Question

which of the following best describes statistical significance in hypothesis testing?
a. the test statistic equals zero
b. the p - value is greater than 0.05
c. the result is unlikely to have occurred by chance, according to a pre - defined significance level
d. a large sample size

Explanation:

• Option a: A test statistic of zero doesn't define statistical significance.
• Option b: If p - value > 0.05, we fail to reject the null hypothesis (no statistical significance).
• Option c: Statistical significance means the result is unlikely due to chance (based on significance level like 0.05).
• Option d: Large sample size is a factor in power, not the definition of significance.

Answer:

C. The result is unlikely to have occurred by chance, according to a pre - defined significance level