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Spurious correlation #5,485 · 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 Greenville, South Carolina and the second variable is The number of brickmasons in South Carolina.  The chart goes from 2003 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

As the air quality improved, bricks no longer felt the need to hide their redness under a coat of soot, leading to a decrease in demand for brickmasons. The once oppressed bricks were finally free to embrace their natural color, reducing the need for masons to cover them up.

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Style: A vintage Polaroid photo Scene: In Greenville, South Carolina, the streets are lined with clean, red bricks basking in the sunlight. The air is clear and the once hidden redness of the bricks is now proudly on display for all to see. As a result, the number of brickmasons in South Carolina has decreased as the demand for covering up soot-covered bricks has diminished. Enhanced Visual prompt: Create an image that captures the warm, golden glow of the sun bathing the red brick streets of Greenville, South Carolina. The bricks should appear vibrant and clean, their rich red hues accentuated by the sunlight. Include subtle evidence of the city's transformation, as the gleaming bricks reveal a diminished need for brickmasons. The overall scene should evoke a sense of quiet beauty and the resilience of a changing urban landscape. 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 Greenville, South Carolina and The number of brickmasons in South Carolina. Given these, which of the following image style descriptions seems most appropriate? Pick the one that seems to be related to one of the variables at hand. Please respond with only one of the following potential descriptions: Cutsy art illustration Symbolism High-tech Surrealism 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 Greenville, South Carolina and The number of brickmasons in South Carolina, in the following situation: As the air quality improved, bricks no longer felt the need to hide their redness under a coat of soot, leading to a decrease in demand for brickmasons. The once oppressed bricks were finally free to embrace their natural color, reducing the need for masons to cover them up.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In Greenville, South Carolina, the streets are lined with clean, red bricks basking in the sunlight. The air is clear and the once hidden redness of the bricks is now proudly on display for all to see. As a result, the number of brickmasons in South Carolina has decreased as the demand for covering up soot-covered bricks has diminished.

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 Greenville, South Carolina, the streets are lined with clean, red bricks basking in the sunlight. The air is clear and the once hidden redness of the bricks is now proudly on display for all to see. As a result, the number of brickmasons in South Carolina has decreased as the demand for covering up soot-covered bricks has diminished. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Style: A vintage Polaroid photo Scene: In Greenville, South Carolina, the streets are lined with clean, red bricks basking in the sunlight. The air is clear and the once hidden redness of the bricks is now proudly on display for all to see. As a result, the number of brickmasons in South Carolina has decreased as the demand for covering up soot-covered bricks has diminished. Enhanced Visual prompt: Create an image that captures the warm, golden glow of the sun bathing the red brick streets of Greenville, South Carolina. The bricks should appear vibrant and clean, their rich red hues accentuated by the sunlight. Include subtle evidence of the city's transformation, as the gleaming bricks reveal a diminished need for brickmasons. The overall scene should evoke a sense of quiet beauty and the resilience of a changing urban landscape.

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

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

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how a decrease in Air pollution in Greenville, South Carolina caused The number of brickmasons in South Carolina to decrease.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Brick by Brick: The Relationship Between Air Pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the Number of Brickmasons in the State

The Journal of Atmospheric Anthropology

Jan 2024

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




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

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Greenville, South Carolina and The number of brickmasons in South Carolina. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Make the title a clever pun.

Your research team used data from Environmental Protection Agency and Bureau of Larbor Statistics to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.9251263 and p < 0.01 for 2003 to 2022.

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

[[TITLE]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit

[[ABSTRACT]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit



ChatGPT:
[[TITLE]]
Brick by Brick: The Relationship Between Air Pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the Number of Brickmasons in the State

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delve into the unexpected and seemingly nonsensical connection between air pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the number of brickmasons in the entire state. While one may initially assume that these two factors have no bearing on one other, our research uncovers a surprising correlation that will leave you breathless - literally. By utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we meticulously analyzed the air quality in Greenville and the employment numbers of brickmasons in South Carolina from 2003 to 2022. Our findings revealed a significant correlation coefficient of 0.9251263 and p-value less than 0.01, indicating a rather robust relationship between these seemingly unrelated variables. Could the brickmasons be using their craft to build a better, cleaner environment amidst the pollution? Or is there something more complex at play, such as the demand for brick structures driven by environmental concerns? Our study not only raises eyebrows but also puts a new spin on the phrase "building a better future."


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

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Greenville, South Carolina and The number of brickmasons in South Carolina. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Brick by Brick: The Relationship Between Air Pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the Number of Brickmasons in the State

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delve into the unexpected and seemingly nonsensical connection between air pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the number of brickmasons in the entire state. While one may initially assume that these two factors have no bearing on one other, our research uncovers a surprising correlation that will leave you breathless - literally. By utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we meticulously analyzed the air quality in Greenville and the employment numbers of brickmasons in South Carolina from 2003 to 2022. Our findings revealed a significant correlation coefficient of 0.9251263 and p-value less than 0.01, indicating a rather robust relationship between these seemingly unrelated variables. Could the brickmasons be using their craft to build a better, cleaner environment amidst the pollution? Or is there something more complex at play, such as the demand for brick structures driven by environmental concerns? Our study not only raises eyebrows but also puts a new spin on the phrase "building a better future."

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

The study of environmental factors and their impact on various industries has long been a subject of fascination and inquiry. From the economic implications of carbon emissions to the health effects of smog, the interplay between environmental conditions and societal outcomes continues to be an area of keen interest for researchers. In this vein, our investigation focuses on the peculiar relationship between air pollution levels in Greenville, South Carolina, and the number of brickmasons employed in the state.

Air pollution, the nemesis of every clear sky enthusiast, has been a persistent concern in many urban areas. The hazy specter of particulate matter and noxious gases not only affects the respiratory health of citizens but also has far-reaching consequences for industries and local economies. On the other hand, the venerable brick mason, wielding trowel and mortar, constructs the very fabric of our built environment. What, then, could possibly link these two seemingly disparate elements?

Our curiosity piqued by this unlikely pairing, we embarked on a quest to scrutinize the correlation, or lack thereof, between air pollution in Greenville and the number of brickmasons in the state of South Carolina. As we delved into the data, our initial skepticism was soon overshadowed by an intriguing pattern that seemed to emerge. Despite our initial incredulity, the connection that unfolded has the potential to shake the very foundations of conventional wisdom, and perhaps even lay a new brick in the edifice of environmental and economic understanding.

Prepare yourself for a riveting academic journey as we uncover the surprising ties between sooty skies and the artistry of bricklaying. Our findings not only challenge prevailing assumptions but also serve as a reminder that sometimes, in the realm of research, the most unassuming pairings can yield the most captivating revelations. Join us as we unravel the mystery of brick by brick, and dare to imagine a world where air pollution and brickmasons sit not at odds, but in a perplexing dance of correlation. Welcome to the realm where the mortar meets the particulate matter.

So buckle up, fellow academics, as we traverse the unexpectedly whimsical pathway of scholarly investigation. This is a journey that promises to be both intellectually elucidating and, dare we say, entertaining.


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 Greenville, South Carolina and The number of brickmasons in South Carolina. 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 a few real TV shows that sound like they might be relevant to the topic that you watched as research.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Brick by Brick: The Relationship Between Air Pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the Number of Brickmasons in the State

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delve into the unexpected and seemingly nonsensical connection between air pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the number of brickmasons in the entire state. While one may initially assume that these two factors have no bearing on one other, our research uncovers a surprising correlation that will leave you breathless - literally. By utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we meticulously analyzed the air quality in Greenville and the employment numbers of brickmasons in South Carolina from 2003 to 2022. Our findings revealed a significant correlation coefficient of 0.9251263 and p-value less than 0.01, indicating a rather robust relationship between these seemingly unrelated variables. Could the brickmasons be using their craft to build a better, cleaner environment amidst the pollution? Or is there something more complex at play, such as the demand for brick structures driven by environmental concerns? Our study not only raises eyebrows but also puts a new spin on the phrase "building a better future."

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The study of environmental factors and their impact on various industries has long been a subject of fascination and inquiry. From the economic implications of carbon emissions to the health effects of smog, the interplay between environmental conditions and societal outcomes continues to be an area of keen interest for researchers. In this vein, our investigation focuses on the peculiar relationship between air pollution levels in Greenville, South Carolina, and the number of brickmasons employed in the state.
Air pollution, the nemesis of every clear sky enthusiast, has been a persistent concern in many urban areas. The hazy specter of particulate matter and noxious gases not only affects the respiratory health of citizens but also has far-reaching consequences for industries and local economies. On the other hand, the venerable brick mason, wielding trowel and mortar, constructs the very fabric of our built environment. What, then, could possibly link these two seemingly disparate elements?
Our curiosity piqued by this unlikely pairing, we embarked on a quest to scrutinize the correlation, or lack thereof, between air pollution in Greenville and the number of brickmasons in the state of South Carolina. As we delved into the data, our initial skepticism was soon overshadowed by an intriguing pattern that seemed to emerge. Despite our initial incredulity, the connection that unfolded has the potential to shake the very foundations of conventional wisdom, and perhaps even lay a new brick in the edifice of environmental and economic understanding.
Prepare yourself for a riveting academic journey as we uncover the surprising ties between sooty skies and the artistry of bricklaying. Our findings not only challenge prevailing assumptions but also serve as a reminder that sometimes, in the realm of research, the most unassuming pairings can yield the most captivating revelations. Join us as we unravel the mystery of brick by brick, and dare to imagine a world where air pollution and brickmasons sit not at odds, but in a perplexing dance of correlation. Welcome to the realm where the mortar meets the particulate matter.
So buckle up, fellow academics, as we traverse the unexpectedly whimsical pathway of scholarly investigation. This is a journey that promises to be both intellectually elucidating and, dare we say, entertaining.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The connection between air pollution and the number of brickmasons is a subject that, prior to our investigation, had garnered scant attention in the annals of academic discourse. The traditional focus on the health and environmental impacts of air pollution, as well as the economic implications of the construction industry, has largely overlooked this unlikely correlation. However, as this paper will elucidate, this oversight has left a glaring gap in our understanding of the complex interplay between the environmental and labor market dynamics.

In "Air Quality, Health, and the Economy" by Smith et al., the authors underscore the detrimental effects of air pollution on human health and its economic toll on societies. Meanwhile, in "The Economics of Construction" by Doe and Jones, the emphasis is placed on labor market trends and the factors influencing employment in the construction sector. These seminal works, while shedding light on the individual components of our investigation, regrettably failed to draw the connection that we, in our ingenuity, have unearthed.

Turning to non-fiction literature, "The Air Pollution Crisis" by Environmentalist Expert teems with harrowing accounts of polluted cities and their dire consequences. Meanwhile, "The Art and Craft of Masonry" by Construction Guru provides a comprehensive analysis of the techniques and challenges faced by brickmasons in their noble pursuit of bricklaying mastery.

Venturing into the realm of fiction, "The Bricklayers' Dilemma" by Novelist Extraordinaire and "The Polluted Skies" by Storyteller Supreme may not be grounded in empirical research, but their imaginative narratives offer a fanciful glimpse into the potential synergy between air pollution and the esteemed art of bricklaying.

In our very thorough, completely academic, and not-at-all sitcom-obsessed investigation, we also found some TV shows of interest. "Bricks and Mortar: A Building Saga" and "Pollution Perils: Tales from the Smoggy City" undoubtedly tickled our fancy and perhaps provided a dash of inspiration in our pursuit of understanding the unlikely relationship between air pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the number of brickmasons in the state. So there you have it - a diverse array of sources that have both informed and entertained us on this scholarly endeavor.

Now, dear reader, let us delve into the wacky world of unlikely correlations and masonry mysteries!


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 Greenville, South Carolina and The number of brickmasons in South Carolina. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Environmental Protection Agency and Bureau of Larbor Statistics . You used data from 2003 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]]
Brick by Brick: The Relationship Between Air Pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the Number of Brickmasons in the State

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delve into the unexpected and seemingly nonsensical connection between air pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the number of brickmasons in the entire state. While one may initially assume that these two factors have no bearing on one other, our research uncovers a surprising correlation that will leave you breathless - literally. By utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we meticulously analyzed the air quality in Greenville and the employment numbers of brickmasons in South Carolina from 2003 to 2022. Our findings revealed a significant correlation coefficient of 0.9251263 and p-value less than 0.01, indicating a rather robust relationship between these seemingly unrelated variables. Could the brickmasons be using their craft to build a better, cleaner environment amidst the pollution? Or is there something more complex at play, such as the demand for brick structures driven by environmental concerns? Our study not only raises eyebrows but also puts a new spin on the phrase "building a better future."

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The study of environmental factors and their impact on various industries has long been a subject of fascination and inquiry. From the economic implications of carbon emissions to the health effects of smog, the interplay between environmental conditions and societal outcomes continues to be an area of keen interest for researchers. In this vein, our investigation focuses on the peculiar relationship between air pollution levels in Greenville, South Carolina, and the number of brickmasons employed in the state.
Air pollution, the nemesis of every clear sky enthusiast, has been a persistent concern in many urban areas. The hazy specter of particulate matter and noxious gases not only affects the respiratory health of citizens but also has far-reaching consequences for industries and local economies. On the other hand, the venerable brick mason, wielding trowel and mortar, constructs the very fabric of our built environment. What, then, could possibly link these two seemingly disparate elements?
Our curiosity piqued by this unlikely pairing, we embarked on a quest to scrutinize the correlation, or lack thereof, between air pollution in Greenville and the number of brickmasons in the state of South Carolina. As we delved into the data, our initial skepticism was soon overshadowed by an intriguing pattern that seemed to emerge. Despite our initial incredulity, the connection that unfolded has the potential to shake the very foundations of conventional wisdom, and perhaps even lay a new brick in the edifice of environmental and economic understanding.
Prepare yourself for a riveting academic journey as we uncover the surprising ties between sooty skies and the artistry of bricklaying. Our findings not only challenge prevailing assumptions but also serve as a reminder that sometimes, in the realm of research, the most unassuming pairings can yield the most captivating revelations. Join us as we unravel the mystery of brick by brick, and dare to imagine a world where air pollution and brickmasons sit not at odds, but in a perplexing dance of correlation. Welcome to the realm where the mortar meets the particulate matter.
So buckle up, fellow academics, as we traverse the unexpectedly whimsical pathway of scholarly investigation. This is a journey that promises to be both intellectually elucidating and, dare we say, entertaining.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To unravel the enigmatic relationship between air pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the number of brickmasons in the entire state, we employed a blend of rigorous data analysis and a touch of whimsy. Our first step involved mining data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where we diligently sought air quality metrics for the fair city of Greenville. We pored over the levels of atmospheric pollutants – from the rogue particulate matter lurking in the air to the sly carbon monoxide that often eludes detection. We also took note of the daily fluctuations in air quality, akin to a detective monitoring the subtle nuances of a captivating case.

Simultaneously, we delved into the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) database, eager to unveil the employment numbers of brickmasons across South Carolina. Like archaeological sleuths unearthing fragments of history, we meticulously assembled the statistics, accounting for the ebb and flow of brickmason employment over the years. Our pursuit was akin to a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek, where the data danced just on the periphery of comprehension, daring us to discern its patterns.

The convergence of these disparate datasets required a nuanced and complex approach, not unlike a skilled artisan intricately laying each brick in a masterful archway. We harnessed the power of statistical tools such as regression analysis and correlation assessments to tease out the hidden connections. Our methods involved an intricate dance of number-crunching, resembling a convoluted tango between two partners with strikingly dissimilar rhythms.

Furthermore, we wielded the magnifying glass of time, encompassing data from the years 2003 to 2022. This temporal expanse allowed us to capture the intricate evolution of both air quality in Greenville and the dynamics of brickmason employment in South Carolina. Much like a meticulous historian piecing together the chronicles of an era, we immersed ourselves in the narrative unfoldment of these two seemingly incongruous phenomena.

Lastly, to ensure the robustness of our findings, we subjected our data to a battery of sensitivity analyses and validation procedures. We interrogated our results with an unwavering gaze, akin to a discerning detective probing a suspect’s alibi.

Our approach was not merely scientific; it was an artful and whimsical dance across the tapestry of data, where the seemingly austere parameters of research took on a sparkling sheen of intrigue and fascination. Join us as we unveil the fruits of our labor and present the compelling nexus between the spectral haze of pollution and the hallowed craft of brick masonry.


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

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Greenville, South Carolina and The number of brickmasons in South Carolina. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Environmental Protection Agency and Bureau of Larbor Statistics .

For the time period 2003 to 2022, you found a correlation 0.9251263, r-squared of 0.8558586, and p < 0.01.

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

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Brick by Brick: The Relationship Between Air Pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the Number of Brickmasons in the State

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delve into the unexpected and seemingly nonsensical connection between air pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the number of brickmasons in the entire state. While one may initially assume that these two factors have no bearing on one other, our research uncovers a surprising correlation that will leave you breathless - literally. By utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we meticulously analyzed the air quality in Greenville and the employment numbers of brickmasons in South Carolina from 2003 to 2022. Our findings revealed a significant correlation coefficient of 0.9251263 and p-value less than 0.01, indicating a rather robust relationship between these seemingly unrelated variables. Could the brickmasons be using their craft to build a better, cleaner environment amidst the pollution? Or is there something more complex at play, such as the demand for brick structures driven by environmental concerns? Our study not only raises eyebrows but also puts a new spin on the phrase "building a better future."

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
The study of environmental factors and their impact on various industries has long been a subject of fascination and inquiry. From the economic implications of carbon emissions to the health effects of smog, the interplay between environmental conditions and societal outcomes continues to be an area of keen interest for researchers. In this vein, our investigation focuses on the peculiar relationship between air pollution levels in Greenville, South Carolina, and the number of brickmasons employed in the state.
Air pollution, the nemesis of every clear sky enthusiast, has been a persistent concern in many urban areas. The hazy specter of particulate matter and noxious gases not only affects the respiratory health of citizens but also has far-reaching consequences for industries and local economies. On the other hand, the venerable brick mason, wielding trowel and mortar, constructs the very fabric of our built environment. What, then, could possibly link these two seemingly disparate elements?
Our curiosity piqued by this unlikely pairing, we embarked on a quest to scrutinize the correlation, or lack thereof, between air pollution in Greenville and the number of brickmasons in the state of South Carolina. As we delved into the data, our initial skepticism was soon overshadowed by an intriguing pattern that seemed to emerge. Despite our initial incredulity, the connection that unfolded has the potential to shake the very foundations of conventional wisdom, and perhaps even lay a new brick in the edifice of environmental and economic understanding.
Prepare yourself for a riveting academic journey as we uncover the surprising ties between sooty skies and the artistry of bricklaying. Our findings not only challenge prevailing assumptions but also serve as a reminder that sometimes, in the realm of research, the most unassuming pairings can yield the most captivating revelations. Join us as we unravel the mystery of brick by brick, and dare to imagine a world where air pollution and brickmasons sit not at odds, but in a perplexing dance of correlation. Welcome to the realm where the mortar meets the particulate matter.
So buckle up, fellow academics, as we traverse the unexpectedly whimsical pathway of scholarly investigation. This is a journey that promises to be both intellectually elucidating and, dare we say, entertaining.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The data analysis conducted for this study revealed a striking correlation between air pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the number of brickmasons employed in the state of South Carolina from 2003 to 2022. The correlation coefficient of 0.9251263 and an r-squared value of 0.8558586 indicated a strong and statistically significant relationship between these two seemingly unrelated variables. The p-value of less than 0.01 further underscored the robustness of this association. Despite the curious nature of this connection at first glance, the results unequivocally point to a compelling interplay between these two factors.

Upon visually inspecting the data in a scatterplot, as depicted in Figure 1, one cannot help but marvel at the clear and decisive correlation between air pollution levels in Greenville and the number of brickmasons in the state. The points on the plot form a positively sloped line, indicative of the parallel ascent of both variables over the years. It seems that as the air pollution levels rise, so do the number of brickmasons employed in South Carolina. It's almost as if the need for more brick structures grows in tandem with the degradation of air quality – a truly perplexing observation.

The unexpected coherence between air pollution and the employment levels of brickmasons raises a host of intriguing questions. Could the demand for brick structures be driven by environmental concerns, leading to an uptick in employment in response to deteriorating air quality? Or perhaps the brickmasons, equipped with their age-old craft, are looking to combat the environmental perils through their work, as if building a cleaner tomorrow brick by brick. The correlation revealed in this study not only challenges conventional wisdom but also beckons one to ponder the intricate dance of cause and effect in the realm of environmental and economic dynamics.

In conclusion, the findings of this study underscore the heretofore unexplored ties between air pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the employment of brickmasons in the state. The results not only serve as a testament to the unpredictability of correlations in the vast tapestry of societal and environmental factors but also offer a fresh perspective on the interlacing of seemingly disparate elements. This research poses a unique opportunity for further investigation into the intricacies of the environmental and economic dynamics, promising a journey that is as intellectually enlightening as it is unexpectedly entertaining.


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 Greenville, South Carolina and The number of brickmasons in South Carolina. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

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]]
Brick by Brick: The Relationship Between Air Pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the Number of Brickmasons in the State

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delve into the unexpected and seemingly nonsensical connection between air pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the number of brickmasons in the entire state. While one may initially assume that these two factors have no bearing on one other, our research uncovers a surprising correlation that will leave you breathless - literally. By utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we meticulously analyzed the air quality in Greenville and the employment numbers of brickmasons in South Carolina from 2003 to 2022. Our findings revealed a significant correlation coefficient of 0.9251263 and p-value less than 0.01, indicating a rather robust relationship between these seemingly unrelated variables. Could the brickmasons be using their craft to build a better, cleaner environment amidst the pollution? Or is there something more complex at play, such as the demand for brick structures driven by environmental concerns? Our study not only raises eyebrows but also puts a new spin on the phrase "building a better future."

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The connection between air pollution and the number of brickmasons is a subject that, prior to our investigation, had garnered scant attention in the annals of academic discourse. The traditional focus on the health and environmental impacts of air pollution, as well as the economic implications of the construction industry, has largely overlooked this unlikely correlation. However, as this paper will elucidate, this oversight has left a glaring gap in our understanding of the complex interplay between the environmental and labor market dynamics.
In "Air Quality, Health, and the Economy" by Smith et al., the authors underscore the detrimental effects of air pollution on human health and its economic toll on societies. Meanwhile, in "The Economics of Construction" by Doe and Jones, the emphasis is placed on labor market trends and the factors influencing employment in the construction sector. These seminal works, while shedding light on the individual components of our investigation, regrettably failed to draw the connection that we, in our ingenuity, have unearthed.
Turning to non-fiction literature, "The Air Pollution Crisis" by Environmentalist Expert teems with harrowing accounts of polluted cities and their dire consequences. Meanwhile, "The Art and Craft of Masonry" by Construction Guru provides a comprehensive analysis of the techniques and challenges faced by brickmasons in their noble pursuit of bricklaying mastery.
Venturing into the realm of fiction, "The Bricklayers' Dilemma" by Novelist Extraordinaire and "The Polluted Skies" by Storyteller Supreme may not be grounded in empirical research, but their imaginative narratives offer a fanciful glimpse into the potential synergy between air pollution and the esteemed art of bricklaying.
In our very thorough, completely academic, and not-at-all sitcom-obsessed investigation, we also found some TV shows of interest. "Bricks and Mortar: A Building Saga" and "Pollution Perils: Tales from the Smoggy City" undoubtedly tickled our fancy and perhaps provided a dash of inspiration in our pursuit of understanding the unlikely relationship between air pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the number of brickmasons in the state. So there you have it - a diverse array of sources that have both informed and entertained us on this scholarly endeavor.
Now, dear reader, let us delve into the wacky world of unlikely correlations and masonry mysteries!

[[RESULTS]]
The data analysis conducted for this study revealed a striking correlation between air pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the number of brickmasons employed in the state of South Carolina from 2003 to 2022. The correlation coefficient of 0.9251263 and an r-squared value of 0.8558586 indicated a strong and statistically significant relationship between these two seemingly unrelated variables. The p-value of less than 0.01 further underscored the robustness of this association. Despite the curious nature of this connection at first glance, the results unequivocally point to a compelling interplay between these two factors.
Upon visually inspecting the data in a scatterplot, as depicted in Figure 1, one cannot help but marvel at the clear and decisive correlation between air pollution levels in Greenville and the number of brickmasons in the state. The points on the plot form a positively sloped line, indicative of the parallel ascent of both variables over the years. It seems that as the air pollution levels rise, so do the number of brickmasons employed in South Carolina. It's almost as if the need for more brick structures grows in tandem with the degradation of air quality – a truly perplexing observation.
The unexpected coherence between air pollution and the employment levels of brickmasons raises a host of intriguing questions. Could the demand for brick structures be driven by environmental concerns, leading to an uptick in employment in response to deteriorating air quality? Or perhaps the brickmasons, equipped with their age-old craft, are looking to combat the environmental perils through their work, as if building a cleaner tomorrow brick by brick. The correlation revealed in this study not only challenges conventional wisdom but also beckons one to ponder the intricate dance of cause and effect in the realm of environmental and economic dynamics.
In conclusion, the findings of this study underscore the heretofore unexplored ties between air pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the employment of brickmasons in the state. The results not only serve as a testament to the unpredictability of correlations in the vast tapestry of societal and environmental factors but also offer a fresh perspective on the interlacing of seemingly disparate elements. This research poses a unique opportunity for further investigation into the intricacies of the environmental and economic dynamics, promising a journey that is as intellectually enlightening as it is unexpectedly entertaining.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

Our findings have unearthed a surprising and statistically significant correlation between air pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the number of brickmasons in the state of South Carolina. It appears that the rise in air pollution levels is paralleled by an increase in the employment of brickmasons, prompting us to ponder the mechanisms behind this curious relationship. This unexpected link not only challenges traditional notions but also raises intriguing questions regarding the interplay between environmental and labor market dynamics.

Harkening back to the literature review, our results lend support to the notion that the demand for brick structures may indeed be influenced by environmental concerns. The literature, though not entirely void of fictional and TV musings, substantiates the potential synergy between air pollution and the art of bricklaying, urging us to take this unexpected correlation seriously. It seems that the concerns expressed in "The Art and Craft of Masonry" and the imaginative narratives in both "The Bricklayers' Dilemma" and "Pollution Perils: Tales from the Smoggy City" may not be as far-fetched as initially presumed. Who knew that fiction could serve as a harbinger of empirical revelations?

Moreover, the robustness of the correlation coefficient and the low p-value provide convincing evidence of the strength of the association between air pollution in Greenville and the employment of brickmasons in the state. Our results align with previous studies on similar phenomena in different contexts, demonstrating the broader implications of our findings in understanding the complex dynamics between environmental quality and labor markets. Who would have thought that studying air pollution and brickmasonry could turn out to be so exhilarating?

In light of the above, our research offers a novel perspective on the intricate dance of cause and effect in the realms of environmental and economic dynamics. It posits intriguing implications for both policymakers and practitioners, warranting further exploration into the underlying mechanisms driving this unanticipated correlation. The unexpected link between air pollution and the employment of brickmasons certainly adds a splash of whimsy to the otherwise serious landscape of empirical research, proving once again that truth can indeed be stranger than fiction.


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 Greenville, South Carolina and The number of brickmasons in South Carolina. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

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]]
Brick by Brick: The Relationship Between Air Pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the Number of Brickmasons in the State

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we delve into the unexpected and seemingly nonsensical connection between air pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the number of brickmasons in the entire state. While one may initially assume that these two factors have no bearing on one other, our research uncovers a surprising correlation that will leave you breathless - literally. By utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we meticulously analyzed the air quality in Greenville and the employment numbers of brickmasons in South Carolina from 2003 to 2022. Our findings revealed a significant correlation coefficient of 0.9251263 and p-value less than 0.01, indicating a rather robust relationship between these seemingly unrelated variables. Could the brickmasons be using their craft to build a better, cleaner environment amidst the pollution? Or is there something more complex at play, such as the demand for brick structures driven by environmental concerns? Our study not only raises eyebrows but also puts a new spin on the phrase "building a better future."

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The study of environmental factors and their impact on various industries has long been a subject of fascination and inquiry. From the economic implications of carbon emissions to the health effects of smog, the interplay between environmental conditions and societal outcomes continues to be an area of keen interest for researchers. In this vein, our investigation focuses on the peculiar relationship between air pollution levels in Greenville, South Carolina, and the number of brickmasons employed in the state.
Air pollution, the nemesis of every clear sky enthusiast, has been a persistent concern in many urban areas. The hazy specter of particulate matter and noxious gases not only affects the respiratory health of citizens but also has far-reaching consequences for industries and local economies. On the other hand, the venerable brick mason, wielding trowel and mortar, constructs the very fabric of our built environment. What, then, could possibly link these two seemingly disparate elements?
Our curiosity piqued by this unlikely pairing, we embarked on a quest to scrutinize the correlation, or lack thereof, between air pollution in Greenville and the number of brickmasons in the state of South Carolina. As we delved into the data, our initial skepticism was soon overshadowed by an intriguing pattern that seemed to emerge. Despite our initial incredulity, the connection that unfolded has the potential to shake the very foundations of conventional wisdom, and perhaps even lay a new brick in the edifice of environmental and economic understanding.
Prepare yourself for a riveting academic journey as we uncover the surprising ties between sooty skies and the artistry of bricklaying. Our findings not only challenge prevailing assumptions but also serve as a reminder that sometimes, in the realm of research, the most unassuming pairings can yield the most captivating revelations. Join us as we unravel the mystery of brick by brick, and dare to imagine a world where air pollution and brickmasons sit not at odds, but in a perplexing dance of correlation. Welcome to the realm where the mortar meets the particulate matter.
So buckle up, fellow academics, as we traverse the unexpectedly whimsical pathway of scholarly investigation. This is a journey that promises to be both intellectually elucidating and, dare we say, entertaining.

[[RESULTS]]
The data analysis conducted for this study revealed a striking correlation between air pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the number of brickmasons employed in the state of South Carolina from 2003 to 2022. The correlation coefficient of 0.9251263 and an r-squared value of 0.8558586 indicated a strong and statistically significant relationship between these two seemingly unrelated variables. The p-value of less than 0.01 further underscored the robustness of this association. Despite the curious nature of this connection at first glance, the results unequivocally point to a compelling interplay between these two factors.
Upon visually inspecting the data in a scatterplot, as depicted in Figure 1, one cannot help but marvel at the clear and decisive correlation between air pollution levels in Greenville and the number of brickmasons in the state. The points on the plot form a positively sloped line, indicative of the parallel ascent of both variables over the years. It seems that as the air pollution levels rise, so do the number of brickmasons employed in South Carolina. It's almost as if the need for more brick structures grows in tandem with the degradation of air quality – a truly perplexing observation.
The unexpected coherence between air pollution and the employment levels of brickmasons raises a host of intriguing questions. Could the demand for brick structures be driven by environmental concerns, leading to an uptick in employment in response to deteriorating air quality? Or perhaps the brickmasons, equipped with their age-old craft, are looking to combat the environmental perils through their work, as if building a cleaner tomorrow brick by brick. The correlation revealed in this study not only challenges conventional wisdom but also beckons one to ponder the intricate dance of cause and effect in the realm of environmental and economic dynamics.
In conclusion, the findings of this study underscore the heretofore unexplored ties between air pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the employment of brickmasons in the state. The results not only serve as a testament to the unpredictability of correlations in the vast tapestry of societal and environmental factors but also offer a fresh perspective on the interlacing of seemingly disparate elements. This research poses a unique opportunity for further investigation into the intricacies of the environmental and economic dynamics, promising a journey that is as intellectually enlightening as it is unexpectedly entertaining.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In closing, our study has shed light on the curious relationship between air pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the number of brickmasons in the state. The robust correlation coefficient and p-value less than 0.01 indicate a significant association that leaves us pondering the unexpected symphony of particulate matter and bricklaying. It's as if the brickmasons are responding to the call of pollution, embarking on a quest to build a cleaner, sturdier future amid the environmental haze. Or perhaps, there's a demand for brick structures driven by the desire to fortify against the forces of pollution – after all, who wouldn't want to live in a brick house when the air is a little, well, 'brick-y'?

Like a carefully constructed brick wall, our findings challenge conventional perspectives and invite us to embrace the delightful unpredictability of correlations in the academic landscape. Nevertheless, despite the charm of this unexpected connection, we assert with confidence that no more research is needed in this area. The beauty of this correlation lies in its captivating enigma – a puzzle that beckons us to embrace the joy of scholarly discovery while chuckling at the whimsical dance of environmental and economic dynamics. And with that, we conclude our investigation, leaving you with the inescapable allure of brick by brick, and the tantalizing mystery of how air pollution and brickmasons may just be building a better, cleaner future together.

In this context, there's no need for further investigation – after all, we wouldn't want to 'over-click' on the correlation between brickmasons and smog. Thank you for joining us on this unexpectedly entertaining journey through the realm where the mortar meets the particulate matter.


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 Brick by Brick: The Relationship Between Air Pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the Number of Brickmasons in the State. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Atmospheric Anthropology


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 Brick by Brick: The Relationship Between Air Pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the Number of Brickmasons in the State. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Society for Urban Environmental Studies and Artisan Trades


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 Brick by Brick: The Relationship Between Air Pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the Number of Brickmasons in the State with an abstract of In this study, we delve into the unexpected and seemingly nonsensical connection between air pollution in Greenville, South Carolina, and the number of brickmasons in the entire state. While one may initially assume that these two factors have no bearing on one other, our research uncovers a surprising correlation that will leave you breathless - literally. By utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we meticulously analyzed the air quality in Greenville and the employment numbers of brickmasons in South Carolina from 2003 to 2022. Our findings revealed a significant correlation coefficient of 0.9251263 and p-value less than 0.01, indicating a rather robust relationship between these seemingly unrelated variables. Could the brickmasons be using their craft to build a better, cleaner environment amidst the pollution? Or is there something more complex at play, such as the demand for brick structures driven by environmental concerns? Our study not only raises eyebrows but also puts a new spin on the phrase "building a better future.

ChatGPT:

air pollution, Greenville South Carolina, brickmasons, employment, correlation, Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau of Labor Statistics, air quality, South Carolina, brick structures, demand, environmental concerns

*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 Greenville, South Carolina
Detailed data title: Percentage of days with moderate or worse air quality in Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, SC
Source: Environmental Protection Agency
See what else correlates with Air pollution in Greenville, South Carolina

The number of brickmasons in South Carolina
Detailed data title: BLS estimate of brickmasons and blockmasons in South Carolina
Source: Bureau of Larbor Statistics
See what else correlates with The number of brickmasons in South Carolina

Correlation r = 0.9251263 (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 = 0.8558586 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 85.6% of the change in the one variable (i.e., The number of brickmasons in South Carolina) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Air pollution in Greenville, South Carolina) over the 20 years from 2003 through 2022.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 5.3E-9. 0.0000000053404858228551860000
The p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme. More specifically the p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme if we had only tested one pair of variables one time.

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

Who is going to stop me? p-value reporting doesn't require me to report how many calculations I had to go through in order to find a low p-value!
On average, you will find a correaltion as strong as 0.93 in 5.3E-7% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 187,248,882 random variables You don't actually need 187 million variables to find a correlation like this one. I don't have that many variables in my database. You can also correlate variables that are not independent. I do this a lot.

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

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

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

[ 0.82, 0.97 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
The confidence interval is an estimate the range of the value of the correlation coefficient, using the correlation itself as an input. The values are meant to be the low and high end of the correlation coefficient with 95% confidence.

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


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

Still, sometimes one of the variables has more years of data available than the other. This page only shows the overlapping years. To see all the years, click on "See what else correlates with..." link above.
20032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022
Air pollution in Greenville, South Carolina (Bad air quality days)64.109666.120270.13770.958969.86364.207647.945253.972653.972635.519123.835629.041134.794532.513730.684918.082224.383620.491833.150730.9589
The number of brickmasons in South Carolina (Laborers)2000191018901900193015701370980930700650620720730600620650600460420




Why this works

  1. Data dredging: I have 25,237 variables in my database. I compare all these variables against each other to find ones that randomly match up. That's 636,906,169 correlation calculations! This is called “data dredging.” Instead of starting with a hypothesis and testing it, I instead abused the data to see what correlations shake out. It’s a dangerous way to go about analysis, because any sufficiently large dataset will yield strong correlations completely at random.
  2. Lack of causal connection: There is probably Because these pages are automatically generated, it's possible that the two variables you are viewing are in fact causually related. I take steps to prevent the obvious ones from showing on the site (I don't let data about the weather in one city correlate with the weather in a neighboring city, for example), but sometimes they still pop up. If they are related, cool! You found a loophole.
    no direct connection between these variables, despite what the AI says above. This is exacerbated by the fact that I used "Years" as the base variable. Lots of things happen in a year that are not related to each other! Most studies would use something like "one person" in stead of "one year" to be the "thing" studied.
  3. Observations not independent: For many variables, sequential years are not independent of each other. If a population of people is continuously doing something every day, there is no reason to think they would suddenly change how they are doing that thing on January 1. A simple Personally I don't find any p-value calculation to be 'simple,' but you know what I mean.
    p-value calculation does not take this into account, so mathematically it appears less probable than it really is.




Try it yourself

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

    return correlation, r_squared, p_value

# These are the arrays for the variables shown on this page, but you can modify them to be any two sets of numbers
array_1 = np.array([64.1096,66.1202,70.137,70.9589,69.863,64.2076,47.9452,53.9726,53.9726,35.5191,23.8356,29.0411,34.7945,32.5137,30.6849,18.0822,24.3836,20.4918,33.1507,30.9589,])
array_2 = np.array([2000,1910,1890,1900,1930,1570,1370,980,930,700,650,620,720,730,600,620,650,600,460,420,])
array_1_name = "Air pollution in Greenville, South Carolina"
array_2_name = "The number of brickmasons in South Carolina"

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

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



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Correlation ID: 5485 · Black Variable ID: 20695 · Red Variable ID: 14112
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