For nearly all types of studies, a mathematical analysis must be made to see if the results are meaningful. It is always possible that an apparent result can be just due to chance. For example, if you flip a coin 20 times, and it comes up heads 14 times, does these mean that the coin is biased? Probably not. But if you flip it 4,000 times and it comes up heads 3,500 times, it probably is a trick coin.
Likewise, if a study only enrolls 20 people, the results might be due to chance alone. But results seen in larger studies are more likely to mean something.
Researchers use various statistical methods to analyze the outcome of a study and determine whether the results are meaningful. This analysis is called a
test for statistical significance.
You can't draw any conclusions from a study if the results are not statistically significant.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
