Choosing Appropriate Statistical Analysis: ANOVA vs ANCOVA

[tony.adib1984]

Dear all,

I have one dependent variable (Y) and 3 independent variables (X1, X2, X3). All dependent and independent variables are continuous.

I want to know which independent variable (X1 or X2 or X3) is a predictor of the dependent variable. If they all are, whether they are independent of each other in predicting the dependent variable.

I am confused which statistical analysis I should use, whether I need to use ANOVA or ANCOVA.

Would be too grateful if any body could help me.
Thanks
Tony

 

[Karabiner]

Well, this is not quite a software(SPSS)-specific question, as it seems?

I want to know which independent variable (X1 or X2 or X3) is a predictor of the dependent variable.

3 simple linear regressions maybe.

If they all are, whether they are independent of each other in predicting the dependent variable.

Multiple regression with 3 predictors.

With kind regards

K.

 

[tony.adib1984]

Thanks Karabiner. I am a newbie to this website and so was not sure where I should post my question.
You think that neither of ANOVA and ANCOVA can be used for my analysis, right?

 

[Karabiner]

Why do you consider ANOVA or ANCOVA? You don't have categorical factors.

 

[tony.adib1984]

If I use multiple regression, as you suggested, how I am supposed to determine the interaction between the independent variables. I want to know which independent variable predicts the dependent variable independent than the other variables.

 

[Karabiner]

The regression weight for each predictor variable is determined while
adjusting or controlling for the influence of the other predictor variables.

If in addition you want to include interaction terms, you can calculate
the products between the variables (e.g. X1*X2) and include them in
the regression analysis.

With kind regards

K.