A researcher computes a two-way between-subjects ANOVA and finds a significant main effect of Factor A and an A $\times$ B interaction.Which significant effect should be analyzed first?
A)the significant main effect
B)the significant interaction
C)No effect needs to be analyzed further.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The significant interaction should be analyzed first because it indicates that the effect of Factor A on the dependent variable depends on the levels of Factor B. Without exploring this interaction, any interpretation of the main effect of Factor A may not be accurate or complete. Once the interaction effect is examined, further analyses can then investigate the main effect of Factor A, if it is still significant after controlling for the interaction.

A Researcher Computes a Two-Way Between-Subjects ANOVA and Finds a Significant