Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

What does a statistically significant relationship between two variables imply?

1. They are not related in the sample.

2. They are related in the population represented by the sample.

3. They are related due to chance.

4. They are considered very important.

The correct answer is: They are related in the population represented by the sample.

A statistically significant relationship between two variables implies that the observed relationship is unlikely to have occurred by chance and suggests that there is a real association between the variables in the population from which the sample was drawn. This determination is typically made using a p-value in hypothesis testing. If the p-value is less than a predetermined significance level (commonly 0.05), researchers conclude that the findings are statistically significant, indicating that the pattern observed in the sample likely reflects a genuine relationship that exists in the larger population. This validity is vital when interpreting data in health information management and other research fields, as it helps professionals make informed decisions based on empirical evidence rather than random occurrences. Recognizing a significant relationship prompts further investigation into the nature and implications of the connection. Other options convey misunderstandings of statistical significance, suggesting scenarios that do not hold true under this concept. The distinction that significant results indicate a genuine relationship in the broader context is crucial for sound data interpretation and application in practice.