Spurious correlation #4,496 · View random
A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Air pollution in Beaumont, Texas and the second variable is Google searches for 'attacked by a squirrel'. The chart goes from 2004 to 2018, 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 Air pollution in Beaumont, Texas and the second variable is Google searches for 'attacked by a squirrel'. The chart goes from 2004 to 2018, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

Download png, svg

AI explanation

The decrease in air pollution led to squirrels in Beaumont, Texas having improved respiratory health, making them less irritable and less likely to lash out. Remember, only you can prevent squirrel-on-human violence!

^{Show image generation prompt} Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Prompt: Generate an image of a serene park scene in Beaumont, Texas, where the air is noticeably cleaner and smokestacks emit less pollution. Show a green landscape with lush trees and a peaceful river flowing. Depict healthy, gleaming squirrels playing peacefully in the park, surrounded by calm and content people. Ensure the overall atmosphere exudes a sense of harmony and coexistence between nature and humans. The depiction should include only scenes, people, and objects, it should not include text or speech bubbles.

This image generation prompt was also generated by AI, using the following sequence:

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You select one of a few potential scene descriptors that seems to go along with the variables described. You respond only with the scene descriptions provided and say nothing else.
User prompt: Here are two variables: Air pollution in Beaumont, Texas and Google searches for 'attacked by a squirrel'. 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: Cutsy graphics Sci-fi fantacy Art nouveau Art nouveau Realistic
ChatGPT: Realistic

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both Air pollution in Beaumont, Texas and Google searches for 'attacked by a squirrel', in the following situation: The decrease in air pollution led to squirrels in Beaumont, Texas having improved respiratory health, making them less irritable and less likely to lash out. Remember, only you can prevent squirrel-on-human violence!. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In Beaumont, Texas, the air is noticeably cleaner as smokestacks emit less pollution. In the park, the squirrels play peacefully, their fur gleaming healthily. As people walk by, they pull out their phones to look up the latest news, but instead of searching for "attacked by a squirrel", they search for things like "cute squirrel videos" and "squirrel-friendly parks". The atmosphere is calm, and the squirrels seem content and unbothered by human presence.

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: [ Realistic ] and depicting this scene: In Beaumont, Texas, the air is noticeably cleaner as smokestacks emit less pollution. In the park, the squirrels play peacefully, their fur gleaming healthily. As people walk by, they pull out their phones to look up the latest news, but instead of searching for "attacked by a squirrel", they search for things like "cute squirrel videos" and "squirrel-friendly parks". The atmosphere is calm, and the squirrels seem content and unbothered by human presence. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Prompt: Generate an image of a serene park scene in Beaumont, Texas, where the air is noticeably cleaner and smokestacks emit less pollution. Show a green landscape with lush trees and a peaceful river flowing. Depict healthy, gleaming squirrels playing peacefully in the park, surrounded by calm and content people. Ensure the overall atmosphere exudes a sense of harmony and coexistence between nature and humans.

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

I sequence the requests into multiple prompts because I find GPT 3.5 to perform much better with short, well-managed contexts. Thus, I track the context directly in Python and only ask ChatGPT targeted questions.
^{Show prompt for explanation} Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how a decrease in Air pollution in Beaumont, Texas caused attacked by a squirrel (Google searches for 'attacked by a squirrel') to decrease. Add a funny one-liner at the end.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)

Smoggy Squirrel Scares: Examining the Correlation Between Air Pollution in Beaumont, Texas, and Google Searches for 'Attacked by a Squirrel'

Journal of Environmental Psychology

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 Air pollution in Beaumont, Texas and Google searches for 'attacked by a squirrel'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

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

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

Start by naming serious-sounding studies by authors like Smith, Doe, and Jones - but then quickly devolve. Name some real non-fiction books that would be related to the topic. Then name some real fiction books that sound like they could be related. Then you might move on to cartoons and children's shows that you watched for research.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Smoggy Squirrel Scares: Examining the Correlation Between Air Pollution in Beaumont, Texas, and Google Searches for 'Attacked by a Squirrel'"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delved into the whimsical world of correlations between air pollution levels and the peculiar phenomenon of individuals searching for 'attacked by a squirrel' in Beaumont, Texas. While the topic might seem comical, our findings shed light on potential impacts of environmental factors on human behavior. Our research team utilized data from the Environmental Protection Agency to measure air quality, and Google Trends provided insights into search patterns for squirrel-related incidents. The analysis yielded a statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.8454641 (p < 0.01) for the years 2004 to 2018.

Our research uncovered a startling connection between spikes in air pollution and an uptick in Google searches related to squirrel attacks. One might say that the correlation was un-brrr-lievable, but the numbers don't lie! It appears that when the air quality in Beaumont takes a turn for the worse, so does the fear of unsuspecting residents encountering aggressive squirrels. This peculiar correlation could provide a new angle for environmental policy discussions and public health initiatives. After all, it's not every day that air pollution and animal encounters intersect in such an unexpected manner.

In conclusion, our study highlights the importance of considering the potential behavioral implications of environmental factors. While the phrase "attacked by a squirrel" might raise a chuckle, our findings suggest that air pollution in Beaumont, Texas could have broader impacts than previously thought. As researchers, we must always keep our eyes peeled for unexpected connections, just like wary residents of Beaumont watch out for those mischievous woodland critters.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
In recent years, the field of environmental research has seen a shift towards investigating the potential effects of air pollution on human behavior and well-being. While the harmful impacts of pollutants on physical health are well-documented, there is growing interest in exploring their influence on mental and emotional states. It is in this context that our study delves into the quirky correlation between air pollution in Beaumont, Texas, and Google searches for the peculiar query 'attacked by a squirrel'.
Now, before we begin our scholarly exploration, let's not squirrel away from some good old dad humor. What do you call a squirrel that loves to read? A book-aneer! We just couldn't resist warming up with a pun before delving into such unconventional research.
As we venture into the hinterlands of environmental and behavioral science, it is crucial to approach our investigation with both scientific rigor and a dash of humor. After all, how often does one get to marry the seriousness of air pollution with the whimsy of squirrel-related internet searches?
Despite the seemingly lighthearted nature of our topic, the implications of our findings may have serious ramifications for public health and environmental policies. This correlation might just be the acorn of a much larger oak tree of research into the unexpected connections between environmental factors and human behavior.
But before we go nuts with the investigation, let's acknowledge the elephant (or should we say squirrel?) in the room: why 'attacked by a squirrel'? Well, curiosity may have killed the cat, but it led us to some fascinating insights about how environmental stressors can manifest in unexpected ways in the minds of individuals.
So, brace yourselves for an unconventional journey through the correlation between air quality and squirrel-induced anxieties, because this paper promises to be a nutty ride!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

Smith and Doe (2015) investigate the relationship between air pollution and public health in urban areas. Their study reveals the detrimental effects of poor air quality on respiratory diseases and overall well-being. Jones et al. (2017) further emphasize the need for stringent environmental regulations to mitigate the adverse impacts of pollution on human health. As these studies lay the groundwork for understanding the serious consequences of air pollution, our research aims to take a step into the unexpected realm of its potential influence on public anxieties related to squirrel encounters.

Now, let's branch out into some non-fiction books that provide insights into the peculiar behaviors of squirrels and the impact of environmental factors. In "Squirrely Situations: A Guide to Understanding Rodent Behavior" by A. Nutt, the author delves into the peculiar antics of squirrels and their interactions with humans in urban environments. Additionally, "The Air We Breathe: Exploring the Effects of Pollution" by P. U. Rifier provides an in-depth examination of the health implications of air pollution, setting the stage for our interdisciplinary inquiry.

But why stop there? Let's leap into the fictional universe with books that touch upon animal-related fears and environmental themes. In the classic tale "The Nutty Professor" by J. Squirrel, the protagonist's comical escapades in a world filled with eccentric woodland creatures provide a whimsical backdrop for exploring the intersection of wildlife and human experiences.

As we delve deeper into the quirky correlation between air pollution and fears of squirrel encounters, it's important not to overlook the insights that can be gained from unexpected sources. Even children's cartoons and shows offer valuable perspectives. Remember the cartoon character with a notorious fear of squirrels? That's right, in the animated series "Squirrel Scare" – the protagonist's comical antics while dealing with squirrel-induced fears highlight the relatable nature of our research topic.

Now, we don't mean to sound nuts, but sometimes the most unexpected sources can offer valuable insights. Getting to the root of this correlation requires a willingness to embrace unconventional avenues of exploration. And after all, who wouldn't be curious about the connection between air pollution and internet searches for 'attacked by a squirrel'? It's a nutty mystery waiting to be cracked!

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 Air pollution in Beaumont, Texas and Google searches for 'attacked by a squirrel'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends . You used data from 2004 to 2018

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]]
"Smoggy Squirrel Scares: Examining the Correlation Between Air Pollution in Beaumont, Texas, and Google Searches for 'Attacked by a Squirrel'"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delved into the whimsical world of correlations between air pollution levels and the peculiar phenomenon of individuals searching for 'attacked by a squirrel' in Beaumont, Texas. While the topic might seem comical, our findings shed light on potential impacts of environmental factors on human behavior. Our research team utilized data from the Environmental Protection Agency to measure air quality, and Google Trends provided insights into search patterns for squirrel-related incidents. The analysis yielded a statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.8454641 (p < 0.01) for the years 2004 to 2018.

Our research uncovered a startling connection between spikes in air pollution and an uptick in Google searches related to squirrel attacks. One might say that the correlation was un-brrr-lievable, but the numbers don't lie! It appears that when the air quality in Beaumont takes a turn for the worse, so does the fear of unsuspecting residents encountering aggressive squirrels. This peculiar correlation could provide a new angle for environmental policy discussions and public health initiatives. After all, it's not every day that air pollution and animal encounters intersect in such an unexpected manner.

In conclusion, our study highlights the importance of considering the potential behavioral implications of environmental factors. While the phrase "attacked by a squirrel" might raise a chuckle, our findings suggest that air pollution in Beaumont, Texas could have broader impacts than previously thought. As researchers, we must always keep our eyes peeled for unexpected connections, just like wary residents of Beaumont watch out for those mischievous woodland critters.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
In recent years, the field of environmental research has seen a shift towards investigating the potential effects of air pollution on human behavior and well-being. While the harmful impacts of pollutants on physical health are well-documented, there is growing interest in exploring their influence on mental and emotional states. It is in this context that our study delves into the quirky correlation between air pollution in Beaumont, Texas, and Google searches for the peculiar query 'attacked by a squirrel'.
Now, before we begin our scholarly exploration, let's not squirrel away from some good old dad humor. What do you call a squirrel that loves to read? A book-aneer! We just couldn't resist warming up with a pun before delving into such unconventional research.
As we venture into the hinterlands of environmental and behavioral science, it is crucial to approach our investigation with both scientific rigor and a dash of humor. After all, how often does one get to marry the seriousness of air pollution with the whimsy of squirrel-related internet searches?
Despite the seemingly lighthearted nature of our topic, the implications of our findings may have serious ramifications for public health and environmental policies. This correlation might just be the acorn of a much larger oak tree of research into the unexpected connections between environmental factors and human behavior.
But before we go nuts with the investigation, let's acknowledge the elephant (or should we say squirrel?) in the room: why 'attacked by a squirrel'? Well, curiosity may have killed the cat, but it led us to some fascinating insights about how environmental stressors can manifest in unexpected ways in the minds of individuals.
So, brace yourselves for an unconventional journey through the correlation between air quality and squirrel-induced anxieties, because this paper promises to be a nutty ride!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To unveil the elusive connection between air pollution and Google searches for 'attacked by a squirrel' in Beaumont, Texas, we employed a multi-faceted approach that balanced scientific rigor with a touch of whimsy. Our research team donned our metaphorical squirrel-catching hats and scoured the digital woods for data from 2004 to 2018, embarking on a quest to uncover the telltale signs of this unexpected correlation.

First, we gathered data on air pollution levels from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) database, casting our net wide to capture a comprehensive picture of Beaumont's atmospheric conditions over the 15-year period. Our intrepid researchers sifted through a veritable smog of information, ensuring that no particulate matter of data was left unturned. One might say we were on a mission to clear the air, both figuratively and literally!

Next, we turned to the virtual arboretum of Google Trends, where we diligently tracked the frequency of searches for the phrase 'attacked by a squirrel' originating from Beaumont, Texas. This digital forest of data provided valuable insights into the ebb and flow of squirrel-related concerns among the denizens of Beaumont. As we navigated through this virtual woodland, we maintained a keen eye for any signs of statistical divergence that might signal a peculiar correlation with air pollution levels.

Now, one might wonder, how did we wrangle these seemingly disparate datasets into submission? Well, just as a resourceful squirrel gathers acorns for the winter, we employed statistical techniques to tease out the underlying patterns within our datasets. Utilizing a combination of time-series analysis and correlation testing, we sought to unveil the hidden dance between air pollution and squirrel-related cyber inquiries, all while maintaining a sense of humor that echoed the playful spirit of our unusual research topic.

Finally, we subjected our findings to rigorous statistical scrutiny, ensuring that our conclusions were as robust as a well-built squirrel nest. Through the application of advanced statistical modeling, we quantified the strength and significance of the observed correlation, arming ourselves with concrete evidence to support our unorthodox yet compelling hypothesis.

In essence, our methodology involved a harmonious blend of digital spelunking, statistical acrobatics, and a healthy dose of humor to shed light on the unexpected union of air pollution and squirrel-related apprehensions. It was a research journey unlike any other, where scientific inquiry met the whimsical intrigue of human-animal interactions, all while proudly wearing our academic safari hats. After all, when it comes to unraveling the mysteries of the environment, a little bit of lightheartedness can go a long way!

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 Air pollution in Beaumont, Texas and Google searches for 'attacked by a squirrel'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

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]]
"Smoggy Squirrel Scares: Examining the Correlation Between Air Pollution in Beaumont, Texas, and Google Searches for 'Attacked by a Squirrel'"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delved into the whimsical world of correlations between air pollution levels and the peculiar phenomenon of individuals searching for 'attacked by a squirrel' in Beaumont, Texas. While the topic might seem comical, our findings shed light on potential impacts of environmental factors on human behavior. Our research team utilized data from the Environmental Protection Agency to measure air quality, and Google Trends provided insights into search patterns for squirrel-related incidents. The analysis yielded a statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.8454641 (p < 0.01) for the years 2004 to 2018.

Our research uncovered a startling connection between spikes in air pollution and an uptick in Google searches related to squirrel attacks. One might say that the correlation was un-brrr-lievable, but the numbers don't lie! It appears that when the air quality in Beaumont takes a turn for the worse, so does the fear of unsuspecting residents encountering aggressive squirrels. This peculiar correlation could provide a new angle for environmental policy discussions and public health initiatives. After all, it's not every day that air pollution and animal encounters intersect in such an unexpected manner.

In conclusion, our study highlights the importance of considering the potential behavioral implications of environmental factors. While the phrase "attacked by a squirrel" might raise a chuckle, our findings suggest that air pollution in Beaumont, Texas could have broader impacts than previously thought. As researchers, we must always keep our eyes peeled for unexpected connections, just like wary residents of Beaumont watch out for those mischievous woodland critters.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
Smith and Doe (2015) investigate the relationship between air pollution and public health in urban areas. Their study reveals the detrimental effects of poor air quality on respiratory diseases and overall well-being. Jones et al. (2017) further emphasize the need for stringent environmental regulations to mitigate the adverse impacts of pollution on human health. As these studies lay the groundwork for understanding the serious consequences of air pollution, our research aims to take a step into the unexpected realm of its potential influence on public anxieties related to squirrel encounters.
Now, let's branch out into some non-fiction books that provide insights into the peculiar behaviors of squirrels and the impact of environmental factors. In "Squirrely Situations: A Guide to Understanding Rodent Behavior" by A. Nutt, the author delves into the peculiar antics of squirrels and their interactions with humans in urban environments. Additionally, "The Air We Breathe: Exploring the Effects of Pollution" by P. U. Rifier provides an in-depth examination of the health implications of air pollution, setting the stage for our interdisciplinary inquiry.
But why stop there? Let's leap into the fictional universe with books that touch upon animal-related fears and environmental themes. In the classic tale "The Nutty Professor" by J. Squirrel, the protagonist's comical escapades in a world filled with eccentric woodland creatures provide a whimsical backdrop for exploring the intersection of wildlife and human experiences.
As we delve deeper into the quirky correlation between air pollution and fears of squirrel encounters, it's important not to overlook the insights that can be gained from unexpected sources. Even children's cartoons and shows offer valuable perspectives. Remember the cartoon character with a notorious fear of squirrels? That's right, in the animated series "Squirrel Scare" – the protagonist's comical antics while dealing with squirrel-induced fears highlight the relatable nature of our research topic.
Now, we don't mean to sound nuts, but sometimes the most unexpected sources can offer valuable insights. Getting to the root of this correlation requires a willingness to embrace unconventional avenues of exploration. And after all, who wouldn't be curious about the connection between air pollution and internet searches for 'attacked by a squirrel'? It's a nutty mystery waiting to be cracked!

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of data collected from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends revealed a strong positive correlation between air pollution levels and Google searches for 'attacked by a squirrel' in Beaumont, Texas. The correlation coefficient between these variables was found to be 0.8454641, indicating a robust relationship during the period from 2004 to 2018.
The r-squared value of 0.7148095 further exemplifies the substantial proportion of variance in squirrel-related search activity that is explained by fluctuations in air pollution levels. This suggests that approximately 71.5% of the variability in the frequency of 'attacked by a squirrel' searches can be attributed to changes in air quality. One might say this correlation has really "squirreled away" a lot of the mystery surrounding potential connections between air pollution and internet search behavior!
The p-value of less than 0.01 adds a cherry on top of our statistical sundae, providing strong evidence to reject the null hypothesis and confirm that the observed correlation is not due to random chance. It's clear as daylight (or maybe clear as a smoggy day in Beaumont) that there's something substantial going on here.
Fig. 1 illustrates the correlation with a scatterplot that unmistakably displays the upward trend between air pollution levels and searches related to squirrel encounters. You could say that the relationship is as clear as... well, smog.
As we anticipated, our findings underscore the unusual but compelling association between environmental factors and internet search behavior related to squirrel encounters. It's a reminder that even the most unexpected connections can lead to valuable insights.
Paws for a moment and consider this: What do you get when you cross a squirrel with an elephant? An animal that remembers where it buried its nuts! Now, let's not forget that our research has uncovered a significant correlation that shouldn't be brushed aside as simply a nutty coincidence.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

Our study unearthed a substantial and statistically significant correlation between air pollution levels in Beaumont, Texas and the frequency of Google searches for 'attacked by a squirrel'. The robust correlation coefficient of 0.8454641 not only reinforces previous research on the serious impacts of air pollution on public health but also adds a whimsical twist by highlighting its potential influence on public fears related to squirrel encounters.

Taking a leaf out of A. Nutt's "Squirrely Situations: A Guide to Understanding Rodent Behavior," it's evident that environmental disturbances, such as air pollution, can disrupt the natural behaviors of squirrels, potentially leading to altered interactions with humans. This disruption may contribute to an increase in human apprehension and, hence, the surge in searches related to squirrel attacks during periods of poor air quality. The narrative of 'attacked by a squirrel' searches is not just a flight of fancy; it integrates unexpected insights from both environmental science and public anxiety.

In line with the findings of Smith and Doe (2015) and Jones et al. (2017), our research underscores the need to consider the behavioral implications of environmental factors. The comical undertones of our findings should not detract from their serious implications. Indeed, as P. U. Rifier's "The Air We Breathe: Exploring the Effects of Pollution" suggests, the influence of air pollution extends beyond physical health and can permeate into psychological and emotional well-being, as reflected in the unexpected surge of online searches for squirrel-related incidents in Beaumont.

But perhaps it's not all doom and gloom. In the fictional realm of "Squirrel Scare" and "The Nutty Professor," we find a storytelling testament to the intertwining of wildlife, environmental concerns, and human experiences. Our study underscores the value of interdisciplinary inquiry and the importance of approaching research with an open mind. As J. Squirrel's classic tale suggests, sometimes the most curious connections could be hidden in plain sight, just waiting for an intrepid group of researchers to uncover.

In conclusion, our study not only validates the unexpected correlation between air pollution and Google searches for 'attacked by a squirrel' but also emphasizes the need for a broader consideration of the behavioral impacts of environmental factors. The un-brrr-lievable statistical significance of this correlation urges us to take a pause and recognize the potential ripple effects of air pollution on public anxieties, even if the phrase "attacked by a squirrel" might conjure a chuckle. After all, in the world of research, just like in the forests of Beaumont, unexpected connections can often lead to the most valuable discoveries. And on that note, let's not squirrel away from pondering the potential impacts of environmental factors on our daily lives!

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 Air pollution in Beaumont, Texas and Google searches for 'attacked by a squirrel'. You can't resist a good dad joke. Add a relevant dad joke related to the content every couple of sentences.

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]]
"Smoggy Squirrel Scares: Examining the Correlation Between Air Pollution in Beaumont, Texas, and Google Searches for 'Attacked by a Squirrel'"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delved into the whimsical world of correlations between air pollution levels and the peculiar phenomenon of individuals searching for 'attacked by a squirrel' in Beaumont, Texas. While the topic might seem comical, our findings shed light on potential impacts of environmental factors on human behavior. Our research team utilized data from the Environmental Protection Agency to measure air quality, and Google Trends provided insights into search patterns for squirrel-related incidents. The analysis yielded a statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.8454641 (p < 0.01) for the years 2004 to 2018.

Our research uncovered a startling connection between spikes in air pollution and an uptick in Google searches related to squirrel attacks. One might say that the correlation was un-brrr-lievable, but the numbers don't lie! It appears that when the air quality in Beaumont takes a turn for the worse, so does the fear of unsuspecting residents encountering aggressive squirrels. This peculiar correlation could provide a new angle for environmental policy discussions and public health initiatives. After all, it's not every day that air pollution and animal encounters intersect in such an unexpected manner.

In conclusion, our study highlights the importance of considering the potential behavioral implications of environmental factors. While the phrase "attacked by a squirrel" might raise a chuckle, our findings suggest that air pollution in Beaumont, Texas could have broader impacts than previously thought. As researchers, we must always keep our eyes peeled for unexpected connections, just like wary residents of Beaumont watch out for those mischievous woodland critters.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
In recent years, the field of environmental research has seen a shift towards investigating the potential effects of air pollution on human behavior and well-being. While the harmful impacts of pollutants on physical health are well-documented, there is growing interest in exploring their influence on mental and emotional states. It is in this context that our study delves into the quirky correlation between air pollution in Beaumont, Texas, and Google searches for the peculiar query 'attacked by a squirrel'.
Now, before we begin our scholarly exploration, let's not squirrel away from some good old dad humor. What do you call a squirrel that loves to read? A book-aneer! We just couldn't resist warming up with a pun before delving into such unconventional research.
As we venture into the hinterlands of environmental and behavioral science, it is crucial to approach our investigation with both scientific rigor and a dash of humor. After all, how often does one get to marry the seriousness of air pollution with the whimsy of squirrel-related internet searches?
Despite the seemingly lighthearted nature of our topic, the implications of our findings may have serious ramifications for public health and environmental policies. This correlation might just be the acorn of a much larger oak tree of research into the unexpected connections between environmental factors and human behavior.
But before we go nuts with the investigation, let's acknowledge the elephant (or should we say squirrel?) in the room: why 'attacked by a squirrel'? Well, curiosity may have killed the cat, but it led us to some fascinating insights about how environmental stressors can manifest in unexpected ways in the minds of individuals.
So, brace yourselves for an unconventional journey through the correlation between air quality and squirrel-induced anxieties, because this paper promises to be a nutty ride!

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of data collected from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends revealed a strong positive correlation between air pollution levels and Google searches for 'attacked by a squirrel' in Beaumont, Texas. The correlation coefficient between these variables was found to be 0.8454641, indicating a robust relationship during the period from 2004 to 2018.
The r-squared value of 0.7148095 further exemplifies the substantial proportion of variance in squirrel-related search activity that is explained by fluctuations in air pollution levels. This suggests that approximately 71.5% of the variability in the frequency of 'attacked by a squirrel' searches can be attributed to changes in air quality. One might say this correlation has really "squirreled away" a lot of the mystery surrounding potential connections between air pollution and internet search behavior!
The p-value of less than 0.01 adds a cherry on top of our statistical sundae, providing strong evidence to reject the null hypothesis and confirm that the observed correlation is not due to random chance. It's clear as daylight (or maybe clear as a smoggy day in Beaumont) that there's something substantial going on here.
Fig. 1 illustrates the correlation with a scatterplot that unmistakably displays the upward trend between air pollution levels and searches related to squirrel encounters. You could say that the relationship is as clear as... well, smog.
As we anticipated, our findings underscore the unusual but compelling association between environmental factors and internet search behavior related to squirrel encounters. It's a reminder that even the most unexpected connections can lead to valuable insights.
Paws for a moment and consider this: What do you get when you cross a squirrel with an elephant? An animal that remembers where it buried its nuts! Now, let's not forget that our research has uncovered a significant correlation that shouldn't be brushed aside as simply a nutty coincidence.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In summary, our study has peeled back the layers of the curious correlation between air pollution levels and Google searches for 'attacked by a squirrel' in Beaumont, Texas, leading us to some unexpected nut-cracking revelations. Our findings revealed a robust positive correlation, indicating that as air pollution levels soar, so does the concern over potential squirrel encounters. It's like the squirrels are saying, "if we can't breathe fresh air, why should they?"

But let's not squirrel away from the serious implications of our work. This correlation sheds light on the potential psychological impacts of environmental stressors and emphasizes the need for multifaceted approaches to public health and environmental policy. It's a poignant reminder that the fallout from air pollution extends beyond respiratory health and delves into the realm of unexpected human-animal interactions. Who would've thought that an increase in pollution could lead to an uptick in squirrel-related distress? It's a tale as old as time, really - air pollution meets squirrel confusion, and the internet gets involved.

Now, as much as we'd love to continue making squirrel jokes until the cows come home, it's time to put this research to bed. No more research is needed in this area, as we've already uncovered enough nutty correlations to keep us entertained. Let's leave the squirrels and the air to their own devices and squirrel away some time for a different kind of research. Remember, when it comes to squirrels and air pollution, our study has cracked the nut wide open!

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 Smoggy Squirrel Scares: Examining the Correlation Between Air Pollution in Beaumont, Texas, and Google Searches for 'Attacked by a Squirrel'. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

Journal of Environmental Psychology

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 Smoggy Squirrel Scares: Examining the Correlation Between Air Pollution in Beaumont, Texas, and Google Searches for 'Attacked by a Squirrel'. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

Wildlife Welfare Research Institute

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 Smoggy Squirrel Scares: Examining the Correlation Between Air Pollution in Beaumont, Texas, and Google Searches for 'Attacked by a Squirrel' with an abstract of In this study, we delved into the whimsical world of correlations between air pollution levels and the peculiar phenomenon of individuals searching for 'attacked by a squirrel' in Beaumont, Texas. While the topic might seem comical, our findings shed light on potential impacts of environmental factors on human behavior. Our research team utilized data from the Environmental Protection Agency to measure air quality, and Google Trends provided insights into search patterns for squirrel-related incidents. The analysis yielded a statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.8454641 (p < 0.01) for the years 2004 to 2018.
Our research uncovered a startling connection between spikes in air pollution and an uptick in Google searches related to squirrel attacks. One might say that the correlation was un-brrr-lievable, but the numbers don't lie! It appears that when the air quality in Beaumont takes a turn for the worse, so does the fear of unsuspecting residents encountering aggressive squirrels. This peculiar correlation could provide a new angle for environmental policy discussions and public health initiatives. After all, it's not every day that air pollution and animal encounters intersect in such an unexpected manner.
In conclusion, our study highlights the importance of considering the potential behavioral implications of environmental factors. While the phrase "attacked by a squirrel" might raise a chuckle, our findings suggest that air pollution in Beaumont, Texas could have broader impacts than previously thought. As researchers, we must always keep our eyes peeled for unexpected connections, just like wary residents of Beaumont watch out for those mischievous woodland critters.

ChatGPT:

Smoggy, Squirrel, Air pollution, Beaumont, Texas, Google searches, Correlation, Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, Google Trends, Statistical analysis, Search patterns, Squirrel attacks, Environmental factors, Human behavior, Public health, Environmental policy, Behavioral implications, Animal encounters, Behavioral impacts

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

Random correlation

Discover a new correlation

View all correlations

View all research papers

Report an error

Data details

Air pollution in Beaumont, Texas
Detailed data title: Percentage of days 'unhealthy' or worse air quality in Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX
Source: Environmental Protection Agency
See what else correlates with Air pollution in Beaumont, Texas

Google searches for 'attacked by a squirrel'
Detailed data title: Relative volume of Google searches for 'attacked by a squirrel' (Worldwide, without quotes)
Source: Google Trends
Additional Info: ^{See full details} Relative search volume (not absolute numbers)

See what else correlates with Google searches for 'attacked by a squirrel'

Correlation r = 0.8454641 (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 = 0.7148095 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 71.5% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Google searches for 'attacked by a squirrel') is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Air pollution in Beaumont, Texas) over the 15 years from 2004 through 2018.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 7.2E-5.^Show 0.0000719377753044827100000000
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 0.85 in 0.0072% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 13,901 random variables^Note Which I absolutely did.
with the same 14 degrees of freedom, ^Note Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 14 because we have two variables measured over a period of 15 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.

[ 0.59, 0.95 ] 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.

	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018
Air pollution in Beaumont, Texas (Bad air quality days)	3.27869	1.41643	1.91781	0.547945	0.274725	0.547945	0.547945	1.09589	0.819672	0	0	0.273973	0	0	0.273973
Google searches for 'attacked by a squirrel' (Rel. search volume)	12.25	12	11.75	2.41667	0	3.33333	4.75	2.5	4.33333	3.91667	2	0.916667	2.58333	0.75	0.416667

Why this works

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

Try it yourself

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    return correlation, r_squared, p_value

# These are the arrays for the variables shown on this page, but you can modify them to be any two sets of numbers
array_1 = np.array([3.27869,1.41643,1.91781,0.547945,0.274725,0.547945,0.547945,1.09589,0.819672,0,0,0.273973,0,0,0.273973,])
array_2 = np.array([12.25,12,11.75,2.41667,0,3.33333,4.75,2.5,4.33333,3.91667,2,0.916667,2.58333,0.75,0.416667,])
array_1_name = "Air pollution in Beaumont, Texas"
array_2_name = "Google searches for 'attacked by a squirrel'"

# 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 Air pollution in Beaumont, Texas
Line chart for only Google searches for 'attacked by a squirrel'
AI-generated correlation image
The spurious research paper: Smoggy Squirrel Scares: Examining the Correlation Between Air Pollution in Beaumont, Texas, and Google Searches for 'Attacked by a Squirrel'

View another random correlation

How fun was this correlation?

Big thanks for reviewing!

Correlation ID: 4496 · Black Variable ID: 20339 · Red Variable ID: 1354


Problem variable:
Issue:
Additional details: Optional
Confirm you are a human: