level of significance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “level of significance” mean?
In statistics, a predetermined threshold (denoted as alpha, α) used to judge whether the result of a hypothesis test is statistically significant, meaning the observed data are unlikely to have occurred by chance alone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In statistics, a predetermined threshold (denoted as alpha, α) used to judge whether the result of a hypothesis test is statistically significant, meaning the observed data are unlikely to have occurred by chance alone.
More broadly, it can refer to the degree of importance, consequence, or seriousness of something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning or usage; it is a standard international statistical term.
Connotations
None beyond its technical definition.
Frequency
Used with identical frequency in academic and research contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “level of significance” in a Sentence
The researcher set [the level of significance] at 0.01.The p-value was less than [the level of significance].We reject the null hypothesis at [a level of significance] of 5%.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in market research reports, e.g., 'The correlation was tested at the 5% level of significance.'
Academic
Extremely common in scientific papers, theses, and methodology sections across all empirical disciplines.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary domain of use; core terminology in statistics, data science, psychology, medicine, and other research fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “level of significance”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “level of significance”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “level of significance”
- Using 'level of significance' to mean 'high importance' in general writing. *'This is a matter of great level of significance.' (Incorrect) -> '...great significance.'
- Confusing 'level of significance' (alpha, α) with the 'p-value'. The level is set before the test; the p-value is calculated from the data.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The level of significance (alpha, α) is a threshold chosen by the researcher before conducting a test (e.g., 0.05). The p-value is a probability calculated from the sample data. You compare the p-value to the level of significance to make a decision.
It means there is a 5% risk of concluding that a difference exists when there is no actual difference (a Type I error). It's a 1-in-20 chance of a false alarm.
Yes, the researcher chooses it based on the context. A more stringent field (e.g., drug trials) might use 0.01, while exploratory research might use 0.10. It must be set prior to data analysis.
In statistical notation, the Greek letter α (alpha) is the conventional symbol used to denote the probability of making a Type I error, which is exactly the level of significance.
In statistics, a predetermined threshold (denoted as alpha, α) used to judge whether the result of a hypothesis test is statistically significant, meaning the observed data are unlikely to have occurred by chance alone.
Level of significance is usually technical / academic in register.
Level of significance: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlev.əl əv sɪɡˈnɪf.ɪ.kəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlev.əl əv sɪɡˈnɪf.ə.kəns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'level' as a horizontal line on a graph. The 'level of significance' is the line you draw: results above this line are considered important ('significant'), results below are just background noise.
Conceptual Metaphor
STATISTICAL CERTAINTY IS A THRESHOLD / A BARRIER TO CROSS.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common default level of significance used in many social sciences?