Spurious correlation #4,831 · View random
A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Air pollution in Portsmouth, Ohio and the second variable is xkcd comics published about engineering. The chart goes from 2007 to 2023, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Air pollution in Portsmouth, Ohio and the second variable is xkcd comics published about engineering. The chart goes from 2007 to 2023, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

Download png, svg

AI explanation

The smog in Portsmouth is so thick that it's sparking some next-level engineering innovations just to navigate through it! You could say the air pollution is giving rise to a new kind of 'air-borne' creativity, quite literally. And as the saying goes, necessity is the mother of engineering comics - or something like that! It's all just a comic serendipity!

^{Show image generation prompt} Model: dalle-3
Prompt: [ a Polaroid photo ] of a group of engineers clad in xkcd comic t-shirts huddled around a makeshift table in Portsmouth, Ohio. The heavy smog forms a backdrop as they brainstorm and sketch inventive solutions to combat air pollution. One engineer holds up a comic strip, pointing to a clever idea, while another scribbles furiously on a notepad. Their determination and comic-inspired creativity shine through as they work on developing innovative ways to navigate through the thick smog. The depiction should include only scenes, people, and objects, it should not include text or speech bubbles.

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

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You select one of a few potential scene descriptors that seems to go along with the variables described. You respond only with the scene descriptions provided and say nothing else.
User prompt: Here are two variables: Air pollution in Portsmouth, Ohio and xkcd comics published about engineering. 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: Cyber folk Cubism Hyper-realistic Psychedelic a Polaroid photo
ChatGPT: a Polaroid photo

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both Air pollution in Portsmouth, Ohio and xkcd comics published about engineering, in the following situation: The smog in Portsmouth is so thick that it's sparking some next-level engineering innovations just to navigate through it! You could say the air pollution is giving rise to a new kind of 'air-borne' creativity, quite literally. And as the saying goes, necessity is the mother of engineering comics - or something like that! It's all just a comic serendipity!. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In Portsmouth, Ohio, amidst the heavy smog, a group of engineers clad in xkcd comic t-shirts can be seen huddled around a makeshift table. With a stack of engineering comics spread out before them, they are brainstorming and sketching out inventive solutions to combat the air pollution. One engineer holds up a comic strip, pointing to a clever idea, while another scribbles furiously on a notepad. Despite the challenging conditions, their determination and comic-inspired creativity shine through, as they work on developing innovative ways to navigate through the thick smog.

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 Polaroid photo ] and depicting this scene: In Portsmouth, Ohio, amidst the heavy smog, a group of engineers clad in xkcd comic t-shirts can be seen huddled around a makeshift table. With a stack of engineering comics spread out before them, they are brainstorming and sketching out inventive solutions to combat the air pollution. One engineer holds up a comic strip, pointing to a clever idea, while another scribbles furiously on a notepad. Despite the challenging conditions, their determination and comic-inspired creativity shine through, as they work on developing innovative ways to navigate through the thick smog. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: [ a Polaroid photo ] of a group of engineers clad in xkcd comic t-shirts huddled around a makeshift table in Portsmouth, Ohio. The heavy smog forms a backdrop as they brainstorm and sketch inventive solutions to combat air pollution. One engineer holds up a comic strip, pointing to a clever idea, while another scribbles furiously on a notepad. Their determination and comic-inspired creativity shine through as they work on developing innovative ways to navigate through the thick smog.

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

I sequence the requests into multiple prompts because I find GPT 3.5 to perform much better with short, well-managed contexts. Thus, I track the context directly in Python and only ask ChatGPT targeted questions.
^{Show prompt for explanation} Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how an increase in Air pollution in Portsmouth, Ohio caused xkcd comics published about engineering to increase. Include one good pun.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)

Air Pollution's Illustrative Correlation: Portsmouth's Noxious Emissions and xkcd's Comics on Engineering Ambitions

International Journal of Environmental Humor Studies

Jan 2024

Reminder: This paper is AI-generated. Not real!

^{Show prompt used to generate this paper} Quick note: This sequence is long and repetitive. That's how the prompt engineering works for this one. I manage the output in Python to format it into this PDF.

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

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Portsmouth, Ohio and xkcd comics published about engineering. 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. Perhaps you also got inspiration from some board games that are vaugely related.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Air Pollution's Illustrative Correlation: Portsmouth's Noxious Emissions and xkcd's Comics on Engineering Ambitions

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research paper examines the relationship between air pollution levels in Portsmouth, Ohio, and the publication of xkcd comics related to engineering over the years 2007-2023. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and advanced AI analysis of xkcd comics, our research team analyzed the correlation between environmental factors and artistic expressions of engineering humor. The results revealed a surprisingly strong correlation coefficient of 0.8191528 and p < 0.01. This study not only sheds light on the environmental impact in Portsmouth but also provides a whimsically intriguing connection between air pollution and the world of engineering as depicted in xkcd comics. So, let’s dive into this scientific hilarity and see if engineering ambitions are truly a breath of fresh air or just blowing smoke!

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
In the annals of research, where serious words and complicated equations usually reign supreme, it's rare to find a study that delves into the intersection of air pollution and webcomics. However, as the brilliant mind behind xkcd, Randall Munroe, once said, "Science isn't about why, it's about why not!" And so, we embark on a scientific quest to unravel the unexpected connection between the noxious emissions of Portsmouth, Ohio, and the lighthearted yet insightful xkcd comics focusing on engineering ambitions.
Air pollution, a perennial concern for human health and the environment, has long been the subject of intense scrutiny. Meanwhile, xkcd, a venerable webcomic revered by scientists and laypeople alike, offers a delightful blend of humor and intellect, particularly in its uncanny ability to capture the trials and tribulations of engineering in a series of stick-figure panels. It is in this juxtaposition of serious environmental issues and whimsical webcomics that our research finds its footing. For as unlikely as it may seem, there is a certain poetry in uncovering the marriage of industrial emissions and artistic representations of engineering in the digital age.
The city of Portsmouth, Ohio, with its industrial landscape and its struggle with air quality, serves as the perfect backdrop for our investigation. Behind every plume of smoke and every clanking piece of machinery lies a story waiting to be told, and in this case, that story intersects with the virtual realm of xkcd. With data from the Environmental Protection Agency in hand and the computational prowess of AI at our disposal, we set out to illuminate a correlation that is as unexpected as it is thought-provoking.
This paper seeks not only to present our findings but also to infuse a sense of lighthearted curiosity into the oftentimes weighty domain of scientific inquiry. After all, if we cannot find mirth in our pursuit of knowledge, then perhaps we are missing the forest for the trees! So, with a twinkle in our eye and a sense of wonder, let us unravel the curious link between air pollution and xkcd's whimsical take on engineering endeavors. Are we in for a breath of fresh air, or will this investigation simply blow smoke? Let's find out!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The quest for understanding the connection between air pollution in Portsmouth, Ohio, and xkcd comics on engineering has led researchers down a winding road of academic inquiry. At the intersection of environmental science and comic artistry, we find intriguing insights from various sources.

In "Air Pollution and Its Effects on Human Health," Smith et al. delved deep into the respiratory impact of noxious emissions, painting a vivid picture of the sobering health consequences of air pollution. Meanwhile, Doe's comprehensive study, "Industrial Emissions: A Tale of Two Cities,” offers a nuanced examination of the factors contributing to air quality degradation in urban settings. These rigorous analyses form the bedrock of our understanding of the tangible effects of air pollution on human well-being.

Adding a whimsical twist to our review, it is notable that "The Complete Far Side" by Gary Larson and "Calvin and Hobbes" by Bill Watterson, though not directly related to air pollution, provide ample comic relief in the realm of absurdity and imagination. Who's to say that a good chuckle isn't just as beneficial as clean air?

Furthermore, board games such as "Terraforming Mars" and "Pandemic" offer an unconventional lens through which to view environmental challenges and the delicate balance of ecosystems. While not directly related to xkcd or Portsmouth, the strategic considerations employed in these games offer a tangentially relevant perspective on the interconnectedness of environmental factors.

However, the pièce de résistance of this literary expedition lies in the scholarly analysis of xkcd comics related to engineering ambitions. In "Stick Figure Artistry: A Study of Randall Munroe's Webcomics," Jones et al. masterfully dissect the humor, wit, and scientific acumen ingrained in the panels of xkcd. The authors showcase how Munroe's creations not only entertain but also provoke a deeper contemplation of technological endeavors.

As we traverse the bizarre crossroads of pollution and punchlines, it becomes clear that the marriage of these seemingly disparate subjects yields unforeseen revelations. The literary landscape offers a myriad of perspectives, from the serious to the delightfully absurd, painting a picture of interconnectedness that transcends conventional scholarly boundaries.

With our feet firmly planted in the riveting realm of academic inquiry and our eyes gleaming with scholarly whimsy, we plunge headfirst into the data and discourse that have paved the way for our own lighthearted investigation. After all, in the words of Winston Churchill, "The empires of the future are the empires of the mind." And what better empire to explore than the delightful confluence of air pollution and engineering-themed webcomics? Let us march forth with curious hearts and unyielding determination to unearth the comedic truths entwined within this unexpected 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 the methodology section of an academic research paper.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Portsmouth, Ohio and xkcd comics published about engineering. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Environmental Protection Agency and AI analysis of xkcd comics . You used data from 2007 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]]
Air Pollution's Illustrative Correlation: Portsmouth's Noxious Emissions and xkcd's Comics on Engineering Ambitions

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research paper examines the relationship between air pollution levels in Portsmouth, Ohio, and the publication of xkcd comics related to engineering over the years 2007-2023. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and advanced AI analysis of xkcd comics, our research team analyzed the correlation between environmental factors and artistic expressions of engineering humor. The results revealed a surprisingly strong correlation coefficient of 0.8191528 and p < 0.01. This study not only sheds light on the environmental impact in Portsmouth but also provides a whimsically intriguing connection between air pollution and the world of engineering as depicted in xkcd comics. So, let’s dive into this scientific hilarity and see if engineering ambitions are truly a breath of fresh air or just blowing smoke!

[[INTRODUCTION]]
In the annals of research, where serious words and complicated equations usually reign supreme, it's rare to find a study that delves into the intersection of air pollution and webcomics. However, as the brilliant mind behind xkcd, Randall Munroe, once said, "Science isn't about why, it's about why not!" And so, we embark on a scientific quest to unravel the unexpected connection between the noxious emissions of Portsmouth, Ohio, and the lighthearted yet insightful xkcd comics focusing on engineering ambitions.
Air pollution, a perennial concern for human health and the environment, has long been the subject of intense scrutiny. Meanwhile, xkcd, a venerable webcomic revered by scientists and laypeople alike, offers a delightful blend of humor and intellect, particularly in its uncanny ability to capture the trials and tribulations of engineering in a series of stick-figure panels. It is in this juxtaposition of serious environmental issues and whimsical webcomics that our research finds its footing. For as unlikely as it may seem, there is a certain poetry in uncovering the marriage of industrial emissions and artistic representations of engineering in the digital age.
The city of Portsmouth, Ohio, with its industrial landscape and its struggle with air quality, serves as the perfect backdrop for our investigation. Behind every plume of smoke and every clanking piece of machinery lies a story waiting to be told, and in this case, that story intersects with the virtual realm of xkcd. With data from the Environmental Protection Agency in hand and the computational prowess of AI at our disposal, we set out to illuminate a correlation that is as unexpected as it is thought-provoking.
This paper seeks not only to present our findings but also to infuse a sense of lighthearted curiosity into the oftentimes weighty domain of scientific inquiry. After all, if we cannot find mirth in our pursuit of knowledge, then perhaps we are missing the forest for the trees! So, with a twinkle in our eye and a sense of wonder, let us unravel the curious link between air pollution and xkcd's whimsical take on engineering endeavors. Are we in for a breath of fresh air, or will this investigation simply blow smoke? Let's find out!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To unravel the enigmatic connection between air pollution in Portsmouth, Ohio, and the presence of engineering-related xkcd comics, we employed a multi-faceted approach that combined traditional data analysis with the advanced computational capabilities of artificial intelligence. Our methods were carefully crafted to ensure that the humorous undertones of the research question were not lost in the rigors of scientific inquiry. After all, what's the point of studying webcomics if you can't have a little fun along the way?

First and foremost, our research team scoured the depths of the internet to gather air pollution data from the Environmental Protection Agency. We meticulously sifted through datasets, braving the virtual winds of information, to procure precise measurements of noxious emissions and atmospheric pollutants in the vicinity of Portsmouth, Ohio. It was a quest akin to panning for scientific gold in the digital rivers, and the treasure trove of environmental data we unearthed would make even the most intrepid explorer proud.

Now, on to the realm of xkcd and its portrayal of engineering triumphs and tribulations. With the daunting task of analyzing years' worth of webcomics on our hands, we turned to the power of artificial intelligence. We developed a specialized algorithm, affectionately named "ComiCog," that could not only identify and categorize engineering-related comics but also discern the nuanced humor and wit imbued within them. ComiCog's virtual eyes scanned through the panels, seeking out the stick-figure musings that brought lightheartedness to the world of technical innovation.

But we didn't stop there. In a stroke of scientific whimsy, we also enlisted the help of a group of trained comedy connoisseurs to subjectively assess the comedic value of each engineering-themed xkcd comic. Armed with clipboards and a formidable arsenal of puns, this elite team of "Mirth Monitors" provided a qualitative assessment of the comedic prowess exhibited in the webcomics. Who would have thought that humor could be dissected with such scholarly fervor?

With our data sources collected and our analysis tools at the ready, we embarked on the journey of statistical exploration. Through robust regression analyses and correlation calculations, we sought to quantify the apparent relationship between air pollution levels in Portsmouth and the frequency of engineering-focused xkcd comics. The fusion of traditional statistical methods and unorthodox comedic evaluations yielded a holistic view of the intertwined phenomena, leaving no comedic stone unturned.

In summation, our methodology blended the seriousness of environmental data analysis with the lightheartedness of comic scrutiny, crafting a scientific concoction as intriguing as it was unconventional. With the stage set and the data amassed, we proceeded to unravel the mysterious bond between air pollution and the artistic musings of xkcd.

Next, with bated breath and a touch of whimsy, we shall reveal the integral ingredients of our data analysis and the unexpected twists that ensued. Let the scientific antics continue!

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

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Portsmouth, Ohio and xkcd comics published about engineering. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Limit your response to 500 tokens.

Here are the title, abstract, literature review, and results sections. Please harken back to 1-2 of the goofy items in the literature review, but pretend to take them completely seriously. Discuss how your results supported the prior research.

Do not write a conclusion. I will add a conclusion after this.

[[TITLE]]
Air Pollution's Illustrative Correlation: Portsmouth's Noxious Emissions and xkcd's Comics on Engineering Ambitions

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research paper examines the relationship between air pollution levels in Portsmouth, Ohio, and the publication of xkcd comics related to engineering over the years 2007-2023. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and advanced AI analysis of xkcd comics, our research team analyzed the correlation between environmental factors and artistic expressions of engineering humor. The results revealed a surprisingly strong correlation coefficient of 0.8191528 and p < 0.01. This study not only sheds light on the environmental impact in Portsmouth but also provides a whimsically intriguing connection between air pollution and the world of engineering as depicted in xkcd comics. So, let’s dive into this scientific hilarity and see if engineering ambitions are truly a breath of fresh air or just blowing smoke!

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The quest for understanding the connection between air pollution in Portsmouth, Ohio, and xkcd comics on engineering has led researchers down a winding road of academic inquiry. At the intersection of environmental science and comic artistry, we find intriguing insights from various sources.
In "Air Pollution and Its Effects on Human Health," Smith et al. delved deep into the respiratory impact of noxious emissions, painting a vivid picture of the sobering health consequences of air pollution. Meanwhile, Doe's comprehensive study, "Industrial Emissions: A Tale of Two Cities,” offers a nuanced examination of the factors contributing to air quality degradation in urban settings. These rigorous analyses form the bedrock of our understanding of the tangible effects of air pollution on human well-being.
Adding a whimsical twist to our review, it is notable that "The Complete Far Side" by Gary Larson and "Calvin and Hobbes" by Bill Watterson, though not directly related to air pollution, provide ample comic relief in the realm of absurdity and imagination. Who's to say that a good chuckle isn't just as beneficial as clean air?
Furthermore, board games such as "Terraforming Mars" and "Pandemic" offer an unconventional lens through which to view environmental challenges and the delicate balance of ecosystems. While not directly related to xkcd or Portsmouth, the strategic considerations employed in these games offer a tangentially relevant perspective on the interconnectedness of environmental factors.
However, the pièce de résistance of this literary expedition lies in the scholarly analysis of xkcd comics related to engineering ambitions. In "Stick Figure Artistry: A Study of Randall Munroe's Webcomics," Jones et al. masterfully dissect the humor, wit, and scientific acumen ingrained in the panels of xkcd. The authors showcase how Munroe's creations not only entertain but also provoke a deeper contemplation of technological endeavors.
As we traverse the bizarre crossroads of pollution and punchlines, it becomes clear that the marriage of these seemingly disparate subjects yields unforeseen revelations. The literary landscape offers a myriad of perspectives, from the serious to the delightfully absurd, painting a picture of interconnectedness that transcends conventional scholarly boundaries.
With our feet firmly planted in the riveting realm of academic inquiry and our eyes gleaming with scholarly whimsy, we plunge headfirst into the data and discourse that have paved the way for our own lighthearted investigation. After all, in the words of Winston Churchill, "The empires of the future are the empires of the mind." And what better empire to explore than the delightful confluence of air pollution and engineering-themed webcomics? Let us march forth with curious hearts and unyielding determination to unearth the comedic truths entwined within this unexpected correlation.

[[RESULTS]]
The statistical analysis of our data revealed a remarkably strong correlation between air pollution levels in Portsmouth, Ohio, and the publication of xkcd comics related to engineering. The correlation coefficient of 0.8191528 indicates a robust relationship between these seemingly disparate variables. As if that wasn't surprising enough, the r-squared value of 0.6710114 suggests that a whopping 67.1% of the variation in xkcd comics about engineering can be explained by the fluctuations in air pollution levels. It's as if the industrious spirit of engineering is breathing in sync with the wheezing of industrial emissions!
With a p-value of less than 0.01, we can confidently say that this correlation is not just a product of sheer coincidence or random chance. The probability of observing such a strong relationship between air pollution and xkcd comics on engineering by random fluctuation alone is less than 1 in 100. It seems that the artistic musings of Randall Munroe in xkcd are not just random scribbles on the digital canvas but might actually be tapping into the atmospheric zeitgeist of Portsmouth's environmental landscape.
The strong correlation is visually depicted in Fig. 1 where a scatterplot illustrates the co-movement of air pollution levels and the appearance of xkcd comics related to engineering. The data points huddle closely together, affirming the synchronous dance between environmental concerns and artistic expressions. One might even say that the points on the scatterplot are so tightly packed, they practically form an artistic impression of a city skyline engulfed in a cloud of irony and statistical significance!
In essence, our results suggest that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to the relationship between air pollution in Portsmouth and the creative outpouring of xkcd comics about engineering. It's almost as if the very air itself is whispering jokes and insights to the artistic mind behind xkcd, urging them to capture the complexities of engineering in a veil of cleverness and wit. Thus, our findings not only uncover an intriguing correlation but also open the door to a world where environmental concerns and webcomics converge in an unexpected waltz of statistical significance and comedic resonance.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

Our findings have not only brought a breath of fresh air to the world of interdisciplinary research but have also blown away any lingering doubts about the substantial correlation between air pollution in Portsmouth, Ohio, and the delightful musings of xkcd comics pertaining to engineering. As we embark on this playful exploration of uncommon correlations, it's important to acknowledge the serious implications of our results, even if the topic itself seems to be a bit of a "gas," pun intended.

The robust correlation coefficient of 0.8191528, as well as the r-squared value of 0.6710114, reaffirms the strong association between air pollution levels and the appearance of xkcd comics centered around engineering concepts. It's as if the air pollution is not just affecting the environment but also providing artistic inspiration from the atmospheric ethers! This statistical significance aligns with prior research, such as Smith et al.'s insight into the respiratory impact of noxious emissions, albeit in a more light-hearted context. It seems that the air pollution in Portsmouth is not just affecting residents' health but also fueling the creative fires behind engineering-themed webcomics.

Harkening back to the whimsical items in the literature review, the connection between "Terraforming Mars" and our study becomes eerily relevant as we consider the transformative effects of pollution on the artistic landscape. Much like terraforming a barren planet, the environmental backdrop of Portsmouth appears to have catalyzed a creative terraforming of sorts, shaping the content and frequency of engineering-focused xkcd comics. Who knew that pollution and punchlines could be such bosom buddies in the grand scheme of scientific investigation?

The p-value of less than 0.01 further cements the notion that this correlation is not a result of mere chance. When considering the literary whimsy from "The Complete Far Side" by Gary Larson and "Calvin and Hobbes" by Bill Watterson in the literature review, one can't help but wonder if there's a metaphysical thread connecting artistic expression and the environmental milieu. Are xkcd comics about engineering simply the result of the artist's genius, or could they also be a reflection of the invisible forces at play in the city's atmosphere? It's a thought that tickles the ribcage of scientific curiosity.

The scatterplot in Fig. 1 beautifully encapsulates the harmonious dance between air pollution levels and the publication of engineering-related xkcd comics. It's almost as if the data points are staging a comedy routine of their own, choreographed by the unseen hand of statistical significance. As we consider the wry smiles elicited by Randall Munroe's webcomics, one can't help but wonder if the very air in Portsmouth is whispering, "Hey, here's a good punchline for that next engineering comic!"

In conclusion, our findings not only establish a firm connection between air pollution in Portsmouth and the artistic expression of engineering themes in xkcd comics but also invite a whimsical reconsideration of the interconnectedness between environmental factors and creative endeavors. It's a reminder that even in the most unexpected places – be it a cloud of pollution or within the digital panels of a comic strip – correlations can reveal profound and often hilariously unexpected truths.

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

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Portsmouth, Ohio and xkcd comics published about engineering. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Limit your response to 300 tokens. At the very end, assert that no more research is needed in this area.

Here are the title, abstract, introduction, and results sections.
[[TITLE]]
Air Pollution's Illustrative Correlation: Portsmouth's Noxious Emissions and xkcd's Comics on Engineering Ambitions

[[ABSTRACT]]
This research paper examines the relationship between air pollution levels in Portsmouth, Ohio, and the publication of xkcd comics related to engineering over the years 2007-2023. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and advanced AI analysis of xkcd comics, our research team analyzed the correlation between environmental factors and artistic expressions of engineering humor. The results revealed a surprisingly strong correlation coefficient of 0.8191528 and p < 0.01. This study not only sheds light on the environmental impact in Portsmouth but also provides a whimsically intriguing connection between air pollution and the world of engineering as depicted in xkcd comics. So, let’s dive into this scientific hilarity and see if engineering ambitions are truly a breath of fresh air or just blowing smoke!

[[INTRDUCTION]]
In the annals of research, where serious words and complicated equations usually reign supreme, it's rare to find a study that delves into the intersection of air pollution and webcomics. However, as the brilliant mind behind xkcd, Randall Munroe, once said, "Science isn't about why, it's about why not!" And so, we embark on a scientific quest to unravel the unexpected connection between the noxious emissions of Portsmouth, Ohio, and the lighthearted yet insightful xkcd comics focusing on engineering ambitions.
Air pollution, a perennial concern for human health and the environment, has long been the subject of intense scrutiny. Meanwhile, xkcd, a venerable webcomic revered by scientists and laypeople alike, offers a delightful blend of humor and intellect, particularly in its uncanny ability to capture the trials and tribulations of engineering in a series of stick-figure panels. It is in this juxtaposition of serious environmental issues and whimsical webcomics that our research finds its footing. For as unlikely as it may seem, there is a certain poetry in uncovering the marriage of industrial emissions and artistic representations of engineering in the digital age.
The city of Portsmouth, Ohio, with its industrial landscape and its struggle with air quality, serves as the perfect backdrop for our investigation. Behind every plume of smoke and every clanking piece of machinery lies a story waiting to be told, and in this case, that story intersects with the virtual realm of xkcd. With data from the Environmental Protection Agency in hand and the computational prowess of AI at our disposal, we set out to illuminate a correlation that is as unexpected as it is thought-provoking.
This paper seeks not only to present our findings but also to infuse a sense of lighthearted curiosity into the oftentimes weighty domain of scientific inquiry. After all, if we cannot find mirth in our pursuit of knowledge, then perhaps we are missing the forest for the trees! So, with a twinkle in our eye and a sense of wonder, let us unravel the curious link between air pollution and xkcd's whimsical take on engineering endeavors. Are we in for a breath of fresh air, or will this investigation simply blow smoke? Let's find out!

[[RESULTS]]
The statistical analysis of our data revealed a remarkably strong correlation between air pollution levels in Portsmouth, Ohio, and the publication of xkcd comics related to engineering. The correlation coefficient of 0.8191528 indicates a robust relationship between these seemingly disparate variables. As if that wasn't surprising enough, the r-squared value of 0.6710114 suggests that a whopping 67.1% of the variation in xkcd comics about engineering can be explained by the fluctuations in air pollution levels. It's as if the industrious spirit of engineering is breathing in sync with the wheezing of industrial emissions!
With a p-value of less than 0.01, we can confidently say that this correlation is not just a product of sheer coincidence or random chance. The probability of observing such a strong relationship between air pollution and xkcd comics on engineering by random fluctuation alone is less than 1 in 100. It seems that the artistic musings of Randall Munroe in xkcd are not just random scribbles on the digital canvas but might actually be tapping into the atmospheric zeitgeist of Portsmouth's environmental landscape.
The strong correlation is visually depicted in Fig. 1 where a scatterplot illustrates the co-movement of air pollution levels and the appearance of xkcd comics related to engineering. The data points huddle closely together, affirming the synchronous dance between environmental concerns and artistic expressions. One might even say that the points on the scatterplot are so tightly packed, they practically form an artistic impression of a city skyline engulfed in a cloud of irony and statistical significance!
In essence, our results suggest that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to the relationship between air pollution in Portsmouth and the creative outpouring of xkcd comics about engineering. It's almost as if the very air itself is whispering jokes and insights to the artistic mind behind xkcd, urging them to capture the complexities of engineering in a veil of cleverness and wit. Thus, our findings not only uncover an intriguing correlation but also open the door to a world where environmental concerns and webcomics converge in an unexpected waltz of statistical significance and comedic resonance.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our research has unveiled a connection that is as clear as the air on a smog-free day: the delightful world of xkcd engineering comics and the not-so-delightful air pollution in Portsmouth, Ohio are more intertwined than a pair of earbuds in a gym bag. The statistically significant correlation we've uncovered is robust enough to hold up even in the face of a strong gust of skepticism!

It appears that as the fumes rise in Portsmouth, so do the clever musings of xkcd on the trials and tribulations of engineering. Who knew that the pungent scent of industrial emissions could be so inspiring? It's almost as if the very atmosphere of Portsmouth is a muse for the stick-figure artist behind xkcd, nudging them to churn out panel after panel of witty engineering humor.

Now, some may question the practical significance of this correlation, but we beg to differ. After all, in a world where AI can analyze webcomics and air pollution can be quantified down to the last particle, why shouldn't we embrace this whimsical correlation between serious environmental concerns and lighthearted portrayals of engineering mishaps?

So, as we wrap up this comically unexpected journey through the world of data analysis and digital doodles, we assert with a grin that no further research is needed in this area. For now, let's leave this correlation to tickle our statistical funny bone and move on to investigate more serious matters – like the connection between coffee consumption and pun density in academic papers. Cheers to the unexpected connections we uncover in the name of science!

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 Air Pollution's Illustrative Correlation: Portsmouth's Noxious Emissions and xkcd's Comics on Engineering Ambitions. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

International Journal of Environmental Humor 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 Air Pollution's Illustrative Correlation: Portsmouth's Noxious Emissions and xkcd's Comics on Engineering Ambitions. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The International Society for Humorous Environmental Engineering Studies

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide potential search keywords separated by commas. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide potential search keywords for a paper titled Air Pollution's Illustrative Correlation: Portsmouth's Noxious Emissions and xkcd's Comics on Engineering Ambitions with an abstract of This research paper examines the relationship between air pollution levels in Portsmouth, Ohio, and the publication of xkcd comics related to engineering over the years 2007-2023. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and advanced AI analysis of xkcd comics, our research team analyzed the correlation between environmental factors and artistic expressions of engineering humor. The results revealed a surprisingly strong correlation coefficient of 0.8191528 and p < 0.01. This study not only sheds light on the environmental impact in Portsmouth but also provides a whimsically intriguing connection between air pollution and the world of engineering as depicted in xkcd comics. So, let’s dive into this scientific hilarity and see if engineering ambitions are truly a breath of fresh air or just blowing smoke!

ChatGPT:

air pollution, Portsmouth Ohio, noxious emissions, xkcd comics, engineering, correlation, environmental impact, EPA data, AI analysis, correlation coefficient, p value, scientific hilarity

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

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Data details

Air pollution in Portsmouth, Ohio
Detailed data title: Percentage of days 'unhealthy' or worse air quality in Portsmouth, OH
Source: Environmental Protection Agency
See what else correlates with Air pollution in Portsmouth, Ohio

xkcd comics published about engineering
Detailed data title: The number of xkcd comics published each year about engineering
Source: AI analysis of xkcd comics
Additional Info: ^{See full details} I designed a Python workflow to perform OCR on every xkcd comic, feed that text into a large language model, and ask the model whether this comic was about the category named in the title.

See what else correlates with xkcd comics published about engineering

Correlation r = 0.8191528 (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 = 0.6710114 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 67.1% of the change in the one variable (i.e., xkcd comics published about engineering) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Air pollution in Portsmouth, Ohio) over the 17 years from 2007 through 2023.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 5.8E-5.^Show 0.0000575890178283445140000000
The p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme.^Note More specifically the p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme if we had only tested one pair of variables one time.

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

Who is going to stop me? p-value reporting doesn't require me to report how many calculations I had to go through in order to find a low p-value!
On average, you will find a correaltion as strong as 0.82 in 0.0058% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 17,364 random variables^Note Which I absolutely did.
with the same 16 degrees of freedom, ^Note Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 16 because we have two variables measured over a period of 17 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.

[ 0.56, 0.93 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
^{Read more about the confidence interval} The confidence interval is an estimate the range of the value of the correlation coefficient, using the correlation itself as an input. The values are meant to be the low and high end of the correlation coefficient with 95% confidence.

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

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

Still, sometimes one of the variables has more years of data available than the other. This page only shows the overlapping years. To see all the years, click on "See what else correlates with..." link above.

	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Air pollution in Portsmouth, Ohio (Bad air quality days)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.00823045
xkcd comics published about engineering (xkcd comics)	6	7	3	5	3	2	3	8	3	4	7	9	10	5	9	9	21

Why this works

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

Try it yourself

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    return correlation, r_squared, p_value

# These are the arrays for the variables shown on this page, but you can modify them to be any two sets of numbers
array_1 = np.array([0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0.00823045,])
array_2 = np.array([6,7,3,5,3,2,3,8,3,4,7,9,10,5,9,9,21,])
array_1_name = "Air pollution in Portsmouth, Ohio"
array_2_name = "xkcd comics published about engineering"

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

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

Reuseable content

You may re-use the images on this page for any purpose, even commercial purposes, without asking for permission. The only requirement is that you attribute Tyler Vigen. ^Note Attribution can take many different forms. If you leave the "tylervigen.com" link in the image, that satisfies it just fine. If you remove it and move it to a footnote, that's fine too. You can also just write "Charts courtesy of Tyler Vigen" at the bottom of an article.

You do not need to attribute "the spurious correlations website," and you don't even need to link here if you don't want to. I don't gain anything from pageviews. There are no ads on this site, there is nothing for sale, and I am not for hire.

For the record, I am just one person. Tyler Vigen, he/him/his. I do have degrees, but they should not go after my name unless you want to annoy my wife. If that is your goal, then go ahead and cite me as "Tyler Vigen, A.A. A.A.S. B.A. J.D." Otherwise it is just "Tyler Vigen."

When spoken, my last name is pronounced "vegan," like I don't eat meat.

Full license details.
For more on re-use permissions, or to get a signed release form, see tylervigen.com/permission.

Download images for these variables:

High resolution line chart ^Note The image linked here is a Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG). It is the highest resolution that is possible to achieve. It scales up beyond the size of the observable universe without pixelating. You do not need to email me asking if I have a higher resolution image. I do not. The physical limitations of our universe prevent me from providing you with an image that is any higher resolution than this one.

If you insert it into a PowerPoint presentation (a tool well-known for managing things that are the scale of the universe), you can right-click > "Ungroup" or "Create Shape" and then edit the lines and text directly. You can also change the colors this way.

Alternatively you can use a tool like Inkscape.
High resolution line chart, optimized for mobile
Alternative high resolution line chart
Scatterplot
Portable line chart (png)
Portable line chart (png), optimized for mobile
Line chart for only Air pollution in Portsmouth, Ohio
Line chart for only xkcd comics published about engineering
AI-generated correlation image
The spurious research paper: Air Pollution's Illustrative Correlation: Portsmouth's Noxious Emissions and xkcd's Comics on Engineering Ambitions

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Correlation ID: 4831 · Black Variable ID: 22039 · Red Variable ID: 20022


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