How many independent variables are examined in a two-way between groups ANOVA?

In a two-way between-groups ANOVA, two independent variables are examined to determine their individual effects on a dependent variable as well as any interaction effects between them. This type of analysis is particularly useful when researchers want to explore how different levels of two factors collectively influence the outcome. For instance, if researchers are studying the effects of teaching method (factor one) and student gender (factor two) on test scores, each of these factors represents an independent variable. Thus, the correct answer reflects the fundamental structure of a two-way ANOVA, which is designed to analyze the effects of two distinct independent variables simultaneously.