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How to Correctly Interpret P-Values

Updated: Feb 26


p value explained
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How To Correctly Interpret P Values


The correct way "How to Correctly Interpret P Values", is a number between 0 and 1, gauges the likelihood of your observed results (or even more extreme ones) arising purely by chance, if the null hypothesis—which often assumes "no effect" or "no difference"—were actually true. 


Think of it as a measure of surprise: the smaller the p-value, the more unexpected your results would be under the null hypothesis, suggesting stronger evidence against it.


While a low p-value doesn't guarantee a real effect, it invites further exploration and interpretation.


Crucially, remember that p-values don't tell the whole story. Consider effect sizes, practical significance, and context for a comprehensive understanding of your findings.


What P-Value Does Not Tell Us?


  • How likely it was that your findings were just a random fluke.

  • Directly measure the probability of the alternative hypothesis being true.

  • The 0.05 threshold is a rigid rule for significance: Values above .05 are not significant and all values below .05 are significant.


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