ANOVA isn’t the hero because it tells us everything… it’s the hero because it tells us whether there’s a “there” there. Before we chase pairwise stories, we ask: did something happen worth explaining? Think of it like a detective board (strings, pins, notes)… impressive, but meaningless if no crime occurred. The F-test is that threshold. It compares variation we expect inside groups (people being people) with variation between groups (the thing we manipulated). If between dwarfs within, we pay attention. If not, we move on. That restraint is a strategy. In a world eager for “findings,” ANOVA keeps us honest, so our follow-ups aren’t fishing trips but finishing moves. The habit to build: run lean, label clearly, check descriptives, then cross the gate. If you’re tempted to peek at post-hocs early… notice the urge and return to the work. The gate is there to protect your contribution. Use it.
