What makes a research finding statistically significant?
A) The probability is less than 5% that the results are due to random chance.
B) The researcher can determine the significance of the correlation.
C) The sample size is larger than 10 participants.
D) Multiple studies replicate the same finding.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Statistical significance is typically determined by calculating a p-value, which represents the probability that the results seen in the study are due to random chance. A p-value less than 0.05 (5%) is generally considered statistically significant, which means that there is less than a 5% chance that the results are due to chance alone. Choice B is incorrect because significance cannot be determined based on correlation alone, and choice C is incorrect because sample size alone does not determine significance. Choice D is partially correct, as replication of findings across multiple studies can lend support to the significance of the findings, but statistical significance should still be determined in each individual study.

What Makes a Research Finding Statistically Significant