What does ANOVA stand for in statistical analysis?

ANOVA stands for "Analysis of Variance." This statistical method is used to compare the means of three or more groups to determine if there are any statistically significant differences among them. By analyzing the variance within and between groups, ANOVA helps identify potential factors that influence the outcome variable. It is widely used in various fields, including psychology, to assess the effects of different treatments or conditions.

The other options involve terms that may seem similar but do not accurately represent the established meaning of ANOVA. The correct designation as "Analysis of Variance" emphasizes its role in examining how much of the variance in a variable can be attributed to different groups or conditions, which is central to the methodology of this statistical approach.