p-values
A p-value is a statistical measure that helps determine the significance of results in hypothesis testing. It quantifies the probability of observing the data, or something more extreme, assuming that the null hypothesis is true. A low p-value (typically less than 0.05) suggests that the observed data is unlikely under the null hypothesis, leading researchers to consider rejecting it.
In scientific research, p-values are commonly used to assess the strength of evidence against the null hypothesis. However, they do not measure the size or importance of an effect, nor do they provide a definitive conclusion. Understanding p-values is crucial for interpreting results in studies across various fields, including medicine, psychology, and social sciences.