statistical independence

the condition in which the occurrence of one event makes it neither more nor less probable that another event will occur. In other words, knowing information about one variable provides no information about the other variable. Compare statistical dependence. See also independent events.

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Psychology term of the day

December 23rd 2024

illusion of control

a false belief that external events result from or are governed by one’s own actions or choices. A sports fan who wears the same “lucky” shirt for each home game in order to give his or her team an edge provides an example. See positive illusion. [coined in 1975 by U.S. social and clinical psychologist Ellen Langer (1947– )]