What type of variables does a 2x2 ANOVA study?

A 2x2 ANOVA, also known as a two-way ANOVA, is designed to examine the effect of two independent variables on a single dependent variable. The essential characteristic of this analysis is that it includes two independent variables, each with two levels or categories.

For instance, if one independent variable is "treatment type" with levels A and B, and the other independent variable is "timing" with levels 1 and 2, the resulting combinations of these factors would create a 2x2 matrix. This allows researchers to assess not just the individual effects of each independent variable on the dependent variable, but also any interaction effects that may arise when both independent variables are considered simultaneously.

Understanding these relationships can provide insights into how the two independent variables work separately and in concert to influence the outcome measured by the dependent variable. This is crucial in many fields, including psychology, medicine, and social sciences, where understanding the nuanced impacts of multiple factors is important for drawing conclusions from research data.