explain what statistical significance means.
What does statistical significance mean?
Answer:
Statistical significance is a term used by researchers to indicate whether the results observed in a study are likely to be due to real effects or if they are simply due to chance. When a study finds a result to be statistically significant, it means that there is strong evidence that the results are reliable and not just random occurrences.
Statistical significance is typically determined by performing hypothesis tests. Researchers set up null and alternative hypotheses to test whether there is a relationship or difference between variables. By analyzing the data collected during the study, researchers can calculate a p-value, which indicates the probability of obtaining the observed results by chance if the null hypothesis were true. If the p-value is below a certain threshold (usually 0.05), the results are considered statistically significant.
In summary, statistical significance indicates the likelihood that the results of a study are not due to random chance. It provides researchers with confidence that the findings are meaningful and can be generalized to the broader population or phenomena under investigation.