Factorial Analysis of Variance

Factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) is a statistical procedure that allows researchers to explore the influence of two or more independent variables (factors) on a single dependent variable. In contrast to a one-way ANOVA, a factorial ANOVA uses two or more independent variables with two or more categories to predict change in a single dependent variable. Many experimental designs use factorial ANOVAs to explore differences between treatment groups while considering individual characteristics. Factorial ANOVAs offer two advantages. First, factorial ANOVAs allow researchers to explore how multiple independent variables effect change in the dependent variable. This effect is measured with individual main effects for each factor, along with the interaction effect with all factors. Second, factorial ANOVAs are a more powerful test because they reduce potential ...