Effects of a Proposal to Alter the Statistical Significance Threshold on Previously Published Orthopaedic Trauma Randomized Controlled Trials

A common misconception in clinical research is that statistical significance equates to clinical significance [1 –3]. R.A Fisher’s original idea on the use and interpretation of significance testing remains a long-standing debate because of the increasing reliance on significant P (probability) values [4–8]. Relying solely on P values for interpreting significant data can be misleading [9–12]; however, their use in research is not necessarily a problem [13]. The primary purpose of using a P value is to minimize type I errors — erroneous conclusions made about differences between groups when no such difference truly exists.

Source: Injury - August 11, 2019 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Austin L. Johnson, Sheridan Evans, Jake X. Checketts, Jared T. Scott, Cole Wayant, Mark Johnson, Brent Norris, Matt Vassar Source Type: research