Spurious correlation #5,212 · 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 Sheboygan, Wisconsin and the second variable is Google searches for 'Gangnam Style'. The chart goes from 2012 to 2022, 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 Sheboygan, Wisconsin and the second variable is Google searches for 'Gangnam Style'. The chart goes from 2012 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

Download png, svg

AI explanation

As the air cleared, residents were finally able to open their windows and hear a new song called "Sheboygan Style," which quickly became the local anthem, surpassing even the catchy beats of Gangnam Style. It seems that with every breath of fresh air, the urge to dance Gangnam Style simply wafted away.

^{Show image generation prompt} Model: dalle-3
Prompt: [ An image that looks like it is a scene from A Disney Movie ] depicting this scene: In Sheboygan, Wisconsin, as the air pollution cleared, residents joyfully opened their windows to let in the fresh air. In the background, a catchy new song called "Sheboygan Style" played, quickly becoming the local anthem. The once popular Google searches for 'Gangnam Style' were replaced by the catchy beats of the new local hit. Enhanced Visual: The image features a charming neighborhood in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, with colorful houses lining the streets. The setting is bathed in warm sunlight as the air pollution clears. Residents are depicted opening their windows and leaning out with smiling faces, welcoming the fresh air. In the background, a whimsical musical procession of animals and townsfolk is seen, dancing to the upbeat "Sheboygan Style" song. The entire scene is enveloped in a touch of magic, showcasing the joy and vibrancy of the community. 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 Sheboygan, Wisconsin and Google searches for 'Gangnam Style'. 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: Glitch art Symbolism Surrealism An image that looks like it is a scene from A Disney Movie A scene from Skyrim
ChatGPT: An image that looks like it is a scene from A Disney 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 pollution in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and Google searches for 'Gangnam Style', in the following situation: As the air cleared, residents were finally able to open their windows and hear a new song called "Sheboygan Style," which quickly became the local anthem, surpassing even the catchy beats of Gangnam Style. It seems that with every breath of fresh air, the urge to dance Gangnam Style simply wafted away.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In Sheboygan, Wisconsin, as the air pollution cleared, residents joyfully opened their windows to let in the fresh air. In the background, a catchy new song called "Sheboygan Style" played, quickly becoming the local anthem. The once popular Google searches for 'Gangnam Style' were replaced by the catchy beats of the new local hit.

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 Disney Movie ] and depicting this scene: In Sheboygan, Wisconsin, as the air pollution cleared, residents joyfully opened their windows to let in the fresh air. In the background, a catchy new song called "Sheboygan Style" played, quickly becoming the local anthem. The once popular Google searches for 'Gangnam Style' were replaced by the catchy beats of the new local hit. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: [ An image that looks like it is a scene from A Disney Movie ] depicting this scene: In Sheboygan, Wisconsin, as the air pollution cleared, residents joyfully opened their windows to let in the fresh air. In the background, a catchy new song called "Sheboygan Style" played, quickly becoming the local anthem. The once popular Google searches for 'Gangnam Style' were replaced by the catchy beats of the new local hit. Enhanced Visual: The image features a charming neighborhood in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, with colorful houses lining the streets. The setting is bathed in warm sunlight as the air pollution clears. Residents are depicted opening their windows and leaning out with smiling faces, welcoming the fresh air. In the background, a whimsical musical procession of animals and townsfolk is seen, dancing to the upbeat "Sheboygan Style" song. The entire scene is enveloped in a touch of magic, showcasing the joy and vibrancy of the community.

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

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

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)

Gangnam Smog: Exploring the Link between Air Pollution in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and Google Searches for 'Gangnam Style'

The Journal of Comedic Environmental 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 Sheboygan, Wisconsin and Google searches for 'Gangnam Style'. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

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

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

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

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Gangnam Smog: Exploring the Link between Air Pollution in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and Google Searches for 'Gangnam Style'"

[[ABSTRACT]]
Despite being a serious matter, air pollution in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, seems to have a surprising connection to the viral sensation "Gangnam Style." This paper investigates the unexpected correlation between air quality and pop culture trends by analyzing data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Google Trends. Our research team employed a combination of statistical analysis and snazzy dance moves to uncover a correlation coefficient of 0.8666114 and p < 0.01 between air pollution and Google searches for "Gangnam Style" from 2012 to 2022. The findings suggest that when the air gets hazy, the residents of Sheboygan turn to the infectious beats of Psy's hit song for some comic relief. This study not only sheds light on the whimsical side of pollution research but also emphasizes the importance of considering unconventional factors in assessing public response to environmental issues.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
In the realm of scientific inquiry, it is not uncommon to stumble upon unexpected connections, much like finding a lost sock at the back of a drawer – surprising, slightly perplexing, but ultimately intriguing. Our research delves into a peculiar correlation between air pollution in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and the perpetually catchy hit "Gangnam Style" by the South Korean artist Psy. While one might think that air pollution and a viral dance craze have about as much in common as lab rats and breakdancing, our investigation reveals a curious relationship that will make you ponder the peculiarities of human behavior.
The study of air pollution, a topic often crowned with a dark cloud of seriousness and concern, is paired here with an unexpected twist – the infectious rhythm and horse-riding moves of "Gangnam Style." We opted to pull back the proverbial curtain on this unexpected fusion of environmental quality and pop culture to satisfy not only our scientific curiosity but also to remind everyone that science can be just as punchy and lively as a dance floor on a Friday night.
Our research team has meticulously analyzed oodles of data – not just any data, mind you, but data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Google Trends. Armed with spreadsheets and graphs and armed with our best attempt at Psy's iconic choreography, we sallied forth into the world of statistics and musicality. As a result, we uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.8666114 and p < 0.01 between air pollution and Google searches for "Gangnam Style" from 2012 to 2022. For those new to statistics, that's fancy talk for saying there's a high likelihood that there's something funky going on here.
With this paper, we aim not only to explore the unexpected links between seemingly unrelated variables but to do so with a touch of humor and lightheartedness. Indeed, we firmly believe that in the serious realm of research, a good dose of laughter and levity can be the secret sauce that makes our findings all the more engaging. So, fasten your seatbelts, dear readers, as we embark on a journey into the realm of "Gangnam Smog," where air pollution and dance moves twist and twirl in an unexpected duet.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

To unearth the crisscrossing realms of air pollution and viral dance sensations, our study plunges into an assortment of scholarly works, ranging from the stately to the utterly whimsical. We navigate through the scholarly landscape with the grace of a ballerina and the precision of a mathematician to elucidate the perplexing conundrum of "Gangnam Smog."

In "The Effects of Air Pollution on Public Health" by Smith, the authors discern a compelling correlation between air quality and respiratory illnesses, providing a sobering reminder of the tangible impacts of pollution on human well-being. However, as we delve deeper into the literature, we stumble upon unexpected tangents, akin to finding a unicorn in a petting zoo. In "The Influence of Environmental Factors on Cultural Trends" by Doe, the authors postulate an intriguing connection between local ecology and shifts in popular culture, hinting at the potential intersection of our seemingly disparate focal points.

And now, before we dive too deep into the abyss of academic sobriety, let's pivot to a slightly kookier avenue of inquiry. "Gasping for Air: A Love Story" by Jones might not appear immediately pertinent, but within its frolicsome narrative lies a subtle commentary on the symbiotic relationship between human emotions and environmental surroundings. As we negotiate through this maze of research, we note the emergence of curiously tantalizing titles, such as "The Smog Strut: A Guide to Air Pollution-Inspired Dance Moves" by Green, and "Gangnam Grooves and Gases" by Blueman. Who would have guessed that these literary marvels exist? It's like stumbling upon a pineapple at a pizzeria - wholly unexpected, yet strangely appealing.

But wait, there's more! Delving into the annals of fiction, we confront a myriad of captivating titles that could conceivably harbor insights into our enchanting conundrum. "The Pollution Polka" by Poppins and "Dancing Through the Smog" by Austen may not be grounded in scientific rigor, but the whimsy of their titles lures us into a realm of contemplation and amusement. Who knows, perhaps Mary Poppins has a thing or two to teach us about frolicking through airborne pollutants, albeit with an umbrella in tow.

At this juncture, let's veer off the beaten path and cast a glance at the world of animation and children's entertainment. Shows like "Captain Planet and the Planeteers" and "The Magic School Bus" spring to mind, where environmental themes intertwine with vibrant, dance-worthy jingles. These cultural touchstones serve as pertinent reminders that the intersection of environmentalism and popular culture is not entirely uncharted territory. Perhaps Ms. Frizzle and her whimsical adventures hold the key to understanding the allure of "Gangnam Style" amidst the murky clouds of Sheboygan's atmosphere.

As our scholarly pursuit careens through the academe and tumbles into the playground of imagination, we're reminded that research, much like life itself, is a joyful dance – sometimes waltzing through weighty tomes and occasionally tripping over unexpected discoveries. So, as we waltz forth with our analysis, let us not forget to embrace the frivolity and merriment that accompany our scholarly endeavors.

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 Sheboygan, Wisconsin and Google searches for 'Gangnam Style'. 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 2012 to 2022

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]]
"Gangnam Smog: Exploring the Link between Air Pollution in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and Google Searches for 'Gangnam Style'"

[[ABSTRACT]]
Despite being a serious matter, air pollution in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, seems to have a surprising connection to the viral sensation "Gangnam Style." This paper investigates the unexpected correlation between air quality and pop culture trends by analyzing data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Google Trends. Our research team employed a combination of statistical analysis and snazzy dance moves to uncover a correlation coefficient of 0.8666114 and p < 0.01 between air pollution and Google searches for "Gangnam Style" from 2012 to 2022. The findings suggest that when the air gets hazy, the residents of Sheboygan turn to the infectious beats of Psy's hit song for some comic relief. This study not only sheds light on the whimsical side of pollution research but also emphasizes the importance of considering unconventional factors in assessing public response to environmental issues.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
In the realm of scientific inquiry, it is not uncommon to stumble upon unexpected connections, much like finding a lost sock at the back of a drawer – surprising, slightly perplexing, but ultimately intriguing. Our research delves into a peculiar correlation between air pollution in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and the perpetually catchy hit "Gangnam Style" by the South Korean artist Psy. While one might think that air pollution and a viral dance craze have about as much in common as lab rats and breakdancing, our investigation reveals a curious relationship that will make you ponder the peculiarities of human behavior.
The study of air pollution, a topic often crowned with a dark cloud of seriousness and concern, is paired here with an unexpected twist – the infectious rhythm and horse-riding moves of "Gangnam Style." We opted to pull back the proverbial curtain on this unexpected fusion of environmental quality and pop culture to satisfy not only our scientific curiosity but also to remind everyone that science can be just as punchy and lively as a dance floor on a Friday night.
Our research team has meticulously analyzed oodles of data – not just any data, mind you, but data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Google Trends. Armed with spreadsheets and graphs and armed with our best attempt at Psy's iconic choreography, we sallied forth into the world of statistics and musicality. As a result, we uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.8666114 and p < 0.01 between air pollution and Google searches for "Gangnam Style" from 2012 to 2022. For those new to statistics, that's fancy talk for saying there's a high likelihood that there's something funky going on here.
With this paper, we aim not only to explore the unexpected links between seemingly unrelated variables but to do so with a touch of humor and lightheartedness. Indeed, we firmly believe that in the serious realm of research, a good dose of laughter and levity can be the secret sauce that makes our findings all the more engaging. So, fasten your seatbelts, dear readers, as we embark on a journey into the realm of "Gangnam Smog," where air pollution and dance moves twist and twirl in an unexpected duet.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

In order to unravel the enigmatic connection between air pollution in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and the irresistibly catchy phenomenon of "Gangnam Style," our research team employed a multifaceted approach that combined rigorous statistical analysis with a hint of whimsy. Picture a lab-coated statistician attempting to moonwalk – that was essentially the vibe.

Data Collection:
Our first step involved wrangling copious amounts of data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Google Trends. We sifted through more data than a miner panning for gold, meticulously extracting information on air quality indices and Google searches for "Gangnam Style" from the years 2012 to 2022. The Google searches were weighted, not with dumbbells, but with the relative search interest provided by Google Trends – a metric that quantifies the popularity of a search term relative to the total number of searches in a given location.

Statistical Wizardry:
With our treasure trove of data in hand, we dusted off our statistics textbooks and unleashed an array of analytical tools. We analyzed the air quality indices with the solemnity of a detective solving a mystery and cross-referenced them with the Google Trends data like a connoisseur pairing fine wines. Employing a hefty dose of correlation analysis, we calculated the correlation coefficient between air pollution and Google searches for "Gangnam Style." It was like playing a game of musical chairs where the chairs were data points and the music was Psy's chart-topping tune.

Dance, Dance, Correlation:
To add an extra layer of merriment to our research, we didn't stop at crunching numbers. No, we took the plunge into the world of interpretive dance, attempting to embody the very essence of "Gangnam Style" in a valiant effort to channel the spirit of our data. With each statistical correlation we uncovered, we celebrated by performing spontaneous renditions of Psy's iconic dance, fluidly moving between variable plots and dance poses. Our colleagues were either impressed or deeply concerned – it was hard to tell.

Data Interpretation:
As our statistical analyses twirled and jived, we scrutinized the patterns and correlations that emerged, aiming to decipher the hidden interplay between air pollution and "Gangnam Style" searches. Through this dance of data interpretation, we endeavored to reveal the underlying narrative – a tale of airborne particles and infectious beats, of pollution levels and pony-horse dance moves.

Ethical Considerations:
In the midst of our statistical revelry, we maintained a staunch commitment to ethical research practices, ensuring that our interpretations remained rooted in the principles of scientific rigor and intellectual integrity. We solemnly declared that no statistical dance moves were harmed in the making of this analysis.

And that, dear readers, was the flamboyant yet erudite methodology that propelled our investigation into the curious amalgamation of air pollution and "Gangnam Style." It was a research journey punctuated with data, statistics, and a pinch of unexpected pizzazz.

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 Sheboygan, Wisconsin and Google searches for 'Gangnam Style'. 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]]
"Gangnam Smog: Exploring the Link between Air Pollution in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and Google Searches for 'Gangnam Style'"

[[ABSTRACT]]
Despite being a serious matter, air pollution in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, seems to have a surprising connection to the viral sensation "Gangnam Style." This paper investigates the unexpected correlation between air quality and pop culture trends by analyzing data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Google Trends. Our research team employed a combination of statistical analysis and snazzy dance moves to uncover a correlation coefficient of 0.8666114 and p < 0.01 between air pollution and Google searches for "Gangnam Style" from 2012 to 2022. The findings suggest that when the air gets hazy, the residents of Sheboygan turn to the infectious beats of Psy's hit song for some comic relief. This study not only sheds light on the whimsical side of pollution research but also emphasizes the importance of considering unconventional factors in assessing public response to environmental issues.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
To unearth the crisscrossing realms of air pollution and viral dance sensations, our study plunges into an assortment of scholarly works, ranging from the stately to the utterly whimsical. We navigate through the scholarly landscape with the grace of a ballerina and the precision of a mathematician to elucidate the perplexing conundrum of "Gangnam Smog."
In "The Effects of Air Pollution on Public Health" by Smith, the authors discern a compelling correlation between air quality and respiratory illnesses, providing a sobering reminder of the tangible impacts of pollution on human well-being. However, as we delve deeper into the literature, we stumble upon unexpected tangents, akin to finding a unicorn in a petting zoo. In "The Influence of Environmental Factors on Cultural Trends" by Doe, the authors postulate an intriguing connection between local ecology and shifts in popular culture, hinting at the potential intersection of our seemingly disparate focal points.
And now, before we dive too deep into the abyss of academic sobriety, let's pivot to a slightly kookier avenue of inquiry. "Gasping for Air: A Love Story" by Jones might not appear immediately pertinent, but within its frolicsome narrative lies a subtle commentary on the symbiotic relationship between human emotions and environmental surroundings. As we negotiate through this maze of research, we note the emergence of curiously tantalizing titles, such as "The Smog Strut: A Guide to Air Pollution-Inspired Dance Moves" by Green, and "Gangnam Grooves and Gases" by Blueman. Who would have guessed that these literary marvels exist? It's like stumbling upon a pineapple at a pizzeria - wholly unexpected, yet strangely appealing.
But wait, there's more! Delving into the annals of fiction, we confront a myriad of captivating titles that could conceivably harbor insights into our enchanting conundrum. "The Pollution Polka" by Poppins and "Dancing Through the Smog" by Austen may not be grounded in scientific rigor, but the whimsy of their titles lures us into a realm of contemplation and amusement. Who knows, perhaps Mary Poppins has a thing or two to teach us about frolicking through airborne pollutants, albeit with an umbrella in tow.
At this juncture, let's veer off the beaten path and cast a glance at the world of animation and children's entertainment. Shows like "Captain Planet and the Planeteers" and "The Magic School Bus" spring to mind, where environmental themes intertwine with vibrant, dance-worthy jingles. These cultural touchstones serve as pertinent reminders that the intersection of environmentalism and popular culture is not entirely uncharted territory. Perhaps Ms. Frizzle and her whimsical adventures hold the key to understanding the allure of "Gangnam Style" amidst the murky clouds of Sheboygan's atmosphere.
As our scholarly pursuit careens through the academe and tumbles into the playground of imagination, we're reminded that research, much like life itself, is a joyful dance – sometimes waltzing through weighty tomes and occasionally tripping over unexpected discoveries. So, as we waltz forth with our analysis, let us not forget to embrace the frivolity and merriment that accompany our scholarly endeavors.

[[RESULTS]]
Our intrepid research endeavors have unveiled a remarkable correlation between air pollution in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and Google searches for "Gangnam Style." We thought the only thing airborne would be particulate matter, but it turns out goofy dance moves also found their way into the mix. Our statistical analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.8666114, an r-squared value of 0.7510153, and a p-value less than 0.01. In simpler terms, it's like finding out that air pollution and pop culture are secret best buds, much like a scientific odd couple.
The figure (Fig. 1) depicts a scatterplot that visually encapsulates the snug relationship between these unexpected bedfellows. It's like witnessing a pas de deux between air pollution and a viral dance craze – an amalgamation of science and swag that defies conventional wisdom.
In essence, our findings suggest that when the air in Sheboygan becomes befogged, its inhabitants turn to the global phenomenon that is "Gangnam Style" for a whimsical reprieve. It's as if Psy's infectious tune becomes the town's coping mechanism for a pollution predicament, offering a musical escape hatch amid the haze. The correlation between these variables is stronger than a sumo wrestler doing the Gangnam Style dance, highlighting the intriguing intertwining of environmental conditions and cultural phenomena.
In the grand scheme of scientific exploration, our research illuminates the quirky side of environmental impact and public behavior. It's like catching a firefly in a jar – unexpectedly delightful and shining a light on the unconventional aspects of our world. This study underscores the importance of embracing the unexpected and open-mindedly considering the interplay between environmental factors and societal responses, even if it means doing the Gangnam Style dance in the name of science.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

In the words of Psy himself, "Oppan Gangnam Style," as we waltz into the whimsical world of our findings, let's tango through the sheer delight of discovering a correlation that is as surprising as finding an air freshener in a compost bin.

Our results corroborate the earlier whisperings in the academic corridors about the potential fusion of air pollution and cultural predilections. Smith's entreaty into the effects of air pollution on public health serendipitously laid the groundwork for our foray into a more light-hearted facet of pollution research. It's like stumbling upon a treasure map in a pile of laundry – a revelation that defied the gravity of scholarly convention and led us to the unsuspected playground of "Gangnam Smog."

The substantial correlation coefficient of 0.8666114 and a p-value less than 0.01 propels this unlikely duo of air pollution and "Gangnam Style" into the limelight of statistical relevance. It's like witnessing a ballet between two prima donnas – an elegant display of correlation that captivates the audience, or in this case, the scientific community.

Our findings validate the tantalizing musings in literary works that dared to peek into the junction of environmental factors and cultural trends. Just as Doe hinted at the potential intersection of these seemingly disparate domains, we've sashayed into empirical validation, illuminating the very nexus of Sheboygan's pollution and the irresistible allure of Psy's global sensation. It's like finding a diamond in a coal mine – an unexpected convergence that sparkles amidst the murky recesses of empirical inquiry.

In a scientific landscape often shrouded in somber solemnity, our study reveals the endearing frolic of unconventional correlations, akin to finding a clown nose in a laboratory. This unexpected link between air pollution and "Gangnam Style" underscores the mosaic nature of human response to environmental stressors, reminding us that statistical analysis can, on occasion, bedazzle us with a whimsical twist.

As we pirouette through the labyrinth of scholarly discourse, our findings beckon us to embrace the capriciousness of research with open arms – a merry escapade that leaves us pondering the interplay between pollution and pop culture with the same fascination as finding a rubber chicken in a physics lab.

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 Sheboygan, Wisconsin and Google searches for 'Gangnam Style'. 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]]
"Gangnam Smog: Exploring the Link between Air Pollution in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and Google Searches for 'Gangnam Style'"

[[ABSTRACT]]
Despite being a serious matter, air pollution in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, seems to have a surprising connection to the viral sensation "Gangnam Style." This paper investigates the unexpected correlation between air quality and pop culture trends by analyzing data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Google Trends. Our research team employed a combination of statistical analysis and snazzy dance moves to uncover a correlation coefficient of 0.8666114 and p < 0.01 between air pollution and Google searches for "Gangnam Style" from 2012 to 2022. The findings suggest that when the air gets hazy, the residents of Sheboygan turn to the infectious beats of Psy's hit song for some comic relief. This study not only sheds light on the whimsical side of pollution research but also emphasizes the importance of considering unconventional factors in assessing public response to environmental issues.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
In the realm of scientific inquiry, it is not uncommon to stumble upon unexpected connections, much like finding a lost sock at the back of a drawer – surprising, slightly perplexing, but ultimately intriguing. Our research delves into a peculiar correlation between air pollution in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and the perpetually catchy hit "Gangnam Style" by the South Korean artist Psy. While one might think that air pollution and a viral dance craze have about as much in common as lab rats and breakdancing, our investigation reveals a curious relationship that will make you ponder the peculiarities of human behavior.
The study of air pollution, a topic often crowned with a dark cloud of seriousness and concern, is paired here with an unexpected twist – the infectious rhythm and horse-riding moves of "Gangnam Style." We opted to pull back the proverbial curtain on this unexpected fusion of environmental quality and pop culture to satisfy not only our scientific curiosity but also to remind everyone that science can be just as punchy and lively as a dance floor on a Friday night.
Our research team has meticulously analyzed oodles of data – not just any data, mind you, but data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Google Trends. Armed with spreadsheets and graphs and armed with our best attempt at Psy's iconic choreography, we sallied forth into the world of statistics and musicality. As a result, we uncovered a correlation coefficient of 0.8666114 and p < 0.01 between air pollution and Google searches for "Gangnam Style" from 2012 to 2022. For those new to statistics, that's fancy talk for saying there's a high likelihood that there's something funky going on here.
With this paper, we aim not only to explore the unexpected links between seemingly unrelated variables but to do so with a touch of humor and lightheartedness. Indeed, we firmly believe that in the serious realm of research, a good dose of laughter and levity can be the secret sauce that makes our findings all the more engaging. So, fasten your seatbelts, dear readers, as we embark on a journey into the realm of "Gangnam Smog," where air pollution and dance moves twist and twirl in an unexpected duet.

[[RESULTS]]
Our intrepid research endeavors have unveiled a remarkable correlation between air pollution in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and Google searches for "Gangnam Style." We thought the only thing airborne would be particulate matter, but it turns out goofy dance moves also found their way into the mix. Our statistical analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.8666114, an r-squared value of 0.7510153, and a p-value less than 0.01. In simpler terms, it's like finding out that air pollution and pop culture are secret best buds, much like a scientific odd couple.
The figure (Fig. 1) depicts a scatterplot that visually encapsulates the snug relationship between these unexpected bedfellows. It's like witnessing a pas de deux between air pollution and a viral dance craze – an amalgamation of science and swag that defies conventional wisdom.
In essence, our findings suggest that when the air in Sheboygan becomes befogged, its inhabitants turn to the global phenomenon that is "Gangnam Style" for a whimsical reprieve. It's as if Psy's infectious tune becomes the town's coping mechanism for a pollution predicament, offering a musical escape hatch amid the haze. The correlation between these variables is stronger than a sumo wrestler doing the Gangnam Style dance, highlighting the intriguing intertwining of environmental conditions and cultural phenomena.
In the grand scheme of scientific exploration, our research illuminates the quirky side of environmental impact and public behavior. It's like catching a firefly in a jar – unexpectedly delightful and shining a light on the unconventional aspects of our world. This study underscores the importance of embracing the unexpected and open-mindedly considering the interplay between environmental factors and societal responses, even if it means doing the Gangnam Style dance in the name of science.

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Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our research has not only uncovered a peculiar correlation between air pollution in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and Google searches for "Gangnam Style," but it has also proven that even the most unexpected pairs can find common ground, much like peanut butter and pickles. Our findings suggest that when the sky in Sheboygan is a little gray, the residents turn to Psy's energetic horse-riding dance for a bit of comic relief, much like reaching for an umbrella during a scientific downpour of data.

The statistical analysis has not only provided a clear correlation coefficient of 0.8666114 but has also shown us that science and entertainment can tango together like never before. It's as if Albert Einstein himself suddenly started doing the cha-cha-cha in the lab.

Our study showcases the importance of considering unconventional factors in understanding human behavior, much like a sudden burst of laughter during a serious debate at a scientific conference. This correlation is no fluke; it's as real as the periodic table.

As we dust off our dance shoes and close the curtains on this research, we assert that no further exploration is needed in this area – the mystery of the Gangnam Smog has been unraveled, and it's time to move on to even more enigmatic dance moves and whimsical correlations. It's like sealing up a time capsule of quirky scientific discoveries, leaving future researchers to ponder the unexpected twists and turns of human curiosity.

So, dear readers, let's bid adieu to the fascinating fusion of air pollution and viral tunes, and look forward to the next research adventure, where science and silliness once again join forces in a merry jig.

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 Gangnam Smog: Exploring the Link between Air Pollution in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and Google Searches for 'Gangnam Style'. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Comedic 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 Gangnam Smog: Exploring the Link between Air Pollution in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and Google Searches for 'Gangnam Style'. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Society for Quirky Environmental Research and Analysis

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 Gangnam Smog: Exploring the Link between Air Pollution in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and Google Searches for 'Gangnam Style' with an abstract of Despite being a serious matter, air pollution in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, seems to have a surprising connection to the viral sensation "Gangnam Style." This paper investigates the unexpected correlation between air quality and pop culture trends by analyzing data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Google Trends. Our research team employed a combination of statistical analysis and snazzy dance moves to uncover a correlation coefficient of 0.8666114 and p < 0.01 between air pollution and Google searches for "Gangnam Style" from 2012 to 2022. The findings suggest that when the air gets hazy, the residents of Sheboygan turn to the infectious beats of Psy's hit song for some comic relief. This study not only sheds light on the whimsical side of pollution research but also emphasizes the importance of considering unconventional factors in assessing public response to environmental issues.

ChatGPT:

air pollution, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Gangnam Style, Google Searches, Environmental Protection Agency, EPA data, Google Trends, correlation coefficient, statistical analysis, public response, environmental issues

*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 Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Detailed data title: Percentage of days with air quality at 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' or worse in Sheboygan, WI
Source: Environmental Protection Agency
See what else correlates with Air pollution in Sheboygan, Wisconsin

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

See what else correlates with Google searches for 'Gangnam Style'

Correlation r = 0.8666114 (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 = 0.7510153 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 75.1% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Google searches for 'Gangnam Style') is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Air pollution in Sheboygan, Wisconsin) over the 11 years from 2012 through 2022.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 0.00056.^Show 0.0005563810495471550000000000
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 0.87 in 0.056% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 1,797 random variables^Note Which I absolutely did.
with the same 10 degrees of freedom, ^Note Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 10 because we have two variables measured over a period of 11 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, 0.96 ] 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.

	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
Air pollution in Sheboygan, Wisconsin (Bad air quality days)	18.4615	5.34759	2.48756	5.55556	5.91133	5.30612	4.60251	0.970874	2.89855	2.40385	3.44828
Google searches for 'Gangnam Style' (Rel. search volume)	36.9	20.3333	4.66667	2.83333	1.33333	1	1	1	1	1	1

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([18.4615,5.34759,2.48756,5.55556,5.91133,5.30612,4.60251,0.970874,2.89855,2.40385,3.44828,])
array_2 = np.array([36.9,20.3333,4.66667,2.83333,1.33333,1,1,1,1,1,1,])
array_1_name = "Air pollution in Sheboygan, Wisconsin"
array_2_name = "Google searches for 'Gangnam Style'"

# 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 Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Line chart for only Google searches for 'Gangnam Style'
AI-generated correlation image
The spurious research paper: Gangnam Smog: Exploring the Link between Air Pollution in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and Google Searches for 'Gangnam Style'

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Correlation ID: 5212 · Black Variable ID: 21256 · Red Variable ID: 1442


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