Toward a More Nuanced Interpretation of Statistical Significance in Biomedical Research

Bajpai, Ram

Abstract

Editorial
Statistical significance is the bedrock of evidence-based medicine, crucial for decision-making and framing biomedical science policies. The emergence of complex data in many disciplines, resulting from the analysis of large datasets, has amplified the popularity of p-values. Its simplicity allows investigators to conclude and disseminate their research findings in a manner understood by most. Thus, obtaining a p-value that indicates “statistical significance” against the null hypothesis is often required for publishing in medical journals. However, it creates challenges due to nonreproducibility, misuse and overinterpretation, which lead to serious methodological errors. This article aims to draw biomedical researchers' attention toward the appropriate use of p-values in clinical decision-making.

Citation

Bajpai, R., & Chaturvedi, H. K. (2021). Toward a More Nuanced Interpretation of Statistical Significance in Biomedical Research. Asian Journal of Oncology, 07, 049-051. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1727066

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 31, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Apr 29, 2021
• Publication Date: Mar 31, 2021
• Journal: Asian Journal of Oncology
• Print ISSN: 2454-6798
• Publisher: Thieme Gruppe
• Volume: 07
• Pages: 049-051
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1727066
• Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Control and Optimization, Mechanical Engineering, General Engineering, Computer Science Applications, General Mathematics, Software, Control and Systems Engineering, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Computer Science Applications, General Mathematics, Software, Control and Systems Engineering, General Computer Science, Statistics, Probability and Uncertainty, Economics and Econometrics, Statistics and Probability, Otorhinolaryngology, Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine, Aerospace Engineering, Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous), History, Geography, Planning and Development, Geography, Planning and Development
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1727066