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The statistical versus clinical significance debate

S M LeFort1

  • 1School of Nursing, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Image--The Journal of Nursing Scholarship
|January 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary

Statistical significance does not equate to clinical significance in research. This paper clarifies the distinction and implications for nursing studies.

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Area of Science:

  • Nursing Research Methodology
  • Biostatistics
  • Clinical Outcomes

Background:

  • Statistical significance testing is widely used but does not indicate practical importance.
  • Clinical significance is often overlooked in nursing research discussions.
  • A gap exists in understanding the application of clinical significance in nursing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To differentiate between statistical and clinical significance.
  • To review the broader methodological literature on the uses of both concepts.
  • To explore the implications for nursing research practices.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of methodological discussions across disciplines.
  • Comparative analysis of statistical vs. clinical significance.
  • Synthesis of implications for nursing research.

Main Results:

  • Statistical significance focuses on probability, while clinical significance addresses the magnitude and importance of effects.
  • Methodological literature highlights the need to consider both for robust research.
  • Nursing research can benefit from a clearer integration of clinical significance.

Conclusions:

  • Distinguishing statistical and clinical significance is crucial for interpreting research findings.
  • Adopting a nuanced approach to significance enhances the practical value of nursing research.
  • Further dialogue is needed to establish best practices for clinical significance in nursing.

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