ABSTRACT
The analysis of variance (ANOVA) is a statistical tool with many uses. This technique is used in many areas of research. The term analysis of vari ance was first introduced by R. A. Fisher in the 1920s to deal with the prob lems in the analyses of agronomic data in agriculture. The basic concepts involved in ANOVA should be understood by researchers, and those who intend to undertake research. The basic component in ANOVA is the sum of squares, usually written as SS. Its uses are manifold in the analysis of data; it is used in the computation of variance, standard deviation, standard error of the mean, and the standard error of difference between two means. In partic ular, it is used in the estimation of precision of the experiments. The SS is computed using the formula S(x - x)~ (definition formula) or Ht(.2 - (H r)' / n (computational formula). In the working formula, Hr,.2 is the sum of squares of the original observations, and (H r)' / n is the correc tion term to obtain the sum of the deviation squares of the observations from their mean.
