Discussion 1: Misuse of Statistics
ÿÿ The components of “Statistical Significance, but Practical Insignificance” is indeed important and yields valuable information; however, it should be carefully analyzed. When assessing how Dodhia (2007) vividly explained the correlation between significance and something not being worthwhile for practical use shed light on how statistics should be interpreted with common sense as well. As researchers, it is our obligation to understand practical significance and how it detrimentally impacts how and what you’re studying and your results. Primarily looking at the numbers is not the final statistically significant result. The final component is actually determining the practicality of the data.
ÿÿ Delving deeper into this topic helped me apprehend that statistical significance has varying degrees of importance based upon how it influences your life. For example, someone who suffers from hypertension or cancer would be more inclined to follow research findings despite a minimal statistically significant difference of practical significance. Simply stated, what matters to one person may or may not necessarily affect someone else. The irony of statistics and its analysis is crucial.
ÿÿ Interestingly enough, Dodhia (2007) also highlighted that we as researchers must also be aware of results with large sample sizes. Just because the sample was significantly expansive doesn’t automatically insinuate its accuracy, significance, or practicality. This valuable information will definitely be incorporated into my dissertation as I begin to extract my data and interpret my results. Ensuring that I include the statistical and practical significance will be of utmost importance now that my perspective on this topic has shifted.
References
Dodhia, R. (2007). Misuse of Statistics. Retrieved from www.RavenAnalytics.com/articles.php