Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) can be used to assess the main effects of group size and synchronous communication platform as well as possible interactions between these variables. Additional analyses can also be completed to explore whether there is a cut-point at which group size is optimized. It is also possible to include a comparison of an additional group size, perhaps 18 to 20 participants, or an additional synchronous communication platform such as voice over internet protocol. However, each additional variable decreases the sample size in each box and makes the statistical analysis potentially less reliable. If the total sample size for the example in the table was 100 learners, we would have approximately 25 participants in each condition for comparison (100 learners/4 conditions = 25 learners per condition). However, if we added another group size and another synchronous communication platform, we would dilute that sample size over nine conditions and only have 11 or 12 participants in each condition for comparison (100 learners/9 conditions = 11.11 learners per condition)., A 2×2 factorial design is a type of experimental design that allows researchers to understand the effects of two independent variables (each with two levels) on a single dependent variable., Factorial designs allow investigators to efficiently compare multiple independent variables (also known as factors). An example and resources are described for using a two by two factorial design in simulation research. Keywords: Simulation, Methods, Factorial design, ANOVA. Key Points..