Analysis of variance: testing differences between several means.

Abstract This chapter introduces a technique called analysis of variance, which enables to compare the equality of two or more population means. Analysis of variance, often referred to by the acronym ANOVA, is one of the most powerful and frequently used techniques in statistics. It is used to analyse data obtained through both experimental designs and sampling designs. The application of this technique is exemplified by studying the effects of three different fertilizers on the height growth of Douglas fir seedlings.