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AAT Bioquest

What are the differences between ANOVA and regression?

Posted August 17, 2022


Answer

ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) and regression are two very similar types of statistical models with only a few differences between them. 

Basis of DifferentiationANOVARegression
DefinitionIs a statistical technique used to determine if there are any statistical differences between the means of three or more independent groupsIs a statistical technique used to determine the relationship between one dependent variable and two or more independent variables
What the test is based onIs based on one or more categorical predictor variablesIs based on one or more continuous predictor variables
What the test focuses onFocuses on random variablesFocuses on fixed or independent or continuous variables
When the test is usedIs used when the predictor variables are categoricalIs used when the predictor variables are continuous
Order of performing the testIs the initial test for identifying factors that can influence a data testANOVA test results are used in F-test on the relevance of the regression formula
Waht the test is used forIs mainly used to determine whether or not data from various groups have a common meanIs mainly used for making estimates or predictions based on the dependent variable
Number of modelsHas three models: Fixed effect; Random Effect; Mixed EffectHas two models: Linear regression;Multiple regression
Error terms associated with the testCan have several error termsHas only one error term 
Additional resources

Regression strategies for analyzing the study and pharmacological treatment of sexual response: ANOVA and beyond

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