statistical significance

the degree to which a research outcome cannot reasonably be attributed to the operation of chance or random factors. It is determined during significance testing and given by a critical p value, which is the probability of obtaining the observed data if the null hypothesis (i.e., of no significant relationship between variables) were true. Significance generally is a function of sample size—the larger the sample, the less likely it is that one’s findings will have occurred by chance. See also clinical significance; practical significance; significance level.

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Psychology term of the day

January 27th 2025

sterility

1. the condition of being incapable of producing offspring, because of either infertility or surgical or medical intervention (see sterilization).

2. the condition of being incapable of supporting microbial life because of treatment with chemicals, radiation, or heat. —sterile adj.