In quantitative research, what does a significant difference indicate?

In quantitative research, a significant difference indicates that the observed difference between groups or conditions is unlikely to have occurred by chance, typically with a probability of 5% or less (p < 0.05). This threshold is commonly used to determine statistical significance and suggests that there is a reliable effect that can be attributed to the variable being studied rather than random variation. When researchers report a significant difference, they are indicating that the results provide strong evidence to support their hypotheses.

The other options do not accurately reflect the meaning of a significant difference in the context of statistical analysis. For instance, a statement about the results being statistically valid relates to the overall robustness and reliability of the research, but it does not define what a significant difference means. Similarly, describing observed results as negligible or meaningless goes against the concept of statistical significance, which emphasizes that the results are meaningful within the context of the study. Therefore, A accurately captures the essence of what a significant difference indicates in quantitative research.