PROCEEDINGS OF THE 20TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON RESEARCH IN UNDERGRADUATE MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
2017
San Diego, California
Textbook formations of independence
Page: 1348
The noun independence and adjective independent are applied in multiple mathematicalcontexts. In probability, independent events do not affect each other, but in algebra andregression, an independent variable has a non-symmetric effect on a dependent variable. Furthercomplicating matters, independence in everyday language represents something in between.Prior research has shown that students and professors struggle to apply concepts ofindependence. As part of an investigation into curriculum about independence, textbookdefinitions about independence were examined. Across nine books, a mix of algebra andstatistics texts, substantial variations existed in definitions of independent events andindependent variables. Variations included the register of representation, verbal againstalgebraic, and the strength of the dependent effect. Little written guidance was provided to helplearners navigate across the multiple formations.