The results from a two-factor ANOVA show no main effect for factor A but a significant interaction. What can you conclude based on this pattern of results?
A) Factor A has no effect on the participants' scores.
B) Factor A may have an effect but, if so, it depends on the levels of factor B.
C) Because the interaction is significant, factor A must also have an effect.
D) The effect of factor A is constant across all levels of factor B.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since there is no main effect for Factor A but a significant interaction, it means that the effect of Factor A is not consistent across all levels of Factor B. Rather, the effect of Factor A is dependent on the levels of Factor B, which suggests that there may be a more complex relationship between the two factors. Consequently, it is not possible to conclude that Factor A has no effect on the participants' scores, and it is also not accurate to claim that Factor A must have an effect simply because there is an interaction.

The Results from a Two-Factor ANOVA Show No Main Effect