Generating and Assessing Evidence for Nursing Practice, Coursework Example

ANOVA and MANOVA are statistical methods that are used for different purposes to compare different means, and therefore, the variances that exist. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) is an important tool in examining specific types of information within a group, using the dependent variable as a guide, while the multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) represents an analysis of two different types of dependent variables rather than a single type (Polit & Beck, 2012). Both types of analyses are designed to suit different types of research studies with different purposes; therefore, the research question(s) will set the tone for the type of research that is being conducted. It is important to identify the challenges of each type of analysis in order to determine the best possible fit for the type of study in question.

Most importantly, ANOVA is designed to examine an independent variable with multiple values against a dependent variable with intervals, and this supports the analysis of the variables in conjunction with the research question (Warne, 2014). This practice provides a means of examining the different tools that will have an impact on the research study and the type of information that is generated through the study for further evaluation. This is an important reminder of the value of ANOVA in determining the best possible options for understanding important variables that may have an impact on the study outcomes.

On the other hand, MANOVA provides an examination of variables across two or more groups, and this reflects the importance of understanding multiple dependent variables and how they are influenced by the chosen independent variable (Warne, 2014). Therefore, this context provides an understanding of the different dependent variables and whether or not they factor into the final outcomes effectively in order to generate the appropriate type of response that will impact the results effectively (Warne, 2014).

References

Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2012). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice (9th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Warne, R. T. (2014). A Primer on Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) for Behavioral Scientists. Retrieved from http://pareonline.net/getvn.asp?v=19&n=17