In probability theory, to say that two events are independent (alternatively statistically independent, marginally independent or absolutely independent) means that the occurrence of one does not affect the probability of the other. Similarly, two random variables are independent if the observed value of one does not affect the probability distribution of the other.
The concept of independence extends to dealing with collections of more than two events or random variables.
Famous quotes containing the word independence:
“The subject of the novel is reality liberated from soul. The reader in complete independence presented with a structured process: let him evaluate it, not the author. The façade of the novel cannot be other than stone or steel, flashing electrically or dark, but silent.”
—Alfred Döblin (1878–1957)