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Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA)
Assignment 1: ANCOVA in SPSS

The one-way ANOVA is a fantastic statistical tool if you just want to see if there are differences across group means but it does not provide the ability to control for any important variables. The
analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) could be explained simply as a one-way ANOVA that adds a continuous variable as a control.
As an example, a statistics professor may wish to understand what teaching approach is most useful in imparting statistical knowledge (a topic about which many statistics professors are very
interested). The professor may use a different instructional approach in three different classes to determine which produces higher mean outcome scores. Using a one-way ANOVA does not control for
the confounding aspect of the level of statistical knowledge that a student had coming into the course. The professor can administer a pre-test at the beginning of the term and now control for
previously acquired statistics knowledge when comparing means.

In this week, you explore practice applying ANCOVA to given datasets and once again analyze quantitative research articles that apply this method.

Students will:
• Apply ANCOVA in a dataset
• Analyze ANCOVA in a dataset
• Apply statistical software to analyze data
• Critique research studies that apply ANCOVA

To prepare
• Review the datasets provided.
• Construct a research question based on one of those datasets.
• Pay attention to the assumptions of this test, and ask, “Does it make sense to interpret the mean of this dependent variable?”

Use SPSS to answer the research question you constructed. Then, compose a 1- to 2-paragraph analysis in APA format in which you answer the following questions:
1. What is the null hypothesis for your question?
2. What research design(s) would align with this question?
3. What dependent variable was used and how is it measured?
4. What independent variable is used and how is it measured?
5. If you found significance, what is the strength of the effect?
6. What is the answer to your research question?
7. What are the possible implications of social change?
Be sure to include your data output with your analysis.