absurdity of our quest did not escape us. We found ourselves pondering questions like, "Is there a gouda reason for this correlation?" and "Could American cheese be the secret ingredient for stock market success?" Nonetheless, in the spirit of scientific inquiry, we pressed on, armed with our spreadsheets and a healthy dose of skepticism.
Our findings, as you will soon discover, left us feeling both gratified and perplexed. The statistical analysis yielded a correlation coefficient so pronounced that even our most seasoned researchers had to admit they were "provolone" wrong to doubt the veracity of our findings. With a p-value that practically shouted "hold the cheddar, this is significant!", we were left grappling with the bewildering notion that a seemingly unrelated entity could have such a tangible influence on the fluctuations of a company's stock price.
As we reveal the essence of our research in the following sections, we invite you to join us in this delightfully droll exploration of the economic enigma we've affectionately dubbed "The Big Cheese." So grab a slice of your favorite fromage, put on your thinking cap, and let's embark on a journey that proves that in the colorful tapestry of financial analysis, sometimes the most unexpected ingredients hold the key to understanding market movements. Say cheese!

[[RESULTS]]
The data analysis unearthed a surprising level of correlation between American cheese consumption and IDEXX Laboratories' stock price movements. The calculated correlation coefficient of 0.8606051 indicates a strong positive relationship between these two seemingly incongruous variables. This suggests that as American cheese consumption rises, so does the stock price of IDEXX Laboratories. The r-squared value of 0.7406412 further emphasizes the robustness of this correlation, revealing that approximately 74% of the variations in IDEXX Laboratories' stock price can be explained by changes in American cheese consumption. It's a gouda day for cheese lovers and stock traders alike!
Our findings, with a p-value of less than 0.01, provide compelling evidence to support the notion that the consumption of American cheese is associated with movements in IDEXX Laboratories' stock price. This statistically significant result adds a layer of complexity to the financial forecast, leading us to ponder just how much influence the dairy aisle might have over the fluctuating tides of the stock market. It seems like our research has grated the attention of both cheese enthusiasts and stock analysts alike!
In our striking scatterplot (Fig. 1), the data points form a distinctive pattern that underscores the strong correlation between American cheese consumption and IDEXX Laboratories' stock price. The upward trend showcases a tantalizing dance between cheese consumption and stock market returns, leaving us both amused and awestruck at the curious concordance of these seemingly unrelated phenomena. It's as if the market is saying, "Swiss it up!" Indeed, our findings bring a whole new meaning to the phrase "cheesy investment strategies."
The statistical revelations from this analysis not only shed light on the intriguing interconnectedness of cheese consumption and stock price movements but also add a flavorful dimension to the conversation surrounding market influences. As we savor the richness of these findings, we can't help but appreciate the whimsical journey that led us to this dairy-driven discovery. This study opens the door to a world of financial analysis where cheddar becomes a symbol of stock market insight, and where the phrase "bringing home the bacon" might just be replaced with "bringing home the brie."
Stay tuned for further exploration in the discussion section, where we interpret the raison d'être behind this remarkable correlation and delve into the potential implications for both the financial and dairy industries. Get ready for some truly "grate" insights as we dissect the intriguing relationship between American cheese consumption and stock market dynamics.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our research has brought to light a rather unexpected yet unquestionably delightful relationship between American cheese consumption and the stock price of IDEXX Laboratories. It seems that cheese does make everything better, even stock market returns! Who would have thought that the creamy, gooey goodness of American cheese could hold the key to understanding market movements?

As we analyzed the data, we couldn't help but brie amazed by the striking correlation coefficient and the cheesy dance of stock prices in response to our dairy delights. It's as if the market was shouting, "Say cheese!" The statistical significance of our findings has certainly grated the attention of both cheese enthusiasts and stock analysts, proving that in the ever-unpredictable world of financial forecasting, there's always room for a little whimsy and wonder.

Yet, as much as we revel in the delightfully droll nature of our findings, we must acknowledge that even the most humorous of correlations cannot escape the halls of empirical scrutiny. Thus, in the spirit of scholarly inquiry, we boldly proclaim that no further research is needed in this area. For we have truly reached the pinnacle of dairy-driven discovery, and it's time to bid adieu to this oh-so-gouda chapter of financial analysis. Let's take our cheesy insights and savor them as we move forward, knowing that in the ever-shifting landscape of economic research, sometimes the most unexpected ingredients hold the key to unlocking market mysteries. Say cheese one last time, and let's remember this fond(ue)ly as we turn the page to new research adventures!


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 Big Cheese: A Cheddar Mystery of Stock Market Returns. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

Journal of Dairy Economics and Financial Forecasting


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 Big Cheese: A Cheddar Mystery of Stock Market Returns. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Institute of Dairy Economics and Financial Analysis


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 Big Cheese: A Cheddar Mystery of Stock Market Returns with an abstract of This study delves into the fascinating and rather unexpected link between American cheese consumption and the stock price of IDEXX Laboratories (IDXX). Through meticulous data analysis using information from the USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) covering the period from 2002 to 2021, our research team uncovered a striking correlation coefficient of 0.8606051, with p < 0.01. Our findings suggest a statistically significant relationship between the consumption of American cheese and the fluctuations in IDEXX Laboratories' stock price, sparking questions about the role of cheese in the financial markets. This paper not only highlights the importance of being 'whey're of unexpected connections in financial analysis but also adds a delightful dash of humor to the otherwise serious world of economic research.

ChatGPT:

American cheese consumption, IDEXX Laboratories stock price, stock market returns, cheese consumption and stock price correlation, financial analysis, USDA data analysis, LSEG Analytics, Refinitiv, cheddar mystery, relationship between cheese consumption and stock price

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



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Data details

American cheese consumption
Detailed data title: Per capita consumption of American cheese in the US
Source: USDA
See what else correlates with American cheese consumption

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

See what else correlates with IDEXX Laboratories' stock price (IDXX)

Correlation r = 0.8606051 (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 = 0.7406412 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 74.1% of the change in the one variable (i.e., IDEXX Laboratories' stock price (IDXX)) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., American cheese consumption) over the 20 years from 2002 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 1.1E-6. 0.0000011252602788249287000000
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 0.86 in 0.00011% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 888,683 random variables You don't actually need 888 thousand variables to find a correlation like this one. I don't have that many variables in my database. You can also correlate variables that are not independent. I do this a lot.

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

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

Just to be clear: I'm being completely transparent about the calculations. There is no math trickery. This is just how statistics shakes out when you calculate hundreds of millions of random correlations.
with the same 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.

[ 0.68, 0.94 ] 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.
20022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021
American cheese consumption (Pounds per person)12.831412.561912.861212.64913.065612.792913.130613.355313.304813.039213.256913.357313.665614.044414.362115.090115.402715.538915.516.1
IDEXX Laboratories' stock price (IDXX) (Stock price)7.38.2911.6413.6117.9419.8929.1118.1226.8534.9238.9547.35374.3272.35118.29157.59182.49261.53503




Why this works

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

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

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




Try it yourself

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

    return correlation, r_squared, p_value

# These are the arrays for the variables shown on this page, but you can modify them to be any two sets of numbers
array_1 = np.array([12.8314,12.5619,12.8612,12.649,13.0656,12.7929,13.1306,13.3553,13.3048,13.0392,13.2569,13.3573,13.6656,14.0444,14.3621,15.0901,15.4027,15.5389,15.5,16.1,])
array_2 = np.array([7.3,8.29,11.64,13.61,17.94,19.89,29.11,18.12,26.85,34.92,38.95,47.3,53,74.32,72.35,118.29,157.59,182.49,261.53,503,])
array_1_name = "American cheese consumption"
array_2_name = "IDEXX Laboratories' stock price (IDXX)"

# 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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