Spurious correlation #4,225 · View random
A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is The number of authors in Louisiana and the second variable is Gasoline pumped in Netherlands Antilles. The chart goes from 2003 to 2021, 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 The number of authors in Louisiana and the second variable is Gasoline pumped in Netherlands Antilles. The chart goes from 2003 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

Download png, svg

AI explanation

As the number of authors in Louisiana increased, so did the availability of puns. And we all know that puns are a form of gas... so the increased literary creativity in Louisiana led to a ripple effect of pun-driven amusement, causing a surge in the overall levity levels. This, in turn, created a higher demand for inhaled laughter in the Netherlands Antilles, leading to more frequent and intense bouts of giggle-filled gasping, ultimately resulting in an uptick in gasoline pumped as people literally laughed their way to the gas stations. So, in a twist of comedic fate, we can say that the pen truly is mightier than the petrol pump!

^{Show image generation prompt} Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image that blends the atmosphere of a cozy Louisiana bookstore with the sunny streets of the Netherlands Antilles. Show a warm, bustling bookstore scene with high shelves overflowing with books and a group of authors gathered together, visibly enjoying each other's company amidst their brainstorming. Incorporate the playful exchange of puns, capturing the infectious laughter and smiles that fill the air. At the same time, depict a line of cars winding around the corner of a sunny Netherlands Antilles street, converging at a gas station where people engage in lively conversation, adding to the cheerful ambiance. Maintain a simple and straightforward visual portrayal of these two scenes seamlessly blended together. The warmth and laughter from both settings should be evoked in a way that creates a visually engaging narrative. 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: The number of authors in Louisiana and Gasoline pumped in Netherlands Antilles. 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: Photorealism a funny image macro Scalar art a funny image macro Scalar art
ChatGPT: Scalar art

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 The number of authors in Louisiana and Gasoline pumped in Netherlands Antilles, in the following situation: As the number of authors in Louisiana increased, so did the availability of puns. And we all know that puns are a form of gas... so the increased literary creativity in Louisiana led to a ripple effect of pun-driven amusement, causing a surge in the overall levity levels. This, in turn, created a higher demand for inhaled laughter in the Netherlands Antilles, leading to more frequent and intense bouts of giggle-filled gasping, ultimately resulting in an uptick in gasoline pumped as people literally laughed their way to the gas stations. So, in a twist of comedic fate, we can say that the pen truly is mightier than the petrol pump!. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a cozy Louisiana bookstore, the shelves are stacked high with books, while a group of authors gathers, brainstorming and laughing together. The air is filled with contagious amusement as they exchange puns, sparking smiles and giggles. Meanwhile, on the sunny streets of the Netherlands Antilles, a line of cars winds around the corner, as people visit the gas station, their laughter filling the air and intertwining with the sound of pumps working overtime to keep up with the demand for gasoline.

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: [ Scalar art ] and depicting this scene: In a cozy Louisiana bookstore, the shelves are stacked high with books, while a group of authors gathers, brainstorming and laughing together. The air is filled with contagious amusement as they exchange puns, sparking smiles and giggles. Meanwhile, on the sunny streets of the Netherlands Antilles, a line of cars winds around the corner, as people visit the gas station, their laughter filling the air and intertwining with the sound of pumps working overtime to keep up with the demand for gasoline. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image that blends the atmosphere of a cozy Louisiana bookstore with the sunny streets of the Netherlands Antilles. Show a warm, bustling bookstore scene with high shelves overflowing with books and a group of authors gathered together, visibly enjoying each other's company amidst their brainstorming. Incorporate the playful exchange of puns, capturing the infectious laughter and smiles that fill the air. At the same time, depict a line of cars winding around the corner of a sunny Netherlands Antilles street, converging at a gas station where people engage in lively conversation, adding to the cheerful ambiance. Maintain a simple and straightforward visual portrayal of these two scenes seamlessly blended together. The warmth and laughter from both settings should be evoked in a way that creates a visually engaging narrative.

*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 increases in The number of authors in Louisiana positively influenced Gasoline pumped in Netherlands Antilles.\Make it sound serious until the end.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)

The Author Gather on Gasoline Blather: A Correlational Study Between the Number of Authors in Louisiana and Gasoline Pumped in Netherlands Antilles

The Journal of Irreverent Correlations

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 The number of authors in Louisiana and Gasoline pumped in Netherlands Antilles. 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 a couple popular internet memes that are related to one of the topics.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
The Author Gather on Gasoline Blather: A Correlational Study Between the Number of Authors in Louisiana and Gasoline Pumped in Netherlands Antilles

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this whimsical research paper, we delve into the curious relationship between the number of authors in Louisiana and the gallons of gasoline pumped in Netherlands Antilles. While the connection may appear as peculiar as a three-legged flamingo, our findings reveal a surprising correlation that may leave one scratching their head in wonder.

Drawing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Energy Information Administration, our team uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.7096764 with a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the years spanning from 2003 to 2021. This peculiar correlation encourages the consideration of potential causation, leading to humorous comparisons akin to the idea that more authors in Louisiana may be fueling the demand for gasoline in the Netherlands Antilles, whether through their prolific writing or cultivating a culture of literary appreciation.

As we present our findings with a quirky twist, we invite readers to embrace the unexpected and find amusement in the seemingly implausible relationship between these two seemingly unrelated variables.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
As the saying goes, "truth is stranger than fiction," and in the realm of academic research, this sentiment often holds true. In this lighthearted yet rigorous study, we embark on a journey that explores the connection between the number of authors in Louisiana and the gallons of gasoline pumped in the Netherlands Antilles. While this correlation may seem as perplexing as deciphering hieroglyphics written in a cocktail napkin, our investigation reveals a surprising link that defies conventional expectations.
The decision to investigate such an unlikely pair of variables was not made on a whim, but rather a curious musing over a cup of coffee and a stale bagel during a brainstorming session. As we delved into the data, wading through statistical analyses and quirky anecdotes, we found ourselves captivated by the unexpected patterns that emerged, leaving us with more questions than answers and a burning desire to share our findings with a touch of whimsy.
The premise of this investigation may evoke laughter or raised eyebrows, akin to witnessing a penguin attempting the tango, yet the statistical significance we uncovered cannot be dismissed with a wave of the hand. Drawing from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Energy Information Administration, we unearthed a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.7096764, coupled with a p-value that could put even the most stringent skeptics in stitches at less than 0.01.
This peculiar correlation prods at the imagination, sparking wild theories that more authors in Louisiana may be surreptitiously influencing the demand for gasoline in the Netherlands Antilles. We envision scenarios where prolific writers embark on literary marathons, cranking out manuscripts that beckon readers to embark on cross-continental road trips, or perhaps where the mere existence of a bustling literary community exerts an invisible gravitational pull, drawing in visitors and inflating the gasoline consumption statistics.
As we embark on this academic escapade, we invite fellow researchers, bemused onlookers, and skeptics alike to join us in a quest to embrace the unexpected and find mirth in the apparent confluence of literary prowess and motor fuel consumption. We present our findings with a twinkle in our eye, daring readers to revel in the unlikely and ponder the enigma that lies at the intersection of authors and gasoline, inviting a chuckle and a raised eyebrow in equal measure.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

ChatGPT:
Literature Review

In "The Literary Renaissance in Louisiana: A Historical Perspective," Smith and Doe highlight the rich literary tradition of Louisiana, tracing its roots from the vibrant storytelling of Creole communities to the influential works of renowned authors such as Tennessee Williams and Anne Rice. Meanwhile, Jones et al., in "Fueling the Future: A Comprehensive Analysis of Gasoline Consumption Patterns in the Caribbean," delve into the complexities of gasoline usage in the Netherlands Antilles, scrutinizing the economic, social, and environmental factors shaping fuel consumption in the region.

Steering away from the conventional scholarship, "Gasoline and Gumbo: A Symbiotic Relationship?" by Mystery and Enigma, proposes a whimsical theory that attributes the rising demand for gasoline in the Netherlands Antilles to the magnetic allure of Cajun cuisine from Louisiana. Additionally, "Ink and Octane: Exploring the Unlikely Bond Between Authors and Gasoline" by Punderful and Jesterson offers a satirical examination of the purported correlation between the number of authors in Louisiana and gasoline consumption in the Netherlands Antilles, as if the act of writing were secretly fueling the longing for cross-continental road trips.

Transitioning from traditional literature, we turn to fictional works that offer curious, albeit tangential, insights into our subject matter. In Verne's "Around the World in Eighty Days," the protagonist's globetrotting adventures may humorously parallel the hypothetical journeys inspired by the literary output of Louisiana authors. Similarly, Vonnegut's "Cat's Cradle" presents a satirical take on global tensions and human folly, offering a metaphorical reflection of the whimsical correlation we examine.

Shifting into the realm of internet culture, the "This is Fine" meme captures the absurdity of attempting to maintain composure in the face of bewildering circumstances, much like the initial reaction to discovering our unexpected correlation. Likewise, the "Why Not Both?" meme playfully encapsulates the spirit of our investigation, inviting a lighthearted consideration of seemingly conflicting variables converging in an inexplicable harmony.

As we stride through the literature, from scholarly musings to fictional whimsy and internet humor, we encounter a colorful tapestry of perspectives that, while divergent in nature, contribute to the light-hearted spirit of our investigation. In the pages to come, we invite readers to savor the unexpected, for truth may indeed prove to be stranger than fiction in the unconventional correlation between authors and gasoline consumption.

And speaking of gasoline, why did the author cross the road? To get to the nearest petrol station for a refill of inspiration! It’s important to keep those literary engines running, after all.

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 The number of authors in Louisiana and Gasoline pumped in Netherlands Antilles. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Bureau of Larbor Statistics and Energy Information Administration . You used data from 2003 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 Author Gather on Gasoline Blather: A Correlational Study Between the Number of Authors in Louisiana and Gasoline Pumped in Netherlands Antilles

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this whimsical research paper, we delve into the curious relationship between the number of authors in Louisiana and the gallons of gasoline pumped in Netherlands Antilles. While the connection may appear as peculiar as a three-legged flamingo, our findings reveal a surprising correlation that may leave one scratching their head in wonder.

Drawing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Energy Information Administration, our team uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.7096764 with a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the years spanning from 2003 to 2021. This peculiar correlation encourages the consideration of potential causation, leading to humorous comparisons akin to the idea that more authors in Louisiana may be fueling the demand for gasoline in the Netherlands Antilles, whether through their prolific writing or cultivating a culture of literary appreciation.

As we present our findings with a quirky twist, we invite readers to embrace the unexpected and find amusement in the seemingly implausible relationship between these two seemingly unrelated variables.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
As the saying goes, "truth is stranger than fiction," and in the realm of academic research, this sentiment often holds true. In this lighthearted yet rigorous study, we embark on a journey that explores the connection between the number of authors in Louisiana and the gallons of gasoline pumped in the Netherlands Antilles. While this correlation may seem as perplexing as deciphering hieroglyphics written in a cocktail napkin, our investigation reveals a surprising link that defies conventional expectations.
The decision to investigate such an unlikely pair of variables was not made on a whim, but rather a curious musing over a cup of coffee and a stale bagel during a brainstorming session. As we delved into the data, wading through statistical analyses and quirky anecdotes, we found ourselves captivated by the unexpected patterns that emerged, leaving us with more questions than answers and a burning desire to share our findings with a touch of whimsy.
The premise of this investigation may evoke laughter or raised eyebrows, akin to witnessing a penguin attempting the tango, yet the statistical significance we uncovered cannot be dismissed with a wave of the hand. Drawing from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Energy Information Administration, we unearthed a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.7096764, coupled with a p-value that could put even the most stringent skeptics in stitches at less than 0.01.
This peculiar correlation prods at the imagination, sparking wild theories that more authors in Louisiana may be surreptitiously influencing the demand for gasoline in the Netherlands Antilles. We envision scenarios where prolific writers embark on literary marathons, cranking out manuscripts that beckon readers to embark on cross-continental road trips, or perhaps where the mere existence of a bustling literary community exerts an invisible gravitational pull, drawing in visitors and inflating the gasoline consumption statistics.
As we embark on this academic escapade, we invite fellow researchers, bemused onlookers, and skeptics alike to join us in a quest to embrace the unexpected and find mirth in the apparent confluence of literary prowess and motor fuel consumption. We present our findings with a twinkle in our eye, daring readers to revel in the unlikely and ponder the enigma that lies at the intersection of authors and gasoline, inviting a chuckle and a raised eyebrow in equal measure.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To unravel the enigmatic correlation between the number of authors in Louisiana and the gallons of gasoline pumped in the Netherlands Antilles, our research team embarked on a zany yet methodical quest brimming with statistical analyses and whimsical ponderings. We harnessed the power of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Energy Information Administration, sifting through spreadsheets and figures like a troupe of jesters seeking the elusive punchline of a cosmic joke.

First and foremost, we conducted a comprehensive literature review, scouring scholarly articles and historical texts akin to intrepid explorers navigating the uncharted waters of academic curiosity. As we waded through the sea of knowledge, we fell into a rabbit hole of puns and jests, where the line between academia and comedy blurred into a delightful medley of humor and rigorous inquiry.

Having gathered an assortment of data spanning from 2003 to 2021, we employed a synthesis of quantitative analysis and whimsical musing to tease out the elusive relationship between these peculiar variables. Our statistical approach harnessed the magical powers of correlation coefficients, equipping us with wands of mathematical wizardry to discern patterns amidst the chaos.

With a mischievous glint in our eyes and a dash of statistical flair, we utilized the trusty Pearson correlation coefficient to measure the strength and direction of the relationship between the number of authors in Louisiana and the gallons of gasoline pumped in the Netherlands Antilles. We conjured p-values with the finesse of a magician pulling rabbits from a hat, scrutinizing these numerical incantations to discern the statistical significance of our findings.

Through this whimsical yet meticulous approach, we unveiled a correlation coefficient of 0.7096764, a figure that sparkled like a comedic gem amidst the data landscape, accompanied by a p-value that danced through the statistical significance threshold with the grace of a ballerina pirouetting on a whimsical stage.

As we navigated the labyrinthine realm of data analysis, we also indulged in imaginative scenarios and fanciful contemplations, pondering the humorous links that may underpin the correlation at hand. Perhaps the ink of Louisiana's writers spills over into the demand for gasoline in the Netherlands Antilles, or the mere presence of literary luminaries exerts an intangible force shaping the fuel consumption landscape. While these musings may waltz on the edge of whimsy, they added a touch of levity to our analytical pursuit, heightening our appreciation for the uncanny connections that emerged from our data odyssey.

In conclusion, our methodology danced to the tune of analytical rigor and fanciful ponderings, weaving a tapestry of statistical insights and whimsical interludes. With a twinkle in our eye and a love for oddities, we unfurled the colorful threads of correlation between the number of authors in Louisiana and the gallons of gasoline pumped in the Netherlands Antilles, inviting fellow researchers and amused onlookers to join us in this peculiar academic reverie.

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 The number of authors in Louisiana and Gasoline pumped in Netherlands Antilles. 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 Author Gather on Gasoline Blather: A Correlational Study Between the Number of Authors in Louisiana and Gasoline Pumped in Netherlands Antilles

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this whimsical research paper, we delve into the curious relationship between the number of authors in Louisiana and the gallons of gasoline pumped in Netherlands Antilles. While the connection may appear as peculiar as a three-legged flamingo, our findings reveal a surprising correlation that may leave one scratching their head in wonder.

Drawing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Energy Information Administration, our team uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.7096764 with a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the years spanning from 2003 to 2021. This peculiar correlation encourages the consideration of potential causation, leading to humorous comparisons akin to the idea that more authors in Louisiana may be fueling the demand for gasoline in the Netherlands Antilles, whether through their prolific writing or cultivating a culture of literary appreciation.

As we present our findings with a quirky twist, we invite readers to embrace the unexpected and find amusement in the seemingly implausible relationship between these two seemingly unrelated variables.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
Literature Review
In "The Literary Renaissance in Louisiana: A Historical Perspective," Smith and Doe highlight the rich literary tradition of Louisiana, tracing its roots from the vibrant storytelling of Creole communities to the influential works of renowned authors such as Tennessee Williams and Anne Rice. Meanwhile, Jones et al., in "Fueling the Future: A Comprehensive Analysis of Gasoline Consumption Patterns in the Caribbean," delve into the complexities of gasoline usage in the Netherlands Antilles, scrutinizing the economic, social, and environmental factors shaping fuel consumption in the region.
Steering away from the conventional scholarship, "Gasoline and Gumbo: A Symbiotic Relationship?" by Mystery and Enigma, proposes a whimsical theory that attributes the rising demand for gasoline in the Netherlands Antilles to the magnetic allure of Cajun cuisine from Louisiana. Additionally, "Ink and Octane: Exploring the Unlikely Bond Between Authors and Gasoline" by Punderful and Jesterson offers a satirical examination of the purported correlation between the number of authors in Louisiana and gasoline consumption in the Netherlands Antilles, as if the act of writing were secretly fueling the longing for cross-continental road trips.
Transitioning from traditional literature, we turn to fictional works that offer curious, albeit tangential, insights into our subject matter. In Verne's "Around the World in Eighty Days," the protagonist's globetrotting adventures may humorously parallel the hypothetical journeys inspired by the literary output of Louisiana authors. Similarly, Vonnegut's "Cat's Cradle" presents a satirical take on global tensions and human folly, offering a metaphorical reflection of the whimsical correlation we examine.
Shifting into the realm of internet culture, the "This is Fine" meme captures the absurdity of attempting to maintain composure in the face of bewildering circumstances, much like the initial reaction to discovering our unexpected correlation. Likewise, the "Why Not Both?" meme playfully encapsulates the spirit of our investigation, inviting a lighthearted consideration of seemingly conflicting variables converging in an inexplicable harmony.
As we stride through the literature, from scholarly musings to fictional whimsy and internet humor, we encounter a colorful tapestry of perspectives that, while divergent in nature, contribute to the light-hearted spirit of our investigation. In the pages to come, we invite readers to savor the unexpected, for truth may indeed prove to be stranger than fiction in the unconventional correlation between authors and gasoline consumption.
And speaking of gasoline, why did the author cross the road? To get to the nearest petrol station for a refill of inspiration! It’s important to keep those literary engines running, after all.

[[RESULTS]]
The statistical analyses unveiled a surprisingly robust correlation between the number of authors in Louisiana and the gallons of gasoline pumped in the Netherlands Antilles. Picture it like a pair of mismatched socks that, against all odds, seem to complement each other perfectly.
With a correlation coefficient of 0.7096764, it became abundantly clear that these two variables were dancing a lively tango, much like a literary character and their trusty steed charging off into the sunset. The r-squared value of 0.5036406 indicated that a substantial portion of the variability in gasoline consumption in the Netherlands Antilles could be explained by the number of authors in Louisiana. It's as if the ink from their pens was leaving a trail that led straight to the gas pumps in the Caribbean.
The p-value of less than 0.01 served as a slapstick punchline in the comedy of statistical significance, practically shouting, "This correlation is no joke!" It was like finding a clown car in a Formula 1 race - unexpected yet unmissable.
Our findings are best illustrated by Fig. 1, a scatterplot that depicts the strong correlation between the number of authors in Louisiana and gasoline pumped in the Netherlands Antilles. It's a sight to behold, much like stumbling upon a prankster's secret collection of whoopee cushions in a library—a delightful surprise that leaves you scratching your head and grinning simultaneously.
In summary, the results of this study illuminate a correlation that bridges the intriguing worlds of literature and gasoline consumption, leading to chuckles, head-scratching, and a newfound appreciation for the whimsical nature of academic exploration.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

Our research has humorously solidified the surprising correlation between the number of authors in Louisiana and the gallons of gasoline pumped in the Netherlands Antilles. This unexpected connection is as confounding as finding a pair of socks that perfectly complement each other – one might wonder if these authors are penning magical incantations that somehow stir the desire for long drives in the residents of the Netherlands Antilles.

Paying homage to the literary musings of Smith and Doe, our findings support the notion of a rich literary tradition in Louisiana potentially spurring a latent longing for cross-continental road trips. In the same vein, the work of Mystery and Enigma, albeit whimsical in nature, inadvertently touches upon the underlying connection between the magnetic allure of Cajun cuisine and the demand for gasoline in the Caribbean. Our results lend credence to this zany theory, albeit in a more scholarly fashion.

Moreover, the satirical examination by Punderful and Jesterson, while seemingly farcical, has proven to hold a kernel of truth. It's almost as if the act of writing were subconsciously fueling the desire for gasoline consumption in the Netherlands Antilles. The inklings of this unlikely bond have been substantiated through our statistical analyses, painting a picture of authors in Louisiana leaving an ink trail that leads straight to the gas pumps in the Caribbean.

In light of Verne's "Around the World in Eighty Days," our research adds a playful twist, suggesting that the globetrotting adventures inspired by Louisiana authors may indeed have a tangible impact on gasoline consumption in far-off lands. Vonnegut's "Cat's Cradle" takes on a more literal interpretation, playfully mirroring the whimsical correlation we have unearthed – as if our findings were a manifestation of the chaotic world he so vividly portrayed.

Returning to the realm of internet culture, our unexpected correlation is akin to the "This is Fine" meme, encapsulating the initial reaction of maintaining composure in the face of bewildering circumstances. The "Why Not Both?" meme serves as a fitting nod to the convergence of seemingly conflicting variables, converging in an inexplicable harmony, much like the unlikely relationship between authors and gasoline consumption.

In summary, our research supports and extends prior work, providing credence to the lighthearted and seemingly improbable connections between literature and gasoline consumption. Our findings invite readers to marvel at the whimsical nature of academic exploration and to acknowledge that sometimes, truth may indeed prove to be stranger than fiction. And remember, in the world of academia, it's important to keep those literary engines running – a joke or two can go a long way in shedding light on unexpected correlations.

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 The number of authors in Louisiana and Gasoline pumped in Netherlands Antilles. 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 Author Gather on Gasoline Blather: A Correlational Study Between the Number of Authors in Louisiana and Gasoline Pumped in Netherlands Antilles

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this whimsical research paper, we delve into the curious relationship between the number of authors in Louisiana and the gallons of gasoline pumped in Netherlands Antilles. While the connection may appear as peculiar as a three-legged flamingo, our findings reveal a surprising correlation that may leave one scratching their head in wonder.

Drawing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Energy Information Administration, our team uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.7096764 with a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the years spanning from 2003 to 2021. This peculiar correlation encourages the consideration of potential causation, leading to humorous comparisons akin to the idea that more authors in Louisiana may be fueling the demand for gasoline in the Netherlands Antilles, whether through their prolific writing or cultivating a culture of literary appreciation.

As we present our findings with a quirky twist, we invite readers to embrace the unexpected and find amusement in the seemingly implausible relationship between these two seemingly unrelated variables.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
As the saying goes, "truth is stranger than fiction," and in the realm of academic research, this sentiment often holds true. In this lighthearted yet rigorous study, we embark on a journey that explores the connection between the number of authors in Louisiana and the gallons of gasoline pumped in the Netherlands Antilles. While this correlation may seem as perplexing as deciphering hieroglyphics written in a cocktail napkin, our investigation reveals a surprising link that defies conventional expectations.
The decision to investigate such an unlikely pair of variables was not made on a whim, but rather a curious musing over a cup of coffee and a stale bagel during a brainstorming session. As we delved into the data, wading through statistical analyses and quirky anecdotes, we found ourselves captivated by the unexpected patterns that emerged, leaving us with more questions than answers and a burning desire to share our findings with a touch of whimsy.
The premise of this investigation may evoke laughter or raised eyebrows, akin to witnessing a penguin attempting the tango, yet the statistical significance we uncovered cannot be dismissed with a wave of the hand. Drawing from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Energy Information Administration, we unearthed a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.7096764, coupled with a p-value that could put even the most stringent skeptics in stitches at less than 0.01.
This peculiar correlation prods at the imagination, sparking wild theories that more authors in Louisiana may be surreptitiously influencing the demand for gasoline in the Netherlands Antilles. We envision scenarios where prolific writers embark on literary marathons, cranking out manuscripts that beckon readers to embark on cross-continental road trips, or perhaps where the mere existence of a bustling literary community exerts an invisible gravitational pull, drawing in visitors and inflating the gasoline consumption statistics.
As we embark on this academic escapade, we invite fellow researchers, bemused onlookers, and skeptics alike to join us in a quest to embrace the unexpected and find mirth in the apparent confluence of literary prowess and motor fuel consumption. We present our findings with a twinkle in our eye, daring readers to revel in the unlikely and ponder the enigma that lies at the intersection of authors and gasoline, inviting a chuckle and a raised eyebrow in equal measure.

[[RESULTS]]
The statistical analyses unveiled a surprisingly robust correlation between the number of authors in Louisiana and the gallons of gasoline pumped in the Netherlands Antilles. Picture it like a pair of mismatched socks that, against all odds, seem to complement each other perfectly.
With a correlation coefficient of 0.7096764, it became abundantly clear that these two variables were dancing a lively tango, much like a literary character and their trusty steed charging off into the sunset. The r-squared value of 0.5036406 indicated that a substantial portion of the variability in gasoline consumption in the Netherlands Antilles could be explained by the number of authors in Louisiana. It's as if the ink from their pens was leaving a trail that led straight to the gas pumps in the Caribbean.
The p-value of less than 0.01 served as a slapstick punchline in the comedy of statistical significance, practically shouting, "This correlation is no joke!" It was like finding a clown car in a Formula 1 race - unexpected yet unmissable.
Our findings are best illustrated by Fig. 1, a scatterplot that depicts the strong correlation between the number of authors in Louisiana and gasoline pumped in the Netherlands Antilles. It's a sight to behold, much like stumbling upon a prankster's secret collection of whoopee cushions in a library—a delightful surprise that leaves you scratching your head and grinning simultaneously.
In summary, the results of this study illuminate a correlation that bridges the intriguing worlds of literature and gasoline consumption, leading to chuckles, head-scratching, and a newfound appreciation for the whimsical nature of academic exploration.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our research has unveiled a correlation between the number of authors in Louisiana and the gallons of gasoline pumped in the Netherlands Antilles that is as unexpected as finding a penguin performing the conga. The robust correlation coefficient and r-squared value suggest a connection as strong as peanut butter and jelly, or perhaps more fittingly, ink and paper.

Our findings may leave one pondering whether the quills of authors are secretly scribbling out directions to gas stations in the Netherlands Antilles, guiding readers on a literary adventure that requires ample fuel. It's akin to the notion that a bustling literary community exerts a gravitational pull on gasoline consumption, magnetizing readers to take road trips or fueling fervent discussions that ignite a desire for travel.

As we wrap up this whimsical escapade, we encourage readers to embrace the unexpected and revel in the quirks of statistical significance. It's as if statistical analyses and whimsy have collided to create a delightful fusion of head-scratching amusement and scholarly observation.

Ultimately, our findings invite a playful exploration of causation and hint at an invisible thread that weaves the worlds of literature and gasoline consumption together in a tapestry of statistical wonder. Though as much as we relish in this amusement, we assert that no further research is needed in this area. The world of academic inquiry is vast, and our time is better spent unraveling other mysteries.

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 Author Gather on Gasoline Blather: A Correlational Study Between the Number of Authors in Louisiana and Gasoline Pumped in Netherlands Antilles. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Irreverent Correlations

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 Author Gather on Gasoline Blather: A Correlational Study Between the Number of Authors in Louisiana and Gasoline Pumped in Netherlands Antilles. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Society for Intercontinental Authorial and Petroleum Studies

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide potential search keywords separated by commas. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide potential search keywords for a paper titled The Author Gather on Gasoline Blather: A Correlational Study Between the Number of Authors in Louisiana and Gasoline Pumped in Netherlands Antilles with an abstract of In this whimsical research paper, we delve into the curious relationship between the number of authors in Louisiana and the gallons of gasoline pumped in Netherlands Antilles. While the connection may appear as peculiar as a three-legged flamingo, our findings reveal a surprising correlation that may leave one scratching their head in wonder.
Drawing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Energy Information Administration, our team uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.7096764 with a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.01 for the years spanning from 2003 to 2021. This peculiar correlation encourages the consideration of potential causation, leading to humorous comparisons akin to the idea that more authors in Louisiana may be fueling the demand for gasoline in the Netherlands Antilles, whether through their prolific writing or cultivating a culture of literary appreciation.
As we present our findings with a quirky twist, we invite readers to embrace the unexpected and find amusement in the seemingly implausible relationship between these two seemingly unrelated variables.

ChatGPT:

authors in Louisiana, gallons of gasoline pumped in Netherlands Antilles, correlation study, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Energy Information Administration, causation of gasoline demand, Louisiana literary culture, data analysis, unusual correlations, whimsical research, statistical significance

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

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Data details

The number of authors in Louisiana
Detailed data title: BLS estimate of writers and authors in Louisiana
Source: Bureau of Larbor Statistics
See what else correlates with The number of authors in Louisiana

Gasoline pumped in Netherlands Antilles
Detailed data title: Volume of gasoline pumped consumed in Netherlands Antilles in millions of barrels per day
Source: Energy Information Administration
See what else correlates with Gasoline pumped in Netherlands Antilles

Correlation r = 0.7096764 (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 = 0.5036406 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 50.4% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Gasoline pumped in Netherlands Antilles) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., The number of authors in Louisiana) over the 19 years from 2003 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 0.00067.^Show 0.0006655455121825696000000000
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 0.71 in 0.067% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 1,503 random variables^Note Which I absolutely did.
with the same 18 degrees of freedom, ^Note Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 18 because we have two variables measured over a period of 19 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.

[ 0.38, 0.88 ] 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
The number of authors in Louisiana (Writers And Authors)	190	260	240	330	340	420	380	320	250	210	300	300	310	220	310	260	330	210	190
Gasoline pumped in Netherlands Antilles (Million Barrels/Day)	1.96307	2.00432	2.05655	2.12666	2.22014	2.26068	2.1734	2.22014	2.24351	2.02149	2.03318	2.06356	2.05187	2.066	2.08623	2.08623	2.07992	1.75153	1.86418

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.
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. ^Note Nothing against line graphs. They are great at telling a story when you have linear data! But visually it is deceptive because the only data is at the points on the graph, not the lines on the graph. In between each point, the data could have been doing anything. Like going for a random walk by itself!
Mathematically what I showed is true, but it is intentionally misleading. Below is the same chart but with both Y-axes starting at zero.

Try it yourself

You can calculate the values on this page on your own! Try running the Python code to see the calculation results. ^{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([190,260,240,330,340,420,380,320,250,210,300,300,310,220,310,260,330,210,190,])
array_2 = np.array([1.96307,2.00432,2.05655,2.12666,2.22014,2.26068,2.1734,2.22014,2.24351,2.02149,2.03318,2.06356,2.05187,2.066,2.08623,2.08623,2.07992,1.75153,1.86418,])
array_1_name = "The number of authors in Louisiana"
array_2_name = "Gasoline pumped in Netherlands Antilles"

# 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 The number of authors in Louisiana
Line chart for only Gasoline pumped in Netherlands Antilles
AI-generated correlation image
The spurious research paper: The Author Gather on Gasoline Blather: A Correlational Study Between the Number of Authors in Louisiana and Gasoline Pumped in Netherlands Antilles

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Correlation ID: 4225 · Black Variable ID: 8677 · Red Variable ID: 24741


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