🏥 USMLE Exam Prep

In a study investigating the efficacy of a new antidepressant, researchers found a statistically significant improvement in symptoms (p < 0.05). However, a subsequent meta-analysis revealed that the observed effect was negligible and not clinically meaningful. This scenario highlights the difference between:

A Bias and confounding
B Precision and accuracy
C Statistical significance and clinical significance
D Incidence and prevalence

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

Statistical significance (e.g., p < 0.05) indicates that an observed effect is unlikely to be due to chance. Clinical significance refers to whether the observed effect is large enough to be meaningful in a practical clinical setting. They are not always the same.

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