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Case Study

Based on the standard definition of a pp value and its typical threshold, explain in your own words what it means if the researchers determined the probability of their outcome occurring purely by chance was less than 1 in 20.

Case context: A group of researchers conducts an experiment testing a new memory recall technique. After analyzing their data, they calculate a pp value for their findings. The researchers must now explain what this value means to a non-scientific audience, using the standard threshold of significance to explain whether the findings should be taken seriously.

Question: Based on the standard definition of a pp value and its typical threshold, explain in your own words what it means if the researchers determined the probability of their outcome occurring purely by chance was less than 1 in 20.

Sample answer: If the probability of the outcome occurring purely by chance is less than 1 in 20, it means the pp value is less than the standard threshold of 0.050.05. Because this probability is so low, the researchers would declare their experimental result to be statistically significant.

Key points:

  • A less than 1 in 20 probability corresponds to a chance of less than 0.050.05.
  • This value meets the standard threshold of significance.
  • Therefore, the experimental result is declared to be significant.

Rubric: Award full points if the student demonstrates understanding that a less than 1 in 20 chance corresponds to the 0.050.05 significance threshold and correctly interprets this as a statistically significant experimental result.

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Updated 2026-05-27

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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

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