Compare two sample variances with an F-test, returning the F statistic and p-value.
The F-test for equality of variances compares two sample variances. The F statistic is the ratio of the larger to the smaller variance. A significant result (small p-value) indicates the population variances are likely unequal.
F = s₁² / s₂² (larger variance in numerator)
Both samples must be independent and drawn from normally distributed populations. The F-test is sensitive to non-normality.
ANOVA uses the F distribution to compare means across groups. This F-test specifically compares two variances rather than means.