Which of K Alternatives is the Best?

We are now going to address the comparison of k alternatives for any one factor. The method of analysis examined in this chapter can also be applied for k=2 and is, therefore, an alternative procedure to the one discussed in Chapter 7. Again we are looking at one-factor experiments, in which the other parameters would either remain unchanged or, as remarked upon in Chapter 2, have similar values. The underlying philosophy and process is similar to the comparison of two means: the question is whether there are real differences between the results obtained for the different options or whether the differences observed are merely due to chance. Again, a standard distribution that will output the level of significance of the differences found will be used to answer this question. Once again randomisation is essential if this standard distribution is to be used as a reference.