Question

In association studies, the level of significance is considered as:

• A. P = 0.05
• B. P > 0.05
• C. P > 0.1
• D. P $\le$ 0.05

Hint:

Remember that P $\le$ 0.05 is the most widely accepted threshold for statistical significance in many fields, including biology and medicine. A smaller p-value (e.g., P < 0.01) indicates stronger evidence against the null hypothesis.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding Significance:
The significance level, denoted as \(\alpha\), represents the probability of incorrectly rejecting a true null hypothesis in statistical tests.
Association studies utilize p-values to assess statistical significance.
The p-value indicates the likelihood of observing results as extreme as, or more extreme than, the actual results, assuming the null hypothesis is true.
Step 2: Significance Thresholds:
A significance level of 0.05 is commonly used, indicating a 5% risk of a false positive.
If the p-value is less than or equal to \(\alpha\) = 0.05, the results are deemed statistically significant (P \(\le\) 0.05).
- P = 0.05: Probability is exactly 5%.
- P>0.05: Result is not statistically significant.
- P>0.1: Result lacks statistical significance, with weak evidence against the null hypothesis.
- P \(\le\) 0.05: Probability is 5% or less, leading to rejection of the null hypothesis and acceptance of statistical significance.
Step 3: Conclusion:
Based on the standard convention, a p-value \(\le\) 0.05 signifies a statistically significant result. The correct option is P \(\le\) 0.05.