If the ANOVA method is used to test for differences between means,then why is it called an "analysis of variance"?
A)Because the amount differences among the set of group means is determined by calculating the variance of those group means.
B)Because means and variances are basically the same thing.
C)Because statisticians feel it is important to have multiple names for the same thing.
D)Because the differences between means is determined by averaging the variances.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

ANOVA is called an "analysis of variance" because it involves analyzing the variability (i.e., variance) between group means. ANOVA determines whether the observed differences in the means of the groups are due to actual differences in their population means or just due to random variability within the data. The method calculates the variance of the group means and compares it to the variance within the groups to determine the significance of the differences between means.

If the ANOVA Method Is Used to Test for Differences