A psychology instructor studying the effects of the order of test items on test scores gave half the class a test in which the item order reflected the order in the textbook. The other half received the same questions in random order. What was the INDEPENDENT variable in this experiment

order of test items

Explanation: An independent variable is a variable that is specifically manipulated by a researcher to investigate whether it consequently brings about change in another variable. The other variable, which is measured and predicted to be dependent upon the independent variable, is known as the dependent variable.

In the experiment above, the independent variable is the order or arrangement of the test items. The instructor gave two sets of order to two groups of students to study effect of the order on test scores. The effect on the test scores may be dependent on the order the tests were arranged.

the minoan civilization flourished in the middle bronze age on the island of crete located in the eastern mediterranean from c. 2000 bce until c. 1500 bce. with their unique art and architecture, and the spread of their ideas through contact with other cultures across the aegean, the minoans made a significant contribution to the development of western european civilization as it is known today. labyrinth-like palace complexes, vivid frescoes depicting scenes such as bull-leaping and processions, fine gold jewelry, elegant stone vases, and pottery with vibrant decorations of marine life are all particular features of minoan crete.  

so basically their unique way of ding arts, as well as architecture.