What does "statistical significance" indicate?

Statistical significance indicates that the results observed in a study are unlikely to have occurred by chance alone, which is typically represented by a p-value of less than 0.05. This threshold suggests that there is strong evidence against the null hypothesis, implying that the findings are likely to reflect a true effect or relationship rather than random variation.

In practical terms, when researchers find a result to be statistically significant, they can be more confident that the effect they have measured is real and not simply a product of random sampling error. This allows them to draw conclusions and make inferences based on their data that can contribute to broader knowledge in the field. A p-value below 0.05 is commonly accepted as an indicator that the results warrant further consideration and discussion.

The other options represent misunderstandings or misinterpretations of statistical significance in research. While it is important to understand the complete context, the correct answer encapsulates the essential concept of statistical significance and its relevance in determining the reliability of research findings.