Factor (in an experiment)
A factor is an explanatory variable in an experiment whose categories, called levels, are imposed on the experimental units by the researcher.
You choose the factor and set its levels rather than just recording what happens naturally. For example, a baking experiment with one factor, oven temperature, might use three levels: 325, 350, and 375 degrees. When there is a single factor, the levels are the treatments. When there are two factors, the treatments are the combinations of levels, so pairing those three temperatures with two pan types gives 6 treatments.
Where this comes up
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- Independent events practice problems with full solutionsPractice
More collecting data and study design terms, or browse the full statistics glossary.