Why might it be important to know whether the results of an experiment are practically significant?

Knowing whether the results of an experiment are practically significant is crucial because it directly impacts decision-making in real-world applications. Practical significance assesses the relevance and applicability of findings beyond mere statistical validation. While statistical significance indicates that results are unlikely due to chance, practical significance evaluates whether the size of the effect is substantial enough to influence decisions or actions in a clinical or operational context.

For example, in healthcare, a treatment might show statistically significant results in reducing symptoms, but if the effect size is minimal, it may not provide meaningful improvement for patients. Understanding practical significance allows healthcare providers, policymakers, and stakeholders to make informed choices about interventions, resource allocation, and treatment strategies that truly benefit patient outcomes and organizational goals. It ensures that the implications of the data translate into effective practice rather than dwelling solely on statistical metrics.