TY - JOUR
T1 - The one-way ANOVA test explained
AU - Chatzi, Anna
AU - Doody, Owen
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
©2023 RCN Publishing Company Ltd. All rights reserved. Not to be copied, transmitted or recorded in any way, in whole or part, without prior permission of the publishers.
PY - 2023/9/7
Y1 - 2023/9/7
N2 - BACKGROUND: Quantitative methods and statistical analysis are essential tools in nursing research, as they support researchers testing phenomena, illustrate their findings clearly and accurately, and provide explanation or generalisation of the phenomenon being investigated. The most popular inferential statistics test is the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), as it is the test designated for comparing the means of a study's target groups to identify if they are statistically different to the others. However, the nursing literature has identified that statistical tests are not being used correctly and findings are being reported incorrectly. AIM: To present and explain the one-way ANOVA. DISCUSSION: The article presents the purpose of inferential statistics and explains one-way ANOVA. It uses relevant examples to examine the steps needed to successfully apply the one-way ANOVA. The authors also provide recommendations for other statistical tests and measurements in parallel to one-way ANOVA. CONCLUSION: Nurses need to develop their understanding and knowledge of statistical methods, to engage in research and evidence-based practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This article enhances the understanding and application of one-way ANOVAs by nursing students, novice researchers, nurses and those engaged in academic studies. Nurses, nursing students and nurse researchers need to familiarise themselves with statistical terminology and develop their understanding of statistical concepts, to support evidence-based, quality, safe care.
AB - BACKGROUND: Quantitative methods and statistical analysis are essential tools in nursing research, as they support researchers testing phenomena, illustrate their findings clearly and accurately, and provide explanation or generalisation of the phenomenon being investigated. The most popular inferential statistics test is the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), as it is the test designated for comparing the means of a study's target groups to identify if they are statistically different to the others. However, the nursing literature has identified that statistical tests are not being used correctly and findings are being reported incorrectly. AIM: To present and explain the one-way ANOVA. DISCUSSION: The article presents the purpose of inferential statistics and explains one-way ANOVA. It uses relevant examples to examine the steps needed to successfully apply the one-way ANOVA. The authors also provide recommendations for other statistical tests and measurements in parallel to one-way ANOVA. CONCLUSION: Nurses need to develop their understanding and knowledge of statistical methods, to engage in research and evidence-based practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This article enhances the understanding and application of one-way ANOVAs by nursing students, novice researchers, nurses and those engaged in academic studies. Nurses, nursing students and nurse researchers need to familiarise themselves with statistical terminology and develop their understanding of statistical concepts, to support evidence-based, quality, safe care.
KW - data analysis
KW - quantitative research
KW - research
KW - study design
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85170110609&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.7748/nr.2023.e1885
DO - 10.7748/nr.2023.e1885
M3 - Article
C2 - 37317616
AN - SCOPUS:85170110609
SN - 1351-5578
VL - 31
SP - 8
EP - 14
JO - Nurse Researcher
JF - Nurse Researcher
IS - 3
ER -