Very large random samples of Catholics and Protestants have been questioned about their opinions on cohabitation. Forty-six percent of the Protestant and 47% of the Catholics approve of males and females living together without being married. The difference has been tested and found to be statistically significant. What is the most reasonable conclusion?
A) This is a statistically significant and important difference.
B) This difference may be statistically significant but it seems unimportant.
C) This difference is due to random chance.
D) The researcher should have used sample means rather than proportions in this situation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The difference between 46% and 47% is very small, so even though it is statistically significant due to the large sample sizes, the practical importance of this difference is minimal. Statistical significance does not always imply practical significance.

Very Large Random Samples of Catholics and Protestants Have Been