What is meant by statistical significance in a study?

Statistical significance refers to the likelihood that the observed findings in a study are not due to chance. When researchers perform statistical tests, they calculate a p-value, which helps evaluate whether the results can be attributed to random variations or if they represent a true effect. A low p-value indicates that the probability of the findings occurring by chance is very small, suggesting that there is a statistically significant effect or relationship present in the data.

This concept is crucial in research as it guides the interpretation of results. If findings are statistically significant, researchers are more confident in their conclusions, as they suggest that the results are reliable and can be replicated under similar conditions. This framework is central to hypothesis testing in psychology and other scientific fields, providing essential evidence for claims made from research findings.