What are p-values and how are they used in research?

What are p-values and how are they used in research?

P-values are statistical measures that help determine the significance of results in research. A low p-value indicates strong evidence against the null hypothesis.

Can you explain what a null hypothesis is?

The null hypothesis is a statement that there is no effect or no difference, and it serves as a starting point for statistical testing.

How do researchers decide what p-value threshold to use?

Researchers often use a threshold of 0.05, meaning there's a 5% chance of incorrectly rejecting the null hypothesis. However, this can vary based on the field and study.

What are some common misconceptions about p-values?

A common misconception is that a p-value indicates the probability that the null hypothesis is true, which it does not. It only assesses the data given the null hypothesis.