Hidden Variable

Hidden variables may refer to:

  • Hidden variable theories, in physics, the proposition that statistical models of physical systems (such as Quantum Mechanics) are inherently incomplete, and that the apparent randomness of a system depends not on collapsing wave functions, but rather due to unseen or unmeasurable (and thus "hidden") variables. In sharp contrast to the generally accepted Copenhagen Interpretation.
  • Latent variables, in statistics, variables that are inferred from other observed variables
  • Hidden transformation, in computer science, a way to transform a generic constraint satisfaction problem into a binary one by introducing new hidden variables
  • Confounding or hidden variables in general. That is, a variable that actually creates the illusion of a causal relation (e.g. firemen often appear after smoke, not because smoke causes firemen, but because fire causes both smoke and firemen)

Famous quotes containing the words hidden and/or variable:

    “Nobody knows what the cause is,
    Though some pretend they do;
    It’s like some hidden assassin
    Waiting to strike at you.
    Childless women get it,
    And men when they retire;
    It’s as if there had to be some outlet
    For their foiled creative fire.”
    —W.H. (Wystan Hugh)

    “There is not so variable a thing in nature as a lady’s head-dress.”
    —Joseph Addison (1672–1719)