The Journal of Culinary Chemistry and Sociological Studies
Copyleft 2024 by The Institute for Culinary and Sociological Studies
Spuriously published by Tyler Vigen

Vol. 267, No. 25, 2024
ISSN 2683-3862/10/$43.00
PII S7446-8750(5920)6061-8

Spreading Love and Margarine: An Examination of the ButterSplitter Correlation in Maine
Christopher Harris, Abigail Terry, Giselle P TrumanCambridge, MassachusettsThis paper examines the tantalizing yet perplexing relationship between per capita
consumption of margarine and the divorce rate in the state of Maine. Using a combinationof data from the US Department of Agriculture and the CDC National Vital Statistics, ourresearch team set out to answer the burning question: does the spread of margarine
correlate with the spread of estrangement amongst Mainers? To our surprise (andamusement), the analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.9925585 and p < 0.01 forthe period from 2000 to 2009, prompting us to butter up to the idea that there may indeed
be a linkage between these two seemingly unrelated variables. Our findings suggest thatwhile correlation does not imply causation, it could be a significant factor. We cannot help
but wonder if the old saying "love conquers all" should perhaps be amended to "loveconquers all, except when there's margarine involved." This research not only provides aquirky insight into human behavior and dietary habits but also serves as a reminder thateven the most unlikely findings can butter our academic bread.

The study of correlations between seemingly
unrelated variables has long been a source offascination for researchers, often leading tounexpected or downright humorous findings. Ourinvestigation into the relationship between percapita consumption of margarine and the divorce
rate in Maine is no exception. While initiallyconceived as a lighthearted exploration, ourresearch endeavors to shed light on the curious
statistical bond between buttery spreads and maritalsplits.
The choice of Maine as the focal point of our study
may raise eyebrows, considering its reputation as awholesome, picturesque state known for its lobster
rolls and scenic lighthouses rather than its
margarine consumption or divorce rate. However, it
is precisely this unexpectedness that adds a layer of
intrigue to our analysis. As the saying goes, "theplot thickens," and in our case, perhaps with agenerous dollop of margarine.
The connection between personal dietary choices
and social trends is undoubtedly a peculiar avenueof inquiry. Yet, as researchers, we are duty-bound to
explore the mysteries of human behavior, even if itmeans venturing into the peculiar and buttery
landscape that lies before us. It is within this context
that we embarked upon our investigation, armed
with an equal measure of curiosity and a healthyappreciation for dairy alternatives.
We are aware that the focus of our study may raise a
few eyebrows in scholarly circles, and it is withgreat delight that we anticipate the raised eyebrowsof our esteemed colleagues. After all, academic
pursuit should not merely churn out well-wornnarratives, but also allow for the occasional sprinkle

This paper is AI-generated, but the correlation and p-value are real.

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-research

of absurdity to take hold and add flavor to ourcollective understanding.
In the following sections, we shall delve into ourfindings with the diligence and seriousness befitting
scholarly inquiry. We will present the data, discuss
our methodology, and draw cautious yet tantalizing
connections between the consumption of margarine
and the dissolution of marital bonds. But rest
assured, dear reader, that we do so with a twinkle inour eyes and perhaps a pat of butter on our toast.

LITERATURE REVIEWIn "Smith et al.," the authors find that a correlation
exists between dietary habits and societal trends,
particularlyinregions
wheremargarine
consumption is high. This finding corroborates theidea that what we spread on our toast may havebroader implications beyond mere gustatory
satisfaction.
Moving on to "Doe and Jones," the investigation
into seemingly unrelated variables reveals asurprising connection between dietary choices andinterpersonal relationships. The authors postulatethat buttery spreads might influence not only ourcholesterol levels but also the fabric of our socialinteractions.
In "The Margarine Monograph" by Butterworth andMargarine, the authors delve into the historical,
cultural, and even emotional significance ofmargarine consumption, bringing to light the rich,buttery tapestry that underlies this seemingly
mundane dietary staple. The monograph serves as areminder that there is more to margarine than meetsthe eye, or shall we say, the butter dish.
Shifting gears to fictional works that tangentiallytouch upon themes of marital discord and dietary
intrigue, "The Margarine Murders" by Agatha
Spreadie leaves readers guessing as to whether thehomicide is driven by a dispute over butter
substitutes or a deeper, buttery conspiracy. Thiswork, though purely fictional, hints at the intrigue
and mystery that envelop the world of margarine.

In a more whimsical deviation from conventionalsources, our research team delved into the world ofgrocery store receipts, including those from a wellknown pharmacy chain perhaps most famous for its
ExtraCare rewards program. While not a traditional
avenue for scholarly inquiry, these receipts offered
unexpected insights into the purchasing patterns ofmargarine and its potential impact on otherconsumer behaviors, including but not limited torelationship counseling services and self-help
literature.
These diverse sources, though varying in theirseriousness and validity within scholarly discourse,
collectively provide a colorful tapestry of context
for our own investigation into the correlation
between per capita consumption of margarine andthe divorce rate in Maine. While jest and absurdity
may appear to be present in our review of theliterature, our intent remains serious and groundedin the pursuit of knowledge, even if it means
wading through the occasionally margarinaceous
pond of academic inquiry.

METHODOLOGYTo unravel the enigmatic relationship between
margarine and marriage in the picturesque state ofMaine, our research team embarked on a journeythat involved navigating the turbulent seas of datacollection and analysis. Our methods were asdiverse as a mix of margarine flavors,
encompassing both quantitative and qualitative
approaches to capture the essence of this peculiar
correlation.
Data Collection:
We began by scouring the digital expanse,
harnessing the power of the internet to gather
information from sources such as the US
Department of Agriculture and the CDC National
Vital Statistics. Our trusty spreadsheet, lovingly
named "The Margarine Marvel," became the vesselfor our data, housing nuggets of statistical wisdomthat would later be analyzed with calculating
precision.

This paper is AI-generated, but the correlation and p-value are real.

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-researchPer Capita Consumption of Margarine:
The consumption of margarine was meticulously
chronicled, with data spanning from 2000 to 2009.
We delved into reports, industry publications, andculinary forums to gauge the annual average intakeof this buttery alternative. The numbers were
crunched, and the ebb and flow of margarine
consumption were charted with the zeal of a fervent
baker kneading dough.
Divorce Rate in Maine:
Simultaneously, we set out to capture the pulse ofmarital discord in Maine. The divorce rate, adelicate reflection of human relationships, wascarefully documented for the same timeframe. We
combed through public records, legal databases, andthe annals of amicable separations, ensuring that ourdata reflected the real-world dynamics of marital
unraveling.
Statistical Analysis:With our data in hand, we called upon theformidable powers of statistical analysis to unravel
the mysteries before us. Correlation coefficientswere summoned from the depths of our software
arsenal, and p-values were scrutinized with the rigor
of a detective examining clues at a crime scene. Ourcalculations danced across the spreadsheet with thegrace of a butter knife spreading the golden richnessof margarine on toast.
The Grand Synthesis:
Finally, armed with the insights gleaned from ourdata, we wove a narrative that sought to encapsulate
the nuanced interplay between margarine andmatrimony in the context of Maine. Our analysis
was a blend of precision and whimsy, with just ahint of intrigue stirred into the mix. And so, thestage was set for our findings to captivate andbeguile, much like the allure of a perfectly butteredslice of artisanal bread.

delectable as it is illuminating. As we lift the lid on
our findings, prepare to savor the subtle flavors ofstatistical inquiry, with a generous dollop ofacademic mirth.

RESULTS

Our analysis of the relationship between per capita
consumption of margarine and the divorce rate in
Maine from 2000 to 2009 yielded some rather"gouda" results. The correlative coefficient of
0.9925585 suggests a strikingly strong relationshipbetween these seemingly unrelated variables,
raising eyebrows and cholesterol levels alike. The rsquared value of 0.9851723 further underscores thesignificant association, leaving us in a butter state ofdisbelief.
As for the p-value, well, let's just say it was sosmall, it basically disappeared like a pat of
margarine into a hot pan. With p < 0.01, we canconfidently conclude that the observed correlation is
not merely a fluke, but rather a robust andstatistically significant finding. Who would havethought that the spread of margarine is so closely
linked to the spreading apart of spouses in the stateof Maine?
The figure (Fig. 1) included with this paper
visualizes the data with a scatterplot, providing aclear depiction of the undeniable correlation
between per capita margarine consumption and thedivorce rate. It's as clear as day – or should we say,as clear as a tub of margarine left out in the summer
sun.

In the forthcoming sections, we shall unfurl thetapestry of our discoveries, inviting readers to join
us on a gastronomic and scholarly odyssey that is asThis paper is AI-generated, but the correlation and p-value are real.

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-researchinfluence on other consumer behaviors, including
those related to personal relationships, may indeed
provide a rich source of data for future
investigations.

Figure 1. Scatterplot of the variables by year

These results not only highlight the surprisinginterconnectedness of dietary habits and social
phenomena but also add a touch of whimsy to theoften serious world of academic research. After all,who would have guessed that the key tounderstanding divorce rates lay in the margarine
aisle of the supermarket?
Stay tuned for the following sections, where we will
delve into the implications of our findings andspread some insight into the intriguing relationshipbetween margarine consumption and marital
discord.

DISCUSSION

Our findings provide compelling evidence tosupport the idea that there is a strong correlation
between per capita consumption of margarine andthe divorce rate in Maine, echoing the sentiments ofprior research that suggested a potential link
between dietary choices and societal trends. As we
spread our results like margarine on toast, it
becomes clear that the butter-splitter correlation is
not just a trivial matter but a significant avenue forfurther exploration.
Returning to the whimsical touch on grocery store
receipts in our literature review, we initiallydismissed this as a humorous aside. However, inlight of our results, it seems that these mundane
artifacts of consumer culture may hold more insightthan we initially buttered them up to be. The
patterns of margarine purchases and their potential

Similarly, the fictional work "The Margarine
Murders" by Agatha Spreadie, though purely
fictional, may have inadvertently touched upon atheme that resonates with our empirical findings. It
is not beyond the realm of possibility that disputes
over butter substitutes could indeed contribute tomarital discord, as our results seem to suggest.
While we stop short of entertaining the notion of
margarine-related homicides, the humor andintrigue surrounding the world of margarine take ona new light in the context of our research.
Our results, though at first glance may appear as
mere fodder for puns and playful banter, offer a
fresh perspective on the intricate interplay between
dietary habits and social phenomena. As we delve
deeper into the implications of our findings, we may
uncover layers of complexity that butter the surfaceof traditional understandings of human behavior andrelationship dynamics.
In the words of Gandhi, "Where there is love there
is life," but where there is margarine, there may justbe a statistically significant correlation with divorce
rates.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our research has churned out somefascinating insights into the curious connection
between per capita margarine consumption and the
divorce rate in the state of Maine. Our findings,
with a correlation coefficient that could make eventhe toughest butter melt, underscore the unlikely yetstatistically significant relationship between these
two seemingly unrelated variables. Whilecorrelation does not imply causation, it certainly
does imply a need for further investigation into thebutter-splitter connection.
It appears that the old saying "love conquers all"may need to be updated to "love conquers all,This paper is AI-generated, but the correlation and p-value are real.

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-researchexcept when margarine is in the mix – then all bets
are off." It seems that margarine might have a knackfor slipping its way into both spreads and splits,causing a stir in Mainers' lives and their breakfast
routines.
Our study not only adds a dollop of quirkiness tothe academic discourse but also prompts us toconsider the buttery implications of our findings.
Who knew that the key to unraveling familial
disintegration could lie in the refrigerated aisle next
to the tubs of country crock?
As we wrap up our investigation, we cannot help
but contemplate whether the concept of "butteringsomeone up" may take on a whole new meaning in
the context of interpersonal relationships. Perhaps,in Maine, "I can't believe it's not butter" takes on awhole new significance in matters of the heart.
In light of these unforeseen yet robust results, it is
our sincere recommendation that no further researchin this area is needed. The data has spoken, and it's
as clear as a freshly opened pack of margarine – thebutter-splitter correlation in Maine is no laughing
matter. Well, it is a laughing matter, but also agenuine and perplexing scientific discovery.

This paper is AI-generated, but the correlation and p-value are real.

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-research