Abstract
Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is a method to analyze the data from the experimental designs comparing two or more groups or treatments at the same time, and is the most effective tool of analyzing more complex data sets with different source of variations. This article describes the logic of ANOVA, the application of the method to the analysis of a simple data set, and the methods available for performing planned or post hoc multiple comparisons between the treatments means. In addition, the common misuse of the techniques is also discussed to emphasize that an inappropriate statistical analysis is potentially far more harmful than poorly conducted research. Lastly, an example is given for illustration purposes.
