Final answer:
Statistical significance refers to the likelihood that research findings are not due to chance, while clinical significance assesses the practical importance of these findings for patient care. Clinical significance considers effect size and the balance of risks and benefits to determine if the outcome of the study can impact healthcare decisions in a meaningful way.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is asking about the difference between statistical significance and clinical significance in research findings. Statistically significant results indicate that the observed effect in a study is likely not due to random chance, often determined by a p-value threshold for Type I errors. Clinical significance, on the other hand, refers to the practical importance of the effect on patient care or outcomes. The determination of clinical significance depends on factors such as the effect size, prevalence of the condition, and the balance of risks and benefits.
For example, a drug may show a statistically significant reduction in blood pressure, but if the reduction is very small, the result may not be clinically significant. Clinicians must evaluate whether the reduction is meaningful for patient health and treatment decisions. Thus, an understanding of both statistical and clinical significance is crucial for interpreting research findings in medicine and public health.