ANOVA, MANOVA, and MANCOVA Question: What is the difference between ANOVA, MANOVA, and MANCOVA? (Eric, Lafayette, IN)

The difference can definitely be confusing. There are differences on a few different levels. First, an ANOVA is different from both a MANOVA and MANCOVA because an ANOVA has only one dependent variable, while both a MANOVA and MANCOVA have multiple dependent variables. An ANOVA typically compares a continuous (a.k.a interval or scale variable) between multiple independent groups of responses (usually 3 or more groups).

By contrast, both a MANOVA and MANCOVA have multiple dependent variables, but there are differences between the two as well. The difference between a MANOVA and MANCOVA lies in the number of independent variables. A MANOVA, like an ANOVA, has only one independent variable (which is typically a categorical variable that represents independent groups) and compares multiple dependent variables between independent groups.  A MANCOVA is a similar concept to MANOVA, except it allow for multiple independent variables (a.k.a. covariates).

In a MANCOVA, one is able to examine  multiple dependent variables for differences between independent groups, while controlling for other variables that may also be related to the DV. These covariates may be either categorical or continuous. I hope this helps, Eric! Please keep the questions coming!

Comments

[Lawal]

Hi Jeremy,
I am happy to come across your contributions on statistical problems. I have a question on my data analysis, I am conducting a randomized controlled trial involving three intervention groups and a control. Three patient categories will be randomized independently into the four groups (interventions and control). My data will include baseline, post-intervention and 2-months follow-up. I am of the opinion that MANCOVA will be appropriate for data analyses.
Please what is your suggestion?

Lawal

[Jeremy Taylor]

Hi Lawal,

What analysis you choose is determined by many things, including (as you presented) your study design, but also the nature of your research questions/hypotheses. However, from what you've said, I think MANCOVA (specifically a Repeated Measures MANCOVA) is a reasonable option.

[Lawal]

Hi Jeremy,
I appreciate your response, it has truly solve my problem. And like you mentioned I believe my research questions/hypotheses, will support the use of Repeated Measures MANCOVA. Once again thank you so much. I hope I can still ask more questions if the need arises in future.

Lawal

[Jeremy Taylor]

You are absolutely welcome to ask additional questions in the future. Lawal! I would recommend using my discussion forum for additional questions:

http://www.statsmakemecry.com/statistics-discussion-forum/

[Mohammad]

Hi
I'm conducting a study on my students in Iran to measure their understanding of new English vocabularies during reading comprehension using two different methodologies. I have only a 21-member group of learners and decide to compare different learning conditions (4 conditions/treatment sessions) on the same group besed on these two methodologies. The one is isolated vocabulary instruction, and the other is integrated vocabulary instruction. During each of the isolated and integrated treatments, I would imply two different conditions:
The first condition (in the isolated approach) includes high rates of in-text word frequencies;
The second condition (in the isolated approach) will include post-reading vocabulary tasks instead of word frequencies;
The third condition (in the integrated approach) again includes high rates of in-text word frequencies;
The forth condition (in the integrated approach) will also include post-reading vocabulary tasks instead of word frequencies.
Each learner will be pre and post tested, and finally their learning gains will determine their understanding of new vocabularies.
My research questions are as follows:
1. Is there any significant difference between the effects of isolated and integrated instruction on vocabulary learning?
2. Do various word frequencies and different post-reading tasks have a more significant role than the type of instruction on vocabulary learning of Iranian learners?

I'm quite confused with the selection of an appropriate data analysis approach/test. It would be kind of you to help me with this selection.
Thanks in advance,

Mohammad

[Anthony Greene]

When the author states "a MANOVA, like ANOVA, has only one independent variable." This is incorrect. ANOVA may have as many independent variables (factors), and levels thereof as you like. The more the better in terms of sensitivity.

There's already enough confusion (enough to warrant a thread like this). PLEASE double check claims before asserting them.

[PRATIMA]

I need a favour that my objective is to examine the impact of demographic factors as age, experience, income on growth,satisfaction (likert scale). Which technique is better to fulfil the objective.I have applied correalation & regression between growth of stock market & growth determinants & same with satisfaction.
Please suggest me manova or one way anova

[Rasool]

Hi

I want to compare two groups (low back pain and healthy) for kinematic variable in two loads conditions (i e. with and without load). how can I do this comparison?
After this, low back pain group received treatment for 3 month and pre- and post- treatment variables including kinematic, pain and disability were evaluated. how I can compute the effect of treatment and load on these covariate variables?

Thank you for your answer so far.
Rasool