about · email me · subscribe
Spurious correlation #4,584 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Air quality in Knoxville, Tennessee and the second variable is Google searches for 'i have the flu'.  The chart goes from 2004 to 2023, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

The fresher air in Knoxville blew in some sneeze-inducing pollen, giving people the 'achoo' flu symptoms! It seems like these flu Google searches are just a result of some high-quality air infecting the residents with a case of the 'achoo'-r-binzies!

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image that looks like it is a scene from a Pixar movie set in Knoxville, Tennessee. The scene depicts a lively and colorful cityscape with whimsical, slightly exaggerated buildings and a bustling street. In the foreground, show a group of people with comically exaggerated sneezing and allergy-like symptoms, caused by the pollen-filled air. The image should capture the humorous chaos of people searching 'i have the flu' on Google while experiencing the exaggerated effects of the "achoo"-r-binzies. The buildings and surrounding environment should be vibrant and full of character, evoking the playful and charming style of a Pixar movie. 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 quality in Knoxville, Tennessee and Google searches for 'i have the flu'. 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: Hyper-realistic Realistic Pop art An image that looks like it is a scene from a Pixar movie Voxel art
ChatGPT: An image that looks like it is a scene from a Pixar movie

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 quality in Knoxville, Tennessee and Google searches for 'i have the flu', in the following situation: The fresher air in Knoxville blew in some sneeze-inducing pollen, giving people the 'achoo' flu symptoms! It seems like these flu Google searches are just a result of some high-quality air infecting the residents with a case of the 'achoo'-r-binzies!. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In Knoxville, Tennessee, the air is filled with pollen, carried by a breeze that makes people want to sneeze. Amidst this, residents are busy searching 'i have the flu' on Google, feeling the effects of the 'achoo'-r-binzies as the high-quality air triggers allergy-like symptoms.

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: [ An image that looks like it is a scene from a Pixar movie ] and depicting this scene: In Knoxville, Tennessee, the air is filled with pollen, carried by a breeze that makes people want to sneeze. Amidst this, residents are busy searching 'i have the flu' on Google, feeling the effects of the 'achoo'-r-binzies as the high-quality air triggers allergy-like symptoms. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image that looks like it is a scene from a Pixar movie set in Knoxville, Tennessee. The scene depicts a lively and colorful cityscape with whimsical, slightly exaggerated buildings and a bustling street. In the foreground, show a group of people with comically exaggerated sneezing and allergy-like symptoms, caused by the pollen-filled air. The image should capture the humorous chaos of people searching 'i have the flu' on Google while experiencing the exaggerated effects of the "achoo"-r-binzies. The buildings and surrounding environment should be vibrant and full of character, evoking the playful and charming style of a Pixar movie.

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

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

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how an increase in Air quality in Knoxville, Tennessee caused i have the flu (Google searches for 'i have the flu') to increase. Include one good pun.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Sniffles and Search Results: Exploring the Relationship Between Knoxville Air Quality and I Have the Flu Google Searches

The Journal of Quirky Environmental Studies

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 goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.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 Air quality in Knoxville, Tennessee and Google searches for 'i have the flu'. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Make the title a clever pun.

Your research team used data from Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.8261061 and p < 0.01 for 2004 to 2023.

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]]
Sniffles and Search Results: Exploring the Relationship Between Knoxville Air Quality and "I Have the Flu" Google Searches

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we investigate the fascinating link between air quality in Knoxville, Tennessee and the frequency of Google searches for "i have the flu." While most people associate air quality with respiratory health, here we delve into the social media sphere to analyze if it also affects the public’s search behavior when feeling under the weather. Utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, from 2004 to 2023, we found a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.8261061 and a p-value less than 0.01, suggesting a robust association between deteriorating air quality and an uptick in searches related to flu-like symptoms. Our findings may leave you wondering if people in Knoxville are just flu-crazy, or if the air in this area truly has a nauseating impact on their well-being. So, put on your facemasks, dear readers, as we venture into the fascinating world of digital symptom sleuthing and air quality puns.


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 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 Air quality in Knoxville, Tennessee and Google searches for 'i have the flu'. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Sniffles and Search Results: Exploring the Relationship Between Knoxville Air Quality and "I Have the Flu" Google Searches

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we investigate the fascinating link between air quality in Knoxville, Tennessee and the frequency of Google searches for "i have the flu." While most people associate air quality with respiratory health, here we delve into the social media sphere to analyze if it also affects the public’s search behavior when feeling under the weather. Utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, from 2004 to 2023, we found a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.8261061 and a p-value less than 0.01, suggesting a robust association between deteriorating air quality and an uptick in searches related to flu-like symptoms. Our findings may leave you wondering if people in Knoxville are just flu-crazy, or if the air in this area truly has a nauseating impact on their well-being. So, put on your facemasks, dear readers, as we venture into the fascinating world of digital symptom sleuthing and air quality puns.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
**[[INTRODUCTION]]**

As the old saying goes, "Achoo! There goes the neighborhood!" In the world of scientific inquiry, odd connections often rear their unexpected heads, much like a particularly persistent flu virus. In this study, we dive into the curious realm where air quality and Google searches intersect, uncovering potentially intriguing associations that may leave you reaching for your hand sanitizer.

The nexus between air quality and public health is nothing new. Researchers have long observed the impact of pollutants on respiratory and cardiovascular health, and the quest for cleaner air is a goal shared by environmentalists and individuals who simply prefer not to breathe in smog. However, in the age of digital information, our quest for answers and remedies now extends beyond the confines of medical journals and into the vast realm of internet search engines.

Our research focuses on Knoxville, Tennessee, a city known for its picturesque landscapes, lively community, and unfortunately, its occasional air pollution. We set out to investigate if the quality of the air in Knoxville is not only affecting the respiratory systems of its residents, but also influencing their behavior in the digital sphere. After all, when faced with a tickle in the throat or a sudden bout of sniffles, many among us turn to the almighty oracle of our time – Google – in search of answers, remedies, or simply to confirm that we're not alone in our suffering.

When it comes to statistical studies, we understand that correlation does not necessarily imply causation – unless, of course, it involves a bold pair of socks causing a spike in fashionable outfit Google searches. But fear not, dear reader, our methods are far more sophisticated than picking out quirky correlations. We obtained air quality data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google search frequency data from Google Trends, covering a span from 2004 to 2023. Our analysis involved rigorous statistical techniques and a keen eye for sniffing out any spurious relationships.

The title of our study, "Sniffles and Search Results," may give you a hint of the melodramatic detective work we've engaged in. Indeed, we aim to uncover the intricate dance between air quality in Knoxville and the frequency of Google searches for "i have the flu." As you join us on this research journey, expect to encounter a sinus-clearing mix of scientific rigor, statistical analyses, and, of course, some delightful puns and wordplay related to air quality and influenza.

So, grab your virtual hazmat suit and prepare for a whiff of scholarly humor as we embark on this exploration of the unexpected connections between polluted air and the digital cry of "I have the flu!"

Stay tuned for the next installment, where we delve into the data and uncover the web of correlations that may leave you pondering the very air you breathe and the queries you type into your search engine of choice.

Let's roll up our sleeves and get ready to dig into this quixotic quest for statistical significance and a nose for correlation!


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 quality in Knoxville, Tennessee and Google searches for 'i have the flu'. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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

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

Start by naming serious-sounding studies by authors like Smith, Doe, and Jones - but then quickly devolve. Name some real non-fiction books that would be related to the topic. Then name some real fiction books that sound like they could be related. Then devolve ever further, and mention something completely ridiculous, like you conducted literature review by reading CVS receipts.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Sniffles and Search Results: Exploring the Relationship Between Knoxville Air Quality and "I Have the Flu" Google Searches

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we investigate the fascinating link between air quality in Knoxville, Tennessee and the frequency of Google searches for "i have the flu." While most people associate air quality with respiratory health, here we delve into the social media sphere to analyze if it also affects the public’s search behavior when feeling under the weather. Utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, from 2004 to 2023, we found a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.8261061 and a p-value less than 0.01, suggesting a robust association between deteriorating air quality and an uptick in searches related to flu-like symptoms. Our findings may leave you wondering if people in Knoxville are just flu-crazy, or if the air in this area truly has a nauseating impact on their well-being. So, put on your facemasks, dear readers, as we venture into the fascinating world of digital symptom sleuthing and air quality puns.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
As the old saying goes, "Achoo! There goes the neighborhood!" In the world of scientific inquiry, odd connections often rear their unexpected heads, much like a particularly persistent flu virus. In this study, we dive into the curious realm where air quality and Google searches intersect, uncovering potentially intriguing associations that may leave you reaching for your hand sanitizer.
The nexus between air quality and public health is nothing new. Researchers have long observed the impact of pollutants on respiratory and cardiovascular health, and the quest for cleaner air is a goal shared by environmentalists and individuals who simply prefer not to breathe in smog. However, in the age of digital information, our quest for answers and remedies now extends beyond the confines of medical journals and into the vast realm of internet search engines.
Our research focuses on Knoxville, Tennessee, a city known for its picturesque landscapes, lively community, and unfortunately, its occasional air pollution. We set out to investigate if the quality of the air in Knoxville is not only affecting the respiratory systems of its residents, but also influencing their behavior in the digital sphere. After all, when faced with a tickle in the throat or a sudden bout of sniffles, many among us turn to the almighty oracle of our time – Google – in search of answers, remedies, or simply to confirm that we're not alone in our suffering.
When it comes to statistical studies, we understand that correlation does not necessarily imply causation – unless, of course, it involves a bold pair of socks causing a spike in fashionable outfit Google searches. But fear not, dear reader, our methods are far more sophisticated than picking out quirky correlations. We obtained air quality data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google search frequency data from Google Trends, covering a span from 2004 to 2023. Our analysis involved rigorous statistical techniques and a keen eye for sniffing out any spurious relationships.
The title of our study, "Sniffles and Search Results," may give you a hint of the melodramatic detective work we've engaged in. Indeed, we aim to uncover the intricate dance between air quality in Knoxville and the frequency of Google searches for "i have the flu." As you join us on this research journey, expect to encounter a sinus-clearing mix of scientific rigor, statistical analyses, and, of course, some delightful puns and wordplay related to air quality and influenza.
So, grab your virtual hazmat suit and prepare for a whiff of scholarly humor as we embark on this exploration of the unexpected connections between polluted air and the digital cry of "I have the flu!"
Stay tuned for the next installment, where we delve into the data and uncover the web of correlations that may leave you pondering the very air you breathe and the queries you type into your search engine of choice.
Let's roll up our sleeves and get ready to dig into this quixotic quest for statistical significance and a nose for correlation!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The connection between environmental factors and public health has long been an area of great interest among the scholarly community. Smith and Doe (2008) delved into the impact of air quality on respiratory health, highlighting the detrimental effects of air pollution on pulmonary functions and overall well-being. Moreover, Jones et al. (2015) conducted a comprehensive analysis of the association between air quality and various respiratory conditions, further emphasizing the need for clean and breathable air in our urban centers.

Moving beyond the realm of academic research, popular non-fiction publications have also addressed the impact of environmental factors on public health. In "The Air We Breathe: From Smog to Serenity" by Environmentalist Extraordinaire, the reader is taken on a journey through the history of air pollution and its consequences on human health, providing a comprehensive overview of the intersection between air quality and well-being.

On the literary front, fictional works have captured the imagination of readers by weaving tales of environmental calamities and their impact on society. In "The Flu Chronicles" by P. G. Wodehouse, the author humorously explores a world where an outbreak of flu leads to a series of comical misadventures, giving a lighthearted twist to the often grave subject of public health crises.

However, not all literature on this topic comes from traditional sources. In a groundbreaking approach to literature review, the authors of this current study also extensively analyzed CVS receipts to uncover hidden messages about air quality and flu-related searches. Even though the blank stares from the CVS cashiers suggested otherwise, we believe this unorthodox method has unearthed some truly "receiptable" insights that are sure to leave readers questioning the retail secrets of environmental impact.


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 quality in Knoxville, Tennessee and Google searches for 'i have the flu'. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

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 2023

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]]
Sniffles and Search Results: Exploring the Relationship Between Knoxville Air Quality and "I Have the Flu" Google Searches

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we investigate the fascinating link between air quality in Knoxville, Tennessee and the frequency of Google searches for "i have the flu." While most people associate air quality with respiratory health, here we delve into the social media sphere to analyze if it also affects the public’s search behavior when feeling under the weather. Utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, from 2004 to 2023, we found a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.8261061 and a p-value less than 0.01, suggesting a robust association between deteriorating air quality and an uptick in searches related to flu-like symptoms. Our findings may leave you wondering if people in Knoxville are just flu-crazy, or if the air in this area truly has a nauseating impact on their well-being. So, put on your facemasks, dear readers, as we venture into the fascinating world of digital symptom sleuthing and air quality puns.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
As the old saying goes, "Achoo! There goes the neighborhood!" In the world of scientific inquiry, odd connections often rear their unexpected heads, much like a particularly persistent flu virus. In this study, we dive into the curious realm where air quality and Google searches intersect, uncovering potentially intriguing associations that may leave you reaching for your hand sanitizer.
The nexus between air quality and public health is nothing new. Researchers have long observed the impact of pollutants on respiratory and cardiovascular health, and the quest for cleaner air is a goal shared by environmentalists and individuals who simply prefer not to breathe in smog. However, in the age of digital information, our quest for answers and remedies now extends beyond the confines of medical journals and into the vast realm of internet search engines.
Our research focuses on Knoxville, Tennessee, a city known for its picturesque landscapes, lively community, and unfortunately, its occasional air pollution. We set out to investigate if the quality of the air in Knoxville is not only affecting the respiratory systems of its residents, but also influencing their behavior in the digital sphere. After all, when faced with a tickle in the throat or a sudden bout of sniffles, many among us turn to the almighty oracle of our time – Google – in search of answers, remedies, or simply to confirm that we're not alone in our suffering.
When it comes to statistical studies, we understand that correlation does not necessarily imply causation – unless, of course, it involves a bold pair of socks causing a spike in fashionable outfit Google searches. But fear not, dear reader, our methods are far more sophisticated than picking out quirky correlations. We obtained air quality data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google search frequency data from Google Trends, covering a span from 2004 to 2023. Our analysis involved rigorous statistical techniques and a keen eye for sniffing out any spurious relationships.
The title of our study, "Sniffles and Search Results," may give you a hint of the melodramatic detective work we've engaged in. Indeed, we aim to uncover the intricate dance between air quality in Knoxville and the frequency of Google searches for "i have the flu." As you join us on this research journey, expect to encounter a sinus-clearing mix of scientific rigor, statistical analyses, and, of course, some delightful puns and wordplay related to air quality and influenza.
So, grab your virtual hazmat suit and prepare for a whiff of scholarly humor as we embark on this exploration of the unexpected connections between polluted air and the digital cry of "I have the flu!"
Stay tuned for the next installment, where we delve into the data and uncover the web of correlations that may leave you pondering the very air you breathe and the queries you type into your search engine of choice.
Let's roll up our sleeves and get ready to dig into this quixotic quest for statistical significance and a nose for correlation!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To unveil the enigmatic link between air quality in Knoxville, Tennessee and the frequency of "i have the flu" Google searches, our research team embarked on a quest as daring as Don Quixote's, albeit with fewer windmills and more statistical analyses. As seasoned researchers, we employed a combination of scientific rigor, data collection, and a touch of whimsy to navigate this intriguing terrain.

Data Collection:
Our data collection process resembled a digital scavenger hunt, with the prize being a high-impact research finding rather than a hidden treasure. We scoured the vast expanse of the internet, venturing forth into the databases of the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends. The former provided us with precious data on air quality indicators, while the latter bestowed upon us the frequency of Google searches for "i have the flu." As if playing a cosmic game of digital hide and seek, we sifted through records dating from 2004 to 2023, capturing the virtual echoes of respiratory distress and search engine confessions.

Statistical Analyses:
Armed with our harvested data, we unleashed an arsenal of statistical techniques, each more precise than a needle threading its way through a haystack of confounding variables. We calculated correlation coefficients, wielded p-values like mighty swords of significance, and plotted graphs with the tenacity of graphing calculators in a battle against chaos. Our goal was clear: to discern any semblance of a relationship between Knoxville's air quality and the digital cries of "i have the flu."

Puns and Pizzazz:
While conducting our analyses, we gleefully sprinkled the discussion with puns and wordplay, injecting a dose of levity into the otherwise serious endeavor of scientific inquiry. After all, what's a research paper without some scholarly quips and the occasional statistical punchline? Much like a theatrical performance, we aimed to captivate the audience with a blend of intellectual acumen and whimsical charm, all in the noble pursuit of uncovering meaningful insights.

Ethical Considerations:
Our research adhered to the highest ethical standards, protecting the privacy of individuals behind each Google search and upholding the principles of data integrity. We maintained confidentiality and respect for the digital footprints of individuals seeking solace, remedies, or perhaps just reassurance in their time of sniffles and sneezes.

In conclusion, our methodology combined the precision of scientific inquiry with the playfulness of Sherlock Holmes unraveling a digital mystery. As we reveal our findings in the next section, prepare for a riveting tale of statistical intrigue and a dash of scholarly humor, all in the pursuit of understanding the curious dance between air quality and digital flu queries.


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

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air quality in Knoxville, Tennessee and Google searches for 'i have the flu'. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

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

For the time period 2004 to 2023, you found a correlation 0.8261061, r-squared of 0.6824513, 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]]
Sniffles and Search Results: Exploring the Relationship Between Knoxville Air Quality and "I Have the Flu" Google Searches

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we investigate the fascinating link between air quality in Knoxville, Tennessee and the frequency of Google searches for "i have the flu." While most people associate air quality with respiratory health, here we delve into the social media sphere to analyze if it also affects the public’s search behavior when feeling under the weather. Utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, from 2004 to 2023, we found a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.8261061 and a p-value less than 0.01, suggesting a robust association between deteriorating air quality and an uptick in searches related to flu-like symptoms. Our findings may leave you wondering if people in Knoxville are just flu-crazy, or if the air in this area truly has a nauseating impact on their well-being. So, put on your facemasks, dear readers, as we venture into the fascinating world of digital symptom sleuthing and air quality puns.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
As the old saying goes, "Achoo! There goes the neighborhood!" In the world of scientific inquiry, odd connections often rear their unexpected heads, much like a particularly persistent flu virus. In this study, we dive into the curious realm where air quality and Google searches intersect, uncovering potentially intriguing associations that may leave you reaching for your hand sanitizer.
The nexus between air quality and public health is nothing new. Researchers have long observed the impact of pollutants on respiratory and cardiovascular health, and the quest for cleaner air is a goal shared by environmentalists and individuals who simply prefer not to breathe in smog. However, in the age of digital information, our quest for answers and remedies now extends beyond the confines of medical journals and into the vast realm of internet search engines.
Our research focuses on Knoxville, Tennessee, a city known for its picturesque landscapes, lively community, and unfortunately, its occasional air pollution. We set out to investigate if the quality of the air in Knoxville is not only affecting the respiratory systems of its residents, but also influencing their behavior in the digital sphere. After all, when faced with a tickle in the throat or a sudden bout of sniffles, many among us turn to the almighty oracle of our time – Google – in search of answers, remedies, or simply to confirm that we're not alone in our suffering.
When it comes to statistical studies, we understand that correlation does not necessarily imply causation – unless, of course, it involves a bold pair of socks causing a spike in fashionable outfit Google searches. But fear not, dear reader, our methods are far more sophisticated than picking out quirky correlations. We obtained air quality data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google search frequency data from Google Trends, covering a span from 2004 to 2023. Our analysis involved rigorous statistical techniques and a keen eye for sniffing out any spurious relationships.
The title of our study, "Sniffles and Search Results," may give you a hint of the melodramatic detective work we've engaged in. Indeed, we aim to uncover the intricate dance between air quality in Knoxville and the frequency of Google searches for "i have the flu." As you join us on this research journey, expect to encounter a sinus-clearing mix of scientific rigor, statistical analyses, and, of course, some delightful puns and wordplay related to air quality and influenza.
So, grab your virtual hazmat suit and prepare for a whiff of scholarly humor as we embark on this exploration of the unexpected connections between polluted air and the digital cry of "I have the flu!"
Stay tuned for the next installment, where we delve into the data and uncover the web of correlations that may leave you pondering the very air you breathe and the queries you type into your search engine of choice.
Let's roll up our sleeves and get ready to dig into this quixotic quest for statistical significance and a nose for correlation!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

Upon scrutinizing the data with the gusto of a detective in a classic whodunit, we uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.8261061 between air quality in Knoxville, Tennessee and the frequency of Google searches for "i have the flu." If this correlation had a scent, it would surely be eerily reminiscent of the distinct smell of disinfectant spray in a doctor's waiting room – unmistakable, yet oddly intriguing.

The r-squared value of 0.6824513 indicates that approximately 68% of the variation in "i have the flu" Google searches can be explained by changes in air quality. It seems that when the air quality takes a turn for the worse, the citizens of Knoxville are more likely to turn to the virtual oracle of Google in search of flu-related solace and advice. Perhaps they seek refuge in the cozy embrace of digital sympathy as they weather the metaphorical storm of airborne pollutants.

The p-value of less than 0.01 further suggests a statistically significant relationship between these seemingly disparate variables. This p-value is so low, it's practically subterranean – much like the levels of patience in an overcrowded waiting room of an urgent care clinic during flu season.

Now, it's time to unveil the pièce de résistance – Fig. 1. This esteemed scatterplot beautifully illustrates the strong positive relationship between air quality and "i have the flu" Google searches. If this scatterplot were a piece of modern art, it would be titled "The Ephemeral Dance of Air Particles and Search Queries" and would fetch a pretty penny at any prestigious digital art gallery.

So, dear reader, it appears that the air in Knoxville holds a curious power over the digital behavior of its denizens, perhaps more than just inducing the occasional sniffle or two. This finding raises the question: Are the citizens of Knoxville particularly prone to perusing the web for flu remedies, or does the local air quality indeed have a mysterious influence on their susceptibility to sniffles and sneezes? These are the mysteries that make the world of research oh-so captivating.

Let us now take a moment to collectively marvel at the interconnected tapestry of air quality and digital queries, as we ponder the possibility that the search for flu-related information may be as much a barometer of the local air quality as it is a measure of public health concerns. The plot thickens, much like a bowl of chicken soup left to simmer on a cold, flu-ridden day.

In the next section, we will plumb even deeper into the data, peeling back the layers of this intriguing relationship with all the gusto of a detective solving a centuries-old mystery. Stay tuned for the further unveiling of this enigmatic correlation, as we move toward our conclusions and implications with the ebullience of a scientist on the brink of a groundbreaking discovery.


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 quality in Knoxville, Tennessee and Google searches for 'i have the flu'. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

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]]
Sniffles and Search Results: Exploring the Relationship Between Knoxville Air Quality and "I Have the Flu" Google Searches

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we investigate the fascinating link between air quality in Knoxville, Tennessee and the frequency of Google searches for "i have the flu." While most people associate air quality with respiratory health, here we delve into the social media sphere to analyze if it also affects the public’s search behavior when feeling under the weather. Utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, from 2004 to 2023, we found a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.8261061 and a p-value less than 0.01, suggesting a robust association between deteriorating air quality and an uptick in searches related to flu-like symptoms. Our findings may leave you wondering if people in Knoxville are just flu-crazy, or if the air in this area truly has a nauseating impact on their well-being. So, put on your facemasks, dear readers, as we venture into the fascinating world of digital symptom sleuthing and air quality puns.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The connection between environmental factors and public health has long been an area of great interest among the scholarly community. Smith and Doe (2008) delved into the impact of air quality on respiratory health, highlighting the detrimental effects of air pollution on pulmonary functions and overall well-being. Moreover, Jones et al. (2015) conducted a comprehensive analysis of the association between air quality and various respiratory conditions, further emphasizing the need for clean and breathable air in our urban centers.
Moving beyond the realm of academic research, popular non-fiction publications have also addressed the impact of environmental factors on public health. In "The Air We Breathe: From Smog to Serenity" by Environmentalist Extraordinaire, the reader is taken on a journey through the history of air pollution and its consequences on human health, providing a comprehensive overview of the intersection between air quality and well-being.
On the literary front, fictional works have captured the imagination of readers by weaving tales of environmental calamities and their impact on society. In "The Flu Chronicles" by P. G. Wodehouse, the author humorously explores a world where an outbreak of flu leads to a series of comical misadventures, giving a lighthearted twist to the often grave subject of public health crises.
However, not all literature on this topic comes from traditional sources. In a groundbreaking approach to literature review, the authors of this current study also extensively analyzed CVS receipts to uncover hidden messages about air quality and flu-related searches. Even though the blank stares from the CVS cashiers suggested otherwise, we believe this unorthodox method has unearthed some truly "receiptable" insights that are sure to leave readers questioning the retail secrets of environmental impact.

[[RESULTS]]
Upon scrutinizing the data with the gusto of a detective in a classic whodunit, we uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.8261061 between air quality in Knoxville, Tennessee and the frequency of Google searches for "i have the flu." If this correlation had a scent, it would surely be eerily reminiscent of the distinct smell of disinfectant spray in a doctor's waiting room – unmistakable, yet oddly intriguing.
The r-squared value of 0.6824513 indicates that approximately 68% of the variation in "i have the flu" Google searches can be explained by changes in air quality. It seems that when the air quality takes a turn for the worse, the citizens of Knoxville are more likely to turn to the virtual oracle of Google in search of flu-related solace and advice. Perhaps they seek refuge in the cozy embrace of digital sympathy as they weather the metaphorical storm of airborne pollutants.
The p-value of less than 0.01 further suggests a statistically significant relationship between these seemingly disparate variables. This p-value is so low, it's practically subterranean – much like the levels of patience in an overcrowded waiting room of an urgent care clinic during flu season.
Now, it's time to unveil the pièce de résistance – Fig. 1. This esteemed scatterplot beautifully illustrates the strong positive relationship between air quality and "i have the flu" Google searches. If this scatterplot were a piece of modern art, it would be titled "The Ephemeral Dance of Air Particles and Search Queries" and would fetch a pretty penny at any prestigious digital art gallery.
So, dear reader, it appears that the air in Knoxville holds a curious power over the digital behavior of its denizens, perhaps more than just inducing the occasional sniffle or two. This finding raises the question: Are the citizens of Knoxville particularly prone to perusing the web for flu remedies, or does the local air quality indeed have a mysterious influence on their susceptibility to sniffles and sneezes? These are the mysteries that make the world of research oh-so captivating.
Let us now take a moment to collectively marvel at the interconnected tapestry of air quality and digital queries, as we ponder the possibility that the search for flu-related information may be as much a barometer of the local air quality as it is a measure of public health concerns. The plot thickens, much like a bowl of chicken soup left to simmer on a cold, flu-ridden day.
In the next section, we will plumb even deeper into the data, peeling back the layers of this intriguing relationship with all the gusto of a detective solving a centuries-old mystery. Stay tuned for the further unveiling of this enigmatic correlation, as we move toward our conclusions and implications with the ebullience of a scientist on the brink of a groundbreaking discovery.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

In interpreting our results, it is evident that the correlation between air quality in Knoxville and "i have the flu" Google searches is as strong as the overpowering scent of vaporized hand sanitizer in a crowded doctor's waiting room. Our findings not only corroborate the prior research, but they also add a whimsical twist to the serious discourse on environmental impact and public health.

As we fondly recall the literature review, it is impossible to ignore the groundbreaking approach of analyzing CVS receipts for hidden messages about air quality and flu-related searches. While the blank stares of the cashiers set the stage for surreptitious data collection, our findings substantiate the unearthed "receiptable" insights. Just like the unassuming items on those crumpled receipts, our study uncovers hidden treasures linking air quality to digital symptom sleuthing.

The playful allusion to "The Flu Chronicles" by P. G. Wodehouse in our literature review takes on a new significance as we ponder the mysterious dance of air particles and search queries revealed in our scatterplot. The literary world may have humorously depicted a flu outbreak leading to comical misadventures, but our study illustrates how the real-world interaction between air quality and digital searches is equally intriguing, if not more so.

Our results validate the established connection between environmental factors and public health, reaffirming the need for clean and breathable air in urban centers, and prompting us to consider the role of digital behavior as a barometer of local air quality. The intersection of air quality and online information-seeking habits unveils a new dimension in public health research – one that is as unexpected as finding a forgotten tissue in a freshly laundered lab coat pocket.

As we navigate through the labyrinth of data-driven inquiry with the enthusiasm of a researcher on the cusp of a breakthrough, the mysteries of the relationship between Knoxville air quality and "i have the flu" Google searches continue to captivate and amuse. So, let us bask in the quirky realm of digital sleuthing and air quality puns, and embrace the notion that even in the most unlikely correlations, there may lie nuggets of insight waiting to be uncovered. After all, in the world of research, curiosity often leads to intriguing, and at times, unexpected discoveries.


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 quality in Knoxville, Tennessee and Google searches for 'i have the flu'. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Sneak in some jokes and clever puns about science, research, statistics, and the variables.

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]]
Sniffles and Search Results: Exploring the Relationship Between Knoxville Air Quality and "I Have the Flu" Google Searches

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we investigate the fascinating link between air quality in Knoxville, Tennessee and the frequency of Google searches for "i have the flu." While most people associate air quality with respiratory health, here we delve into the social media sphere to analyze if it also affects the public’s search behavior when feeling under the weather. Utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, from 2004 to 2023, we found a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.8261061 and a p-value less than 0.01, suggesting a robust association between deteriorating air quality and an uptick in searches related to flu-like symptoms. Our findings may leave you wondering if people in Knoxville are just flu-crazy, or if the air in this area truly has a nauseating impact on their well-being. So, put on your facemasks, dear readers, as we venture into the fascinating world of digital symptom sleuthing and air quality puns.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
As the old saying goes, "Achoo! There goes the neighborhood!" In the world of scientific inquiry, odd connections often rear their unexpected heads, much like a particularly persistent flu virus. In this study, we dive into the curious realm where air quality and Google searches intersect, uncovering potentially intriguing associations that may leave you reaching for your hand sanitizer.
The nexus between air quality and public health is nothing new. Researchers have long observed the impact of pollutants on respiratory and cardiovascular health, and the quest for cleaner air is a goal shared by environmentalists and individuals who simply prefer not to breathe in smog. However, in the age of digital information, our quest for answers and remedies now extends beyond the confines of medical journals and into the vast realm of internet search engines.
Our research focuses on Knoxville, Tennessee, a city known for its picturesque landscapes, lively community, and unfortunately, its occasional air pollution. We set out to investigate if the quality of the air in Knoxville is not only affecting the respiratory systems of its residents, but also influencing their behavior in the digital sphere. After all, when faced with a tickle in the throat or a sudden bout of sniffles, many among us turn to the almighty oracle of our time – Google – in search of answers, remedies, or simply to confirm that we're not alone in our suffering.
When it comes to statistical studies, we understand that correlation does not necessarily imply causation – unless, of course, it involves a bold pair of socks causing a spike in fashionable outfit Google searches. But fear not, dear reader, our methods are far more sophisticated than picking out quirky correlations. We obtained air quality data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google search frequency data from Google Trends, covering a span from 2004 to 2023. Our analysis involved rigorous statistical techniques and a keen eye for sniffing out any spurious relationships.
The title of our study, "Sniffles and Search Results," may give you a hint of the melodramatic detective work we've engaged in. Indeed, we aim to uncover the intricate dance between air quality in Knoxville and the frequency of Google searches for "i have the flu." As you join us on this research journey, expect to encounter a sinus-clearing mix of scientific rigor, statistical analyses, and, of course, some delightful puns and wordplay related to air quality and influenza.
So, grab your virtual hazmat suit and prepare for a whiff of scholarly humor as we embark on this exploration of the unexpected connections between polluted air and the digital cry of "I have the flu!"
Stay tuned for the next installment, where we delve into the data and uncover the web of correlations that may leave you pondering the very air you breathe and the queries you type into your search engine of choice.
Let's roll up our sleeves and get ready to dig into this quixotic quest for statistical significance and a nose for correlation!

[[RESULTS]]
Upon scrutinizing the data with the gusto of a detective in a classic whodunit, we uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.8261061 between air quality in Knoxville, Tennessee and the frequency of Google searches for "i have the flu." If this correlation had a scent, it would surely be eerily reminiscent of the distinct smell of disinfectant spray in a doctor's waiting room – unmistakable, yet oddly intriguing.
The r-squared value of 0.6824513 indicates that approximately 68% of the variation in "i have the flu" Google searches can be explained by changes in air quality. It seems that when the air quality takes a turn for the worse, the citizens of Knoxville are more likely to turn to the virtual oracle of Google in search of flu-related solace and advice. Perhaps they seek refuge in the cozy embrace of digital sympathy as they weather the metaphorical storm of airborne pollutants.
The p-value of less than 0.01 further suggests a statistically significant relationship between these seemingly disparate variables. This p-value is so low, it's practically subterranean – much like the levels of patience in an overcrowded waiting room of an urgent care clinic during flu season.
Now, it's time to unveil the pièce de résistance – Fig. 1. This esteemed scatterplot beautifully illustrates the strong positive relationship between air quality and "i have the flu" Google searches. If this scatterplot were a piece of modern art, it would be titled "The Ephemeral Dance of Air Particles and Search Queries" and would fetch a pretty penny at any prestigious digital art gallery.
So, dear reader, it appears that the air in Knoxville holds a curious power over the digital behavior of its denizens, perhaps more than just inducing the occasional sniffle or two. This finding raises the question: Are the citizens of Knoxville particularly prone to perusing the web for flu remedies, or does the local air quality indeed have a mysterious influence on their susceptibility to sniffles and sneezes? These are the mysteries that make the world of research oh-so captivating.
Let us now take a moment to collectively marvel at the interconnected tapestry of air quality and digital queries, as we ponder the possibility that the search for flu-related information may be as much a barometer of the local air quality as it is a measure of public health concerns. The plot thickens, much like a bowl of chicken soup left to simmer on a cold, flu-ridden day.
In the next section, we will plumb even deeper into the data, peeling back the layers of this intriguing relationship with all the gusto of a detective solving a centuries-old mystery. Stay tuned for the further unveiling of this enigmatic correlation, as we move toward our conclusions and implications with the ebullience of a scientist on the brink of a groundbreaking discovery.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, it appears that the air quality in Knoxville, Tennessee is not just a matter of concern for our lungs, but also for our digital impulses in the face of potential sniffles and sneezes. Our findings have unveiled a correlation coefficient so strong, it might as well be performing a symphony for flu symptoms. It seems that when the air quality takes a turn for the worse, Google becomes the virtual handkerchief for Knoxvillians in search of digital sympathy.

As we wrap up this research odyssey, it's clear that the connection between air quality and "i have the flu" Google searches is as solid as a virus in a petri dish. The r-squared value tells us that approximately 68% of the variation in flu-related queries can be explained by changes in air quality. This relationship is so strong, it's the scientific equivalent of having a hearty bowl of chicken soup when you're under the weather – comforting and reliable.

Our p-value is not just statistically significant, it's practically shouting from the rooftops like a concerned neighbor warning about the spread of a flu outbreak. We've also presented a scatterplot that is more than just a visual aid – it's a digital art piece worthy of a museum exhibit, showcasing the ephemeral dance between air quality and virtual flu inquiries.

So, dear reader, it's safe to say that our findings breathe new life into the old adage "It's in the air." Whether it's the air particles taking a nosedive or the citizens of Knoxville being particularly inquisitive about flu remedies, this research has certainly shed light on a quirky, yet thought-provoking connection.

And with that, we confidently assert that no further research is needed in this area. After all, we've plumbed the depths of air quality and digital symptom sleuthing with all the enthusiasm of a scientist on the cusp of a groundbreaking discovery. It's time to bid farewell to this peculiar intersection of science, statistics, and sniffles, and move on to uncovering the next unexpected connection in the wacky world of research.


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 Sniffles and Search Results: Exploring the Relationship Between Knoxville Air Quality and I Have the Flu Google Searches. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Quirky Environmental Studies


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 Sniffles and Search Results: Exploring the Relationship Between Knoxville Air Quality and I Have the Flu Google Searches. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Institute for Environmental Health and Digital Behavior Research


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide potential search keywords separated by commas. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide potential search keywords for a paper titled Sniffles and Search Results: Exploring the Relationship Between Knoxville Air Quality and I Have the Flu Google Searches with an abstract of In this paper, we investigate the fascinating link between air quality in Knoxville, Tennessee and the frequency of Google searches for "i have the flu." While most people associate air quality with respiratory health, here we delve into the social media sphere to analyze if it also affects the public’s search behavior when feeling under the weather. Utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends, from 2004 to 2023, we found a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.8261061 and a p-value less than 0.01, suggesting a robust association between deteriorating air quality and an uptick in searches related to flu-like symptoms. Our findings may leave you wondering if people in Knoxville are just flu-crazy, or if the air in this area truly has a nauseating impact on their well-being. So, put on your facemasks, dear readers, as we venture into the fascinating world of digital symptom sleuthing and air quality puns.

ChatGPT:

Knoxville air quality, flu symptoms, Google searches, environmental protection agency data, air quality impact, respiratory health, Knoxville Tennessee, social media analysis, correlation coefficient, Google Trends, flu-like symptoms, digital symptom sleuthing, public health, environmental impact

*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 quality in Knoxville, Tennessee
Detailed data title: Percentage of days with good air quality in Knoxville, TN
Source: Environmental Protection Agency
See what else correlates with Air quality in Knoxville, Tennessee

Google searches for 'i have the flu'
Detailed data title: Relative volume of Google searches for 'i have the flu' (Worldwide, without quotes)
Source: Google Trends
Additional Info: Relative search volume (not absolute numbers)

See what else correlates with Google searches for 'i have the flu'

Correlation r = 0.8261061 (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 = 0.6824513 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 68.2% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Google searches for 'i have the flu') is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Air quality in Knoxville, Tennessee) over the 20 years from 2004 through 2023.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 7.21E-6. 0.0000072095517139792300000000
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 0.83 in 0.000721% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 138,705 random variables You don't actually need 138 thousand variables to find a correlation like this one. I don't have that many variables in my database. You can also correlate variables that are not independent. I do this a lot.

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

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

Just to be clear: I'm being completely transparent about the calculations. There is no math trickery. This is just how statistics shakes out when you calculate hundreds of millions of random correlations.
with the same 19 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 19 because we have two variables measured over a period of 20 years. It's just the number of years minus ( the number of variables minus one ), which in this case simplifies to the number of years minus one.
you would randomly expect to find a correlation as strong as this one.

[ 0.6, 0.93 ] 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.
20042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Air quality in Knoxville, Tennessee (Good air quality)24.316924.383626.575325.205549.453664.383633.972626.301430.054633.150752.876756.164454.098469.315165.753461.369976.502762.191865.479557.5092
Google searches for 'i have the flu' (Rel. search volume)3.333334.583334.083333.916676.9166728.583311.166715.166716.666723.521.083319.416718.833324.1667343033.2521.333329.333317.6667




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.




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([24.3169,24.3836,26.5753,25.2055,49.4536,64.3836,33.9726,26.3014,30.0546,33.1507,52.8767,56.1644,54.0984,69.3151,65.7534,61.3699,76.5027,62.1918,65.4795,57.5092,])
array_2 = np.array([3.33333,4.58333,4.08333,3.91667,6.91667,28.5833,11.1667,15.1667,16.6667,23.5,21.0833,19.4167,18.8333,24.1667,34,30,33.25,21.3333,29.3333,17.6667,])
array_1_name = "Air quality in Knoxville, Tennessee"
array_2_name = "Google searches for 'i have the flu'"

# 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. 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:


View another random correlation

How fun was this correlation?

I'm grateful for your review!


Correlation ID: 4584 · Black Variable ID: 20782 · Red Variable ID: 1528
about · subscribe · emailme@tylervigen.com · twitter

CC BY 4.0