Two-Way Anova The measurements of crash test forces on the femur in Table 12-3 from Example 1 are reproduced below with fabricated measurement data (in red) used for the left femur in a small car. What characteristic of the data suggests that the appropriate method of analysis is two-way analysis of variance? That is, what is “two-way” about the data entered in this table?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Observe the table provided. The data is organized into two factors: the type of femur (Left Femur and Right Femur) and the type of vehicle (Small, Midsize, Large, SUV). These two factors are the basis for the 'two-way' analysis.
2. Step 2: Understand that a two-way ANOVA is used when there are two independent variables (factors) and their interaction is being studied. Here, the two factors are 'Femur Type' and 'Vehicle Type'.
3. Step 3: Note that each cell in the table contains measurements of crash test forces. These measurements are the dependent variable being analyzed in relation to the two factors.
4. Step 4: Recognize that the data structure allows for analysis of both the main effects (the effect of Femur Type and Vehicle Type independently) and the interaction effect (how Femur Type and Vehicle Type together influence the crash test forces).
5. Step 5: Conclude that the 'two-way' aspect of the data refers to the two factors (Femur Type and Vehicle Type) and their potential interaction, which makes two-way ANOVA the appropriate method of analysis.

Key Concepts

Two-Way ANOVA

Two-Way ANOVA is a statistical method used to determine the effect of two independent categorical variables on a continuous dependent variable. It allows researchers to analyze the interaction between the two factors and their individual effects, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the data. In this case, the two factors could be the type of car (small, midsize, large, SUV) and the femur (left or right), which influence the crash test forces.

Interaction Effects

Interaction effects occur when the effect of one independent variable on the dependent variable differs depending on the level of another independent variable. In the context of the crash test data, it is essential to assess whether the impact of car size on femur forces varies between the left and right femurs. Identifying these interactions helps in understanding how different factors work together to influence outcomes.

Factorial Design

Factorial design is an experimental setup that involves two or more factors, each with multiple levels, allowing for the examination of their effects and interactions. In the provided data, the two factors are the type of car and the femur side, each with different levels. This design is crucial for Two-Way ANOVA as it enables the analysis of multiple variables simultaneously, leading to more robust conclusions about the data.