What is an important consideration when interpreting effect size?

The key aspect of effect size is that it quantifies the strength of the relationship between variables or the size of an observed effect in a study. This measure goes beyond mere statistical significance, which can be influenced by sample size, to provide a clearer picture of the practical significance of the findings. By understanding the effect size, researchers and practitioners can gauge how meaningful the results are in real-world contexts. For instance, a small p-value may suggest a statistically significant effect, but without considering the effect size, one might misinterpret the importance or impact of the results.

Effect size can enrich the interpretation of research findings by providing additional context that aids in overall understanding, thus helping researchers to make informed decisions about the relevance of their findings.