Short Answer

A school psychologist conducts a large-scale study on gender differences in mathematical problem-solving and finds a statistically significant difference (p<.01p < .01), but the mean difference is only 0.080.08 points on a 100-point test. Apply the concept of practical significance to explain how the psychologist should interpret this result in a real-world educational setting.

Question: A school psychologist conducts a large-scale study on gender differences in mathematical problem-solving and finds a statistically significant difference (p<.01p < .01), but the mean difference is only 0.080.08 points on a 100-point test. Apply the concept of practical significance to explain how the psychologist should interpret this result in a real-world educational setting.

Sample answer: The psychologist should interpret this finding as lacking practical significance because a difference of 0.080.08 points on a 100-point test is too small to have any meaningful real-world impact. Although statistically significant, this trivial difference does not justify modifying educational policies or curriculum design.

Key points:

  • Applies the concept of practical significance to identify the finding as practically insignificant.
  • Explains that the minor difference (0.08 points) is trivial/negligible in real-world educational contexts.
  • Concludes that the finding does not justify policy or curriculum adjustments.

Feedback: The psychologist should explain that despite statistical significance, the actual difference (0.080.08 points) is trivial in a real-world setting, meaning it lacks practical significance and does not warrant educational changes.

0

1

Updated 2026-05-27

Contributors are:

Who are from:

Tags

KPU

Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

Related