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Spurious correlation #4,499 · 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 tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and the second variable is Average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos.  The chart goes from 2011 to 2019, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

The increase in tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina has led to a surge in perfectly pruned and aesthetically pleasing trees. This has created a more visually appealing environment, which has sparked a newfound appreciation for the beauty of nature. As a result, people are finding themselves drawn to minute physics concepts, and they're unable to resist commenting on the videos, much like how a perfectly pruned tree just beckons for admiration and commentary. It's as if the viewers are unconsciously mirroring the precision and 'trimming' unnecessary thoughts from their minds, leading to an outpouring of comments and a deep-rooted connection to the world of physics!

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image of a serene forest setting in North Carolina, where perfectly pruned trees stand tall amidst the landscape. The trees' meticulously trimmed branches create an aesthetically pleasing environment, inviting admiration for nature's beauty. The image should convey a sense of tranquility and precision, mirroring the meticulousness of the tree trimmers' work. The scene should capture the essence of nature's harmony, evoking a connection to the world of physics through the perfection of the pruned trees. 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 tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and Average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos. 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: Sci-fi fantacy 3D Pixar Style Cubism a Polaroid photo A scene from Skyrim
ChatGPT: A scene from Skyrim

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 tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and Average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos, in the following situation: The increase in tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina has led to a surge in perfectly pruned and aesthetically pleasing trees. This has created a more visually appealing environment, which has sparked a newfound appreciation for the beauty of nature. As a result, people are finding themselves drawn to minute physics concepts, and they're unable to resist commenting on the videos, much like how a perfectly pruned tree just beckons for admiration and commentary. It's as if the viewers are unconsciously mirroring the precision and 'trimming' unnecessary thoughts from their minds, leading to an outpouring of comments and a deep-rooted connection to the world of physics!. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In North Carolina, the increased number of tree trimmers and pruners has led to a landscape dotted with perfectly pruned trees. The trimmed trees create a visually appealing environment, sparking admiration for nature. This newfound appreciation draws people to minute physics concepts, and they find themselves unable to resist commenting on the videos, like how a well-pruned tree beckons for admiration. The surge in tree trimmers seems to unconsciously mirror the precision, leading to an outpouring of comments and a deep-rooted connection to the world of physics.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You write and improve image generation prompts for DALLE-3. You maintain the same subjects, but enhance the visuals.
User prompt: Please respond with an image generation prompt that would be likely to create an interesting visual using DALLE-3, using the following style: [ A scene from Skyrim ] and depicting this scene: In North Carolina, the increased number of tree trimmers and pruners has led to a landscape dotted with perfectly pruned trees. The trimmed trees create a visually appealing environment, sparking admiration for nature. This newfound appreciation draws people to minute physics concepts, and they find themselves unable to resist commenting on the videos, like how a well-pruned tree beckons for admiration. The surge in tree trimmers seems to unconsciously mirror the precision, leading to an outpouring of comments and a deep-rooted connection to the world of physics. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image of a serene forest setting in North Carolina, where perfectly pruned trees stand tall amidst the landscape. The trees' meticulously trimmed branches create an aesthetically pleasing environment, inviting admiration for nature's beauty. The image should convey a sense of tranquility and precision, mirroring the meticulousness of the tree trimmers' work. The scene should capture the essence of nature's harmony, evoking a connection to the world of physics through the perfection of the pruned trees.

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

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

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how increases in The number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina positively influenced Average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos. Make it feel plausible.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Trimming Trees and YouTube Please: The Connection Between Pruners and Physics Tuners

The Journal of Arboreal Acoustics

Jan 2024

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




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

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between The number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and Average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Rhyme words in the title.

Your research team used data from Bureau of Larbor Statistics and YouTube to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.9547662 and p < 0.01 for 2011 to 2019.

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

[[TITLE]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit

[[ABSTRACT]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit



ChatGPT:
[[TITLE]]
Trimming Trees and YouTube Please: The Connection Between Pruners and Physics Tuners

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study examines the curious correlation between the number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and the average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos. Utilizing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and YouTube, our research team conducted a comprehensive analysis from 2011 to 2019. Surprisingly, we discovered a strong correlation coefficient of 0.9547662, with a p-value less than 0.01. This finding prompts colorful speculation and invokes a wry smile, as we delve into the whimsical world of trees, physics, and the algorithms of internet engagement. The implications of this connection, while perhaps as deeply rooted as the subject of arboreal maintenance, undoubtedly lend themselves to a budding and intriguing area of interdisciplinary research.


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

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between The number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and Average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Trimming Trees and YouTube Please: The Connection Between Pruners and Physics Tuners

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study examines the curious correlation between the number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and the average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos. Utilizing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and YouTube, our research team conducted a comprehensive analysis from 2011 to 2019. Surprisingly, we discovered a strong correlation coefficient of 0.9547662, with a p-value less than 0.01. This finding prompts colorful speculation and invokes a wry smile, as we delve into the whimsical world of trees, physics, and the algorithms of internet engagement. The implications of this connection, while perhaps as deeply rooted as the subject of arboreal maintenance, undoubtedly lend themselves to a budding and intriguing area of interdisciplinary research.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

The world of academia is often characterized by serious inquiry, rigorous analysis, and dry wit - much like a well-trimmed hedge. In this context, the intersection of seemingly disparate fields can yield surprising and delightful discoveries, akin to finding an unexpected feline in a topiary labyrinth. Our study seeks to unravel the enigmatic correlation between two seemingly unrelated entities: the number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and the average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos. While on the surface, these two subjects appear about as connected as a monkey puzzle tree and a Rubik's cube, our research endeavors to reveal the hidden threads that intertwine them.

As our inquiry unfurls like the fronds of a palm tree, it is essential to provide the context and motivation behind this rather whimsical undertaking. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) furnished us with extensive data on the employment of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina, offering a glimpse into the arboricultural activity within the state. In parallel, we turned our gaze toward the digital arboretum of YouTube, honing in on minutephysics videos as our focal point. The astute observer may find it befitting that our exploration of tree trimmers and their shears extends to the virtual realm, where we attempt to prune and shape our understanding of YouTube engagement.

With statistical tools in hand, we embarked on our quest, unearthing a correlation coefficient of 0.9547662 - a number so robust, it might as well have roots firmly entrenched in the fertile soil of significance. The probability value lingering below the revered threshold of 0.01 beckons us to tread cautiously, for it suggests a relationship that extends beyond mere chance - like synchronously swaying branches on a blustery day.

The earnest pursuit of this scholarly endeavor is accompanied by a whimsical aura, akin to discovering the unexpected resilience of the dandelion in an impeccably manicured lawn. Join us, dear reader, as we embark on a journey through statistical thickets and digital foliage to uncover the quirk that connects the labor of arboreal tenders with the commentaries of YouTube enthusiasts. This exploration, while likely to be thornier than a rosebush, promises to yield blooms of insight and amusement.


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

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between The number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and Average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, 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]]
Trimming Trees and YouTube Please: The Connection Between Pruners and Physics Tuners

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study examines the curious correlation between the number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and the average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos. Utilizing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and YouTube, our research team conducted a comprehensive analysis from 2011 to 2019. Surprisingly, we discovered a strong correlation coefficient of 0.9547662, with a p-value less than 0.01. This finding prompts colorful speculation and invokes a wry smile, as we delve into the whimsical world of trees, physics, and the algorithms of internet engagement. The implications of this connection, while perhaps as deeply rooted as the subject of arboreal maintenance, undoubtedly lend themselves to a budding and intriguing area of interdisciplinary research.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The world of academia is often characterized by serious inquiry, rigorous analysis, and dry wit - much like a well-trimmed hedge. In this context, the intersection of seemingly disparate fields can yield surprising and delightful discoveries, akin to finding an unexpected feline in a topiary labyrinth. Our study seeks to unravel the enigmatic correlation between two seemingly unrelated entities: the number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and the average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos. While on the surface, these two subjects appear about as connected as a monkey puzzle tree and a Rubik's cube, our research endeavors to reveal the hidden threads that intertwine them.
As our inquiry unfurls like the fronds of a palm tree, it is essential to provide the context and motivation behind this rather whimsical undertaking. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) furnished us with extensive data on the employment of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina, offering a glimpse into the arboricultural activity within the state. In parallel, we turned our gaze toward the digital arboretum of YouTube, honing in on minutephysics videos as our focal point. The astute observer may find it befitting that our exploration of tree trimmers and their shears extends to the virtual realm, where we attempt to prune and shape our understanding of YouTube engagement.
With statistical tools in hand, we embarked on our quest, unearthing a correlation coefficient of 0.9547662 - a number so robust, it might as well have roots firmly entrenched in the fertile soil of significance. The probability value lingering below the revered threshold of 0.01 beckons us to tread cautiously, for it suggests a relationship that extends beyond mere chance - like synchronously swaying branches on a blustery day.
The earnest pursuit of this scholarly endeavor is accompanied by a whimsical aura, akin to discovering the unexpected resilience of the dandelion in an impeccably manicured lawn. Join us, dear reader, as we embark on a journey through statistical thickets and digital foliage to uncover the quirk that connects the labor of arboreal tenders with the commentaries of YouTube enthusiasts. This exploration, while likely to be thornier than a rosebush, promises to yield blooms of insight and amusement.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

As we delve into the entangled web of connectivity between the number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and the average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos, it is pertinent to scrutinize extant scholarly works that may shed light on this seemingly incongruous relationship. Smith et al. (2015) expounded upon the arboricultural landscape in the southeastern United States, exhibiting the geographic richness of tree maintenance activities. Their work, while comprehensive in delineating the regional prevalence of tree care, does not venture into the digital confines of YouTube engagement, leaving us hanging like a stray branch needing pruning.

Doe and Jones (2018) posited an intriguing thesis on the psychological impact of online video interactions, crafting an illuminating narrative on the intricacies of viewer engagement. While their study delved adeptly into the nuances of digital interactions, it did not graft itself onto the branch of arboriculture, leaving us with the impression of a tantalizing fruit just out of reach.

Turning our focus to literature on arboreal matters, "The Hidden Life of Trees" by Peter Wohlleben invites readers to inspect the interconnectedness of trees in a forest, much like how YouTube comments ripple through the digital ecosystem. "The Drunken Botanist" by Amy Stewart is a spirited exploration of the botanical world, reminiscent of the lively exchanges found in YouTube comment sections. These works, while not directly related to our study, inspire us to ponder the improbable interplay of tree care and digital discourse.

In the realm of fiction, "The Overstory" by Richard Powers captivates readers with its verdant prose, offering a fictional arboreal symphony that may, in some meta-textual sense, resonate with the digital cacophony of YouTube comments. Similarly, "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams playfully navigates the cosmos, perhaps echoing the whimsical unpredictability inherent in our research endeavor.

Embarking on a brief detour into the world of internet lore, the "This is Fine" meme serves as a wry commentary on unexpected chaos and composure, mirroring the serendipitous discovery of a correlation between seemingly incongruent phenomena. Meanwhile, the "Do You Know the Way" meme beckons us to ponder the path to understanding elusive connections, much like the quest to unravel the enigmatic relationship between tree trimmers and YouTube interactions.

These divergent literary and Internet influences offer a kaleidoscopic lens through which we might view the unconventional coupling of pruning pursuits and digital engagements. With these varied inspirations in mind, we approach our analysis with a blend of academic rigor and lighthearted curiosity, hoping to unveil the unique interplay between these seemingly distinct domains.


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

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between The number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and Average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, 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 YouTube . You used data from 2011 to 2019

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]]
Trimming Trees and YouTube Please: The Connection Between Pruners and Physics Tuners

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study examines the curious correlation between the number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and the average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos. Utilizing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and YouTube, our research team conducted a comprehensive analysis from 2011 to 2019. Surprisingly, we discovered a strong correlation coefficient of 0.9547662, with a p-value less than 0.01. This finding prompts colorful speculation and invokes a wry smile, as we delve into the whimsical world of trees, physics, and the algorithms of internet engagement. The implications of this connection, while perhaps as deeply rooted as the subject of arboreal maintenance, undoubtedly lend themselves to a budding and intriguing area of interdisciplinary research.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The world of academia is often characterized by serious inquiry, rigorous analysis, and dry wit - much like a well-trimmed hedge. In this context, the intersection of seemingly disparate fields can yield surprising and delightful discoveries, akin to finding an unexpected feline in a topiary labyrinth. Our study seeks to unravel the enigmatic correlation between two seemingly unrelated entities: the number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and the average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos. While on the surface, these two subjects appear about as connected as a monkey puzzle tree and a Rubik's cube, our research endeavors to reveal the hidden threads that intertwine them.
As our inquiry unfurls like the fronds of a palm tree, it is essential to provide the context and motivation behind this rather whimsical undertaking. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) furnished us with extensive data on the employment of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina, offering a glimpse into the arboricultural activity within the state. In parallel, we turned our gaze toward the digital arboretum of YouTube, honing in on minutephysics videos as our focal point. The astute observer may find it befitting that our exploration of tree trimmers and their shears extends to the virtual realm, where we attempt to prune and shape our understanding of YouTube engagement.
With statistical tools in hand, we embarked on our quest, unearthing a correlation coefficient of 0.9547662 - a number so robust, it might as well have roots firmly entrenched in the fertile soil of significance. The probability value lingering below the revered threshold of 0.01 beckons us to tread cautiously, for it suggests a relationship that extends beyond mere chance - like synchronously swaying branches on a blustery day.
The earnest pursuit of this scholarly endeavor is accompanied by a whimsical aura, akin to discovering the unexpected resilience of the dandelion in an impeccably manicured lawn. Join us, dear reader, as we embark on a journey through statistical thickets and digital foliage to uncover the quirk that connects the labor of arboreal tenders with the commentaries of YouTube enthusiasts. This exploration, while likely to be thornier than a rosebush, promises to yield blooms of insight and amusement.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

Our methodology for this investigation was as nimble as a squirrel leaping between branches and as structured as an algorithmic sequence of binary decisions. We sought to gather data from disparate sources as variegated as the foliage of a tropical rainforest, with a primary focus on information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the vast labyrinthine expanse of YouTube.

To commence our expedition, we extracted historical data from the BLS spanning the years 2011 to 2019, encompassing the employment statistics of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina. These data were akin to the rings of a tree trunk, revealing the growth and fluctuations in the labor force dedicated to arboricultural maintenance, a treasure trove of insights into the ebb and flow of this particular occupational cohort.

In parallel, we embarked upon a digital spelunking excursion into the expansive cave of YouTube's minutephysics channel. We meticulously tallied the number of comments on each video from our chosen timeframe, the dexterous fingers of data collection dancing across the keyboard like an agile woodpecker upon a towering oak.

Our data, reminiscent of the delicate balance of nature, were further subjected to rigorous scrutiny and mathematical interrogation. We performed a diligent cleaning and pruning of the datasets, ensuring the removal of any diseased or errant data points that might spoil the verdant landscape of our analyses. This meticulous curation was akin to weeding a garden, sifting through the undergrowth to allow the robust and healthy data to flourish.

With our meticulously pruned datasets in hand, we summoned the spectral forces of statistical analysis to illuminate the enigmatic nexus between tree trimmers and YouTube subscribers. Employing the sturdy tools of correlation, we sought to dissect the tendrils of interconnection between these seemingly disparate entities, akin to a botanist unraveling the intricate symbiotic relationships of an ancient forest ecosystem.

The venerable correlation coefficient stood as the arbiter of our exploration, its numerical visage expressed in mathematical elegance akin to the symmetry of a snowflake. Through rigorous computation, we unveiled a correlation coefficient of 0.9547662, akin to the synchronous dance of fall foliage as it descends to the forest floor.

Furthermore, we summoned the solemn deity of probability, marshaling its significance to assess the validity of our findings. With a p-value whispering beneath the hallowed threshold of 0.01, this was no chance alignment akin to two leaves fortuitously entwining on a zephyr’s breath. Instead, it stood as a testament to the robustness and resilience of this unsuspected correlation.


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

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between The number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and Average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, 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 YouTube .

For the time period 2011 to 2019, you found a correlation 0.9547662, r-squared of 0.9115784, and p < 0.01.

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

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Trimming Trees and YouTube Please: The Connection Between Pruners and Physics Tuners

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study examines the curious correlation between the number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and the average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos. Utilizing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and YouTube, our research team conducted a comprehensive analysis from 2011 to 2019. Surprisingly, we discovered a strong correlation coefficient of 0.9547662, with a p-value less than 0.01. This finding prompts colorful speculation and invokes a wry smile, as we delve into the whimsical world of trees, physics, and the algorithms of internet engagement. The implications of this connection, while perhaps as deeply rooted as the subject of arboreal maintenance, undoubtedly lend themselves to a budding and intriguing area of interdisciplinary research.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
The world of academia is often characterized by serious inquiry, rigorous analysis, and dry wit - much like a well-trimmed hedge. In this context, the intersection of seemingly disparate fields can yield surprising and delightful discoveries, akin to finding an unexpected feline in a topiary labyrinth. Our study seeks to unravel the enigmatic correlation between two seemingly unrelated entities: the number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and the average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos. While on the surface, these two subjects appear about as connected as a monkey puzzle tree and a Rubik's cube, our research endeavors to reveal the hidden threads that intertwine them.
As our inquiry unfurls like the fronds of a palm tree, it is essential to provide the context and motivation behind this rather whimsical undertaking. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) furnished us with extensive data on the employment of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina, offering a glimpse into the arboricultural activity within the state. In parallel, we turned our gaze toward the digital arboretum of YouTube, honing in on minutephysics videos as our focal point. The astute observer may find it befitting that our exploration of tree trimmers and their shears extends to the virtual realm, where we attempt to prune and shape our understanding of YouTube engagement.
With statistical tools in hand, we embarked on our quest, unearthing a correlation coefficient of 0.9547662 - a number so robust, it might as well have roots firmly entrenched in the fertile soil of significance. The probability value lingering below the revered threshold of 0.01 beckons us to tread cautiously, for it suggests a relationship that extends beyond mere chance - like synchronously swaying branches on a blustery day.
The earnest pursuit of this scholarly endeavor is accompanied by a whimsical aura, akin to discovering the unexpected resilience of the dandelion in an impeccably manicured lawn. Join us, dear reader, as we embark on a journey through statistical thickets and digital foliage to uncover the quirk that connects the labor of arboreal tenders with the commentaries of YouTube enthusiasts. This exploration, while likely to be thornier than a rosebush, promises to yield blooms of insight and amusement.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The analysis of the data from 2011 to 2019 revealed a remarkably robust correlation between the number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and the average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos. The correlation coefficient was calculated to be 0.9547662, indicating a strong positive relationship between these seemingly dissimilar variables. This finding, reminiscent of discovering a hidden vine intertwined with an oak tree, entices us to ponder the underlying mechanisms that could explain this curious connection.

Furthermore, the coefficient of determination (r-squared) was found to be 0.9115784, suggesting that approximately 91% of the variability in the average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos can be explained by the variability in the number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina. This revelation elicits a nod to the intricate interplay of factors, much like the delicate balance of ecosystems in a well-preserved orchard.

In addition, the p-value calculated for this correlation was less than 0.01, signaling a statistical significance that cannot be brushed aside like fallen leaves on an autumn day. This low p-value underscores the unlikelihood of this correlation occurring purely by chance, prompting further contemplation about the intertwined roots of arboreal care and digital engagement.

To visually encapsulate this intriguing relationship, a scatterplot (Fig. 1) was constructed to display the strong positive correlation between the number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and the average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos. The scatterplot, akin to a snapshot of a serene arboretum, vividly illustrates the coalescence of these variables and invites a contemplative gaze into the unexpected harmony between labor in the physical realm and musings in the virtual domain.

Overall, the results of this analysis highlight the compelling convergence of seemingly disparate spheres, inviting us to embrace the delightful absurdity that underlies the connection between arboreal maintenance and digital interaction. These findings, akin to an enigmatic riddle whispered by a rustling canopy, beckon scholars to unravel the nuanced interplay between the tangible and the digital, offering a captivating avenue for further interdisciplinary exploration.


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

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between The number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and Average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, 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]]
Trimming Trees and YouTube Please: The Connection Between Pruners and Physics Tuners

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study examines the curious correlation between the number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and the average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos. Utilizing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and YouTube, our research team conducted a comprehensive analysis from 2011 to 2019. Surprisingly, we discovered a strong correlation coefficient of 0.9547662, with a p-value less than 0.01. This finding prompts colorful speculation and invokes a wry smile, as we delve into the whimsical world of trees, physics, and the algorithms of internet engagement. The implications of this connection, while perhaps as deeply rooted as the subject of arboreal maintenance, undoubtedly lend themselves to a budding and intriguing area of interdisciplinary research.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
As we delve into the entangled web of connectivity between the number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and the average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos, it is pertinent to scrutinize extant scholarly works that may shed light on this seemingly incongruous relationship. Smith et al. (2015) expounded upon the arboricultural landscape in the southeastern United States, exhibiting the geographic richness of tree maintenance activities. Their work, while comprehensive in delineating the regional prevalence of tree care, does not venture into the digital confines of YouTube engagement, leaving us hanging like a stray branch needing pruning.
Doe and Jones (2018) posited an intriguing thesis on the psychological impact of online video interactions, crafting an illuminating narrative on the intricacies of viewer engagement. While their study delved adeptly into the nuances of digital interactions, it did not graft itself onto the branch of arboriculture, leaving us with the impression of a tantalizing fruit just out of reach.
Turning our focus to literature on arboreal matters, "The Hidden Life of Trees" by Peter Wohlleben invites readers to inspect the interconnectedness of trees in a forest, much like how YouTube comments ripple through the digital ecosystem. "The Drunken Botanist" by Amy Stewart is a spirited exploration of the botanical world, reminiscent of the lively exchanges found in YouTube comment sections. These works, while not directly related to our study, inspire us to ponder the improbable interplay of tree care and digital discourse.
In the realm of fiction, "The Overstory" by Richard Powers captivates readers with its verdant prose, offering a fictional arboreal symphony that may, in some meta-textual sense, resonate with the digital cacophony of YouTube comments. Similarly, "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams playfully navigates the cosmos, perhaps echoing the whimsical unpredictability inherent in our research endeavor.
Embarking on a brief detour into the world of internet lore, the "This is Fine" meme serves as a wry commentary on unexpected chaos and composure, mirroring the serendipitous discovery of a correlation between seemingly incongruent phenomena. Meanwhile, the "Do You Know the Way" meme beckons us to ponder the path to understanding elusive connections, much like the quest to unravel the enigmatic relationship between tree trimmers and YouTube interactions.

These divergent literary and Internet influences offer a kaleidoscopic lens through which we might view the unconventional coupling of pruning pursuits and digital engagements. With these varied inspirations in mind, we approach our analysis with a blend of academic rigor and lighthearted curiosity, hoping to unveil the unique interplay between these seemingly distinct domains.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the data from 2011 to 2019 revealed a remarkably robust correlation between the number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and the average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos. The correlation coefficient was calculated to be 0.9547662, indicating a strong positive relationship between these seemingly dissimilar variables. This finding, reminiscent of discovering a hidden vine intertwined with an oak tree, entices us to ponder the underlying mechanisms that could explain this curious connection.
Furthermore, the coefficient of determination (r-squared) was found to be 0.9115784, suggesting that approximately 91% of the variability in the average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos can be explained by the variability in the number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina. This revelation elicits a nod to the intricate interplay of factors, much like the delicate balance of ecosystems in a well-preserved orchard.
In addition, the p-value calculated for this correlation was less than 0.01, signaling a statistical significance that cannot be brushed aside like fallen leaves on an autumn day. This low p-value underscores the unlikelihood of this correlation occurring purely by chance, prompting further contemplation about the intertwined roots of arboreal care and digital engagement.
To visually encapsulate this intriguing relationship, a scatterplot (Fig. 1) was constructed to display the strong positive correlation between the number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and the average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos. The scatterplot, akin to a snapshot of a serene arboretum, vividly illustrates the coalescence of these variables and invites a contemplative gaze into the unexpected harmony between labor in the physical realm and musings in the virtual domain.
Overall, the results of this analysis highlight the compelling convergence of seemingly disparate spheres, inviting us to embrace the delightful absurdity that underlies the connection between arboreal maintenance and digital interaction. These findings, akin to an enigmatic riddle whispered by a rustling canopy, beckon scholars to unravel the nuanced interplay between the tangible and the digital, offering a captivating avenue for further interdisciplinary exploration.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The results of this study lend support to the prior research that has hinted at the unexpected ties between seemingly unrelated domains. Smith et al. (2015) highlighted the regional dynamics of tree maintenance, and our findings align with their emphasis on the prevalence of arboricultural activities in North Carolina. What sets our study apart is the astute recognition of the parallel growth of digital engagement, much like the synchronized swaying of branches in a grove.

Doe and Jones (2018) delved into the psychology of online video interactions, paving the way for our analysis of viewer engagement with YouTube physics content. Their exploration of viewer behavior finds resonance in our endeavor, akin to a sturdy oak finding echoes in the rustling leaves of a neighboring tree. This alignment underscores the interdisciplinary nature of our investigation, showcasing how the fertile soil of digital discourse can nourish the roots of arboricultural research.

In the realm of arboreal literature, "The Hidden Life of Trees" and "The Drunken Botanist" set the stage for our study, illustrating the interconnectedness of trees and the vibrant exchanges in YouTube comments. While these works may not directly speak to our specific correlation, their spirit echoes through our findings, adding a whimsical flourish to our scholarly pursuit.

The influence of literary and internet memes, though seemingly playful, has not been lost on our research. The "This is Fine" meme's wry commentary on unexpected chaos resonates with the serendipitous discovery of our correlation, while the "Do You Know the Way" meme implores us to navigate the uncertain path toward understanding improbable connections. These influences, while seemingly tangential, have crept into the mossy undergrowth of our study, adding a layer of lighthearted introspection to our academic inquiry.

The visually arresting scatterplot (Fig. 1) stands as a verdant exhibit of our findings, beckoning scholars to gaze upon the unexpected harmony between physical labor and virtual musings. Much like a meticulously crafted topiary, our study sculpts the unlikely fusion of tree trimming and YouTube engagement into a thought-provoking spectacle, inviting observers to marvel at the interplay between these divergent domains.

In sum, our results intertwine with previous scholarly works, stitching a patchwork quilt of knowledge that spans the branches of arboriculture and the digital expanse of YouTube interactions. This convergence, akin to the delicate dance of falling leaves on an autumn breeze, calls for continued interdisciplinary exploration, as we seek to unveil the deeply rooted connections that underpin the vibrant ecosystem of knowledge and discovery.


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

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between The number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and Average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, 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]]
Trimming Trees and YouTube Please: The Connection Between Pruners and Physics Tuners

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study examines the curious correlation between the number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and the average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos. Utilizing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and YouTube, our research team conducted a comprehensive analysis from 2011 to 2019. Surprisingly, we discovered a strong correlation coefficient of 0.9547662, with a p-value less than 0.01. This finding prompts colorful speculation and invokes a wry smile, as we delve into the whimsical world of trees, physics, and the algorithms of internet engagement. The implications of this connection, while perhaps as deeply rooted as the subject of arboreal maintenance, undoubtedly lend themselves to a budding and intriguing area of interdisciplinary research.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The world of academia is often characterized by serious inquiry, rigorous analysis, and dry wit - much like a well-trimmed hedge. In this context, the intersection of seemingly disparate fields can yield surprising and delightful discoveries, akin to finding an unexpected feline in a topiary labyrinth. Our study seeks to unravel the enigmatic correlation between two seemingly unrelated entities: the number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and the average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos. While on the surface, these two subjects appear about as connected as a monkey puzzle tree and a Rubik's cube, our research endeavors to reveal the hidden threads that intertwine them.
As our inquiry unfurls like the fronds of a palm tree, it is essential to provide the context and motivation behind this rather whimsical undertaking. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) furnished us with extensive data on the employment of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina, offering a glimpse into the arboricultural activity within the state. In parallel, we turned our gaze toward the digital arboretum of YouTube, honing in on minutephysics videos as our focal point. The astute observer may find it befitting that our exploration of tree trimmers and their shears extends to the virtual realm, where we attempt to prune and shape our understanding of YouTube engagement.
With statistical tools in hand, we embarked on our quest, unearthing a correlation coefficient of 0.9547662 - a number so robust, it might as well have roots firmly entrenched in the fertile soil of significance. The probability value lingering below the revered threshold of 0.01 beckons us to tread cautiously, for it suggests a relationship that extends beyond mere chance - like synchronously swaying branches on a blustery day.
The earnest pursuit of this scholarly endeavor is accompanied by a whimsical aura, akin to discovering the unexpected resilience of the dandelion in an impeccably manicured lawn. Join us, dear reader, as we embark on a journey through statistical thickets and digital foliage to uncover the quirk that connects the labor of arboreal tenders with the commentaries of YouTube enthusiasts. This exploration, while likely to be thornier than a rosebush, promises to yield blooms of insight and amusement.

[[RESULTS]]
The analysis of the data from 2011 to 2019 revealed a remarkably robust correlation between the number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and the average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos. The correlation coefficient was calculated to be 0.9547662, indicating a strong positive relationship between these seemingly dissimilar variables. This finding, reminiscent of discovering a hidden vine intertwined with an oak tree, entices us to ponder the underlying mechanisms that could explain this curious connection.
Furthermore, the coefficient of determination (r-squared) was found to be 0.9115784, suggesting that approximately 91% of the variability in the average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos can be explained by the variability in the number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina. This revelation elicits a nod to the intricate interplay of factors, much like the delicate balance of ecosystems in a well-preserved orchard.
In addition, the p-value calculated for this correlation was less than 0.01, signaling a statistical significance that cannot be brushed aside like fallen leaves on an autumn day. This low p-value underscores the unlikelihood of this correlation occurring purely by chance, prompting further contemplation about the intertwined roots of arboreal care and digital engagement.
To visually encapsulate this intriguing relationship, a scatterplot (Fig. 1) was constructed to display the strong positive correlation between the number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and the average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos. The scatterplot, akin to a snapshot of a serene arboretum, vividly illustrates the coalescence of these variables and invites a contemplative gaze into the unexpected harmony between labor in the physical realm and musings in the virtual domain.
Overall, the results of this analysis highlight the compelling convergence of seemingly disparate spheres, inviting us to embrace the delightful absurdity that underlies the connection between arboreal maintenance and digital interaction. These findings, akin to an enigmatic riddle whispered by a rustling canopy, beckon scholars to unravel the nuanced interplay between the tangible and the digital, offering a captivating avenue for further interdisciplinary exploration.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our research has unveiled a remarkable correlation between the number of arboreal tenders in North Carolina and the engagement with minutephysics YouTube videos. This connection, as unexpected as finding an acorn in a haystack, sparks a blend of curiosity and amusement, akin to stumbling upon a synchronized dance between a lumberjack and a laptop user in the forest.

The data, akin to the rings of a felled tree, tells a compelling story of intertwined growth and engagement. The robust correlation coefficient of 0.9547662, much like a straight trunk reaching for the sky, firmly establishes the connection between these disparate entities. The coefficient of determination further underscores the depth of this relationship, reminding us of the intricate latticework of vines adorning an ancient oak.

As we assimilate these findings, it becomes evident that no leaf is left unturned in this whimsical exploration. The low p-value, akin to a rare and precious orchid, signals a statistically significant relationship, urging us to appreciate the flourishing connection between physical labor and digital expression.

These findings evoke a jovial nod to the whims of fate and the harmonious resonance of seemingly incongruous elements. The scatterplot, akin to an accidental meeting of two solitary trees in a vast forest, visually encapsulates this unlikely convergence, inviting contemplation on the charming synthesis of human endeavors in the physical and virtual realms.

With this, we dare to assert that further research in this domain may be akin to searching for a needle in a haystack - a delightful pursuit, yet one that may not yield further fruit. As such, we tenderly submit that the scholarly garden of curiosity may be already sufficiently watered with this serendipitous connection, much like a well-pruned hedge flourishing under the care of a diligent arborist.


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 Trimming Trees and YouTube Please: The Connection Between Pruners and Physics Tuners. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Arboreal Acoustics


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 Trimming Trees and YouTube Please: The Connection Between Pruners and Physics Tuners. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Institute for Arboreal Acoustics and Internet Inquiry


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 Trimming Trees and YouTube Please: The Connection Between Pruners and Physics Tuners with an abstract of This study examines the curious correlation between the number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina and the average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos. Utilizing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and YouTube, our research team conducted a comprehensive analysis from 2011 to 2019. Surprisingly, we discovered a strong correlation coefficient of 0.9547662, with a p-value less than 0.01. This finding prompts colorful speculation and invokes a wry smile, as we delve into the whimsical world of trees, physics, and the algorithms of internet engagement. The implications of this connection, while perhaps as deeply rooted as the subject of arboreal maintenance, undoubtedly lend themselves to a budding and intriguing area of interdisciplinary research.

ChatGPT:

tree trimmers, pruners, North Carolina, Bureau of Labor Statistics, YouTube, minutephysics, correlation coefficient, p-value, internet engagement, interdisciplinary research

*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 tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina
Detailed data title: BLS estimate of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina
Source: Bureau of Larbor Statistics
See what else correlates with The number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina

Average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos
Detailed data title: Average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos.
Source: YouTube
See what else correlates with Average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos

Correlation r = 0.9547662 (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 = 0.9115784 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 91.2% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., The number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina) over the 9 years from 2011 through 2019.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 6.2E-5. 0.0000620016480465228800000000
The p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme. More specifically the p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme if we had only tested one pair of variables one time.

But I am a p-villain. I absolutely did not test only one pair of variables one time. I correlated hundreds of millions of pairs of variables. I threw boatloads of data into an industrial-sized blender to find this correlation.

Who is going to stop me? p-value reporting doesn't require me to report how many calculations I had to go through in order to find a low p-value!
On average, you will find a correaltion as strong as 0.95 in 0.0062% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 16,129 random variables Which I absolutely did.
with the same 8 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 8 because we have two variables measured over a period of 9 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.

[ 0.79, 0.99 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
The confidence interval is an estimate the range of the value of the correlation coefficient, using the correlation itself as an input. The values are meant to be the low and high end of the correlation coefficient with 95% confidence.

This one is a bit more complciated than the other calculations, but I include it because many people have been pushing for confidence intervals instead of p-value calculations (for example: NEJM. However, if you are dredging data, you can reliably find yourself in the 5%. That's my goal!


All values for the years included above: If I were being very sneaky, I could trim years from the beginning or end of the datasets to increase the correlation on some pairs of variables. I don't do that because there are already plenty of correlations in my database without monkeying with the years.

Still, sometimes one of the variables has more years of data available than the other. This page only shows the overlapping years. To see all the years, click on "See what else correlates with..." link above.
201120122013201420152016201720182019
The number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina (Laborers)159021902370202016301710225012801670
Average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos (Average Comments)2568.614244.934211.713276.762418.822999.423608.711454.892859.33




Why this works

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




Try it yourself

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

    return correlation, r_squared, p_value

# These are the arrays for the variables shown on this page, but you can modify them to be any two sets of numbers
array_1 = np.array([1590,2190,2370,2020,1630,1710,2250,1280,1670,])
array_2 = np.array([2568.61,4244.93,4211.71,3276.76,2418.82,2999.42,3608.71,1454.89,2859.33,])
array_1_name = "The number of tree trimmers and pruners in North Carolina"
array_2_name = "Average number of comments on minutephysics YouTube videos"

# Perform the calculation
print(f"Calculating the correlation between {array_1_name} and {array_2_name}...")
correlation, r_squared, p_value = calculate_correlation(array_1, array_2)

# Print the results
print("Correlation Coefficient:", correlation)
print("R-squared:", r_squared)
print("P-value:", p_value)



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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. 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.

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Correlation ID: 4499 · Black Variable ID: 12425 · Red Variable ID: 25511
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