> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/research-and-evidence/statistical-vs-practical-significance.md). # Statistical vs Practical Significance Why a statistically significant mindfulness finding may still represent a modest real-world effect. A study can report a **statistically significant** result without showing a dramatic real-world change. These are different questions. ## Statistical significance Statistical testing estimates whether an observed difference is unlikely to be explained by random variation under a specified model. It does not tell us automatically whether the effect is large or important. ## Effect size Effect size describes the magnitude of a difference or relationship. In mindfulness research, many well-conducted reviews find effects that are **small to moderate** rather than transformational. That can still matter. A small average benefit across a low-cost, acceptable intervention may be useful, especially when combined with other supports. ## Practical significance Ask: * Did participants notice a meaningful change? * Was the change sustained? * Did it affect daily functioning? * Was the program acceptable? * Did many people drop out? * How did it compare with an active alternative? * Were there harms or adverse experiences? THC's evidence language should reflect both statistical results and practical relevance rather than turning “significant” into “life-changing.” ## Related guidance * [Research & Evidence](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/research-and-evidence) * [Reading Limitations & Generalisability](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/research-and-evidence/reading-limitations-and-generalisability) * [How THC Uses Evidence Responsibly](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/research-and-evidence/how-thc-uses-evidence-responsibly) --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/research-and-evidence/statistical-vs-practical-significance.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.