What is indicated by a finding that is statistically significant?

• A. There is no meaningful difference
• B. Results are likely due to random chance
• C. A true effect is likely present
• D. Data collection was flawed

Answer: (C)

A finding that is statistically significant indicates that there is a likelihood of a true effect being present within the data analyzed. This means that the results obtained are unlikely to have occurred by random chance alone, thereby suggesting a meaningful relationship or difference exists based on the data collected.

Statistical significance is typically evaluated using a p-value, where a p-value less than a specified threshold (often 0.05) implies that the observed results are not likely to have arisen from random variations in the sample. This strengthens the argument for the existence of an actual effect or difference, thus affirming that the research finding is of practical importance and warrants further consideration or action.

In contrast, the other options describe scenarios that do not align with the implications of statistical significance. For instance, if there were no meaningful difference, the results would not be considered statistically significant. Likewise, results being attributed to random chance contradicts the very notion of statistical significance, which suggests that a true effect is indeed likely present. Lastly, while flawed data collection may lead to unreliable results, a finding might still be statistically significant, so it cannot be assumed that flawed data collection directly indicates a misunderstanding of statistical significance.