Welcome to EXCITE (Enhanced eXploration of Complex Interactions in ANOVA using Trees)

This research tool helps researchers uncover and visualise complex interactions in their data using a combination of ANOVA and decision tree modeling. Designed for ease of use, EXCITE offers a seamless workflow from data import to advanced statistical analysis, with the ability to download reports summarising your results.

This app was developed by the Support for Quantitative and Qualitative Research (SQUARE) to provide the research community with complimentary support in statistics. The developers are part of the Biostatistics and Medical Informatics research group (BISI) at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB).


Key Features

  • Interactive data import and management options.
  • Two- and Three-Way ANOVA modeling with clear visualizations.
  • Decision tree exploration to uncover complex interactions.
  • Dynamic report generation in multiple formats (HTML, PDF, Word).

Terms of use

EXCITE is not exhaustive and is suitable only for the use cases described in the app. Uploaded data and outputs will not be stored on our servers. Please refrain from uploading sensitive information as the tool is provided WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY . You are solely responsible for the confidentiality, availability, security, and any potential misuse of your data. However, you can download all results and modified datasets directly.


Feedback

We value your feedback! If you have suggestions, encounter issues, or want to share your experience, please email Perseverence.Savieri@vub.be . Your input helps us improve EXCITE for the research community.



Click on the Dataset tab to get started.






































The analysis report includes the following sections:

  1. ANOVA analysis

    2. Summary, results, and plots for Two- and Three-way ANOVA models..

  2. Decision tree exploration

    3. Visualisations and variable importance for decision trees.

Documentation

Steps on how to use the app


Step 1: Load data

Start by selecting an example dataset or uploading your own data in the Dataset tab on the sidebar panel.

Make sure to choose the correct file extension to ensure proper data loading and ensure your data contains a numeric outcome variable and categorical predictors.

If you need to change the data type of a variable, select the variable in question and then choose the New data type. Apply changes by clicking the Change data type button.

To verify that the data has been loaded correctly, check the View Data tab, which displays a preview (10 rows by default). You can adjust this setting through the Show entries dropdown. A summary of your dataset, including descriptive statistics and variable distributions, can be found in the Data Summary tab.


Step 2: Run ANOVA

Use the Two-Way ANOVA or Three-Way ANOVA tabs to fit your model. Specify outcome and predictor variables, then click Run ANOVA .

You can view the model results and visualise main effects under the ANOVA Results and Boxplots tabs on the main panels.


Step 3: Explore Interactions

Use the Decision Tree tab to explore and visualise interactions in your data. Select outcome and predictor variables, and fit tree model using the Fit Decision Tree button.

For Three-Way interactions, you'll need to tick the Include third factor box to customize the tree model.

Confirm and study interactions by exploring the decision tree. You can choose which interactions to show from the radio buttons.


Step 5: Generate a report

After your analysis, you can generate a report by selecting the desired format (HTML, PDF, or Word).


Tips and Common Issues

  • Ensure your dataset is formatted correctly, with clear variable names and types.
  • If you encounter errors, check that your outcome variable is numeric and predictors are categorical.

Note

At any time, you can refresh the session and start over by clicking the Power button.






Developers





Perseverence Savieri is a doctoral researcher in the Biostatistics and Medical Informatics research group (BISI) at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel medical campus Jette. He is also a principal statistical consultant for the humanities and social sciences at campus Etterbeek through the Support for Quantitative and Qualitative Research (SQUARE) core facility. Here, he offers statistical and methodological quantitative support in the form of consultations, statistical coaching, data analyses and workshops.

Perseverence.Savieri@vub.be

Supervisors

dr. Lara Stas & Prof. dr. Kurt Barbe
Copyright 2025. Support for Quantitative and Qualitative Research. Version 25.01.25