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Can ANOVA measure causal strength?
1Department of Philosophy, University of Missouri-St Louis, St Louis, Missouri 63121-4400, USA. NORTHCOTTR@UMSL.EDU
Abstract:
The statistical technique of analysis of variance is often used by biologists as a measure of the relative strength or importance of causal factors. I argue that it is a tool ill-suited to this purpose, on several grounds. I suggest a superior alternative and outline its implications. I finish with a diagnosis of the source of error-an unwitting inheritance of bad philosophy that now requires the remedy of better philosophy.
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