Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA)

ANCOVA is a parametric hypothesis test that compares the adjusted means of two or more independent groups while statistically controlling for one or more continuous covariates. By removing the portion of outcome variance explained by the covariate, ANCOVA increases statistical precision and produces fairer group comparisons. The method builds on the general linear model framework consolidated by Fisher in the early 1930s and is described comprehensively by Tabachnick and Fidell (2013).