Lecture 6B: Statistical Importance VS Clinical Importance

Question 1

What is statistical significance dependent on?

Answer 1

Results of a statistical test and the acceptance or rejection of the null hypothesis

Statistical significance is determined by comparing p values to a predetermined alpha level (α).

Question 2

What conclusion is drawn if p > α?

Answer 2

There is no statistically significant difference

This indicates that the null hypothesis cannot be rejected.

Question 3

What conclusion is drawn if p < α?

Answer 3

There is a statistically significant difference

This indicates that the null hypothesis is rejected.

Question 4

What is the significance level typically set at in hypothesis testing?

Answer 4

α = 0.05

This is a common threshold for determining statistical significance.

Question 5

What does statistical significance not imply?

Answer 5

Clinical importance

Statistical significance indicates a mathematical difference, but not necessarily a meaningful one in practice.

Question 6

What must be reviewed to assess clinical importance?

Answer 6

Descriptive statistics

These statistics provide context for understanding the magnitude of differences observed.

Question 7

What is the formula for Standardized Effect Size (SES)?

Answer 7

SES = (mean1 - mean2) / pooled SD

Question 8

How is pooled standard deviation calculated?

Answer 8

Question 9

What are the interpretations of SES values?

Answer 9

0.2 = Small effect size
0.5 = Medium effect size
0.8 = Large effect size