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:
“...there was the annual Fourth of July picketing at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. ...I thought it was ridiculous to have to go there in a skirt. But I did it anyway because it was something that might possibly have an effect. I remember walking around in my little white blouse and skirt and tourists standing there eating their ice cream cones and watching us like the zoo had opened.”
—Martha Shelley, U.S. author and social activist. As quoted in Making History, part 3, by Eric Marcus (1992)