American Statistical Association (ASA) Statement on Statistical Significance

The American Statistical Association’s Statement on Statistical Significance emphasizes that the common practice of labeling results as “significant” based solely on a p-value (typically less than 0.05) can be misleading. It urges researchers to interpret statistical findings carefully, considering the broader context, potential biases, and the actual importance of the results rather than relying only on whether a test crosses an arbitrary threshold. Essentially, it promotes a more nuanced understanding of data, encouraging scientists to avoid overinterpreting “significant” results and instead focus on the strength and relevance of evidence.