what does df mean?

[GingerSue]

in a nursing journal article with a table of analysis of variance explaining the results of the study, there is a column with F (df) - and the corresponding results are indicated only beside the experimental group

What does F (df) mean?

[GingerSue]

is there anyone who knows about Statistics - the meaning of F (df) in order to understand the results presented in a study?

hope so

thanks

[llg, PhD, RN]

I'm more than a bit rusty, but .... The F statistic is the actual analysis of variance statistic (the comparison of the within-group variance and the between group variance). Usually "df" refers to the degrees of freedom. If that doesn't clarify it for you and/or you don't understand those terms, I would suggest that you find someone who can read the article with you and explain the stats used. Have you taken a stats class that included ANOVA's? If not, you are probably either going to have to let this go or find someone who can give you a little class on it. (or actually take a class that includes some of the more advanced stats)

llg

[GingerSue]

thanks for your help