Rural biostatistics workshop: Beyond P<0.05: what does statistical significance really mean?

Image of laboratory

The Chalet, Docker St, Wangaratta

What is the difference between statistical significance and clinical significance and how do you make decisions about the real-world relevance of either?

Most researchers use P-values for data analysis and apply an alpha of 0.05 as the cut-off for significance. If the P-value is less than 0.05, we reject the null hypothesis there is no

difference between the means and conclude a significant difference does exist. Or in simple terms…below 0.05, significant; over 0.05, not significant! But what does ‘significant’ actually mean and what does(n’t) a P-value tell us about the differences that might exist between data?

This workshop is designed as an introductory level workshop for health professionals who want to better understand how to interpret the reporting of statistical results. The workshop will explore beyond the simple how-to of statistical testing to delve into the underlying concepts and rationales for hypothesis testing.

Designed for the non-statistician, it will explore ideas such as:

  • how to interpret P-values and the importance of confidence intervals and effect sizes;
  • what does an insignificant P-value mean and should this be explored further and;
  • misuse and misinterpretation of P-values, including P-hacking and selective reporting.

Facilitators: The day will be facilitated by Dr Charles Malpas from the Master of Clinical Research program, Department of Medical Education, Melbourne Medical School, the University of Melbourne.

Cost: $220

Places limited, register here: https://goingruralhealth.com.au/events/biostatistics-workshop-beyond-p/

Download program.