Understanding P-value is important, as P-values are one of the most widely used and misunderstood concepts in the subject of statistics. Whether you are a novice, a data analyst, or an experienced data scientist, understanding p-values is crucial for hypothesis testing, A/B testing, and scientific research. In this post, we will cover:
Table of Contents
What is a p-value? Understanding P-value
A p-value (probability value) measures the strength of evidence against a null hypothesis in a statistical test. The formal definition is
The probability of observing a test statistic as extreme as, or more extreme than, the one calculated, assuming the null hypothesis is true.
Key Interpretation: A low p-value (typically ≤ 0.05) suggests the observed data is unlikely under the null hypothesis, leading to its rejection. For example, suppose you run an A/B test:
Null Hypothesis ($H_o$): No difference between versions A and B.
Observed p-value = 0.03 → There is a 3% chance of seeing this result if $H_o$ were true.
Conclusion: Reject $H_o$ at the 5% significance level.The P-value of a test statistic is the probability of drawing a random sample whose standardized test statistic is at least as contrary to the claim of the Null Hypothesis as that observed in the sample group.
How to Interpret P-Values Correctly?
To interpret P-values correctly, we need thresholds and Significance. For example,
- $p \le 0.05$: Often considered “statistically significant” (but context matters!).
- $p > 0.05$: Insufficient evidence to reject $H_o$ (but not proof that $H_o$ is true).
The following are some common Misinterpretations:
- A p-value is the probability that the null hypothesis is true. → No! It is the probability of the data given $H_o$, not the other way around.
- A smaller p-value means a stronger effect. → No! It only indicates stronger evidence against $H_o$, not the effect size.
- $p > 0.05$ means ‘no effect.’ → No! It means no statistically significant evidence, not proof of absence.
Limitations and Criticisms of P-Values
The following are some limitations and criticisms of P-values:
- P-hacking: Cherry-picking data to get $p\le 0.05$ inflates false positives.
- Dependence on Sample Size: Large samples can produce tiny p-values for trivial effects.
- Alternatives: Consider confidence intervals, Bayesian methods, or effect sizes.
Cherry-Picking Data: selectively choosing data points that support a desired outcome or hypothesis while ignoring data that contradicts it. For example, showing an upward sales trend over the first few months of a year, while omitting the data that showed sales declined for the rest of the year.
Computing P-value: A Numerical Example
A university claims that the average SAT score for its incoming students is 1080. A sample of 56 freshmen at the university is drawn, and the average SAT score is found to be $\overline{x} = 1044$ with a sample standard deviation of $s=94.7$ points. Find the p-value.
Suppose our hypothesis in this case is
$H_o: \mu = 1080$
$H_1: \mu \ne 1080$
The standardized test statistic is:
\begin{align*}
Z &= \frac{\overline{x} – \mu_o }{\frac{s}{\sqrt{n}}} \\
&= \frac{1044-1080}{\frac{94.7}{\sqrt{56}}} = -2.85
\end{align*}
From the alternative hypothesis, the test statistic is two-tailed, therefore, the p-value is given by
\begin{align*}
P(z \le -2.85\,\, or\,\, z \ge 2.85) &= 2 \times P(z\le -2.85)\\
&=2\times 0.0022 = 0.0044
\end{align*}
Deciding to Reject the Null Hypothesis
A very small p-value would lead us to reject the null hypothesis while a high p-value would not Since the p-value of a test is the probability of randomly drawing a sample at least as contrary to $H_o$ as the observed sample, one can think of the p-value as the probability that we will be wrong if we choose to reject $H_o$ based on our sampled data. The p-value, then, is the probability of making a Type I Error.
Recall that the maximum acceptable probability of making a Type-I Error is the significance level ($\alpha$), and it is usually determined at the outset of the hypothesis test. The rule that is used to decide whether to reject $H_o$ is:
- Reject $H_o$ if $p \le \alpha$
- Do not reject $H_o$ if p > \alpha$
Practical Example: Calculating P-Values in Python & R
from scipy import stats
# Two-sample t-test
t_stat, p_value = stats.ttest_ind(group_A, group_B)
print(f"P-value: {p_value:.4f}") # Two-Sample t-test
result <- t.test(group_A, group_B)
print(paste("P-value:", result$p.value))Best Practices for Using P-Values
- Pre-specify significance levels (e.g., $\ alpha=0.05$) before testing.
- Report effect sizes and confidence intervals alongside p-values.
- Avoid dichotomizing results (“significant” vs “not significant”).
- Consider Bayesian alternatives when appropriate.
Conclusion
P-values are powerful but often misused. By understanding their definition, interpretation, and limitations, you can make better data-driven decisions.
Want to learn more?
- American Statistical Association’s Statement on p-values
- “The Cult of Statistical Significance” by Ziliak & McCloskey
- P-value Definition and Interpretation
- P-value interpretation and misinterpretation
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