Question

Statistical Significance and Practical Significance The Technogene Research Group has developed a procedure designed to increase the likelihood that a baby will be born a girl. In a clinical trial of their procedure, 236 girls were born to 450 different couples. If the method has no effect, there is about a 15% chance that such extreme results would occur. Does the procedure appear to have statistical significance? Does the procedure appear to have practical significance?

Short answer

There is neither statistical nor practical significance of the result.

Step-by-step solution

Given information

The procedure is designed to increase the likelihood of a girl when a baby is born. As per the clinical trial, out of 450 couples, 236 girls were born after implementing the procedure.

Assuming no effect from the procedure, the probability of getting these extreme results is 15%.

Step 2:Explanation for statistical significance

The statistical significance of the results is established under the assumption that there is no effect of the treatment when the chances of getting the results as extreme as the sample are rare; that is, lesser than 5%.

In this case, assuming that the procedure has no effect, the chances of getting the extreme results are 15%, which is not rare.

Thus, the results are not statistically significant.

Explanation for practical significance

The practical significance of the results implies that theresults are of practical importance if projected onto the population.

In this case, 236 girls are born to 450 couples, which is close to 50%. The results are not practically important as they do not explain the importance of implementing the procedure.

Thus, the results are not practically significant either.