Statistical significance
A measure of how likely a result could have arisen by chance alone.
Learning
What it means
A result is called statistically significant when it is unlikely to have occurred by chance under the assumptions of the analysis. It is a statement about chance, not about size or importance.
Why it matters if you take part
A statistically significant difference can still be too small to matter to a patient, and a non-significant result does not prove there is no difference.
Related terms
This explains how clinical research works. It is not medical advice and does not describe any specific condition or treatment. Only a trial site can determine whether someone can take part in a study.