Question

Explain how the ANOVA technique avoids the problem of the inflated probability of making Type I error that would arise using the alternative method of comparing groups two at a time using the t-test for independent groups.

Answer 1

We know that when we use the t-test for independent groups, it only works for two independent groups. But ANOVA can be used to test for more than two independent groups. This means, when we use a t-test, we need to repeat the procedure many times. Since there is a type I error for each t-test, the probability of making Type I error from each t-test will arise. However, when we perform ANOVA, we only use the F test once. ANOVA is used to test the equality of means for different groups. That's how the ANOVA technique avoids the problem of the inflated probability of making Type I error that would arise using the alternative method of comparing groups two at a time using the t-test for independent groups.