What does statistical significance help to determine in research findings?

Statistical significance is a crucial concept in research, as it primarily helps to determine the likelihood that a given finding is attributable to random chance rather than indicating a true effect or difference. When researchers conduct an analysis, they use statistical tests to calculate a p-value, which reflects the probability that the observed results could occur if there were no actual effect (null hypothesis). A finding deemed statistically significant usually means that this probability is low, suggesting that the results are likely reflecting a real relationship or effect rather than being a mere coincidence.

In research, while the design quality can influence the validity of these results, the determination of statistical significance specifically targets the relationship between observed effects and the possibility of those effects arising from random sampling variability. Moreover, practical implications and ethical considerations are separate dimensions that involve evaluating the significance from broader perspectives, but they do not fall under the direct interpretation of statistical significance itself. Thus, the correct answer highlights the essential role that statistical significance plays in discerning genuine findings from those that could simply happen by chance.