What does "statistical significance" indicate in research findings?

Statistical significance is a critical concept in research that typically indicates that the results observed in a study are unlikely to have occurred due to random chance alone. When researchers report that their findings are statistically significant, it usually means that there is sufficient evidence to support the idea that there is a true effect or relationship present in the data.

Statistical significance is often determined through hypothesis testing, where researchers calculate a p-value. A small p-value suggests that the observed results would be very rare if the null hypothesis were true, leading researchers to reject the null hypothesis in favor of the alternative hypothesis that posits a real effect. This understanding is fundamental in many fields, including social work, as it helps in making informed decisions based on empirical evidence.

The concept of statistical significance does not automatically imply that results are important or meaningful in a practical sense; rather, it focuses on the likelihood that the observed findings are genuine and not a product of random variation. Thus, understanding this distinction is vital for researchers and practitioners in interpreting research findings accurately.