Question

determine whether the results below appear to have statistical significance, and also determine whether the results have practical significance.
in a study of a weight loss program, 7 subjects lost an average of 40 lbs. methods of statistics can be used to show that if this diet had no effect, there is a 30% chance of getting these results by random chance.

does the weight loss program have statistical significance?

a. no, the program is not statistically significant because the results are unlikely to occur by chance.
b. yes, the program is statistically significant because the results are likely to occur by chance.
c. no, the program is not statistically significant because the results are likely to occur by chance.
d. yes, the program is statistically significant because the results are unlikely to occur by chance.

Explanation:

To determine statistical significance, we check if the results are unlikely to occur by chance. A 30% chance of getting the results by random chance means the results are likely to occur by chance (since 30% is not a small probability, typically we use a threshold like 5% or 1% for "unlikely"). So if the results are likely to occur by chance, the program is not statistically significant.

• Option A says results are unlikely (wrong, 30% is likely), so A is out.
• Option B says results are likely but claims significance (statistical significance requires unlikeliness), so B is wrong.
• Option C says results are likely (30% chance) so not significant, which matches.
• Option D says results are unlikely (wrong) and claims significance, so D is out.

Answer:

C. No, the program is not statistically significant because the results are likely to occur by chance.