Post-hoc

/poʊst ˈhɒk/ adjective

Definition

Referring to statistical tests conducted after an initial analysis (like ANOVA) to determine which specific groups differ from each other. These tests are performed only when the overall test indicates significant differences exist.

Etymology

From Latin 'post hoc' meaning 'after this,' used in the fuller phrase 'post hoc ergo propter hoc' (after this, therefore because of this). In statistics, adopted to describe analyses conducted after finding an overall significant effect.

Kelly Says

Post-hoc tests are like detective work after finding evidence of a crime - once ANOVA tells you 'something's different somewhere,' post-hoc tests hunt down exactly which groups are the culprits, but they use special correction methods to avoid false accusations!

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