A Study on Sports Preferences Among College Students Using ANOVA
Author: Sahil Kumbhar
Introduction:
Sports play an important role in maintaining physical health, mental well-being, and social interaction among individuals. In recent years, participation in different sports activities has increased among college students due to growing awareness about fitness and recreation. However, preferences for sports may vary from person to person depending on interest, exposure, and accessibility.
This study aims to analyze whether there is a significant difference in sports preferences among college students using the statistical technique of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).
Objective:
To analyze and compare the preferences of college students toward different sports such as cricket, football, volleyball, and basketball using ANOVA in order to determine whether a statistically significant difference exists among these groups.
Literature Review:
ANOVA for Group Mean Comparison:
According to Ronald Fisher (1925), Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) is a statistical technique used to test differences between two or more group means. It helps in determining whether observed variations are significant or due to random chance.
Statistical Tools in Decision Analysis:
John Lintner (1965) emphasized the importance of statistical tools in understanding behavioral patterns and decision-making, which can be extended to analyze preferences in different areas such as sports.
Data Collection:
The data for this study was collected through a structured Google Form survey conducted among college students. I collected responses from my college mates to understand their preferences toward different sports activities.
The questionnaire included options such as:
- Cricket
- Football
- Volleyball
- Basketball
A total of 30 responses were collected and grouped into four categories based on these sports. The data collected is primary in nature and reflects the opinions of students within the college.
Data Analysis:
Hypothesis
- H₀: All sports are same.
- H₁: Any one of them is different.
ANOVA Table (Single Factor)
|
ANOVA |
||||||
|
Source of Variation |
SS |
df |
MS |
F |
P-value |
F crit |
|
Between Groups |
75.97352752 |
3 |
25.32450917 |
4.874574295 |
0.003192704 |
2.686384475 |
|
Within Groups |
576.6699507 |
111 |
5.195224781 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
652.6434783 |
114 |
|
|
|
|
Conclusion:
As calculated, F 4.8745 is more than F crit 2.6863, Accept H1, meaning any one of them is different.
References:
Fisher, R. A. (1925). Statistical Methods for Research Workers. Oliver & Boyd.
Lintner, J. (1965). The Valuation of Risk Assets and the Selection of Risky Investments. Review of Economics and Statistics.