If a researcher has to compare the means across three groups quantitatively, which of the following is the most appropriate statistical technique?

ACorrelation analysis

BRegression analysis

CChi-square test

DAnalysis of variance ✓ Correct

Correct answer: (D) Analysis of variance

Explanation

Comparing means across three groups is best done with analysis of variance.

ANOVA tests whether several group means differ more than chance allows.

Correlation analysis measures association between variables, not differences in means.

Regression analysis predicts an outcome from predictors, not group-mean comparison.

The chi-square test handles categorical frequencies, not comparison of means.

A significant ANOVA is followed by post-hoc tests to locate the differing groups.

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